Thursday, March 28, 2024

Colwood’s annual Eats & Beats Beach Party returns to the lagoon this July

(@vicbeersociety/Instagram)

It’s 2022, and beach parties are back!

This July, the highly anticipated Colwood’s Eats & Beats Beach Party will return to Lagoon Beach on Ocean Boulevard.

All day, you will be treated to live music, a food truck festival, craft beer garden, street market, climbing wall, paddling, cycling and much more!

Basically, the ultimate summer day.

The event is free to attend with views of Hatley Castle on one side and Fisgard Lighthouse on the other.

Food trucks include favourites such as Deadbeetz Burgers, Mama Rosie’s, L’Authentique Poutine, Greek on the Street, Kattia’s Kitchen and more!

A blend of international flavours to enjoy under the hot sun.

After you’ve purchased your food, enjoy an ice cold beer or cider on the beach from the Victoria Beer Society’s beachside beer service. 

A selection of taps will be offered, allowing you to enjoy a sample of local favourites throughout the day and into the evening. 

The party will also include a street market, featuring unique Vancouver Island gifts, crafts, treasures, and treats as well as a climbing wall, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and e-bikes!

If that’s not enough, grab a group of friends for a game of oversized beach pong with Wild Play Element Parks and West Shore Parks and Recreation. 

While you’re there, be sure to keep an eye out for Harvey the Harbourcat, Rocky from the Shamrocks and Marty the Marmot!

Are you ready for the beach party?

Eats & Beats Beach Party

  • Where: Lagoon Beach, Ocean Boulevard, Colwood
  • When: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., July 30th

Big milestone: Saanich Police open Community Safety Office at Uptown

(Victoria Buzz)

A space for Saanich locals to engage in community policing and prevention programming is now officially open to the public.

This week, the Saanich Police Department marked a big milestone as it cut the ribbon to its new Community Safety Office at Uptown Shopping Centre, near Carey Road.

At a grand opening celebration Thursday, Mayor Fred Haynes was thrilled and echoed police chief Dean Duthie, who said it was “a really important day in Saanich history.”

“This is a great opportunity for us to continue our drive and goal to enhance and strengthen relationships with all community groups in Saanich to educate, learn from each other and make our community as safe as possible,” said Duthie.

Serving as the flagship of Saanich PD’s Community Engagement Division, the office will help police offer more community-based safety initiatives, projects, and programming.

“We truly believe that this will be a community office, run by the community, and for the benefit of the community,” said Saanich PD.

Police say the new volunteer-run office will deliver current core programming like Block Watch, Speed Watch, Cell Watch, Lock Out Auto Crime, plus “Ace” mascot programming.

The space will also offer several information and resources, including fraud prevention, elder abuse, victims of crime programs, cyber-crime, cyber-bullying, home security, and pedestrian and bike safety.

Saanich’s Community Safety Office is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saanich PD says it’s regularly looking for volunteers to join its team.

Nearly 140,000 air fryers recalled in Canada due to potential fire hazard

Almost 140,000 Canadians will have to find an alternate way of cooking after one brand of a popular kitchen appliance has been recalled due to potential fire hazard.

On Thursday, Health Canada issued a recall on Insignia Digital Air Fryers, Insignia Analog Air Fryers, and Insignia Digital Air Fryer Oven.

According to the health inspection agency, the products can overheat, posing a potential burn and fire hazard.

The products were sold by Best Buy, eBay, and Amazon between November 2018 and April 2022.

In addition to the recall in Canada, about 634,522 Insignia air fryers were recalled in the US.

As of March 25th, there have been 36 reports of incidents including one report of minor injury in Canada. In the US, the company has identified 68 reports of incidents including one report of minor injury.

“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled air fryers and air fryer ovens, check to see if their model is included in the recall and return the product through the return process of the original place of purchase,” Health Canada said on its website.

All of the recalled products are listed here.

Best Buy has said customers will receive credit at the store if they return the items.

To participate in the recall consumers can register online or call 1-877-650-5411 from 8 am to 5 pm ET, Monday through Friday (except statutory holidays).

Barricaded man threatens to set Victoria building on fire early Friday morning

VicPD Cruiser Downtown
(VicPD)

VicPD arrested an armed man Friday morning after he barricaded himself inside a multi-unit residential building and threatened to light it on fire.

Shortly after 3 a.m. on April 22nd, officers responded to a report that a man was breaching court-ordered conditions in the area of Hillside Avenue and Quadra Street. 

The man had previously been arrested for charges including assault causing bodily harm and had been released by the court pending trial with conditions that barred him from certain areas. 

Officers arrived to the area and located the man in a multi-unit residential building in the 2800-block of Fifth Street.

The man had barricaded himself in a suite in the building. 

Police said the suspect was alone, armed with a knife and indicated he was in possession of gasoline and allegedly threatened to set fire to the building. 

VicPD officers, GVERT, Crisis Negotiators, Victoria Fire Department firefighters and paramedics responded and evacuated the residents from the building. 

Crisis Negotiators worked for several hours to get the man to surrender himself to police safely. 

Just after 7 a.m., in response to threats of the building being set on fire, GVERT officers used a series of non-lethal tools including noise devices and chemical irritants. 

The armed man exited the suite and officers deployed an ARWEN less-lethal round, disarmed him and took him into custody. 

The man was cleared medically on scene and was returned to cells where he is currently being held.

Evacuated residents were allowed to return home. Officers are thanking them for their patience during the high-risk incident. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident that has not yet spoken with officers is asked to contact the VicPD at (250) 995-7654.

Over $27,000 raised for Victoria family who endured ‘horrific’ arson attack

(Ethan Morneau/Victoria Buzz)

A GoFundMe for a Ukrainian pastor and his family whose Fernwood house was ravaged by arson this week has surpassed $27,000 in under a day.

“Whatever amount you may donate—we appreciate anything,” said Andriy Fabrikov.

Ukrainian Cultural Centre board member Fabrikov launched the fundraiser hours after flames erupted at 1112 Caledonia Avenue and damaged the over 100-year-old heritage home.

VicPD and the Victoria Fire Department were called to the fire shortly after 1 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20th.

Fire crews put out the blaze, but it left the house’s front porch, second-floor balcony and surrounding areas destroyed and charred in black soot.

“Our Ukrainian community was shocked and saddened by the outrageous act,” wrote Fabrikov to the GoFundMe page.

“A family of five barely managed to save their lives last minute, and apparently, all the kids had to jump from the second floor. Their eldest daughter had been badly injured. She’s had to go in for surgery,” he said.

“The rest of the family only has mild injuries. We are raising funds to help buy the first necessities (food, clothing, etc.) and support their cat, now recovering in a vet clinic.”

Ukrainian family of 5 – home was arsoned / GoFundMe

Ukrainian Canadian Congress president Devon Sereda Goldie echoes Fabrikov, saying it’s great to see the community support the Vyshnevskyy family after this “horrific attack.”

“Their family is an integral part of our local Ukrainian community, and supporting them in this way is the least we can do,” Goldie told Victoria Buzz.

Yuriy Vyshnevskyy, who lives in the house with his wife and three young daughters, is a pastor at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. Nicholas, located next door.

Vyshnevskyy said his wife awoke moments before the fire broke out to find gasoline poured through the mail slot next to their front door.

According to VicPD, Major Crimes Unit detectives continue their investigation into the arson, calling on any witnesses, dashcam footage or video from the area between midnight and 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

VicPD has since released video footage of a light-colour, possible white, four-door vehicle that was spotted driving past the house moments before it was set ablaze.

Investigators seek to identify and speak with the vehicle’s driver, asking anyone with information to call VicPD at (250) 995-7654. To stay anonymous, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.

You can donate to the GoFundMe here.

‘Rooftop crawler’ arrested in Nanaimo after scaling building and breaking into business

RCMP Cruiser Generic
(File photo)

A 27-year-old man has been arrested after he scaled a Nanaimo heritage building and broke into a business. 

Just after 10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19th, police were alerted when several local residents reported they could hear foot stomps on the roof of a downtown building located on Church Street. 

Officers quickly arrived on scene, determining the unknown person had used a stolen ladder to gain access to a heritage building. 

The suspect had then unlawfully entered several businesses located on the second floor of the building. 

Officers surrounded the building, attempting to de-escalate the man who would frequently stick his head out through the windows that he had previously broken. 

The officers attempted to have him leave the property peacefully, however, he did not comply. 

While some officers kept an eye on the suspect via the nearby Coast Bastion hotel rooftop, others were working with Nanaimo fire crews in breaching the front door to the business. 

During the apprehension, police service dog Knight was utilized to subdue the uncooperative male. 

PD Knight sustained several minor injuries to his paws and required medical treatment at a local animal hospital. 

“This was an extremely dynamic situation where investigators were faced with apprehending a highly unpredictable and violent offender who appeared to be under the influence of unknown substances,” said Constable Gary O’Brien. 

“Police Service Dog Knight and his handler were instrumental in bringing this critical incident to a relatively quick conclusion.”

The suspect, who is not from Nanaimo, was taken into custody with minor injuries that were treated on scene by paramedics. 

He was later released from custody with his first appearance in Nanaimo Provincial Court set for June 2022. 

He is facing recommended charges of break and enter, theft under $5000 and mischief.

Video footage captures potential witness of early morning arson in Victoria (VIDEO)

(VicPD)

VicPD are seeking the public’s help in identifying the owner of a vehicle that was spotted driving past a home in Victoria moments before it was set on fire.

Shortly after 1 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20th, VicPD officers responded to a fire at an occupied family residence in the 1100-block of Caledonia Avenue.

When emergency crews arrived on scene, most of the family had escaped the flames, police say. However, one person required ladder rescue by firefighters from a window ledge on the second floor.

Yuriy Vyshnevskyy, who lives in the house with his wife and three young daughters, is a pastor at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. Nicholas, located next door.

Vyshnevskyy told CTV News that his wife awoke moments before the fire erupted to find gasoline poured through the mail slot next to their front door.

When emergency crews arrived on scene, most of the family had escaped the flames, police say. However, one person required ladder rescue by firefighters from a window ledge on the second floor.

As a result of the fire, the occupant suffered potentially life-threatening injuries.  

VicPD officers provided first aid and that person was transported to hospital. Their injuries are now considered non-life-threatening. 

Detectives with VicPD’s Major Crimes Unit are now investigating this incident as arson and are asking the public for assistance in the case. 

See more: Wednesday morning blaze at Victoria heritage home deemed arson

Video footage nearby the home caught a light-coloured, possible white, four-door vehicle driving past the scene moments before the fire was set. 

The vehicle is shown once at full speed and then a second time at half-speed for ease of identification of the vehicle. 

Investigators are seeking to identify and speak with the occupant of the vehicle. 

In addition, investigators are asking any other witnesses with dashcam or video footage within a two-block radius of Cook Street and Caledonia Avenue area between midnight and 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20th to come forward. 

If you have information about this incident, call VicPD at (250) 995-7654.

To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Hospitalizations climb in BC’s latest weekly COVID-19 update

(Dr. Bonnie Henry/Province of British Columbia Flickr)

The BC Centre for Disease Control has released its weekly COVID-19 update, reporting seven new deaths in the Island Health region and 27 province-wide.

The report released Thursday shows that between April 10th to 16th, BC saw 2,036 new cases of COVID-19, including 379 in Island Health, bumping the island’s total case count to 34,133 since the pandemic began.

Currently, BC’s COVID-19 Dashboard shows 485 people in hospital with the virus, an increase of over 100 from the previous week. Across the province, 38 people are in critical care, with 66 in hospital on Vancouver Island.

The seven additional deaths in Island Health increased the region’s overall COVID-19 death toll to over 250, but health officials note changes have been made to how these deaths are reported.

