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Among the challenges, this year has also presented us with the ability to cultivate resilience.
The Bateman Foundation is encouraging and inviting you to express your resilience through art for a free community event and art project.
On Wednesday, September 1st, as part of their end of summer kick off, participants can go to the Bateman Gallery between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to create a self portrait with that resilience in mind.
The activity will be facilitated by Art Therapist, Kaitlin McManus, to guide people through their mental wellness and insight. All materials will be provided.
The Bateman Gallery is encouraging participants to reflect on these questions:
What is a personal strength that you possess?
What has offered you comfort or support over the past year?
What has helped you to be resilient during these challenging times?
What words of comfort would you like to share with our community?
This is your chance to consider, share, and celebrate your personal strengths and resilience over the past year.
In conclusion of the event, a free exhibition of the created artworks at the Bateman Gallery will be offered to anyone interested.
The Bateman Gallery also offers free drop-in therapeutic art classes for people of all ages, backgrounds, and artistic ability.
In these sessions, participants can use various materials to create what they wish with an art therapist on site for mental wellness, insight, and assistance.
“The drop-in program is a place to express your unique creativity and find support in each other, through community, in these difficult and isolating times,” Bateman Fountain said in a press release.
Salish Orca, with artwork designed by Darlene Gait from Esquimalt Nation | BC Ferries
With the upcoming Labour Day weekend on the horizon, BC Ferries have offered some tips for making sure you can get across the waters without a headache.
The most popular travel times according to BC Ferries?
Thursday and Friday afternoon and Labour Day Monday and the following Tuesday morning.
So regardless of where you’re departing, Thursday, September 2nd and Friday, September 3rd are going to be busy; and coming back, Monday, September 6th and Tuesday morning, September 7th are going to be big travel days.
Try to plan accordingly by reserving a ferry in advance or going as a foot passenger, or be prepared for sailing waits.
If you do book your sailing in advance, arrive early.
BC Ferries recommends that customers should arrive at the terminal 45-60 minutes before their scheduled departure.
Walk-ons should arrive 45 minutes before theirs.
And remember, we’re still in a pandemic, so if you’re over the age of 12, mask up in all indoor public spaces and terminals, regardless of vaccination status.
Some exceptions apply.
And most importantly!
Respect your fellow travellers, it’s going to be a busy weekend and high traffic areas tend to be stressful— especially during a pandemic.
Be courteous and kind, and most importantly, be safe.
The Strathcona, which also houses popular bars Sticky Wicket and Big Bad Johns, closed its doors this past weekend citing staffing shortages; it is set to resume service today.
But the closure should come as no surprise to anyone within the service industry.
Since Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan, restaurants and bars have been grappling with staff shortages which experts say is due to uncertainty of the pandemic and workers pivoting their career choices.
“A lot of people have exited the industry,” said Ian Tostenson, President and CEO of BC Restaurant and Food Services Association.
“Even before the pandemic we were short workers. Now, we have less than half. It’s become a lot worse.”
Uncertain hours, a lack of benefits or perks and a lack of work-life balance have been just a few main reasons Tosteson said workers are deterred from taking service jobs again.
Among other reasons is the instability of the sector amidst a year and a half of varying COVID-19 restrictions.
“A lot of workers took the CERB payments and it allowed them to take a breath and reevaluate what they wanted to do,” said Tostenson.
Due to the staffing shortage, a lot of businesses are rethinking their business models. As it appears to Tostenson, the old business model has proven unsustainable.
“This isn’t a question of ‘will this get fixed in the next two months or so;’ it’s a tightening of the business model,” he said.
“We have to fight the fire and once again become the employer of choice. We need to commit to something stable that will be the benchmark to getting this industry on its feet again.”
In light of the Strathcona closure, this is harsh reminder that businesses are still suffering, and have been for quite some time.
The staffing shortage is not only a problem for the hospitality industry, but it’s become a problem in many industries—a problem amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What overshadows the [Strathcona] closure is the fact that this is happening in many industries,” said Tostenson.
“It’s going to take at least ten years to catch up.”
While the solution may appear to be a far cry away, Tostenson is hopeful that with borders reopening and travel resuming that immigration will prove to be a welcome reprieve.
“Immigration would help. Every industry needs it. Immigration is delayed, not stopped. Instead of getting a skilled foreign worker in three months, it takes six months, but it’s bound to get better,” said Tostenson.
While Tostenson has his own ideas of how to solve the hospitality shortage, Mayor Lisa Helps also put in her two-cents in light of the Strathcona closure, wildfires, and COVID-19 pandemic.
“Everyone is hiring but no one can find enough workers. Why?” Helps said in her weekly blog.
“Because the workers can’t find housing that is affordable, and, in many cases, they can’t find any housing at all, even if they make a really decent salary.”
Between the housing shortage and the labour shortage, most of all, Helps said, workers on the front lines are exhausted and it’s unclear when they will get any rest.
VicPD are seeking a bystander that helped a victim of a stabbing on Sunday morning.
At approximately 4 a.m. on Sunday, August 29th, VicPD received a report from hospital staff that a stabbing victim was in their care.
Officers investigated, determining that the man was stabbed at an unknown location in Victoria shortly after midnight on Sunday. The victim was unable to provide the location of the incident.
According to VicPD, the victim has suffered non-life-threatening but potentially-life-altering injuries.
The suspect in this incident is described as a Caucasian man standing approximately 5’9” tall with a slim build.
The suspect had a full beard and is missing his front teeth.
VicPD are also looking to speak with a helpful bystander for any additional information.
The bystander—an approximately 35 to 50-year-old woman—is believed to have found the victim and transported him to hospital in a blue Dodge pickup truck.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
(Dr. Bonnie Henry/Province of British Columbia, Flickr)
The BC Ministry of Health reported 867 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, August 27th.
There have been 163,560 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 165
Fraser Health: 228
Island Health: 63
Interior Health: 350
Northern Health: 61
Resident outside Canada: 0
There are currently 5,657 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.
155,928 people who tested positive have recovered.
There are now a total of 159 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 84 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
Three more people have died from COVID-related causes, all in Interior Health, making the provincial death toll 1,807.
Data by Vaccination Status:
From August 12th to 25th, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 82.0% of cases and 85.9% of hospitalizations.
Past week cases (Aug. 19-25) – Total 4,368
Not vaccinated: 3,116 (71.3%)
Partially vaccinated: 467 (10.7%)
Fully vaccinated: 785 (18.0%)
Past two weeks cases hospitalized (Aug. 12-25) – Total 213
* Not vaccinated: 169 (79.3%)
* Partially vaccinated: 14 (6.6%)
* Fully vaccinated: 30 (14.1%)
Past week, cases per 100,000 population (Aug. 19-25)
Not vaccinated: 199.0
Partially vaccinated 105.7
Fully vaccinated: 24.9
Outbreaks
There has been one new health facility outbreak, at the Sunset Lodge long term care home in Victoria. Three staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 and are self-isolating at home.
