These services and events around Victoria are cancelled due to weather

With snow removal now in full swing across Vancouver Island, some services across the capital district remain closed to ensure the safety of the public and employees. 

Commuters and residents in Greater Victoria should be aware of the following closures on Wednesday, December 21st.

Recycling pickup

Those that were expecting recycling pickup this week, are asked to hold their blue bins for the next collection day or drop it off at a depot once the roads are safe to drive on. 

According to the city of Victoria, residential waste collection is back in service.

BC Transit 

For a second day in a row, public transit-goers in Greater Victoria will have to find an alternate mode of transportation due to snow and freezing conditions. 

As of 10:20 a.m., the following routes are now resuming limited service. 

• 2 James Bay/South Oak Bay – Not servicing Central/St. Patrick Terminus – routing via Oak Bay Marina
• 3 James Bay/Royal Jubilee – Not servicing May routing via Fairfield in both directions
• 4 Uvic/Downtown – Not servicing Blanshard/Fairfield Terminus – routing via Government & Superior
• 6 Royal Oak Exch/Dowtown- Not servicing Chatterton & Emily Carr – routing Royal Oak Mall
• 7 Uvic/Downtown- Regular Route
• 10 James Bay/Royal Jubilee – Regular Route
• 11 Tillicum Centre/Uvic –  Not servicing Uplands – routing via Cadboro Bay in both directions
• 14 Vic General/Uvic – Regular Route
• 15 Esquimalt/Uvic – Regular Route
• 21 Interurban/Downtown –  Not servicing Viaduct/Markham Tech Park – using Camosun College Loop
• 50 Langford/Downtown – Regular Route

Further up island, the Cowichan Valley Regional Transit System service is back with drivers operating on adverse weather routing, which is found on BC Transit’s website and listed in the Riders’ Guide.

For the most up-to-date information, BC Transit encourages customers to visit its website, NextRide or the Transit app.

BC Ferries – The Queen of Oak Bay 

Today several Queen of Oak Bay sailings have been cancelled due to a frozen throttle on the ship’s rescue boat. 

​​Cancelled Sailings Wednesday, December 21, 2022:

• 6:15 am out of Horseshoe Bay
• 8:25 am out of Departure Bay
• 10:40 am out of Horseshoe Bay
• 1:00 pm out of Departure Bay

Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen ferries are currently in operation for the day. 

Canada Post 

Canada Post deliveries have also been suspended for Duncan, Sidney and Victoria today. 

To ensure the safety of Canada Post mail carrier. The national mailing service is asking customers to ensure they clear their walkways, stairs and driveways once the service resumes. 

Stay updated on the delivery alerts here.

Breakwater and Inner Harbour Lower causeway

Out of concern for public safety, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) strongly urges everyone to refrain from walking the Breakwater and Inner Harbour lower causeway until the snow is cleared.

Royal Roads University

With increasing wind and windchill conditions, local authorities are advising people to stay off the roads. As a result, the RRU campus will remain closed today.

University of Victoria

UVic campus is closed and face-to-face exams are cancelled for the remainder of the day. 

Online exams will remain as scheduled. UVic expects to reopen campus Thursday, December 22nd.

Camosun College 

Due to continued heavy snow across the region, Camosun College remains closed on Wednesday, December 21.

Vancouver Island University

Today VIU’s Nanaimo, Cowichan and Powell River campuses have reopened. 

Milner Gardens Christmas Magic will remain as scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, December 21.

Malahat Skywalk 

Those looking to enjoy the beautiful winter views from high above the Malahat Skywalk, unfortunately, will have to wait as the popular attraction remains closed on Wednesday, December 21 due to extreme cold. 

Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre 

Victoria’s Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre has now reopened