All deaths within 30 days of a person’s positive COVID-19 lab result are now reported, regardless of whether COVID-19 was the actual cause of death.

“All-cause mortality is being used because cause of death takes approximately eight weeks to be recorded,” the BCCDC said.

“Retrospective evaluations of underlying cause of death will be done by the BCCDC, in addition to the data provided in this report, to better understand true COVID-19 mortality.”

SEE ALSO: Here’s what you can expect when BC switches to weekly COVID-19 updates

BC scrapped its daily COVID-19 reports on new cases, hospitalizations and deaths earlier this month. 

According to the Ministry of Health, the new weekly COVID-19 reporting approach aligns with a shift away from a ‘case-management’ model to a ‘surveillance’ approach.

Officials say the approach focuses on identifying changes in COVID-19 trends over time across different regions of the province, similar to how the government monitors for other serious respiratory illnesses.

‘Badge of honour’: Ban from Russia doesn’t faze Premier Horgan

(Premier John Horgan)

BC Premier John Horgan considers it “a badge of honour” that he’s now one of over 60 Canadians indefinitely banned from entering Russia.

On Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry released its “stop list” of 61 Canadian government officials, military personnel and journalists, including Horgan and fellow Premiers Jason Kenney, Heather Stefanson and Doug Ford.

In a statement, the ministry said the group is “directly involved in the development, substantiation and implementation of the Russophobic course of the ruling regime in Canada.”

But the ban doesn’t faze Horgan.

“I am proud to stand with Ukraine, and I am proud to stand with British Columbians who are working together to make life better for people who are fleeing violence,” Horgan said at a Thursday press briefing.

“If the Russians don’t want me to visit, I had no plans to go. But I guess I’ll scratch that off my list of things to do.”

Horgan recalled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the steps BC took in solidarity with the war-torn country, including halting the importing and sale of Russian liquor products at BC Liquor Stores.

“The fact that we were able to catch the attention of a brutal dictator in the middle of an illegal invasion of a neighbour tells me that British Columbians stood up immediately,” added Horgan.

“[They] said we are going to boycott Russian products, we are going to stand up and open our hearts and our homes to the Ukrainian people.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry says that in the near future, “a new announcement is planned on the next expansion of the Russian ‘stop list’ in response to the hostile actions of the Government of Canada.”

Here’s a list of the road closures happening during TC10K in Victoria this Sunday

Image: Start of 2016 TC10K. | Run Vancouver Island via Facebook

Spring is here, which means the return of one of Victoria’s most popular running events after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also means drivers may have to be a little more patient this weekend.

In its 33rd year, the Times Colonist 10K is back with the motto “Better Together!” and is set for this Sunday, April 24th, with athletes gearing up to hit the start line at 8 a.m. sharp.

Taking racers around downtown Victoria and Dallas Road, the TC10K kicks off at Government and Belleville streets near the Empress Hotel and the BC Legislature buildings.

Along with the race comes temporary road closures in downtown Victoria and surrounding areas.

This year’s route will head north on Government/Wharf to Yates, east on Yates, south on Cook, east on Richardson, south on Moss, east on May, south on Memorial to Dallas Road, then along Dallas to Erie, finishing back in front of the Legislature.

According to organizers, all intersections along the run route will be closed to traffic, with roads inside the route remaining open. Still, motorists will have to cross under the direction of VicPD.

Below are the planned road closures for Saturday, April 23rd and Sunday, April 24th:

  • Belleville Street, between Menzies Street and Government Street, will be closed from 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 23rd to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 24th.
  • Belleville Street, between Oswego Street and Menzies Street, will be closed from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 24th.
  • Menzies Street, between Quebec Street and Belleville Street, will be closed from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 24th.
  • Government Street, between Belleville Street and Superior Street, will be closed from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 24th.

In a media release Thursday, VicPD said they’ll be working to help minimize traffic disruptions and keep those participating safe.

In addition, they will be deploying temporary CCTV cameras to ensure public safety during the event.

RunSport.ca

The TC10K powered by RunSport

  • When: April 24th, 2022, 8:00 a.m. start time
  • Where: Start line is at Government and Belleville streets near the Empress Hotel and BC Legislature
  • Registration: You can still register online here

Individual and team registration fees start at $59 for TC10K or $49 for teacher and student teams; $20 for Thrifty Foods Family Run; $59 for TC10K virtual run

 

 

With files from Ethan Morneau

These Victoria brunch spots were ranked in the top 100 for all of Canada

(@paigeowenphoto via @fairmontempress/Instagram)

We all love a good brunch. 

Victoria locals are no stranger to waiting in lines to eat at their favourite brunch place on a busy weekend morning. 

Catching up with friends over a delicious meal is the perfect way to start a weekend morning, or any morning!

Now, OpenTable has announced Canada’s Top 100 brunch spots for 2022, after considering real reviews from real diners.

And 5 Victoria restaurants have made the list!

Check out the 5 Victoria brunch spots that made OpenTable’s top 100 list below:

Tea at the Empress

Tea at the Fairmont Empress is a Victoria tradition. 

For over a century, the world-renowned Fairmont Empress has served England’s most beloved ritual of afternoon tea.

Check out their website for their Afternoon Tea and Prince and Princess tea options!

  • Location: 721 Government Street
  • Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Sunday

Glo Restaurant and Lounge

OpenTable users have voted Glo Restaurant one of the best places in Canada to indulge in some delicious brunch. 

Try their traditional Glo breakfast, french toast, avocado toast, benedicts and more. 

Don’t forget a mimosa!

  • Location: 2940 Jutland Road
  • Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday

Fireside Grill

Fireside Grill’s award winning weekend brunch is something locals always look forward to.

Every Saturday and Sunday, enjoy their hash bowls, benedicts, croque madames, huevos rancheros and more.

There is something for everyone!

  • Location: 4509 West Saanich Road
  • Hours: Brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

Butchart Gardens

The Dining Room at Butchart Gardens is open daily for afternoon tea. The perfect place to stop during your tour of the beautiful gardens. 

The Dining Room has limited hours so be sure to make a reservation. 

Butchart Gardens Blue Poppy Restaurant will re-open this July!

  • Location: 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
  • Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Sunday

Alpina Restaurant at Villa Eyrie Resort

Villa Eyrie Resort’s award winning Alpina Restaurant offers a brunch experience like no other.

Nearly every table offers views of the Saanich Inlet, Southern Vancouver Island, the year-round snow capped Olympic Mountains and Mount Baker.

The brunch menu features savoury signatures, hearty proteins and your favourite greens.

  • Location: 600 Ebedora Lane, Malahat
  • Hours: Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sundays and long weekends

‘Not entirely shocked’: Victoria’s walk-in clinic wait times longest in Canada (REPORT)

Cook Street Village Medical Clinic walk-in announced its closure this month (Victoria Buzz)

As a doctor shortage plagues southern Vancouver Island, it may be no surprise that Victoria is seeing the longest walk-in clinic wait times in Canada.

That’s according to tech company Medimap, as it points to its recently released walk-in clinic wait time index—using 2021 data collected from more than 1,200 clinics across the country.

Of Canada’s top 10 cities with the average longest wait time, seven are in BC, with Victoria scoring first at 161 minutes, followed by Kelowna in second and White Rock in third.

Medimap

BC’s average wait time was the longest of all provinces and jumped 15 minutes to 58 minutes in 2021 compared to 2019—more than double the time for neighbouring Albertans, who waited around 18 minutes last year.

Medimap

According to Medimap CEO Blake Adam, the company decided not to do a wait time index in 2020 due to COVID-19.

“So we wanted to look at 2019 as a full-year pre-pandemic and 2021 as a full-year post-pandemic and compare,” Adam told Victoria Buzz.

“We had a bit of an expectation that across the board, wait times were going to be lower because people were staying home, not going to clinics and doing virtual visits, which are quicker.”

And while that was true for most provinces, it’s a different story in BC. “It went up around 35% between 2019 and 2021,” explained Adam.

Looking at Victoria’s ranking specifically, he says he was “blown away” by the results but not entirely shocked. 

“I think in Victoria, it’s a well-known problem that people have a difficult time finding a family doctor,” noted Adam. “In the past four months, there have been several clinics that have closed as well.”

This year, multiple Greater Victoria walk-in clinics have announced permanent closures, including the James Bay Medical Treatment Centre, Colwood Medical Treatment Centre, and View Royal’s Eagle Creek Medical Clinic.

The latter estimates around 100,000 locals are without a family doctor due to “the severe shortage of community-based, longitudinal doctors in the Capital Regional District.”

More recently, Cook Street Village Medical Clinic walk-in has closed up shop.

A sign taped to its front door earlier this month stated, “We have made the difficult decision to close the walk-in portion of our clinic. This means we longer offer walk-in services to the community.”

On April 8th, the BC government said it was investing $3.46 million in short-term measures to combat the local doctor shortage, including funding to keep five walk-in clinics up and running.

Still, Adam expects the region’s walk-in clinic wait times to continue on an upward trend and climb even higher.

“That is what you would expect, unfortunately. We’ll have to see when we do the next report for 2022, but I don’t think it’s a promising thing,” he added.

Your ultimate guide to the sweetest summer markets on Vancouver Island

It’s almost farmers market season!

Get ready to buy some fresh produce, check out some homemade goods and support local in the sunshine.

There are plenty of markets across Vancouver Island and many are ready to kick off their market season!

Check out this guide to all the farmers markets on Vancouver Island this summer: 

Greater Victoria

Moss Street Market

Summer 2020 marks the 31st season of the Moss Street Market. The family favourite offers local and organic produce, handmade crafts, artisan clothing as well as community education.

Moss Street Market now offers an online market with delivery and pick up options. The organization also runs a Winter Market (November through April).

  • When: 10 a.m.to 2 p.m., every Saturday May through October
  • Where: 401 Moss Street, Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards and Porter Park

Esquimalt Farmers Market 

The Esquimalt Farmers Market first launched in May 2015 and continues to be a popular summer market for locals. 

The market promotes supporting local business and building community, and features a large list of vendors.

The market runs Monday nights at Gorge Park and Thursday nights at Memorial Park.

  • When: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm., Mondays and Thursdays
  • Where: 1070 Tilicum Road (Gorge Park) on Mondays and 1200 Esquimalt Road (Memorial Park) on Thursdays.

James Bay Market

The James Bay Market has been in operation for 28 years. Visitors can still support local farms, food producers and craft vendors when they visit the James Bay staple.

  • When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays from May 7th to September 24th
  • Where: Corner of Menzies and Superior Street

Goldstream Farmers Market

Everything at the Goldstream Farmers Market is homemade, handmade or home grown. 

Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked breads and goodies, unique and quality crafts and textile creations. There is also live music, a water park and food trucks.

  • When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from May to October
  • Where: Veterans’ Memorial Park, Langford

Sooke Country Market

From April to October, you can find farm fresh veggies, crafts, baking, art and more at the Sooke Country Market. 

The market is located in John Phillips Park, near the Sooke district hall.

  • When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from April 23rd to October 8th
  • Where: Memorial Park, John Philips, Sooke

Sooke Night Market

The Sooke Night Market is back for its 7th season, selling products that are made, baked, raised, caught, and wild harvested or 100% grown by the approved vendor.

  • When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays from June 2nd to September 1st
  • Where: 2070 Phillips Road

Metchosin Farmers Market

This summer, take a relaxing drive into Metchosin country, where the sheep and cattle graze and the rolling hills beckon.

Buy your fresh vegetables, breads, jams, salsa, baked goods and gifts (or crafts) for your loved ones.

