Curtis Blandy
Staff Writer/Reporter
Victoria-based Black entrepreneur launches bold new community-focused brand
Bringing Malian culture to the city!
GoFundMe launched for Parksville family business destroyed by fire
An electrical fire is believed to be the cause.
Memorial run for Cst. Sarah Beckett celebrates life of RCMP officer killed while on...
The 4th annual event happens this May.
Here’s why there’s a barge chilling on Willows Beach right now (VIDEO)
Sorry Oak Bay, no ‘Barge Chilling Park’ for you.
Canada raises minimum wage starting April 1st to help people combat inflation
The province usually announces their minimum wage top up in June.
Victoria’s historic Point Ellice House announced it is closing for good
The end of an era.
St. Patrick’s Day hit-and-run ends with Oak Bay driver fleeing on foot
Police still haven't found the suspect.
Vancouver Island-based Ukrainian refugee support society calls on government to do better
The group has helped over 960 Ukrainians.
Saanich Police seize over $100K in vape products being sold to kids
They used Snapchat to promote their sales.
Victoria Royals last game of the season is this Saturday and it’s Fan Appreciation...
$10 tickets are available! 🏒
These Greater Victoria clinics offer mental health services free for Indigenous folks
They have a Fernwood location and a new clinic in Langford.
Langford kicks their artificial turf policy to the curb opting for real grass instead
The grass is always greener when it’s real.
Child pornography cases spike by 105% on the West Shore despite conviction efforts
There were a total of 39 cases in 2022.
‘I fell through the cracks’: Vancouver Island man advocates for victims of brain injuries
An assault in downtown Victoria will haunt him forever.
Saanich Police cleared but ridiculed by watchdog for arrest in tenancy dispute last May
Their reasoning for using a police dog was called “fanciful.”
Second shooting in Nanaimo this month leaves one victim with serious gunshot wound
The victim flagged down community safety officers.
Construction on Sooke Potholes gateway entrance to begin before warm weather arrives
More parking stalls, bathrooms and more!
Search and rescue crews scour Vancouver Island shoreline for missing man and his rowboat...
Neither were located over the weekend.
Curt’s Cocktail Corner: Here’s an Irish one for ya
I recently found out I’m 19% Irish!
City councillor puts wheels in motion to bring bike-sharing back to Victoria
Scooters would also be great!
VicPD and Saanich Police collaborate to seize cash, property, drugs and guns
A bicycle worth $10,000 was also found. 🚲
Victoria moves to reduce single-use disposables at local eateries
Single-use items will be banned for dine-in situations.
Fundraiser launched to support family after Sooke father of two suddenly passes
The GoFundMe is over halfway towards its goal so far.
Timelapse shows significant deforestation on Vancouver Island over 39 years (VIDEO)
Including the Fairy Creek area!
Seniors rejoice: Over 300 long-term care beds coming to Colwood for aging population
The new care home will be near the corner of Metchosin Road and Latoria Boulevard.
Topless Junos protester has bared her chest for trees in Victoria before this latest...
“I have perfect titties and a huge ass.”
Greater Victoria teachers quarrel with VicPD over police presence in schools
The GVTA believes having officers in schools is harmful.
Saanich to shut down stretch of Cordova Bay Road for nearly two weeks this...
And so construction season begins.
Victoria’s average rental costs decrease for the first time this month
Every little bit helps!
VicPD butts heads with Victoria and Esquimalt councils over proposed budget
The police force sought a 10% increase, while other departments are seeking 7%.
‘All day I dream about flowers’: Victoria florist business blooms through regenerative farming
Get their bouquets at Working Culture and Habit Coffee when spring has sprung! 💐
Investigation underway after vehicle crashes into residence on Quadra Street
Only one person was injured.
Red Barn Market in Saanich faces class action lawsuit after women videotaped in bathroom
The former manager posted the content to pornography websites.
Spring-like weather on the horizon for Greater Victoria this week as the equinox approaches
6 days until spring! 🌷
Victoria woman caught trafficking drugs on First Nations land near Duncan
The community is under a state of emergency due to drug poisoning and trafficking.
Saanich will be slashing speed limits throughout the municipality this spring
Including a reduction to 30 km/h near Uptown.
Suspicious death in Sooke prompts Major Crime Unit investigation: RCMP
This is the second MCU investigation launched in one week.
BC to end vaccination policy for public servants three years after the pandemic began
And make boosters available for the elderly and immunocompromised.
BC Transit launching pilot project to accept debit or credit cards on buses
The hope is that it’s fully implemented by this spring.
Police investigate shots fired in downtown Nanaimo ‘shelterless encampment’
Two were arrested on unrelated warrants.
There’s an app for that: BC Ferries launches new app to manage bookings
Just in time for spring break vacations!
Two-way traffic resumes on Highway 4 as Kennedy Hill construction hits milestone (PHOTOS)
The project is about one year behind schedule.
Miss Earth Canada 2023 joins students to learn about the environment in Victoria (PHOTOS)
The pageant queen and volunteers helped restore the natural ecosystems.
Nearly half the garbage at Hartland Landfill shouldn’t be there: CRD
Half of all the trash belongs in the recycle or compost.
Suspicious death in Ladysmith prompts Major Crimes Unit investigation: RCMP
A woman’s body washed ashore near Davis Lagoon.
Vancouver Island man prepares locals for the film industry with stunt acting workshop
He’s worked with De Niro, DiCaprio, Stallone and Schwarzenegger.
Pop-up shop replaces Lands End Café at Swartz Bay terminal during ‘major’ renovation
It’s being turned into a modern, contemporary coffee bar.
Then and now: Get to know the past, present and future of Bastion Square’s...
It was built over 134 years ago.