Island Health says that no residents are showing symptoms of the virus, and the risk of transmission is low.
There are currently eight active outbreaks in long term care: Heritage Village (Fraser Health), Brock Fahrni (Vancouver Coastal Health), Village at Mill Creek – second floor, Nelson Jubilee Manor, Kootenay Street Village, Cottonwoods Care Centre, Brookhaven Care Centre and Spring Valley Care Centre (Interior Health)
There is one outbreak in acute care facilities: Peace Arch Hospital in Fraser Health.
There are currently 5 active outbreaks in assisted or independent living facilities: Nicola Meadows, Hawthorn Park, David Lloyd, Sun Pointe Village and Hardy View Lodge in Interior Health.
Island Health
Island Health reported 63 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Island region and 555 active cases.
Breakdown of cases on Vancouver Island:
South Vancouver Island Active cases: 188 │Total Cases: 2471
Central Vancouver Island Active cases: 185 │ Total Cases: 2879
North Vancouver Island Active cases: 79 │Total Cases: 840
12 people remain in hospital with 13 in ICU.
There have been no new deaths in the Island Health region today, and a total of 43 deaths on Vancouver Island.
Vaccinations
83.9% of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 75.8% received their second dose.
In addition, 84.6% of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 76.9% received their second dose.
To date, 7,408,715 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in BC.
UVic will require its students, staff and faculty attending on-campus activities to either self-declare their vaccination status or participate in a COVID-19 rapid test come September.
“There are still many moving pieces and details to be finalized but we wanted to inform our community as soon as we could,” Vice President of UVIC, Kevin Hall, said in a statement.
The news comes alongside the BC vaccine card announcement, which will go into effect September 13th, and the reinstatement of the mandatory indoor masking health order.
“Alongside the BC Vaccine Card and mandatory indoor masking PHO orders from earlier this week, we believe this program will give students, staff and faculty the confidence needed for a full return to in-person campus activities,” Hall said.
To participate in on-campus, in-person activities students, faculty, or staff must choose either option.
While this is a relatively new measure, Hall said that this “significant undertaking” will be developing at the behest of provincial health orders and measures.
Concerns over confidential data will be discussed collaboratively with faculty and staff associations and unions, as well as student societies, Hall said.
“We believe this program will give students, staff and faculty the confidence needed for a full return to in-person campus activities,” said Hall.
UVic joins Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia and Thompson Rivers University on this joint plan.
I wrote that post while I was in Calgary, blissfully forgetting that every flight is a risk, COVID or no COVID. A risk to your sanity.
So, Flair Airlines.
If you haven’t heard by now, Flair is a newish, low-cost, independent carrier that flies a handful of routes in Canada. Luckily for me, one of those routes is Victoria to Calgary. They only fly Thursdays and Sundays, but that coincided neatly with my father’s birthday weekend.
Now, I want to be clear about a few things before I get into this. I had no problems with booking, checking in, or indeed actually being on the planes that this company owns.
Their in-flight staff were perfectly fine, professional, and more-or-less pleasant. The flight was dirt cheap, literally $78 round-trip, taxes included. I came with a single carry-on bag and I had no issues.
I am perfectly happy getting no in-flight service, no water, no mixed nuts, nothing at all, if it means I can get to Calgary in an hour and change from Victoria.
So what was the problem? I’ll come to that. But I want to establish that Flair, itself, is likely not the problem here.
This isn’t, truly, just going to be “another complaint about flights.” It’s more a commentary on “how did we get here that ‘another complaint about flights’ is a genre of writing?”
My particular entry for this genre started when I got an email notice that my flight had been delayed. One hour, 35 minutes. Okay. Fine.
Another email came shortly after. Now delayed three hours, 45 minutes.
Hmm.
Then another email.
Delayed by four hours, 45 minutes.
A distant alarm bell rang in my head.
Another email.
Five hours, 50 minutes.
When at last, no more emails came, I journeyed to Calgary International Airport, swathed in the inky blackness of 10 minutes to midnight. A proverbial doomsday clock.
At the gate, waiting with the other confused souls, an announcement came on, informing us that our aircraft, apparently delayed, had arrived, and we would be able to board at 12:15 a.m.
A haggard cheer went up.
That spirit of camaraderie was shattered moments later when the gate agent sheepishly informed us that there had been a medical emergency as the plane landed.
We couldn’t be MAD, though. Who can get mad at being late when somebody might be dying?
Well, as it happened, suffice it to say that several pieces of evidence emerged as to the nature of this medical emergency, such that I can conclude two things:
It was non life-threatening
It caused a bodily substance to be…left…on several seats
I’m not saying this person was at fault. I am saying that there are measures that can help handle these things, and I was suddenly keenly aware that Flair did not stock its plane with air sickness bags.
A frill cut too far, I fear.
Now, again, I did not get mad in the moment. I did not transform into Karentron, bane of managers everywhere. Instead, I think I felt a crushing sense of inevitability.
This is just how air travel…IS.
When you really think about it, it’s absolutely wild that we rely so heavily to get around this ludicrously large country in a bunch of tin cans with a million moving parts, strapped in with over a hundred strangers, any of whom could decide at any moment to bug out and declare themselves Napoleon of the Airstream as they assault their fellow passengers with the sharp edge of a stale sesame snap.
The point is: there’s so much that can go wrong. I’m not saying you need to be afraid of air travel, but I am saying that we’ve become so numb to the normality of delays that it really begs the question: why the hell are we still doing this?
Sure, we’ve brought in rules around compensation (and I have emailed Flair, because while I may not be Karen in the streets, I am definitely Karen in the sheets (don’t think too hard about that. Or do)) — but regardless of those rules, we know that there’s a constant cascade of flight backups.
And I know, I know, I live a life of privilege, my ancestors had to get around China with effing ox carts, but still, I can’t help but wonder: isn’t there a better way?
Via Rail doesn’t cut it, especially with these namby-pamby worker’s rights that stop us from murdering railway employees these days.
Highway 1 is such a punchline it literally filled a South Park episode as a joke.
Maybe this is as good as it gets. Maybe flying in at 4 a.m., blearily half-hallucinating a cab ride home, is as much as we can muster.
Welp. Until such time as we sort out the kinks in the matter transporter (you look good with a fly’s head, really), I guess I’ll be riding the vomit-comet yet again.
One, please.
Welcome to Ford on Fridays: a weekly column where Victoria Buzz staff writer Tim Ford offers his thoughts on life, love, and the pursuit of the perfect joke.
This column is for comedic purposes only. Please feel free to send feedback, thoughts, and [constructive] criticisms to tim@victoriabuzz.com.