  • When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays from May 8th to October 30th
  • Where: 4450 Happy Valley Road, Metchosin Municipal Grounds

North Saanich Farm Market

2022 marks the 15th year of the North Saanich Farm Market!

The market is made possible by the love and work of many local growers, crafters, bakers, vintners and brewers and the dedicated volunteers and board. 

  • When: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturdays from June 5th to October
  • Where: 10990 West Saanich Road

Peninsula Country Market

The Peninsula Country Market has more than 50 vendors weekly offering farm fresh products, jams and jellies, honey, homemade bread, cut flowers, assorted meats, organic produce and a fine selection of arts and crafts.

  • When: 1528 Stellys Cross Road, Saanich Fairgrounds
  • Where: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays from June 4th to October 8th

Oaklands Sunset Market

The Oaklands Sunset Market began as a community celebration, a space for neighbours and local businesses to come together and build community connections.

Now, the annual market features a selection of local farm & food vendors from June to August.

  • When: 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesdays from June 29th to August 31st
  • Where: 1-2827 Belmont Avenue

Sidney Farmers Market

The Sidney Farmers Market is back with artisans, baking, clothing, health and beauty, entertainment and more!

Check out their website weekly for updated vendor lists.

  • Where: Outdoor parking area of Mary Winspear Centre
  • When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays from May 8th to September 25th

Sidney Thursday Night Market

Sidney will also be operating a Thursday Night Market, bringing the fun of the market into the weekday for everyone to enjoy! 

  • Where: Outdoor parking area of Mary Winspear Centre
  • When: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursdays from June 2nd to September 1st

Cowichan Valley

Duncan Farmers’ Market

The Duncan Farmers’ Market is located in historic downtown Duncan, selling a full array of produce, in-season fruit, honey, eggs, cheese, meat, seafood, wines and spirits, baked goods, plants and flowers, amazing local artisan creations, pastas, jams, pickles, food trucks and more.

The market runs year round, with different operating hours for the fall and winter.

  • When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, April 2nd throughout the Summer.
  • Where: 200 Craig Street, Duncan

Nanaimo

Nanaimo Downtown Farmers’ Market

The Nanaimo Downtown Farmers’ Market is Nanaimo’s original farmers market!

The market offers fresh local farm produce, meats, eggs, dairy, fresh baked goods, preserves and more.

  • When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from May 7th to September 10th
  • Where: Pioneer Waterfront Plaza, Nanaimo

Cedar Farmers’ Market

The Cedar Farmers’ Market features locally grown fruit & vegetables, ethically raised meat, sustainable seafood, potted plants, fresh-cut flowers, pottery, jewelry, food trucks, hot locally-roasted coffee, handmade gelato, all-natural bath & beauty care, home decor, and more!

The market will open at 9:30 a.m. for reserved Shopping for seniors and those with physical and/or neurodevelopmental challenges. 

At 10 a.m. live music will begin and the market will open for the general public. 

  • When: 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Reserved Shopping, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., General Public, Sunday from May 8th to October 31st
  • Where: Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Road

Comox Valley 

Qualicum Beach Farmers Market

Get to know who produces your food at the year-round Qualicum Beach Farmers Market!

For 25 years, the market has been offering an incredible selection of fresh produce and locally produced goods. 

  • When: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturdays year round. 
  • Where: 644 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach

Port Alberni Farmers Market

If you’re looking for a market with a fun family atmosphere, check out the Port Alberni Farmers market. 

Visit for some homemade goodies, fresh produce and more!

  • When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays year round
  • Where: 6211 Cherry Creek Road, formerly Cherry Creek School

Comox Valley Farmer’s Market

The Comox Valley Farmer’s Market is held annually at the CV Exhibitions Grounds from April to October. 

Enjoy fresh produce, homemade desserts, live music and more!

  • When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays from April 9th to October 8th
  • Where: 4839 Headquarters Road, CV Exhibition Grounds

Pier Street Farmers Market & Arts Fair 

The Pier Street Farmers Market and Arts Fair in Campbell River offers a variety of homemade wares, arts and crafts, and fresh produce with live music, hot food and a vibrant atmosphere. 

The annual event sees an average of 4,000 visitors weekly!

  • When: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sundays from May to September
  • Where: 540, 560, 580 10th Avenue, Campbell River Community Centre

Errington Farmers’ Market

Since 1973, the Errington Farmers’ Market has served the communities of Errington, Coombs, Hilliers, Whiskey Creek and Parksville with a goal of “Make it, Bake it, Grow it”.

  • When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays from May to the end of September
  • Where: 1390 Errington Road

Gulf Islands

Pender Island Farmers’ Market

The Pender farmers market is sponsored by the Pender Island Farmers’ Institute, bringing together local farmers, craftspeople and food vendors for a fun summer market. 

  • When: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays from May 21st to September 3rd
  • Where: 4418 Bedwell Harbour Road

Denman Island Farmers Market

The Denman Island Farmers Market brings together growers and artisans to sell their vegetables, fruit, baked goods, art and crafts.

The market features up to 47 vendors and local music! 

  • When: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturdays from May to October
  • Where: 5901 Denman Road

Salt Spring Island Market

The Salt Spring Island Market is a popular market for locals and tourists! 

The market operates rain or shine from April all the way through to October and features world class potters, jewellers, fibre artists, woodworkers, fine art & photography, body care, clothing and accessories, island tours and more.

  • When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday April 2nd to October 29th
  • Where: Oceanside at Centennial Park in the heart of Ganges

Did we miss a market? Let us know at tips@victoriabuzz.com

7-year-old Duncan girl who was missing for 3 months turned in safely to RCMP

Jesse and Violet Bennett (North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP)

A 7-year-old old girl who was reported missing on January 23rd, after father Jesse Bennett failed to return her as ordered by Family Courts has been located and is safe.

Three months after the ordeal began, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP said someone known to Violet Bennett was dropped off at the detachment on the evening of April 20th.

Violet is back with her mother, according to police.

In an interview with Victoria Buzz in February, Violet’s mother, Roget Hall, told Victoria Buzz she last saw her daughter on January 3rd.

That’s when Jesse sent her a message, saying Violet wouldn’t be returned to her because she was wearing a face mask to school.

“The only option he gave me to get her back was to take her out of school to be homeschooled—something I refused to do,” Roget explained, “as Violet has resources set up at school that I believed she needed, something I was unable to provide for her.”

“So I took him to court.”

According to Roget, the January 20th court date was the last day she heard from Jesse—the same day the courts ordered him to return Violet into her custody.

Violet’s father, Jesse Bennett is still wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant for abduction in contravention of a custody order.

“This investigation came to a positive ending, thanks to the work of our partnering police agencies, the media and ultimately the public who provided tips in hope to safely locate Violet,” RCMP said in a release.

Described as a Caucasian man, Jesse is 36-years-old, 5’10” and 160 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair (possibly shaved head or wearing a hat). He also has a beard.

Police say they will not release any further details to respect the family’s privacy.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call local police or the North Cowichan RCMP at (250) 748-5522.

With files from Ethan Morneau

Fed-up commuters try to physically remove Malahat blockade on Wednesday (VIDEO)

Save Old Growth / Twitter

Tensions were high along the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) on Wednesday after Save Old Growth protesters set up a road blockade at the Malahat, leaving traffic backed up for hours.

Video from Save Old Growth shows a pair of fed-up commuters attempting to physically remove a barrier, as one tosses traffic cones and another tears a banner from a protester’s hands after yelling, “I’ve got kids in the car [who] are sick.”

The activist group posted the footage to Twitter, saying its members “remained peaceful and calm when faced with violence from the public.”

https://twitter.com/saveoldgrowth/status/1516965343821848577

Save Old Growth had warned they’d be blocking the highway starting at around 3:30 p.m. They say members managed to keep the blockade in place for four hours, which eventually led to two arrests.

https://twitter.com/saveoldgrowth/status/1516961830546989060

Meanwhile, similar incidents captured on cam in Vancouver this morning show old-growth protesters blocking the TCH being dragged off the road by commuters.

But these road blockades are nothing new.

In Greater Victoria last Friday, April 15th, heading into the Easter long weekend, Save Old Growth disrupted traffic on the TCH at West Shore Parkway.

Eighty-four people have been arrested on BC highways since January in Vancouver, Revelstoke, Victoria and Nanaimo, the group said Thursday.

Still, it notes that it won’t stop blocking routes until the BC government passes legislation to end all old-growth logging.

Earlier this month, the province of BC said it was working with First Nations to defer logging of old-growth and develop a new approach to sustainable forest management.

“Deferrals have been implemented on nearly 1.7 million hectares of old-growth, including approximately 1.05 million hectares of BC’s forests most at risk of irreversible loss,” states a press release.

⚠️ Traffic alert: The northbound lanes of the Trans Canada Highway are currently blocked at West Shore Parkway due to a…

Posted by Victoria Buzz on Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Oak Bay Beach Hotel is giving away two tickets to their 6th annual ‘Winemaker’s Dinner’ (CONTEST)

(Oak Bay Beach Hotel)

Picture this… 

An intimate dinner at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. 

Handcrafted seasonally-inspired menu by an executive chef, wine presented and poured by guest winemakers, and the sound of a live piano performance floating in the air.

All while overlooking the Seaside Gardens.

Sound like everything you’ve been waiting for?

From May until September, Oak Bay Beach Hotel is celebrating the return of in-person events with their 6th annual Winemaker’s Dinner Series.

(Oak Bay Beach Hotel)

“We are thrilled to have our Winemaker’s Dinner Series return to our Grand Lobby this year,” says Christian Sealey, Director of Food and Beverage at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. 

“British Columbia features so many amazing wineries, and our dinners are the perfect way to find a new, local favourite or discover a hidden gem, all to be enjoyed in a beautiful location.”

Each Winemaker’s Dinner features the best of a featured British Columbia winery, paired with a seasonally-inspired menu created by Executive Chef Kreg Graham. 

After being personally seated to their reserved table, guests will enjoy a multiple course meal and wine from the event’s featured winery.

You can view a full list of the featured wineries below: 

  • Dirty Laundry Vineyard: May 5th
  • Spearhead Winery: June 9th
  • Anthony Buchanan Wines: June 23rd
  • Liquidity Wines: July 7th
  • Blue Grouse Vineyards: July 21st 
  • Hester Creek Winery: August 11th 
  • Phantom Creek Winery: August 25th
  • Little Eagle Wines: September 15th

Tickets for each dinner are $189+tax per person with a minimum purchase of two tickets. 

Tickets will not be available at the door, and with seating limited to 35 guests per dinner, they are sure to sell out fast.

Get your tickets here

You can also enter to win two tickets to a Winemakers Dinner of your choice by following the instructions below:

CONTEST

To enter to win 2 tickets to a Winemaker’s Dinner of your choice (based on availability), complete one or more of the following:

  1. LIKE Oak Bay Beach Hotel on Facebook, and comment below letting us know once you have (1 entry)
  2. FOLLOW Oak Bay Beach Hotel on Instagram, and comment below letting us know once you have (1 entry)
  3. SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter, and comment below letting us know once you have (1 entry)

Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on April 28th, 2022. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter within 24 hours of the contest closing. Good luck!

Contest Rules

Winemaker’s Dinner Series at Oak Bay Beach Hotel

  • When: 9 Winemaker’s Dinners from May 5th to September 15th 2022
  • Where: 1175 Beach Drive, Oak Bay Beach Hotel Grand Lobby
  • Tickets: $189 + tax per person. Minimum purchase of 2 tickets. Purchase your tickets here.

Cruise ship scraps Wednesday stop in Victoria due to high winds

The Norwegian Bliss (File photo)

Windy weather has shattered one cruise ship’s plan to dock at Ogden Point in Victoria this afternoon, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) says.

