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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!
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.
— Fred Haynes in Saanich (@HaynesSaanich) April 22, 2022
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.
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.
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).
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Weekly #COVIDBC update: In the week of Apr. 10-16, there have been: 2,036 new cases reported, for a total of 361,034 cases in BC 238 hospitalizations, for a total of 20,585 in BC 27 deaths, for a total of 3,077 in BC
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.”
Russia's decision to ban me and others is another signal to Ukrainians that BC and Canada will be a welcoming place for them.
I have no intention of visiting Russia but I do intend to keep helping Ukrainians forced to flee the violent war perpetrated by a dictator. pic.twitter.com/6PDCd5v0qm
“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.”
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.”
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.
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…
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.
“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.
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Major Crimes Unit detectives are seeking dashcam or video footage & witnesses after an arson to an occupied home in #yyj early this morning.
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:
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Officers are assisting Vic Fire in the 1100-blk of Caledonia Ave after a structure fire at a home early this morning. One person was transported to hospital w potentially life-threatening injuries, which are now considered non-life-threatening. The investigation is ongoing. #yyj
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.
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 aspatients 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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
UPDATE | Thanks to a tip from a member of the public, a suspect in this file is now in custody. https://t.co/070N8X9lhh
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.
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.
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.
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 Hotelis 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.
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.
“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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.”
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.
Weekly #CovidBC update: In the week of Apr. 3-9, there have been: • 1,770 new cases reported, for a total of 359,002 cases in BC • 233 hospitalizations, for a total of 20,220 in BC • 23 deaths, for a total of 3,036 in BC
UPDATE: West Shore RCMP have identified the three individuals wanted for their involvement in a unprovoked assault in Colwood.
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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 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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.