In an effort to get more people vaccinated with their first and second dose, vaxx vans and mobile clinics have been running in dozens of communities in BC, including the Greater Victoria area, since July. The vaxx van has allowed eligible people to walk-in and receive a vaccine without a scheduled appointment. This weekend, the vaxx van will visit Nanaimo at these locations:
On Monday, the vaxx van will visit the Comox Centre between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
As of this publication, 83.7% of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 75.6% received their second dose. From August 11th-24th, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 82.4% of COVID-19 cases and 86.4% of hospitalizations
If you have a motorcycle, come down this Saturday to enter it into various categories for the Barnes Harley-Davidson 6th Annual Show and Shine. Categories include Best Sportster®, Best Dyna, Best Softail®, People’s Choice and more.
The event includes music, Greek on the Street food truck, a stunt show by The Vanishing Ones, tattoo booth, barber, on-site Lighthouse Brewing Co. beer garden and more!
Where: 2940 Ed Nixon Terrace, Barnes Harley-Davidson Victoria
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, August 28th
Registration: Email marketingteam@barneshd.com, limited registration day of the event.
If you’ve missed live comedy, come down to Hermann’s Jazz Club’s Late Night Pro Comedy Event this Saturday. The event will be hosted by Bryan O’Gorman with comedians to be announced.
Where: 753 View Street
When: Doors open at 10 p.m. Show runs from 10:30 p.m. to midnight.
Tickets: Tickets are available by table. Tickets can be purchased online here.
Visiting Sooke Country Market is a perfect Saturday morning activity. Browse through the vendors selling everything from fresh produce, jewelry, gardening supplies and more.
2021 marks Moss Street Market’s 30th season in operation. If you prefer contactless pick up, you can visit the online Moss Street Market to pick up your order.
This weekend, attend an outdoor concert at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park.
The outdoor performance venue, also known as The Stage in the Park is located in the middle of Beacon Hill Park, off Arbutus Bridge way and has recently reopened for summer concerts.
The Bandshell includes 12 benches providing seating for over 500 spectators, as well as picnic tables and space for attendees to bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket.
Tours of Craigdarroch are back! Tours are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday with tickets purchased in advance. Proceeds from tickets fund the ongoing castle restoration projects.
For more information on tickets, prices and to book your tour, visit the Craigdarroch Castle website here.
No, you haven’t been transported back in time, this is real! Legacy Drive-In has announced showtimes for their outdoor theatre at Westshore Motorsports Park.
This weekend, see Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Mission: Impossible and Downsizing from the comfort of your car as you enjoy food by Westshore Burger Co.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and it is recommended patrons arrive 30 minutes before showtime to ensure they get the best spot.
Where: Westshore Motorsports Park (formerly Western Speedway) 2207 Millstream Road
The Sidney Street Market is back! After a prolonged COVID-19 absence, the market has returned to a new location at the Mary Winspear Centre. While you’re there, be sure to check out Glory Bakehouse for some delicious brownies.
Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., every Sunday through October 10th
As restrictions ease, workout classes are finally re-opening and going back to regular capacity.
If you are interested in trying something new but want to try out some different workouts before committing to a lot of money we have a list of 15 new-member deals at local fitness studios!
BC was recently named Canada’s #1 staycation destination! Which means we are envied by the rest of Canada for our beautiful views, nature and relaxing environment.
Plan a staycation on our very own island with this list of 10 unique Airbnb getaways right here at home!
From the creators of the ‘Islands Passport’ comes a brand new addition, the ‘Distillery Passport’. The passport includes a complimentary flight and deals at 37 distilleries across British Columbia, with 14 of them located on Vancouver Island alone!
The Distillery Passport is $47.99 and can be purchasedonline.
Where: Vendors across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and throughout BC!
When: Available July 21st at 9 a.m., and can be used until June 2022.
On a local subreddit, r/VictoriaBC, user fyrite asked the public to share their favourite local dishes, the go-tos, the ones people can’t live without.
Victoria delivered, and over 300 recommendations were posted to the thread.
Fyrite took the recommendations and created a mass spreadsheet and map to allow the suggestions to be easily accessible and enjoyed by everyone!
This year’s Victoria Literacy Connection fundraiser is Book Bash! The event means your reading can help donate money to worthy literacy causes.
To participate, visit the event’s website to register and download your Pledge Form and Reading Log. Once you determine your pledges, get reading and log your progress! In September, donations will be used to help free literacy programs.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, location has a huge impact on the quality of your running experience. Pick a cool August morning or break out the running shoes later in the day when everything cools down. If you’re not sure where to go for your run, we have created a list of 10 scenic routes just waiting for you to explore!
Netflix is currently holding their biggest casting call ever, allowing the public to apply to be a part of some of their most popular reality TV series.
To apply, all you have to do is record and submit a one minute video of yourself.
If you’re ready for your big break, visit the Netflix Reality website to apply!
Sidney accountants, Hughesman Morris Liversedge, are back with their annual fundraiser to support children in their return to school.
This year, a raffle will be held with all proceeds from the event put toward classroom supplies and field trips for Sidney Elementary School.
Prizes for the raffle include 3 gift boxes, with two valued at $375 and first prize valued at $750.
The baskets feature goodies and gift certificates from local Saanich Peninsula businesses.
Raffle tickets cost $5 each or three for $10. They can be purchased at Hughesman Morris Liversedge’s office (9768 Third Street) or online via their website.
If re-elected, the Liberal Party says they will create a $1 billion COVID-19 proof of vaccination fund for the development of provincial vaccine identification programs.
The announcement was made Friday morning while Trudeau hit the campaign trail in Hamilton, Ontario.
“A vaccine mandate for non-essential businesses is a good idea,” Trudeau said.
“It keeps people safe, encourages everyone to do the right thing, it keeps our businesses open, and it keeps our economy rebuilding.”
Trudeau lauded Premier John Horgan and Quebec’s Premier Francois Legault for their commitment to proof of vaccination cards and called on Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford to create a proof-of-vaccination system.
Premier Jason Kenney of Alberta and Saskatchewan’s Premier Scott Moe have firmly come out against implementing a vaccine identification system.
On Monday, the B.C. provincial government announced that beginning September 13th, proof of vaccination will be required for people attending certain recreational settings and events. These rules will also apply to out-of-province visitors.
The province said that a secure website which will house personal vaccination information will be available for September 13th.
Since the announcement of the BC Vaccine card, the province reported that vaccine registration increased, particularly among people under the age of 40.
In early August, the federal government said it plans to create proof-of-vaccination documentation for international travel by early fall.
A pop-up drive-in movie theatre has returned to Victoria, and once again they’re donating 100% of their proceeds to a local charity.
Fresh Air Cinema has partnered with FortisBC to offer family-friendly showings on September 4th and 5th at the Mayfair Shopping Centre, with donations going towards Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
It’s the 15th year for the drive-in tradition, and for 2021 they’ve lined up a pair of smash hits that are perfect for movie lovers.