While the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss was scheduled to arrive at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, GVHA CEO Ian Robertson says the stop has been cancelled due to high winds.

That means the ship, which the CDC says has COVID-19 cases on board, will skip BC’s capital and make its way to Vancouver earlier than expected.

“She (Norwegian Bliss) has a specific arrival time into Vancouver very early tomorrow morning,” explained Robertson, “so she’s probably doing a series of donuts out in the Juan de Fuca Strait to kill time before she heads to Vancouver.”

But Robertson notes that missed ship calls happen all the time. In fact, he says the GVHA budgets for a certain number each year due to weather events.

“This is the first time it’s happened this year, and I’m sure it won’t be the last,” he said.

And while the start of Victoria’s 2022 cruise ship season faces choppy waters, Robertson notes he’s still thrilled to see its long-awaited return.

Earlier this month, the first cruise ship docked in Victoria since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, ushering in thousands of passengers who were met with environmental protesters.

SEE ALSO: Cruise ships return to Victoria waters following pandemic pause

The Holland America Koningsdam sailed in on April 9th with 1,200 passengers on board, becoming the first ship to be called to a Canadian port since October 2019.

But that was a few days later than expected after Princess Cruises cancelled plans to dock the Caribbean Princess in Victoria on April 6th due to scheduling changes and amid COVID-19 cases onboard.

All passengers and crew must be fully vaccinated to board ships entering Canada—a regulation and requirement put in place by Transport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The delay ultimately pushed the time passed since the return of a cruise ship to Canada to 905 days, according to the GVHA, which says over 350 ship calls and around 780,000 passengers are expected in Victoria this year.

The next cruise ship set to arrive is Princess Cruises Grand Princess, docking this Friday, April 22nd.

Victoria man fed up with flag-waving protesters creates ‘take back your flag’ sticker 

Victor Crapnell

A Victoria graphic designer says the flag soaring outside his home has been misrepresented in recent months, prompting him to create a sticker to help it return to its original glory.

“I was appalled by how our Canadian flag had been adopted and used in the wrong way. It became a symbol of action against the government, and I thought, ‘That’s not why we wave flags,’” said Victor Crapnell.

“We wave flags in happiness and support of our leaders,” he told Victoria Buzz.

Crapnell recalls flag-waving “Freedom Convoy” protests from earlier this year that saw crowds opposed to COVID-19 mandates storm Ottawa’s Parliament Hill.

It was a wave that eventually made its way across the country, including Victoria, where protesters gathered week after week out front of BC’s Legislature.

According to Crapnell, it bothered him “immensely” that people waved the Canadian flag to support an agenda he calls “ignorant and twisted.”

“It really started to bug me that if I put a flag on my car, would I be lumped in with these people? I’ve flown a flag in the front of our house for years, and my wife asked me, ‘Should we take our flag down?’”

“I said, ‘Absolutely not!’”

That’s when Crapnell took it upon himself to design a sticker featuring the Canadian flag crushing a semi-truck, paired with the words, “Canada—take back your flag”.

“I started this about one month ago. I initially had 100 stickers printed out,” said Crapnell.

“For the first two weeks, I thought, ‘Well, it’s really not getting much steam.’ But when Jack Knox recently ran an article in the Times Colonist, it just exploded.

“Things do have a slow burn to them at times, right?”

Crapnell says sticker inquiries have been coming in droves, noting he’s received hundreds of emails this week alone from people across Canada wanting a sticker of their own.

He’s asking people to reach out via takebackyourflag@gmail.com.

“People are offering donations to help me cover my costs, but to be clear, I’m not trying to make a profit here,” explained Crapnell.

“I just need my costs to be covered—the stickers cost me about $1 each, plus the postage. I’m just looking to recoup that.”

And while most of the feedback has been positive, some hate has poured in as well: “One guy phoned me early this morning and said, ‘If you want your flag back, you’ll have to take it off my cold dead body.’”

But Crapnell says he was expecting negative feedback.

“I’m not taking it personally.”

Wednesday morning blaze at Victoria heritage home deemed arson

Ethan Morneau / Victoria Buzz

The Wednesday morning blaze in Fernwood that left a two-storey heritage home ravaged by fire has been deemed arson, according to Victoria Police.

Early this morning, at around 1 a.m., VicPD were called to 1112 Caledonia Avenue, near Cook Street, as officers assisted local fire crews battling the structure fire.

Built in the late 1800s, the house is well over a century old and was designed by former Victoria mayor John Teague. He’s the same architect behind City Hall, notes the Victoria Heritage Foundation.

A photo captured by Victoria Buzz shows the house’s front porch, second-floor balcony and surrounding areas completely destroyed and charred in black soot.

Ethan Morneau / Victoria Buzz

Yuriy Vyshnevskyy, who lives in the house with his wife and three young daughters, is a pastor at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. Nicholas, located next door.

Vyshnevskyy told CTV News that his wife awoke moments before the fire erupted to find gasoline poured through the mail slot next to their front door.

When emergency crews arrived on scene, most of the family had escaped the flames, police say. However, one person required ladder rescue by firefighters from a window ledge on the second floor.

They were then sent to hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries, which are now considered non-life-threatening, according to VicPD.

A section of Caledonia Avenue between Cook and Chambers Streets remained closed to vehicle traffic for hours as investigators combed through evidence. 

Currently, VicPD says Major Crimes Unit detectives are continuing the investigation into the arson, calling on the public for help and seeking any witnesses, dashcam footage or video from the area between midnight and 1:30 a.m.

Anyone with information is urged to call VicPD’s report desk at (250) 995-7654. Tipsters can submit an anonymous report by calling Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.

13 places to get the best fish & chips in and around Victoria

(@flyingottergrill/Instagram)

As the weather gets warmer, many begin their hunt for the city’s best fish and chips.

Perfectly battered, hot, crispy and delicious, served with a side of coleslaw and fries, it is the prime summer food to enjoy while sitting outside in the sunshine.

The English dish is most often served with halibut or cod, but flounder, tilapia, haddock and even salmon are also options. 

So what’s the best place in Victoria to get the classic dish? 

According to a recent Reddit thread by u/faithoft, the people of Victoria have voted on their local favourites.

Ready for summer? Here are 13 places to get the best fish & chips in and around Victoria:

Red Fish Blue Fish

Red Fish Blue Fish is always popular, with a long line of eager customers.

Their fish is tempura battered, served with tartar sauce, coleslaw and kennebec chips. 

  • Location: 1006 Wharf Street
  • Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday

Finest at Sea

Finest at Sea is locally owned and sustainably operated. 

Check out their classic fish and chips!

  • Location: 27 Erie Street
  • Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Sunday

Naughty Nellies Not Just Fish & Chips

According to their website, Naughty Nellie’s has the best fish and chips in town. 

Check out their halibut, cod, ling cod and salmon options as well as their combos to feed your whole family!

  • Location: 4081 Shelbourne Street
  • Hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 pm and 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday

Fish O Chips

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6rALAala2J/

Fish O Chips has halibut and cod fish and chips meals varying from one piece to nine pieces. 

Meals include Fish O Chips’ house made coleslaw, tartar sauce and hand cut chips.

  • Location: 10153 Resthaven Drive, Sidney
  • Hours: 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday

Willows Galley Fish and Chips

Willows Galley’s menu offers cod or halibut fish and chips grilled or deep fried in their signature sourdough.

  • Location: 2559 Estevan Avenue
  • Hours: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday

Oak Bay Seafood

Oak Bay Seafoods’ fish and chip meals include fries, tartar sauce and red cabbage slaw. 

Try their halibut, salmon, ling cod, grey cod or rockfish.

Their fryers are also 100% gluten free!

  • Location: 2024 Oak Bay Avenue
  • Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday

The Fish Store at Fisherman’s Wharf

Floating Fish Store at Fisherman’s Wharf offers halibut, sockeye salmon, pacific cod and sturgeon.

All are deep fried in their light crisp batter with freshly cut twice fried chips, slaw and homemade tartar. 

  • Location: 1 Dallas Road
  • Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Sunday

Fish on 5th

Fish on 5th is a Sidney classic!

Try their cod, haddock, salmon or halibut fish and chip options.

All meals are served as a one or two piece meal grilled or deep fried with your choice of sides and tartar sauce.

  • Location: 9812 Fifth Street, Sidney
  • Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Sunday

Haultain Fish & Chips

Haultain Fish and Chips’ options include halibut and ling cod. 

Enjoy 1 or 2 piece meals served with chips and coleslaw.  

  • Location: 1127 Haultain Street
  • Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sunday

Salty’s Fish & Chips

Salty’s fish and chips serves cod, haddock and halibut dishes with 1 or 2 pieces of fish.

Their menu also features meals that included panko breaded shrimp and Northern England’s favorite mushy peas.

  • Location: 1008 Craigflower Road
  • Hours: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday

Fishhook

Fishhook’s pekora-battered fish is served with masala fries, red shred slaw and citrus pickle remoulade dip. 

  • Location: 805 Fort Street
  • Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday

Flying Otter Grill

The Flying Otter Grill loves classic fish and chips. 

Beer battered halibut and cod options with fresh-cut fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce. 

  • Location: 950 Wharf Street
  • Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday

Finns Seafood Restaurant

Finns Seafood Restaurant is prepared the traditional British way with a generous portion of sustainably caught Haddock in a local craft beer batter, fresh cut fries, coleslaw, house made tartar sauce.

  • Location: 1208 Wharf Street
  • Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday

BC Transit offering Victoria residents free rides on Earth Day this Friday

(Victoria Buzz)

To mark Earth Day, Victoria residents will soon be able to hop aboard public transit for free in a push to have fewer cars on local roads.

On Friday, April 22nd, BC Transit and the Greater Victoria Transit Commission (GVTC) will offer complimentary rides on both conventional routes and HandyDART services.

Earth Day came to be in 1970 and highlights the importance of sustainability, encouraging people to make choices that reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and help protect the environment.

“Taking public transit is one way to make a difference,” BC Transit said Wednesday.

The company points to its goal of having a zero-emission fleet by 2040 through its Low Carbon Fleet Program, supporting provincial targets for GHG emissions and aligning with CleanBC.

“The current province-wide fleet has more than 240 Compressed Natural Gas buses, and the first battery-electric buses will be coming to Victoria,” added BC Transit.

Free rides on Earth Day come as a staff shortage plagues BC Transit, prompting some service reductions to roll out earlier this month along local routes.

SEE ALSO: BC Transit labour shortage prompts service changes in Victoria

On April 4th, the company said it was actively recruiting transit operators in several systems across the province and working to hire more drivers.

BC Transit says it will increase capacity as more operators are hired, and encourages transit-goers to visit its website for a detailed look at bus schedules, routes and service alerts.

Shawnigan Lake RCMP investigating increase in mischief in the area including hate speech graffiti

RCMP Cruiser Generic
(File photo)

Shawnigan Lake RCMP are investigating after an increase in mischief in the area and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

According to RCMP, they have investigated six separate reports of graffiti in the last month, some of which include hate speech and vulgar images. 

Officers also reported a blockade on a roadway using picnic tables and chairs which, although intended to be a prank, could have caused major delays for emergency responders.

Other incidents in the area include tampering with street signs, which has resulted in many having to be repaired or replaced, an estimated cost of over $500.

Investigators are reviewing video surveillance of the areas in an attempt to identify potential suspects.

“With the nicer weather that comes along in the spring and summer months, we anticipate that there will be people enjoying the village and lakefront areas later into the evening,” said Constable Jill Woodley of the Shawnigan Lake RCMP. 

“Our hope is that everyone can do their part to keep our village clean and be respectful of the local businesses and parks.”

According to RCMP, the rise in crime in Shawnigan Lake is affecting local businesses and community spaces.

Anyone with information relating to these incidents is asked to contact the Shawnigan Lake RCMP at (250) 743-5514.

Victoria fire crews battle blaze at heritage home early Wednesday morning

(Ethan Morneau/Victoria Buzz)

The Wednesday morning blaze in Fernwood that left a two-storey heritage home ravaged by fire has been deemed arson, according to Victoria Police.

—original:

A Wednesday morning blaze in Fernwood has left a two-storey heritage home ravaged by fire.

Early this morning, at around 1 a.m., VicPD were called to 1112 Caledonia Avenue, near Cook Street, as officers assisted Victoria fire crews battling the structure fire.

One person was sent to hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries, which are now considered non-life-threatening, according to VicPD.

The Victoria Heritage Foundation says the home was built in the late 1800s and designed by former Victoria mayor John Teague, the same architect behind City Hall.

Police say the investigation into the fire is ongoing, and as of 9 a.m., a section of Caledonia Avenue between Cook and Chambers Streets remained closed to vehicle traffic.

Victoria Buzz has reached out to the Victoria Fire Department for more information.

More to come.

Caledonia Avenue at Cook Street (Victoria Buzz)

9 gorgeous homes you can choose from in BC’s hottest lottery of the year

(Hometown Heroes Lottery)

Have you got your hands on the hottest tickets in town yet?

This year’s Hometown Heroes Lottery promises to be hotter than ever, and with 10 incredible Grand Prize options to choose from, the hardest part is choosing which one you’d take!

The Grand Prize winner will have their pick of one of nine gorgeous BC homes, including two options on Vancouver Island or – for the first time ever – two home options in Vancouver. Or, choose the 10th option – a cool $2.2 million tax-free cash.

The Hometown Heroes Lottery supports both VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.

This includes BC’s health care heroes, like doctors, nurses, front line workers, first responders—as well as patients that need life-saving care, and who benefit from all the work and research the lottery funds.

BC’s Hometown Heroes come to the aid of people in life-threatening situations every day. Healthcare teams at Vancouver General Hospital—where 60% of the province’s trauma surgeries take place—are always on duty for severely injured and critically ill patients from all across BC.

Every year, VGH performs more than 30,000 surgeries and treats more than 600,000 patient visits.

Additionally, Foundation fundraising serves the Vancouver Coastal Health system, which sees over 94,000 emergency room visits each year and provides 158,000 home support hours every month.

Tickets to the lottery—which come with a chance to win one of the 10 grand prize packages—start at 3 tickets for $75, and go all of the way up to a 40-ticket pack for $500.

Check out these photos of the 9 grand prize homes you could win, and  grab your tickets before they’re gone!

1. Sooke

2. Courtenay

3. Vancouver (Hillcrest)

4. Vancouver (Rowe)

5. Langley

6. South Surrey

7. Lake Country

8. Penticton

9. North Vancouver

On top of all of this, Hometown Heroes has some incredible bonus draws happening before the Grand Prizes are drawn, which include brand new vehicles, gift cards and more.

The grand prize draw will be Thursday, July 28th, 2022. Purchase your tickets here!

Deadlines to enter the various draws are:

  • Welcome Bonus Draw: Midnight, Friday, May 13th
  • Heroes Bonus Draw: Midnight, Friday, May 27th
  • Summer Bonus Draw: Midnight, Friday, June 10th
  • Early Bird Draw: Midnight, Friday, June 24th
  • Main Draws and Grand Prize: Midnight, Friday, July 14th
  • 50/50 PLUS™: Midnight, Friday, July 14th
  • Daily Cash PLUS™: Midnight, Friday, July 14th

Know your limit, play within it. Must be 19+ to play.

33rd annual TC10K run hits the streets of Victoria this Sunday

(TC10K / Facebook)

Lace up those running shoes—one of Victoria’s most spectacular and scenic community events returns in person following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its 33rd year, the Times Colonist 10K is back with the motto “Better Together!” and is set for this Sunday, April 24th, with athletes gearing up to hit the start line at 8 a.m. sharp.

Taking racers around downtown Victoria and Dallas Road, the TC10K kicks off at Government and Belleville streets near the Empress Hotel and the BC Legislature buildings.

What began in 1990 under “Garden City 10K” was renamed “TC10K” in 2001 after the Times Colonist newspaper became the title sponsor of the annual event, organizers recall.

This year’s route will head north on Government/Wharf to Yates, east on Yates, south on Cook, east on Richardson, south on Moss, east on May, south on Memorial to Dallas Road, then along Dallas to Erie, finishing back in front of the Legislature.

According to organizers, all intersections along the run route will be closed to traffic, with roads inside the route remaining open. Still, motorists will have to cross under the direction of VicPD.

They say no on-street parking will be allowed from 4 a.m. to 11 a.m., with all cars parked on the race route towed at the owner’s expense.

RunSport.ca

Meanwhile, the 1.5-kilometre Thrifty Foods Family Run is also set for Sunday, taking racers along a shortened route around the Legislature buildings. 

As well, a virtual TC10K race is happening this year as organizers look to welcome participants from across the globe.

A complete list of road closures can be found online here, with more details about the TC10K and Thrifty Foods Family Run found on RunSport.ca.

The TC10K powered by RunSport

  • When: April 24th, 2022, 8:00 a.m. start time
  • Where: Start line is at Government and Belleville streets near the Empress Hotel and BC Legislature
  • Registration: You can still register online here

Individual and team registration fees start at $59 for TC10K or $49 for teacher and student teams; $20 for Thrifty Foods Family Run; $59 for TC10K virtual run

Police seek woman who randomly attacked man in downtown Victoria Tuesday morning (UPDATED)

(VicPD)

UPDATE: A woman wanted for randomly assaulting a man in downtown Victoria has been identified and arrested, according to VicPD.

The incident happened yesterday on Blanshard Street when the suspect kicked a man to the ground, causing the hot tea the man was holding at the time to spill over him, causing significant burns. 

The woman then fled the scene.

Original:

VicPD are looking to identify a suspect after she randomly assaulted a man in downtown Victoria Tuesday morning.

At approximately 8 a.m. on April 19th, a man was approached by an unknown woman as he walked northbound on Blanshard Street, across the crosswalk at Fort Street. 

The woman kicked the man to the ground, causing the hot tea the man was holding at the time to spill over him, causing significant burns. 

The suspect, who is described as an adult, Caucasian woman with a thin build, left the scene. 

At the time of the incident she was wearing a grey hooded sweater with the hood up, a green sweatshirt, green sweatpants, sneakers with a yellow marking and a black backpack. 

The victim was taken to hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries related to the burns. 

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information regarding this incident who has not yet spoken with officers is asked to call the VicPD non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654.

To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Victoria man arrested after striking restaurant worker with metal bowl

(Victoria Buzz)

A downtown Victoria eatery got more than it bargained for at breakfast time, after a man forced his way into its kitchen and assaulted a staff member before spitting on jail staff.

VicPD says officers were called to the restaurant in the 800-block of Douglas Street shortly after 8 a.m. on Tuesday.

Initial reports indicated that an unknown man had forced his way through the back door and then hit a staff member with a metal bowl when asked to leave.

The victim did not require medical attention for their injuries, according to police, who note restaurant staff were eventually able to escort the man out of the building.

When officers arrived on scene, they found and arrested the 29-year-old suspect, a Victoria man, in the area of Douglas and Courtney streets.

As officers transported him to VicPD cells, he spat on jail staff, according to police.

The suspect now faces recommended charges of forcible entry, assault with a weapon, uttering threats, mischief and assaulting a peace officer and was held in custody for a bail hearing.

The file remains under investigation, and VicPD asks anyone with information about the incident to call (250) 955-7654. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.

‘Doing really well’: Youth stabbed in Sooke last week on the mend

RCMP Cruiser Generic
(File photo)

The stepfather of a youth stabbed in Sooke last week says he’s opting for restorative justice in the wake of the incident. 

Sooke RCMP responded to reports of the stabbing at around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 14th, along a wooded trail near the end of Throup Road, not far from Journey Middle School.

After arriving on scene, officers found a youth suffering from “significant” injuries.

The victim received first aid from witnesses until the arrival of paramedics, who then transported them to hospital.

At this time, a second youth was taken into custody by police without incident, where they remained with a date in court.

“It’s been an emotional roller coaster,” the victim’s stepfather, Tim Baillie, told Victoria Buzz.

“He’s doing really well right now; he’s back at home in Sooke, and it looks like all the physical injuries he received will be without complication.”

Baillie’s thanking the bystander who came to his stepson’s aid, as well as the dispatcher, first responders, RCMP and Victoria General Hospital staff.

Still, what remains is a long road to mental, emotional and social repair for all involved, according to Baillie. “There will still be bouts of shock for a long time,” he said.

It’s prompting Baillie to launch a Facebook fundraiser in hopes of raising $10,000 to fund a positive and restorative project, event or program.

“The money can be used for a restorative response rather than a destructive reaction,” he wrote to the fundraiser page.

“It became evident that there was an opportunity for the community to do something a little out of the ordinary and make it more of a positive outcome than just something for people to be angry about.”

According to Baillie, following the stabbing, many in Sooke are feeling scared, angry and hopeless. With the fundraiser, he’s hoping the local community will feel empowered.

“Let’s make sure the victim, as well as the perpetrator of the stabbing, gets the counselling and other support they will need. These are children. They and their families will need help,” added Baillie.

“I ask all to reach deep into their hearts and support my stepson and his family and think of the horror the other family must also face.

“They also need your compassion and support.”

In an emailed statement, the Sooke School District (SD62) said it activated its Critical Incident Response and Violence Threat Risk Assessment teams late Thursday afternoon.

“Those teams will continue to work with the RCMP and professional agencies in their ongoing investigations as well as supporting the students, staff and community at Journey Middle School in the coming days and weeks,” said SD62.

Police ask anyone with any information on the incident to call Sooke RCMP at (250) 642-5241. To remain anonymous, tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477 (TIPS).

“This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no further risk to the public,” police said Thursday.

Here’s why this luxury Victoria resort continues to win awards

(@oakbaybeachhotel by @bradenstanley)

We are so lucky to live where we do. 

Tourists travel from across the world to visit our city, enjoy our beaches and experience everything the island has to offer. 

One destination in particular, however, is especially renowned, our very own getaway paradise right here in Victoria.

Nestled on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a popular destination for many – locals and travellers alike.

With ocean views, a luxurious spa, an oven-fired pizza eatery and more, it’s a must-see and now, they’re adding an award-winning employer to that list.

This year, Tourism Vancouver Island’s annual industry awards recognized Oak Bay Beach Hotel as Employer of the Year for 2022. 

The Employer of the Year award recognizes tourism businesses in the region that exemplify best practices in gender equity, diversity, skills training and benefits. 

(Oak Bay Beach Hotel)

According to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, they have focused on retention, development and growth over the last few years, focusing on the mental health and wellness of their team. 

By working to address issues such as cost-of-living realities through various programs, the hotel hopes to create a culture of balance and growth with their team. 

Overall, they achieved the highest employee engagement scores they have ever received, resulting in them claiming the top spot.

(Oak Bay Beach Hotel)

“The tourism and hospitality businesses and employees in the Vancouver Island region have shown incredible resilience through the pandemic,” says Anthony Everett, President & CEO, 4VI (formerly Tourism Vancouver Island).

“They are all deserving of an award and I wish we could recognize each and every one by name. The Vancouver Island Tourism Conference was an opportunity to come together as an industry in person and celebrate this resilience, dedication and innovation.”