The musical, ‘In the Heights,’ will play on Saturday, September 4th and Pixar’s ‘Up’ will be played on Sunday, September 5th.
COVID-19 social distancing protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of each guest.
A full list of all social distancing guidelines will be available on Eventbrite, where you can acquire your by-donation ticket.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria is the Community Fundraising Partner and will have volunteers on site to assist in event management, including running a concession.
Concession proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria.
Last year, over ten thousand dollars was donated to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria.
Fresh Air Cinema Where: Mayfair Mall When: Saturday, September 4th and Sunday, September 5th
A rezoning proposal for the Capital Iron Lands has placed a new home for the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria at the centre of its plans.
Reliance Properties, along with architect D’Ambrosio Studio, say they submitted their application to the City this week for rezoning of the area between Chatham, Discovery, Government Street and the wharf.
If their application is approved, the rezoning would allow them to pursue a redevelopment which could include a new home for the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV).
“At almost seven acres, Capital Iron Lands is one of Victoria’s largest development opportunities and we look forward to collaborating with the city and local communities to make the Arts & Innovation District a diverse hub of arts, culture, and technology,” said Jon Stovell, president and CEO of Reliance Properties.
The properties at Capital Iron Lands were bought by Reliance in 2020. Currently, the company says the area is largely undeveloped, with 93,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.
These developed spaces include three heritage buildings. Capital Iron, the nearly 90-year-old business which gives the land its namesake, occupies half of the built space.
New commercial, retail, and residential spaces
Reliance’s application primarily calls for allowances of commercial and retail spaces. Some limited residential spaces would be zoned above commercial areas, and there would be an allowance for light industrial activity at the wharf.
But the centrepiece of the pitch is a proposed new art gallery that would be built at the corner of Store and Discovery. This building would be owned and operated by the AGGV.
“For many years, we have been actively searching for a new building for the AGGV,” said Janyce Ronson, AGGV acting director.
“Working with Reliance Properties provides us with the possibility of that opportunity, subject to continued support from funders, donors and the community.”
In addition to the new gallery, several buildings of varying heights are proposed, the tallest of which would be 17 storeys and would include residential and commercial space.
Another 13-storey tower would contain living and working space for artists, and a 10-storey tower would be built for more residences and commercial space. The majority of the remaining buildings would be five storeys or less.
(rendering showing heights of buildings in the proposal. Green numbers indicate storeys from Store Street, blue numbers indicate storeys from Discovery Lane | Reliance Properties)
The project, if approved, would likely proceed in a series of phases. The first phase would see the construction of the new, five-storey art gallery, along with the 13-storey live/work artist space and a five-storey industrial arts hub.
“The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is an anchor cultural institution in the region,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.
“There have long been calls for it to move downtown. I can’t think of a better place than in the newly created Arts and Innovation District. I look forward to seeing this exciting rezoning opportunity come before Council.”
While the Delta variant continues to sweep through Canada with infection rates highest among the unvaccinated, the Moderna vaccine has been approved by Health Canada for children between 12 and 17.
On Friday morning, August 27th, Health Canada said they considered the Moderna vaccine to be safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 for teenaged children.
The Pfizer vaccine was also approved for this age group in May.
Children will still receive two doses of the mRNA vaccine and doses should be scheduled at least one month apart from each other.
This may come as welcome news for parents worried about the back-to-school season.
From August 11 to 24, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 82.4% of COVID-19 cases and 86.4% of hospitalizations.
In mid-August, Henry revealed both Pfizer and Moderna have completed dosing studies and have moved on to Stage 3 in their trials to create vaccines for children aged 6 months to 6 years and 6 years to 12 years old.
Pfizer is likely to complete this stage in September or October, resulting in a vaccination possibly becoming available for those aged 6 to 12 by the end of the calendar year.
Moderna is slightly behind Pfizer, however, a vaccine for this age group is expected in early 2022.
A man taxiing supplies to different sites of old-growth logging blockades was transported to hospital after RCMP discovered him suffering from possible life-threatening injuries after he crashed an ATV.
On early Thursday morning, August 26th, RCMP located an All-terrain vehicle (ATV) while patrolling the Hemmingsen Mainline Forest Service Road which had crashed into a ditch in the Fairy Creek watershed area.
Officers discovered the man suffering from significant and possibly life-threatening injuries, including a broken leg, and estimated that he was in the ditch for at least 15 hours before they found him.
Medical assistance was provided and emergency health services were called to transport him to hospital. According to RCMP, the man said he was travelling between protest camps to transport materials.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Protesters have been using locking or tripod-like devices and deep trenches in the Granite Mainline Forest Service Road to block access to logging trucks and RCMP.
RCMP are investigating a structure fire in Duncan that sent multiple people to hospital Wednesday night.
Just before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25th, RCMP were contacted by the North Cowichan Fire Department to attend a structure fire on Dingwall street in Duncan.
The North Cowichan Fire Department and BC Ambulance were on scene when RCMP arrived.
Several residents were in need of medical aid and were transported to hospital for injuries received in the fire.
According to RCMP, preliminary reports suggests that the fire was unintentionally caused, though, an investigation will occur to determine the cause.
A temporary shelter location has been set up at the Cowichan Community Centre for anyone displaced.
If you live in Victoria you know brunch is a big deal.
Every weekend, locals line up to catch up with friends and indulge in their favourite breakfast foods.
One of the most universally loved breakfast foods are pancakes. These fluffy, warm discs of delight are constantly being served up, and local restaurants love to try coming up with new creative variations.
In no particular order, here are nine of the best pancake breakfasts Victoria has to offer:
Jam Cafe is not only a brunch favourite; it’s a favourite for pancake lovers.
Their triple-stack Blueberry Hill Pancakes are topped with blueberry sauce or house made lemon curd.
Two other varieties also come in triple-stacks: triple-stack Banana Walnut Pancakes, topped with caramelized bananas and walnuts, and cinnamon bun pancakes, topped with maple butter and cream cheese icing.
Jam Cafe’s Pulled Pork Pancakes are double stacked, layered with pulled pork, maple bourbon BBQ glaze, pickled cabbage, jalapeno sour cream, green onions and cilantro.
Finally, the Full Monty Pancakes are plain pancakes served with maple butter.
Nourish Cafe is perfect for a healthier pancake option. The Sleeping Beauty Pancakes are spiced oat pancakes topped with house whipped cream, seasonal compote, bee pollen sprinkles, and maple syrup.
Location: 225 Quebec Street
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily, except closed on Tuesdays.
Spoons Diner offers three delicious pancake options!
The Saxe Point Berry Stack is served with sweet cream cheese, berry compote and whipped cream. The Willow is served plain with syrup and butter. The Cinn City Cakes are a triple stack, layered with sweet cream cheese and topped with an icing glaze.
Shine Cafe’s ‘Famous Pancakes’ are served as a double or triple stack with real butter and pure maple syrup. You also have the option to choose 2 add-ons from blueberry, raspberry, banana, toasted pecans, and chocolate chips.