And that’s certainly not the only award Oak Bay Beach Hotel has been recognized for—year after year, the luxury boutique resort continues to win awards for its restaurants, spa and resort overall. 

In 2021, the resort was recognized by Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as the #1 hotel in Canada and 19th in the world. 

It was also recognized by the Times Colonist Reader’s Choice Awards as the best hotel, second Best Pub, and third Best Island Resort in the region. 

Finally, the hotel’s Boathouse Spa was recognized as the #1 spa on Vancouver Island, 25th of 100 spas in North America by Spa of America.  

If you fancy a staycation or are even looking to join an award-winning employer, look no further than Oak Bay Beach Hotel—Victoria’s little slice of paradise!

Oak Bay Beach Hotel

  • Where: 1175 Beach Drive
  • Reservations: Book online here
  • Spa reservations: Online here or call 250-940-0326

Most BC residents think penalties for distracted driving aren’t harsh enough (SURVEY)

(File photo)

Did you know a first-time distracted driving infraction could cost you $620?

Drivers caught emailing, texting, or using an electronic device while driving in British Columbia face not only a fine but four penalty points toward their insurance.

According to a new study by Research.co, most BC residents think these penalties aren’t harsh enough when it comes to distracted driving.

The online survey, which included a representative provincial sample, revealed that 46% of residents have witnessed a driver talking on a hand-held cell phone or texting while driving over the past month. 

Although the total number of residents who are detecting distracted drivers has dropped since 2020, down 9 points since a similar poll was conducted in December 2020, the poll showed residents believed the current penalties still might not be enough. 

According to the statistics, 56% of residents say the current fine for distracted driving in the province is “about right”, 24% say it is “too low” and only 15% consider it “too high”.

On Vancouver Island, 33% of residents believe the current penalty for distracted driving is too low. 

This opinion varies by area, with only 29% of Northern BC residents, 22% of Fraser Valley residents, 21% of Southern BC and 21% in Metro Vancouver residents agreeing.

More than half of British Columbians are in favour of different penalties for drivers caught distracted driving: suspending drivers, doubling first time fines and seizing electronic devices.

Across the province, 52% of residents support suspending drivers who are ticketed for distracted driving for a year, while 41% are opposed to this course of action.

In addition, 55% of the province’s residents are in favour of doubling the current first-time fine, a total of $1,240!

When it comes to seizing electronic devices of repeat offenders, 64% support the idea.

What do you think?

60-year-old impaired driver banned from driving for three months after hitting cyclist in Oak Bay

Police Oak Bay
(Photo by Sheenagh Morrison/Facebook)

A 60-year-old man involved in a hit-and-run with a cyclist last week had his license suspended for three months and was ticketed for leaving the scene of the crash.

The collision occurred around 6:15 p.m. last Thursday on Beach Drive near Estevan Avenue in Oak Bay.

The driver left the scene when he found out police were called to the incident.

Fortunately, there were no serious injuries and officers were able to locate the suspect driver at his home where they conducted an impaired driving investigation.

He was then issued a 90-day driving ban, a 24 hour driving prohibition, and a violation ticket for failing to remain at the scene of a collision.

There was no damage to the bicycle or vehicle.

Victoria city councillor Sharmarke Dubow won’t seek re-election this fall

(Image / Sharmarke Dubow - Victoria City Councillor Facebook)

Victoria city councillor Sharmarke Dubow is stepping away from public office.

In a Tuesday tweet, first-term councillor Dubow announced his intentions not to seek re-election in the upcoming municipal election this fall, calling it a “difficult decision.”

“In the meantime, I will continue to serve the people of the City of Victoria and push for meaningful change,” wrote Dubow, who currently serves as Fernwood and Victoria West community liaison.

Dubow says his love for the community prompted him to run for office in 2018 to push for a “more inclusive decision-making table.”

“I am so grateful to the residents of the City of Victoria who elected me for this opportunity. Serving you on council over the last four years has been the privilege of my life,” he said.

https://twitter.com/deardubow/status/1516401560498032640

As a former refugee who fled the civil war in Somalia at the age of 8, Dubow spent 20 years seeking safe haven until Canada offered him a home in 2012.

Looking back on his career as a city councillor, Dubow notes he was the first Somali-Canadian elected to a city council in Canada and Victoria’s first Black councillor in 152 years.

“During my time in office, I championed the establishment of a new Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to embed equity throughout policies, programs and services in order to advance the removal of systemic barriers,” he said.

Advocating for affordable housing is another career highlight for Dubow, along with prioritizing bus lanes.

SEE ALSO: Victoria council passes councillor Dubow’s motion challenging them to take transit for a week

He also challenged local leaders to travel by BC Transit for a week—a motion lauded by people in Victoria and across Canada.

In January 2021, Dubow was in hot water after he admitted to flying to Somalia despite government advisories against non-essential travel.

However, he argued he had been planning and saving for the trip for years, after not seeing relatives living in the East African country for over three decades. 

Victoria’s 2022 municipal election is set for October 15th. Dubow now joins Mayor Lisa Helps, who announced last fall she would not be seeking re-election this year.

Nearly 400 new child care spaces coming to Greater Victoria

(File photo)

The province of BC says it’s supporting five child care providers to create 395 new licensed child care spaces in Greater Victoria.

That’s on top of the 2,152 new spaces funded locally since a $2.7 billion investment into the ChildCareBC plan launched in July 2018, the province says.

Throughout Greater Victoria, Next Level Childcare Society (non-profit) will see 86 new spaces, with Esquimalt Child Care Centre, Uplands Elementary and Glanford Child Care Centre (SD61) seeing 36, 48 and 44 spaces, respectively.

Meanwhile, Colwood Elementary School (SD62) will see 73 spaces; Victory Hill Daycare (non-profit) will see 24 spaces; and a to-be-announced facility in Saanich (SD63) will see 84 spaces, the province announced Tuesday.

With some of the new spaces on school grounds, Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside says this will help children “more easily transition from their early-care programs into their school community.”

Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Mitzi Dean echoes Whiteside and notes the over 200 new spaces planned for his riding “will make a huge difference for working families.”

“For decades, parents who wanted to work or attend school were left with few options. I am glad we are working to build a system where child care is accessible for everyone who wants it,” said Dean.

SEE ALSO: 13 more daycares on Vancouver Island to join the $10/day child care program

As a result of ChildCareBC investments, the province says parents in Victoria, Saanich, Sooke, Oak Bay and Esquimalt/Metchosin have saved $22 million, $13 million, $17 million, $6 million and $13 million, respectively.

In 2022-23, Budget 2022 is providing an additional $30 million for the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund to expand the number of licensed child care spaces province-wide.

Since 2018, the province adds that over 26,000 new licensed child care spaces have been created through the New Spaces Fund and other space-creation programs.

Police seek help locating missing 34-year-old West Shore woman last seen April 6th

(West Shore RCMP)

West Shore RCMP are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 34-year-old woman. 

Acacia Kali was last seen on April 6th and reported missing on April 15th. 

Kali is described as Caucasian, standing 5’8” tall and weighing approximately 154 pounds. She has blue eyes and light brown hair. 

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kali is asked to contact your local police or the West Shore RCMP at (250) 474-2264.

‘So amazing’: Orcas captured on cam at Vancouver Island marina (VIDEO)

Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings

They’re calling it the “best encounter ever.”

Nicky Smiley and a group of marine enthusiasts were in for quite a surprise Sunday evening after spotting a pod of five orcas within Comox Marina, next to docked boats.

It was such a thrill, Smiley made sure to capture the rare up-close sighting on camera and share it on her Facebook page, Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings (CVWS), for all to see.

“Experiencing this was so amazing; there was such a feeling of connection at that moment,” Smiley told Victoria Buzz.

“They were under the water looking at us as we looked at them. My heart was racing with excitement and respect for these amazing beings.”

According to Smiley, she and her daughter Ella launched CVWS seven years ago. The page has since grown a fan base of thousands, with multiple wildlife sightings posted daily.

Smiley says the latest orca spotting was T049A1 Noah, his aunt T049B, and cousins T049B2, T049B3 and T049B4.

“To be honest, I felt totally emotional; we were in such awe of these beautiful, intelligent beings. They contain so much power, yet glide gently by hardly breaking the water’s surface,” she added.

Without further ado, here’s Smiley’s video:

RCMP arrest two local men during drug bust in Sooke last week

Sooke RCMP Cruiser
(Sooke RCMP)

Sooke RCMP have arrested two men following a drug bust last week.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. on April 11th, RCMP received a report of threats involving a firearm in the 6700-block of Sooke Road. 

Officers attended to the scene immediately, where two men were arrested on scene. 

During their search, officers seized a variety of weapons, cash, and numerous illicit drugs, including approximately 79 grams of suspected benzodiazepines, 30.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 17.6 grams of suspected fentanyl.

Sean Patrick Tierney and Jeremey Theodore Tinnion, both residents of Sooke, were arrested. 

25-year-old Tierney is charged with three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, while 33-year-old Tinnion is charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a prohibited weapon. 

Both individuals appeared in court on April 12th and remain in custody pending future court dates. 

Sooke RCMP remind the public if they witness anything they believe to be suspicious in nature to contact them at 250-642-5241. 

If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

New legislation speeds up affordable housing construction in Victoria

(Ethan Morneau / Victoria Buzz)

Victoria city council wants to speed up construction of affordable housing, passing new legislation that cuts about nine months off timelines for a typical project.

The motion passed Thursday means projects by non-profit, government or co-op housing organizations will no longer require rezonings or public hearings when they already meet official community plans and related design guidelines.

Amid a housing crisis, Mayor Lisa Helps calls it a “bold step to remove the uncertainty around affordable housing decisions and cut red tape.”

“It’s the first of hopefully many tectonic shifts in how Victoria is improving the housing development process,” said Helps.

Victoria is the first municipality in BC to approve a city-wide accelerated process for qualifying affordable housing projects, states a press release.

Staff says the new legislation is the first of “several major policy moves” to close the supply gap and make homes “more affordable, more accessible and more attainable.”

It ultimately gives non-profit housing providers more certainty to secure senior government funding without the risk of a project being turned down at a public hearing, the city explains.

“Cities taking steps to speed up approvals for new public and affordable housing makes it easier, cheaper and faster for the province and the federal government to respond to the housing crisis by building the homes that are desperately needed,” added Attorney General David Eby.

According to city staff, nearly half of Victoria’s 27,000 renter households spend more than 30% of their income on rent, as BC Housing reports indicate a waitlist of around 1,100 locals in need of affordable housing.

The city says it plans to build 2,100 more affordable rental units by 2025.

The Bay Centre will be giving away FREE spring potted plants this Friday (CONTEST)

(The Bay Centre)

Celebrate Earth Day at the Bay Centre this Friday!

Earth Month isn’t just a month to celebrate this planet we call home, it’s also a call to action—and a reminder to always consider tomorrow.

And in celebration of Mother Earth, the Bay Centre has teamed up with Victoria Buzz to give away a free gift!

On Friday, April 22nd from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., the first 300 guests to stop by the Bay Centre’s Centre Court will get a FREE potted spring plant.*

Make sure you mark your calendars for this Friday—the perfect day to work from your downtown office, with a little lunch break to snag your free plant, of course.

Victoria Buzz will even be on location to celebrate all things sustainable on April 22nd, so stop on by, say hi, and grab your plant friend—we hope to see you there!

And that’s not all

(The Bay Centre)

If you’re reading this article, we’re also giving you the chance to win a gift basket (worth over $200!) filled with sustainable/eco-friendly products from various Bay Centre retailers, including:

  • Goldilocks Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps from Market Collective
  • Ecologie by Danica Swedish Sponge Cloths from The Tuscan Kitchen
  • Refillable Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo from The Body Shop
  • Refillable Ginger Scalp Care Conditioner from The Body Shop
  • Shampure™ Hand and Body Wash by Aveda, from Eco Chic Aveda Salon & Spa
  • Natural Loofah from Eco Chic Aveda Salon & Spa
  • Shea Butter Hand Cream from L’Occitane
  • Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant from Below the Belt
  • United By Blue Copper Straw Kit, from Below the Belt
  • Woven basket from Winners

All you have to do is follow the instructions below:

CONTEST

  1. LIKE the Bay Centre on Facebook and comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
  2. FOLLOW the Bay Centre on Instagram and comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
  3. Click GOING or INTERESTED on the Facebook event page and comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
  4. Comment below and tell us what your favourite type of spring plant is. (1 entry)

The winner will be drawn on Thursday, April 21st. Good luck!

Contest Rules

Free spring potted plant giveaway at the Bay Centre

  • When: Friday, April 22nd – 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Where: Centre Court at the Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street

*One spring potted plant per customer. Must be present to receive. While quantities last, first-come, first-serve. Must be 19+ to participate.

Australian comedian Jim Jefferies will bring the laughs to Victoria this September

(Photo by Jay Wallace Images/Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre Instagram)

Popular comedian Jim Jefferies is on tour and has just announced a stop in Victoria this fall.

Australian-American stand-up comedian, actor and writer Jim Jefferies is making his way across North America and soon, you will be able to see him live right here at the Save on Foods Memorial Centre. 

Jefferies’ last stop in Victoria was back in 2019, on The Night Talker Tour. 

Now, the Australian comedian, actor and writer will return to the region  this September as part of his Moist tour. 

On Monday, Jefferies announced additional dates for the second leg of his tour, including dates in Vancouver, Kelowna and Victoria.

Ticket options include reserved front bowl, back floor, bowl and a VIP package which includes an individual meet and greet and photo with Jefferies himself.

Pre-sale begins Wednesday, April 20th. Be sure to use the code word MOIST for early access.

General sale begins at 10 a.m. this Friday, April 22nd.

You can get all the information here

Jim Jefferies ‘The Moist Tour’

  • Where: Save on Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
  • When: 7 p.m., Thursday September 22nd
  • Tickets: Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. on Friday, April 22nd

 

BC Ferries cancels some Easter Monday sailings due to strong winds

Stormy day at Ogden Point (Robby Benn / @bcrobby on Instagram)

Hold onto your Easter eggs!

Easter Monday is off to a windy start as Environment Canada issues wind warnings for various parts of Vancouver Island, including Greater Victoria.

A morning alert states that strong southeast winds of 70 km/h gusting to 90 at times will prevail along coastal regions near Haro Strait, prompting risks of tree limb breakage and power outages.

Similar wind warnings are also in effect for East Vancouver Island in cities like Nanaimo, Courtenay and Campbell River, as well as West Vancouver Island. Only to the west, winds up to 100 km/h are expected.

And while winds should ease around noon today, adverse weather is making things difficult for travellers going to and from Vancouver Island.

BC Ferries cancelled a handful of sailings this morning, including the 6:15 am and 8:25 am departing Departure Bay, and the 6:15 am and 8:25 am leaving Horseshoe Bay. 

In a statement, BC Ferries said its staff would contact affected customers to let them know if space was available to fit them on alternative sailings or if their booking must be cancelled.

Either way, the organization said reservations would be automatically refunded to those whose sailings were affected as it urges ferry-goers to check its Service Notices page for route statuses.

Last week, BC Ferries told customers to brace for a heavy long weekend of travel.

“The most popular times for travel are expected to be Thursday evening, Friday morning and Monday afternoon,” it said Wednesday.

“Customers with a booking should plan to arrive 45-60 minutes before their sailing. Customers walking on board should plan to arrive 45 minutes before their sailing.”

Monday morning weather cancellations come as crew shortages continue to plague BC Ferries, prompting a warning to customers to expect delays and altered sailing schedules into the peak summer season.

In March, the organization found vaccination policies, troubles recruiting international candidates, and a shortage of professional mariners were fueling its hiring challenges.

Stabbing in Sooke sends youth to hospital with ‘significant’ injuries

Sooke RCMP Cruiser
(Sooke RCMP)

A youth was rushed to hospital after suffering significant injuries following a stabbing in Sooke this afternoon.

Sooke RCMP responded to reports of the stabbing at around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, which occurred on a wooded trail near the end of Throup Road, not far from Journey Middle School.

After arriving on scene, officers found a youth suffering from serious injuries.

The victim received first aid from witnesses until the arrival of paramedics, who then transported them to hospital.

At this time, a second youth was taken into custody by police without incident.

According to Sooke RCMP, the suspect will be held in custody to appear in court.

Police have not released any further details on either the victim or the suspect at this time.

“We are grateful to those who immediately took action and rendered care to the victim,” said Sergeant Kevin Shaw, Acting Detachment Commander of the Sooke RCMP.

This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no further risk to the public.

Police are asking anyone with any information on this incident to contact Sooke RCMP at 250-642-5241 or, should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Island Health sees seven deaths in latest weekly COVID-19 update

(Dr. Bonnie Henry/Province of British Columbia Flickr)

The BC Centre for Disease Control has released its weekly COVID-19 update, reporting seven new deaths in the Vancouver Island Health Authority and 23 province-wide.

The report released Thursday shows that between April 3rd to 9th, BC saw 1,770 new cases of COVID-19, including 322 in Island Health, bumping the island’s total case count to 33,754 since the pandemic began.

Currently, BC’s COVID-19 Dashboard shows 364 people are in hospital with the virus, including 36 in critical care. Forty-seven people are in hospital on Vancouver Island.

The seven additional deaths in Island Health increased the region’s overall COVID-19 death toll to 250, but health officials note changes have been made to how these deaths are reported.

All deaths within 30 days of a person’s positive COVID-19 lab result are now reported, regardless of whether COVID-19 was the actual cause of death.

“All-cause mortality is being used because cause of death takes approximately eight weeks to be recorded,” the BCCDC said.

“Retrospective evaluations of underlying cause of death will be done by the BCCDC, in addition to the data provided in this report, to better understand true COVID-19 mortality.”

SEE ALSO: Here’s what you can expect when BC switches to weekly COVID-19 updates

BC scrapped its daily COVID-19 reports on new cases, hospitalizations and deaths last week. 

According to the Ministry of Health, the new weekly COVID-19 reporting approach aligns with a shift away from a ‘case-management’ model to a ‘surveillance’ approach.

Officials say the approach focuses on identifying changes in COVID-19 trends over time across different regions of the province, similar to how the government monitors for other serious respiratory illnesses.

West Shore RCMP seek public help in identifying assault suspects (UPDATED)

(File photo)

UPDATE: West Shore RCMP have identified the three individuals wanted for their involvement in a unprovoked assault in Colwood.

—original:

West Shore RCMP are calling on the public’s help in identifying a trio of suspects involved in an assault in Colwood earlier this month.

Just after 2 p.m. on April 2nd, police were called to the 300-block of Wale Road following reports of an unprovoked attack.

Officers arrived on scene to find a victim surrounded by multiple witnesses who last spotted the culprits heading northbound along the Island Highway.

Witnesses described the first suspect as an Indigenous male, approximately 18-year-old with a slim build and short hair. He was last seen wearing black pants.

The second suspect is also an Indigenous male, approximately 16-years-old with short hair. He was last seen wearing a red ball cap, black shirt, black pants, and glasses.

Meanwhile, the third suspect, last seen wearing dark clothing, is believed to be an Indigenous male between 16 and 18 years old. 

“The suspects’ photos are being released in hopes that either the public can assist in identifying or the three individuals recognize themselves and contact us,” said West Shore RCMP Cst. Meghan Groulx.

According to police, the victim sustained minor injuries.

Police are now asking anyone who can identify the suspects or who may have witnessed the assault to call the West Shore RCMP at (250) 474-2264.

Nanaimo RCMP looking to identify vacuum thief and owner of stolen E-bike

(Nanaimo RCMP)

Nanaimo RCMP are seeking the public’s help in identifying an individual who allegedly stole a vacuum as well as the owner of a recovered, stolen E-bike. 

At approximately 7 p.m. on April 7th, officers attended to Lowe’s after a report of a theft. 

According to an employee, an unknown person had run from the store without paying for a vacuum, described as a Hoover Impulse. 

An employee followed the suspect at a safe distance but eventually lost sight of him in the area of Rutherford Road. 

The suspect is described as a Caucasian man between 35 and 45 years old. At the time of the incident, he was sporting a beard and wearing dark clothing. 

On Wednesday, April 13th, officers with the Bike Patrol located the bike while conducting a patrol of a deconstructed homeless encampment behind Galaxy Motors. 

Several individuals at the encampment denied knowledge of the bike or where it came from. 

According to officers, the orange Rayvolt Cruzer has a retail value of $4000 to $6000. 

Due to the value of the e-bike and its condition, officers seized it for safekeeping.

Anyone with information regarding the theft of the vacuum or recovered E-bike is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

‘This will save lives’: Victoria’s mayor calls for federal action on drug crisis

(Victoria Buzz)

Six years ago today, BC declared a public health emergency into substance-related harm, and all these years later, the crisis continues to plague the province.

It’s prompting Victoria’s mayor and city council to renew a call for action.

“We’ve urged both the federal and provincial governments to create more treatment beds, implement safe supply and decriminalize small amounts of drugs for personal use,” said Mayor Lisa Helps.

“These actions reduce stigma, and they save lives.”

Helps released a statement on Thursday urging the federal government to support BC’s request for an exemption from Health Canada under Section 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

According to Helps, this will “help us meet substance use with the public health approach it deserves. We also call on the federal government to adopt federal Bill C-216.”

The bill would amend the Substances Act and revoke a provision that makes it an offence to possess certain substances.

“We must get to a point as a society where no one loses their life to a toxic drug supply, and we must get there soon,” said Helps.

Victoria residents, including the Moms Stop The Harm group, are also pushing for more to be done by officials.

A rally at Centennial Square this morning saw a crowd gather bearing signs stamped with words like “Stop Overdose Deaths” and “My Loved One Mattered”. Another sign read, “BC Drug Policies Are Killing Our Loved Ones”.

Overdose deaths highest in Victoria, Vancouver and Surrey

Since the declaration of the public health emergency in 2016, more than 9,400 people in BC have died, with most deaths recorded in three BC cities, including Victoria.

“Each of these deaths is one more person who will never have a chance for recovery. It’s one more family member lost, with mourning relatives left behind,” said Helps.

On Tuesday, the BC Coroners Service announced an estimated 174 British Columbians lost their lives in February of this year due to toxic illicit drugs—the 17th consecutive month with more than 150 fatalities.

“These are preventable deaths,” noted Helps.

“Our healthcare system fully vaccinated over 90% of British Columbians against COVID-19 in just over a year. We know there is capacity for action.

“This same level of commitment and action is required to get safe prescription supply into the hands of those who need it, so that a substance use disorder is treated like a medical issue, rather than a criminal issue.”

Fentanyl continues to be the predominant substance found in post-mortem testing, the Coroners Service found in its latest data.

“The supply of illicit drugs in Canada has become so toxic – so poisoned and tainted with fentanyl – that we cannot hope to address the escalating death toll without providing access to a safe, medically-regulated drug supply,” added Helps.

“This will save lives.”

Investigation underway after 30 metal spikes found in a fallen old growth tree inside Fairy Creek injunction

(Sooke RCMP)

Sooke and Lake Cowichan RCMP are investigating after nearly 30 metal spikes were found inside a fallen old growth tree inside the Fairy Creek injunction area last week.