Locations: 1324 Blanshard Street and 1548 Fort Street
Floyd’s Diner’s Classic Lumbercakes are served in a double or triple stack with butter and syrup. You can also add pure maple syrup, bourbon maple syrup or lemon curd and strawberry sauce for an additional charge
Let’s be honest, brunch in Victoria can be pricey. If you’re on a bit of a pancake budget, or you want them late into the night, Denny’s is your answer.
Pancake options include Choconana pancakes, cinnamon roll pancakes, double berry banana pancakes, and salted caramel and banana cream pancakes
With less than a month until the federal election, the federal Conservatives have announced their candidate in the riding of Victoria: Hannah Hodson.
Hodson has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Victoria and spent seven years working as a communications coordinator for the former BC Government under Premier Christy Clark, as well as working in Ottawa for an incumbent Conservative MP.
The former Clark staffer is a transgender Canadian whose intention is advancing LGBTQ+ rights, protecting the environment, and managing the affordability and housing crises.
“From difficulty accessing gender affirming healthcare to being subjected to hateful comments. I want to show people like me, and anyone who feels that they have been ignored, that I will fight for them,” Hodson said in a statement.
Running opposite the newly announced Conservative candidate in the Victoria riding are incumbent Laurel Collins for the NDP, Green Party candidate Nick Loughton and Liberal candidate Nikki Macdonald.
Two debates are scheduled with the leaders of the federal parties, Jagmeet Singh (NDP), Justin Trudeau (Liberal), Erin O’Toole (Conservative), and Anammie Paul (Green). Maxime Bernier (PPC) was denied entry to the debates after his party failed to meet the necessary criteria..
The English debate is scheduled for September 9th and the French debate for September 8th.
Collins is the NDP Critic for Environment and Climate Change, the Deputy Critic for Infrastructure and Communities, and Vice Chair of the NDP Caucus
She served on Victoria City Council and is a former UVic professor of sociology.
Collins says if re-elected, she will continue to advocate for stronger climate change legislation, and address issues involving the opioid and housing crises.
Macdonald is running for the second time after campaigning for the Liberals in 2019. In her previous showing, she placed third behind the Greens and NDP, but increased the Liberals’ vote share by over 10 per cent compared to 2015. She sits on the board of directors for the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and the Mount Work Coalition.
Macdonald’s main issues of concern for this election involve climate change and the opioid crisis.
The BC Ministry of Health reported 724 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, August 26th.
There have been 162,693 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 142
Fraser Health: 185
Island Health: 64
Interior Health: 271
Northern Health: 62
Resident outside Canada: 0
There are currently 5,640 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.
155,096 people who tested positive have recovered.
There are now a total of 149 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 83 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
2 new people have died from COVID-related causes, making the provincial death toll at 1,804.
Data by Vaccination Status:
From August 11th-24th, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 82.4% of cases and 86.4% of hospitalizations.
Past week cases (August 18th-24th):
Total: 4,413
Not vaccinated: 3,131 (70.9%)
Partially vaccinated: 509 (11.5%)
Fully vaccinated: 773 (17.5%)
Past two weeks cases hospitalized (August 11th-24th):
Total: 199
Not vaccinated: 157 (78.9%)
Partially vaccinated: 15 (7.5%)
Fully vaccinated: 27 (13.6%)
Past week, cases per 100,000 population (August 18th-24th)
Not vaccinated: 199.5
Partially vaccinated: 111.9
Fully vaccinated: 24.6
Outbreaks
There are currently 8 active outbreaks in long term care: Heritage Village in Fraser Health, Brock Fahrni in Vancouver Coastal Health, Village at Mill Creek – second floor, Nelson Jubilee Manor, Kootenay Street Village, Cottonwoods Care Centre, Brookhaven Care Centre and Spring Valley Care Centre in Interior Health.
There is 1 outbreak in acute care facilities: Peace Arch Hospital in Fraser Health.
There are currently 5 active outbreaks in assisted or independent living facilities: Nicola Meadows, Hawthorn Park, David Lloyd, Sun Pointe Village and Hardy View Lodge in Interior Health.
Island Health:
Island Health reported 64 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Island region and 451 active cases.
Breakdown of cases on Vancouver Island:
South Vancouver Island Active cases: 194 │Total Cases: 2439
Central Vancouver Island Active cases: 182 │ Total Cases: 2856
North Vancouver Island Active cases: 75 │Total Cases: 830
12 people remain in hospital with 12 in ICU.
There have been no new deaths in the Island Health region today, and a total of 43 deaths on Vancouver Island.
Vaccinations
83.7% of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 75.6% received their second dose.
In addition, 84.4% of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 76.7% received their second dose.
To date, 7,390,103 (+20,362) doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in BC; 3,504,402 (+11,283) of which are second doses.
Documentary lovers can rejoice as the Royal BC Museum gets ready to reopen their IMAX® Victoria theatre on September 3.
Headlining the lineup is Humpack Whales, a film narrated by renowned actor Ewan McGregor. The film is set in the waters of Alaska, Hawaii and the remote islands of Tonga.
Three other crowd favourite films are returning, including Sea Lions: Life by a Whisker, Turtle Oddysey and Asteroid Hunters.
“We know that local residents, IMAX® Victoria passholders and visitors to Victoria have all been looking forward to seeing the world again through the magic of IMAX® Victoria,” says Erika Stenson, A/Vice President of Museum Operations at the Royal BC Museum.
“As Victoria and BC reopen to travel and tourism, we’re thrilled to reopen this popular BC-based experience.”
Admission to the IMAX® Victoria theatre can be purchased with a combination pass to the Royal BC Museum.
Film schedules, tickets and information about COVID-19 health and safety protocols are available on the IMAX® Victoria website.
Summer may almost be over, but something fun is blooming in the town of Sidney!
For a limited time, you can escape into a flower lover’s dream through the streets of this sweet seaside town, snapping shots and taking in the sights of over 10 sky-high floral displays.
Sidney’s Festival of Flowers will officially kick-off on Friday, August 27th and run all of the way until September 10th – so you’ll have time to stop and smell the roses!
The new annual festival will feature unique and creative floral displays throughout downtown Sidney and you can check out the interactive map herefor all of the stunning locations.
On top of this, Sidney BIA will kick it into party mode all day Saturday, August 28th, when they’ll feature a town-wide sale, live music, streetside entertainment and tons more!
Click herefor a list of merchants taking part in the sale, and don’t forget to stop by Brown’s the Florist between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day where you can take in a FREE photo booth by Four Frames.
You can also enjoy live music by local artists throughout the summer, every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside of Barbara’s Boutique at 2493 Beacon Avenue – check out more info about participating artists here!
Also, while you’re strolling the streets in bloom, how about a little shopping spree, on us? We’ve partnered with Sidney BIA to offer a $100 gift card to a Sidney business of your choice! Check out how you can win it below:
CONTEST
For a chance to win a $100 gift card to a Sidney business of your choice from Sidney BIA, complete one or more of the following:
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. on September 12th, 2021. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
Research Co. says this is an increase of five points from when they asked a similar question in March 2021.
The number is similar for attendance at live concerts, with 66 per cent saying they are supportive for vaccine passports at these events.
A significantly larger number of older respondents are in support, with 74 per cent of British Columbians 55 and up in support of the documentation at concerts.
For other activities, the number decreases slightly: 63 per cent support vaccine passports for gyms or fitness facilities, as well as working in an office, and 62 per cent the passports for attending theatres or cinemas.
The highest level of support for vaccine passports is found when talking about interprovincial travel and for international travel.
69 per cent support vaccine passports for travel to other Canadian provinces, and 77 per cent support vaccine passports for travel to other countries.
As the Delta Variant leads to a spike in cases, people remain largely reluctant to attend a variety of activities as well.
28 per cent say they are currently willing to visit gyms or fitness facilities, 23 per cent willing to attend music venues, and only 20 per cent are interested in live sporting events.
“In spite of the high vaccination rates in British Columbia, residents of the province are not particularly prepared to attend crowded spaces,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co.
“Only 29% of those aged 18-to-34 are willing to go to a concert or dance right now.”
Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 19 to August 21, 2021, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.
UPDATE: VicPD reported that the suspect in an assault and mischief investigation at a Victoria business has been identified.
VicPD are on the hunt for a man who assaulted a business owner and damaged property in downtown Victoria last week.
On Wednesday, August 18th, officers were called by a business owner who reported that a man had randomly damaged a sign outside his business in the 2500-block of Government Street.
According to VicPD, the owner told officers that when he asked the man to stop, the man threw an object at him, narrowly missing him.
Luckily, the business owner was able to capture a photograph of the suspect—an approximately 45-year-old Caucasian man standing 5’10” tall, with a medium build.
The man has a shaved head with a dark brown, moustache and goatee.
At the time of the incident, he was wearing a light-coloured camouflage singlet, black Nike workout pants, white sneakers and a blue backpack.
On Thursday morning, shortly after 11 a.m., VicPD said they had identified the suspect but were still investigating.
UPDATE | The suspect in an image we released this morning – a man pictured about to throw an item in a mischief & assault investigation at a #yyj business – has been identified. Our investigation continues. Thank you for your help.
Update: VicPD reported that the suspect in the theft of paramedic equipment from the 500-block of Ellice St has been identified.
VicPD are looking to identify a suspect involved in the theft of paramedic’s equipment from early August.
On the morning of Friday, August 6th, BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) paramedics reported that their medical equipment was stolen while they were providing medical assistance to a patient in the 500-block of Ellice Street.
Later, a case was recovered with some of the medical equipment missing.
The suspect is described as a man between 25 and 25 years old, 6’0” tall, weighing approximately 220 pounds.
He has short dark brown hair and a brown goatee. At the time of the incident, he was wearing dark work boots, dirty tan work pants, a greyish blue t-shirt with a red logo on the front, and a distinctive black and red work harness and toolkit.
VicPD are asking anyone with information to call them at (250) 995-7654.
With a levy of public health measures announced this week, the province is reporting that vaccine registration has increased, particularly among people under the age of 40.
On Monday, August 23rd, the province reported close to a 175% increase in daily registrations and an almost 89% daily increase compared to the previous Monday.
The uptick comes after the province announced it would require British Columbians to be vaccinated for certain discretionary activities next month.
A total of 8,909 new registrations and 7,347 new appointment bookings were made on Monday, and a total of 10,175 new registrations and 9,486 new appointment bookings were made on Tuesday.
The province reported that vaccine registration for first doses has been significantly higher among people under the age of 40.
Just over 11,000 people under 40 have booked COVID-19 vaccine appointments, and almost 13,000 have registered.
Compared to last week, where there were just over 4,000 registrations and over 5,000 appointments, it appears the BC vaccine card and the FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine has made an impact on unvaccinated British Columbians.
“Getting vaccinated is the most important step we can all take to move out of this pandemic, and the momentum this week is positive news,” said Adrian Dix.
“I encourage everyone to make the best choice to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community – get vaccinated.”
A 63-year-old Victoria man, previously convicted of kidnapping and sexual assault, was arrested in Esquimalt after he reportedly tried to enter a woman’s home this week.
Shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Monday, August 23rd, VicPD responded to a report that neighbours were holding a man found trying to break into a residence in the vicinity of Fleming Beach in Esquimalt.
Officers attended the scene, taking custody of the suspect without incident.
Other witnesses reported that the suspect attempted to enter a woman’s residence through a window, but when the woman spotted the suspect she screamed for help, which alerted the neighbours.
Several neighbours confronted the suspect, but the man fled the area on foot.
A chase ensued, and eventually he was held him until VicPD arrested him.
The suspect is now being held in custody until he faces recommended charges of trespassing at night, break and enter, and assault at court.
If you have any information on the suspect contact VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
(Dr. Bonnie Henry/Province of British Columbia Flickr)
The BC Ministry of Health reported 698 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, August 25th.
There have been 161,969 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 129
Fraser Health: 203
Island Health: 69
Interior Health: 252
Northern Health: 45
Resident outside Canada: 0
There are currently 5,356 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.
154,669 people who tested positive have recovered.
There are now a total of 139 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 75 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
1 new person has died from COVID-related causes, making the provincial death toll 1,802.
Data by Vaccination Status:
From August 10th to 23rd, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 83.3% of cases and 85.0% of hospitalizations.
Cases (August 23rd):
Unvaccinated: 372 (68.4%)
Partially vaccinated: 53 (9.7%)
Fully vaccinated: 119 (21.9%)
Cases (August 17th-23rd):
Unvaccinated: 3,051 (66.8%)
Partially vaccinated: 535 (16.5%)
Fully vaccinated: 752 (16.6%)
Hospitalizations (August 10th-23rd)
Unvaccinated: 144 (77.0%)
Partially vaccinated: 15 (8.0%)
Fully vaccinated: 28 (15%)
Outbreaks
There have been two new health-care facility outbreaks: Brock Fahrni in Vancouver Coastal Health and Spring Valley Care Centre in Interior Health.
There are currently 8 active outbreaks in long term care: Heritage Village in Fraser Health, Brock Fahrni in Vancouver Coastal Health, Village at Mill Creek – second floor, Nelson Jubilee Manor, Kootenay Street Village, Cottonwoods Care Centre, Brookhaven Care Centre and Spring Valley Care Centre in Interior Health.
There is 1 outbreak in acute care facilities: Peace Arch Hospital in Fraser Health.