Police were alerted to the spiked tree located near the Granite Mainland Forest Service road on April 7th.

According to reports, employees with a security company located approximately 30 metal spikes that had been driven through the trunk of a fallen old growth tree and dragged from where it had been cut. 

PVC piping was also found inside the log, which was intended to be used as a sleeping dragon, a device used by protestors to secure themselves to a physical structure. 

Officers believe the metal spikes were intentionally placed in order to hinder forestry workers from conducting their operations in the area. 

“This tactic to impede forestry operations is not only illegal, but is extremely dangerous,” said Chief Superintendent John Brewer, Gold Commander of the RCMP Community-Industry Response Group. 

“We wish to remind everyone that peaceful protest can take place without a risk of harming others. In return, criminal acts such as these will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted according to our Canadian laws.”

RCMP say they will continue to actively patrol the forestry roads and the corridor to keep them clear from obstructions.

13 things to do in and around Victoria this Easter long weekend, April 15th-18th

Happy Easter!

The long weekend is here, and we are all ready for some delicious treats and time with family and friends. 

This weekend, you could go on an Easter egg hunt, check out a Royals or PFC game or even give back to those in need. 

Here are 13 things to do in and around Victoria this Easter long weekend, April 15th-18th:

Hunt for Easter Eggs

If you’re looking for the perfect fun-filled Easter activity this weekend, Easter egg hunts are a classic activity the whole family can enjoy.

This long weekend, spend time with family, try some mini egg desserts and hop on down to one of the many Easter egg hunts and events happening in and around Greater Victoria. 

Check out our list here!

Watch a Victoria Royals game

This weekend, the Victoria Royals face off in back-to-back games against the Spokane Chiefs.

On Friday, Superhero Salute, presented by Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress and in partnership with Rise Together, will feature an Easter Drive. 

All fans are encouraged to bring in easter themed donations (chocolate, stuffed animals).

All proceeds will be made into gift baskets toward 1Up Single Parent Centre.

Also, Victoria Buzz has scored you a sweet deal on tickets to this Saturday’s Victoria Royals game in celebration of Marty and Marmot’s birthday! Check out the deal here

  • When: Friday, April 15th; puck drops at 7:05 p.m., Saturday, April 16th; puck drops at 7:05 p.m.
  • Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
  • Tickets: Available online and at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre box office

Check out a Ukrainian Easter Market

Attending a rally isn’t the only way Victorians can show their support for Ukraine this weekend. A Ukrainian Easter Market is set for Saturday, April 16th.

It’s happening at the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (Victoria Branch) from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and all funds raised from sales will help Ukraine.

Stop by to purchase pierogies, Ukrainian borsch, cabbage rolls, poppyseed buns, Easter cakes, various pies, sweets and pastries and many other treats.

  • When:  12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, April 16th 
  • Where: Ukrainian Canadian Congress (Victoria Branch), 1112 Caledonia Avenue

Sarah Harmer at Capital Ballroom

Sarah Harmer is a Canadian singer/songwriter and environmental activist whose winsome vocals and wanderings in indie pop, folk, and bluegrass have bewitched critics and fans alike.

  • When:  Doors open at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 16th
  • Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Stree

Donate bottles to support BC Children’s Hospital 

Did you know that only 40% of kids with mental health challenges in BC are getting the specialized care they need?

You can help fix that.

This April, your spring cleaning and donation of old recyclable bottles and containers can help kids across the province get the help they deserve. 

Every month, proceeds from recyclable beverage container donations at Bottle Depots’ three donation bins support a new local charity.

In April, all generated proceeds from those donated, recyclable containers will help support mental health programs at BC Children’s Hospital.

  • When: The whole month of April!
  • Where: Bottle Depot donation bins located at 3961 Quadra Street, 4261 Glanford Avenue and 655 Queens Avenue 

See a comedy show at Hecklers

After being closed for nearly two years, Hecklers is back to fulfill your comedy needs. Every Saturday night, enjoy a comedian followed by Comedy Here Often?’s The Late show.

  • Where: 123 Gorge Road East, Hecklers Bar and Grill
  • When: Byron Bertram: 7 p.m., Saturday, Comedy Here Often? The Late Show: 10 p.m., Saturday, April 16th
  • Tickets: $20. Tickets can be purchased online here.

Daniel Lapp’s Joy of Life Concert

This local event has a 20 plus year history of celebrating the best our city has to offer in toe-tapping folk, jazz and fiddle music with an array of special guests including the Veselka Dancers and Daniel’s wide variety of student ensembles.

  • Where: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 907 Pandora Avenue
  • When: 8:30 p.m., Saturday, April 16th

PFC vs. Valour FC

This weekend, Pacific FC takes on Valour FC! Get your tickets now!

  • Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
  • When: 1 p.m., Sunday, April 17th
  • Tickets: Can be purchased online here

 

Easter Sunday Brunch 

This weekend, Westin Bear Mountain Resort’s Masters’ Lounge and Terrace are holding an Easter Sunday Brunch. 

Enjoy eggs benedict, honey roasted ham, salads, dessert and more. 

Reservations required, call 250-812-3271.55

  • Where: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday April 17th
  • When: 1999 Country Club Way
  • Price: $75 for adults, $35 for children (age 5-10). 

Hermanns Jazz Club Family Show

This weekend, Hermann’s Jazz Club is hosting an all ages family show!

Lelolai FAM (Family Arts Music) honours creativity and inclusivity of peopl eof all ages and cultures, a tropical fusion of sound blending Folk, Funk, Jazz and Latin Rhythms in English, Italian and Spanish!

The event will be a special fundraiser with all donations collected from the livestream going directly to Arts on View. 

You can attend in person or via livestream

  • Where: 753 View Street
  • When: Doors open at 12 p.m. Show from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday April 17th.
  • Tickets: $10 each. You can purchase them here

Ukrainian Social Dance Fundraiser for Ukraine

On Easter Monday, learn some “Authentic Ukrainian Social Dance” with Ukrainian Dance Expert Vincent Rees! 

No experience necessary! Dances are fun and easy to try.

Entrance by donation, with donations going toward Ukrainians in need. 

  • Where: 3277 Douglas Street, Ukrainian Cultural Centre
  • When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday April 18th

Indulge in mini egg desserts

Easter is right around the corner, which means soon we will be eating copious amounts of chocolate and desserts.

Across Victoria, restaurants, bakeries and confectionaries are putting an Easter spin on their products by adding mini eggs to their recipes!

There’s no hunting for these desserts. 

Check out our list of places to get chocolate mini egg desserts in Victoria ahead of Easter long weekend here!

Make summer plans

(VRBO)

Summer may still be a few months away, but for many, summer adventure plans are already in the works. 

For the first time in what seems like forever, events are being announced, vacations are being planned and summer 2022 is looking bright.

If you and your friends are looking for the ultimate summer getaway, you might not have to go too far.

Sunset Island Resort, located on Sproat Lake near Port Alberni, is available for rent, making it the perfect summer getaway for you and up to 40 friends.

Read more here!

Victoria-based driftwood artist launches new exhibit to support vulnerable animals

Tanya Bub

Tanya Bub is an animal lover and it shows.

The Victoria-based artist is gearing up to host an exhibit next month at the Gage Gallery downtown, donating 25% of sales to helping the region’s most vulnerable critters.

“I love dogs, as do many people,” Bub tells Victoria Buzz, highlighting her fast-approaching Champion for Animals fundraiser for the BC SPCA.

“I wanted to do something to help them out, and the SPCA does fantastic work. I thought this would be a great opportunity to do something really fun and make dogs’ lives better,” she said.

Bub’s creations are crafted from wood and recyclable materials and include unique sculptures of domestic pets and wild animals like lions, wolves and owls.

According to Bub, she’s been in the business for over three years now, with past pieces displayed in various venues around town including the Empress Hotel, Bay Centre and Emily Carr House. 

Her upcoming show runs from May 10th to 29th.

“It’s going to be a super fun show with a lot of dogs made of driftwood, actually. The dogs look like they’re alive,” explained Bub.

“If you’re not in the position to get a real dog, you can get a drift dog and at the same time do something nice for real dogs.”

Breanna Beckett is the SPCA’s senior manager for the capital region and says she and her colleagues are “thrilled” to be partnering with Bub.

“This will be our first BC SPCA third-party event since the pandemic,” said Beckett.

“We are so grateful to Tanya for her compassion and generosity, and we hope that this will be the first of many post-pandemic Champion for Animals events to help animals in the Victoria area.”

More information about Bub and her work can be found online here.

tanyabub.myportfolio.com

Art For Dogs And The People Who Love Them

  • Who: Driftwood artist Tanya Bub
  • When: May 10th to 29th, 2022
  • Where: Gage Gallery, 19 Bastion Square

40-year-old man wanted on Canada-wide warrant believed to be in Victoria (UPDATED)

(VicPD)

Shortly after 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 14th, VicPD officers located and arrested Gregory Brotherston at a suite in a multi-unit residential building in the 700-block of Courtney Street.

He remains in custody.

— original:

VicPD officers are asking for the public’s help in locating 40-year-old Gregory Brotherston.

Brotherston is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for suspension of statutory release and is believed to be in Victoria. 

He is currently serving a three-year federal sentence for assault causing bodily harm and break and enter.

Brotherston and his family are known to have a history of violence. In 2009, Brotherston, his brother and father were on trial for murder of 33-year-old Keith Taylor on May 30th, 2008.

The trio, who were eventually aquitted of second-degree murder, drove the lifeless body of Taylor to the West Shore RCMP detachment. 

The judge found that Brotherston and his brother were assisting their father Ken Sr., who was acting in self-defence.

Following the above, Brotherston was involved in several other serious incidents, that included attacking a man in his home, leaving the resident with serious injuries.

Brotherston also served three years in jail for the death of 57-year-old Rick Green.

According to Global News, Brotherston, who was 31 at the time, was arguing with his ex-girlfriend outside the Country Rose Pub in Langford when the Green tried to intervene.

Brotherston struck Green in the face, causing him to fall backwards, striking his head on the pavement.

He was taken to hospital but he died days later.

Brotherston is described as Caucasian, standing 6’1” tall and weighing approximately 220 pounds. He has short hair and blue eyes.

If you see Brotherston do not approach him and call 911. 

Anyone with information about where Brotherston may be is asked to call VicPD at (250) 995-7654.

To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. 

Victoria EV Association apologizes after commuters mistake vehicle-counter for person in distress

Hwy 1 at Helmcken Overpass, looking west (Drive BC)

The Victoria Electric Vehicle Association is apologizing after commuters mistook its member, who was doing an EV count, for a person in distress on the Helmcken Road pedestrian overpass.

On Wednesday morning, the association conducted its second annual spring count of electric vehicles, which required its member to count every EV cruising into and out of town via the Trans-Canada Highway.

But when the vehicle counter was mistaken for someone attempting to jump the railing, it caused temporary traffic delays on either side of the highway and the overpass, according to one Facebook post.

“Presumably, jumper on the Helmeken overpass,” stated the post to the Facebook group Vancouver Island Breaking News & Info, which prompted a flood of comments. 

“Heartbreaking,” wrote one person. “So sad,” added another.

Police were called to the scene, but West Shore RCMP Cst. Meghan Groulx confirmed that it was, in fact, the EV Association member on the job, and that there was no need for public concern.

The count took place between 6:30 and 9 a.m., and according to the Victoria EV Association, 1,728 electric vehicles were recorded.

That represents approximately 18% of the EVs registered in the capital region and is a 70% increase of EVs commuting over last year’s 1,023 vehicles, the association said. 

 

If you or someone you know needs help, call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433. You can also visit them online.