There are currently 5 active outbreaks in assisted or independent living facilities: Nicola Meadows, Hawthorn Park, David Lloyd, Sun Pointe Village and Hardy View Lodge in Interior Health.
Island Health:
Island Health reported 69 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Island region and 397 active cases.
Breakdown of cases on Vancouver Island:
South Vancouver Island Active cases: 171 │Total Cases: 2413
Central Vancouver Island Active cases: 159 │ Total Cases: 2829
North Vancouver Island Active cases: 67 │Total Cases: 820
12 people remain in hospital with 12 in ICU.
There have been no new deaths in the Island Health region today, and a total of 43 deaths on Vancouver Island.
Vaccinations
83.5% of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 75.4% received their second dose.
In addition, 84.2% of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 76.5% received their second dose.
To date, 7,369,741 (+18,270) doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in BC; 3,493,119 (+10,243) of which are second doses.
Starting September 1st, children 12 and under in Victoria will be able to ride BC Transit for free as part of a pledge from the provincial government toward family transit accessibility.
For families who purchase a monthly bus pass for a child 12 and under, this new initiative means savings of $35 a month. BC Transit says this could add up to a savings of $420 per year.
“Providing safe, reliable and affordable public transportation is our top priority, and we support this program to help families get around more affordably,” said Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO of BC Transit, “This is a great opportunity to grow young ridership, create lifelong transit users and further reduce congestion on our roads.”
The initiative was first announced in April, during a provincial 2021 budget announcement.
During this announcement, the NDP government said they would be allocating $26 million dollars of BC’s 2021 budget towards projects they say will offer affordable transportation for families.
The free fare applies to any public transit system in BC, including TransLink (and HandyDart) and BC Transit.
It is anticipated about 340,000 children across the province will have access to free transit starting next week.
Since the wildfire season began, 1,551 wildfires and 861,283 hectares have burned in BC, and currently 48 evacuation orders are in place.
As evacuees suffer the loss of homes and belongings, and others find themselves in need of temporary lodgings, the province says they are teaming up with the Canadian Red Cross to offer financial assistance.
Financial assistance will be provided in one of three ways:
$2,000 to eligible B.C. households whose primary residence has been severely affected by this season’s wildfires, based on structural loss information provided by Emergency Management BC (EMBC);
$2,000 to eligible households who were evacuated from the Lytton region due to wildfires;
$1,200 for B.C. households under a mandatory evacuation order for longer than 10 consecutive days during the 2021 wildfire season.
Eligible British Columbians need to register with the Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Financial assistance provided through the Red Cross will not affect eligibility for support through the provincial Emergency Support Services (ESS) program.
If you’d like to donate to BC households affected by wildfires, you can make a financial donation here through the Red Cross.
In an announcement today, the Victoria Jazz Society (VJS) has cancelled their “GET FUNK’D” event, which was set to take place at the Phillips Backyard on Saturday, September 25th.
VicPD are asking the public’s help identifying a suspect who, armed with a golf club, was uttering threats at staff in a Victoria business.
At approximately 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 19th, officers responded to a report that a man threatened staff while armed with a golf club at a business in the 600-block of Queens Avenue.
Please help us identify this suspect who reportedly threatened staff at a #yyj business while armed with a golf club.
According to the report, a different man had a dispute with staff at that location and briefly left the property only to return with the suspect, who threatened to harm staff while carrying a golf club.
The suspect left shortly after and no one was physically injured in the incident.
The suspect—described as a 20 to 30-year-old Caucasian man standing approximately 5’8″ with short dark hair—was shirtless, wore sunglasses, and red or burgundy pants.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call VicPD at (250) 995-7654
‘Jesus take the wheel’ took on a whole new meaning after one woman miraculously went unscathed when her brakes stopped working on a highway near Nanaimo.
On Saturday August 21st, Parksville’s BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) were conducting speed enforcement on Highway 19 near Nanoose Bay when a grey 1999 Ford Escort was observed travelling north 35 kph over the speed limit.
While the car drove past, officers noticed the driver had her hands off the wheel, and was gesturing wildly.
An officer quickly caught up to the car and realized it did not have brakes.
Maneuvering his car in front of the speeding vehicle, the officer was able to safely bring the vehicle to a stop without any injuries or damage.
After the stunt, things took a turn when the 33-year-old woman curiously provided a name which officers quickly determined was false.
The officers also discovered the woman was prohibited from driving and had outstanding warrants for her arrest. She was handed a three-day immediate roadside prohibition after a mandatory roadside breath test.
After even further investigation, it was determined the vehicle did not belong to her, the license plates did not belong to the car, and the operating hand and foot brakes did not work.
According to RCMP, the woman had passed through several red lights in Nanaimo.
The woman was served numerous violation tickets and released from custody for a future court date in Nanaimo. The vehicle was impounded.
Are you ready to change your life in just a couple of clicks?
With this year’s BC Children’s Hospital Dream Lottery, that could be a reality, and with some of their biggest prizes ever, grabbing your tickets ASAP is sounding better than ever.
Your ticket means you’ll have the option of 8 Grand Prizes, with homes in South Surrey, Vancouver, Kelowna, Penticton, Victoria and Courtenay.
The proceeds from ticket sales go towards research initiatives at BC Children’s Hospital — where researchers translate their discoveries directly into improved healthcare for children.
Buying a ticket supports the only hospital in the province devoted exclusively to children, and with your support, they can help improve their lives and define the future of children’s health care for generations to come.
The Courtenay home grand prize is worth over $2.6 million in total, and full of epic prizes that could completely transform – and here’s a list of 7 of those:
The home
(Courtenay Grand Prize home / BC Children’s Hospital Dream Lottery)
How would you like to wake up in your very own luxury 1,985 sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom rancher at Crown Isle, steps away from their golf course community? With this grand prize, you could!
The interior
Naturally, you’d want to fill your new home with new furniture, right? You could do so with a Design Therapy furniture package worth over $50,000.
The vehicle
You could also drive up to your new home in a brand new, fully loaded 2021 Toyota Tundra Platinum.
The travel trailer
(BC Children’s Hospital Dream Lottery)
Fancy a vacation? You could win a home away from home with a 2021 Arctic Fox Travel Trailer.
The boat
(BC Children’s Hospital Dream Lottery)
Along with the above, you could hit the open water in your all new 2021 Duckworth 20 Navigator Sport HT.
The perks
Can’t live that close to the course without being able to indulge in some golf! This prize package includes a 10 year annual couples membership at Crown Isle Golf Course.
The cash
As if the above wasn’t enough, the cherry on top of this incredible grand prize includes $1.1 million in cold hard cash.
Grab your tickets quickly, as the last three lotteries sold out in record time!
And also keep your eyes peeled for even more ways to win big, with bonus draws, cash prizes and much more.
Deadlines to enter the various draws are:
End of Summer Bonus Draw: Midnight, Friday, September 3rd
Fall Bonus Draw: Midnight, Friday, September 17th
Early Bird Draw: Midnight, Thursday, October 7th
Main Draws and Grand Prize: Midnight, Thursday, October 14th
Air Canada has introduced a new mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all employees and new hires, following a recent announcement from the federal government.
The Government of Canada now requires that employees in federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors be fully vaccinated.
In a statement on Wednesday, Air Canada says their new health and safety policy aims to further protect employees and customers.
According to the policy, all employees of the airline must be fully vaccinated and report their vaccination status by October 30th, 2021.
Providing proof of full vaccination status will also be a condition of employment for new hires of Air Canada.
Testing will not be offered as an alternative.
Air Canada added that they will accommodate employees who, for valid reasons such as medical conditions, cannot be vaccinated.
Employees who are not exempt and fail to be fully vaccinated before the deadline could face consequences up to and including unpaid leave or termination.
As we say goodbye to August and hello to every pumpkin spice flavoured item imaginable, Netflix is here to provide entertainment for the cooler months ahead.
Here are 58 new movies and shows coming to Netflix Canada this September:
September 1st
Anjaam
Barbie Big City Dreams
Brave Animated Series (Season 1)
Chicago Med (Seasons 1-5)
The Dead Don’t Die
Elizabethtown
How to Be a Cowboy (Season 1)
Kid-E-Cats (2 Seasons)
Kuroko’s Basketball (Season 3)
The Lost Daughter
Time Freak
Yesterday
September 2nd
Afterlife of the Party
Double Jeopardy
Here and There
Hotel Del Luna (Season 1)
Q-Force (Season 1)
September 3rd
Dive Club (Season 1)
Money Heist: Part 5 (Volume 1)
Sharkdog (Season 1)
Worth
September 6th
Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space (Season 1)
RCMP are warning internet users in Campbell River of an online extortion scam involving social media and explicit nudity.
Campbell River RCMP say that the scam likely involves a call centre in Eastern Europe luring users in with what appears to be an attractive individual. This fake person sends victims a friend request, claiming to have mutual friends, often on Facebook.
If accepted, the extortion scam proceeds with the fake person claiming their audio doesn’t work. A recording then plays of a person sexually gratifying themselves.
When they do this, they request the victim do the same.
If the victim disrobes, the scammer will send threats to them, saying they are being recorded and footage will be released unless money is sent.
Campbell River RCMP say this is akin to high-pressure sales tactics that get people to send money quickly before processing what is going on. RCMP have a few tips to recognize a scam of this nature:
Most scam accounts haven’t been around that long and have few actual friends;
If you believe you are being scammed, immediately cut contact with the scammer;
Report the scammer’s profile to the site provider (eg.. Facebook);
You may wish to close your account down (no account, no friends list to send video to)
Do not send money, these individuals are playing a bulk game, typically if they can’t get anything they move on.
Be aware of who you are sharing your sensitive information with.
“It’s important for people to remember, many internet criminals operate outside of the boundaries of law enforcement and as such a great deal of the work regarding internet crimes is prevention,” said Cst. Maury Tyre of the Campbell River RCMP.
If you have been a victim of fraud or extortion, contact Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221.
What better way to kick off your back-to-school than a brand new wardrobe full of the latest and greatest styles?
At Usolo, they’ve brought a whole new generation of fashion brand to Victoria, right in our very own Mayfair Shopping Centre.
They’re all about individual style and perfect mix – so whether you’re looking timeless styles or cutting edge designs, they’ve got you covered.
They also firmly believe that shopping should be fun and beyond the ordinary, so stopping by before the school year kicks off this year is a no-brainer!
Even better, we’ve partnered with Usolo to offer one lucky winner a back-to-school shopping spree at their shop worth $500 – contest details are below.
(Usolo)
Aiming at providing customers with a sustainable wardrobe which can live a long time, their pieces mean you’re getting the best bang for your buck – so you can stock up and save at the same time.
At Usolo, you can pop by in person to shop or you can browse their extensive catalog online.
CONTEST
For a chance to WIN a $500 gift card for a back-to-school shopping spree at Usolo, do one or more of the following:
1. LIKE Usolo on Facebookand comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
2. FOLLOW Usolo on Instagramand comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
3. SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. on September 1st, 2021. One winner will be chosen at random.
A fight on Salt Spring Island escalated to the point where a man drew a fake handgun, according to the RCMP.
The incident occurred on August 19, near 127 Fulford Ganges Road. Salt Spring RCMP received a report that two men were arguing on the Ganges Centennial Docks.
Witnesses told police that one of the men had retrieved what appeared to be a handgun, and had pointed it at the other man.
Police say a witness called 911 and provided a detailed description of the suspect. Thanks to this description, officers were able to find the suspect a short distance from the dock.
He was taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported in the altercation.
The man is scheduled to appear in court on November 19, 2021, on charges of uttering threats and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
A woman was airlifted to hospital from Salt Spring Island after she was involved in a collision while riding a moped, RCMP say.
The injured woman, according to Salt Spring RCMP, was visiting the Island from Alberta. She had travelled to see family.
According to police, the collision occurred on August 20 in the 500 block of Lower Ganges Road. A moped rider was travelling northbound on Lower Ganges Road, and crossed the centre line.
She collided with a pick-up truck travelling in the opposite direction. The woman was subsequently airlifted to Victoria with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
So far, 32% of wildfires have been human-caused, 55.7% are caused by lightning, and 12.3% have an unknown cause.
The wildfire situation is still evolving but here are current statistics of the situation as of 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24th.
Current Active Wildfires
There are currently 260 wildfires burning in BC and since April 1st, there have been 1,551 wildfires and 861,283 hectares burned.
Most wildfires are occurring in the Interior, North, and Vancouver Coastal areas of BC; Vancouver Island is currently experiencing one wildfire of note near Ladysmith.
Since wildfires began this summer, and Lytton was destroyed by a wildfire, evacuation orders due to wildfires have been more frequent.
There are currently 48 evacuation orders and 96 evacuation alerts in total; most being in central BC.
Central BC is currently experiencing the most orders and alerts, with 46 evacuation orders and 83 alerts.
Southeast BC is experiencing six alerts; meanwhile, Northeast BC is experiencing two alerts and the Southwest has three alerts.
5,392 properties in BC are being ordered to evacuate.
Crews and Equipment
There are a total of 464 out-of-province firefighters attending the BC wildfires.
Firefighters and other personnel currently fighting the fires is at 3,374 which includes out-of-province and aerial support.
There are also 161 aerial support staff.
Vancouver Island
Currently, there are three wildfires on Vancouver Island—Mount Hayes and Copper Canyon near Duncan and a new wildfire near Port Alberni that is burning at less than a hectare.
The Copper Canyon wildfire is under control at 32 hectares.
The Mount Hayes fire is currently categorized as a “Fire of Note” by the BC Wildfire Service—its estimated size is 73 hectares.
If you spot a wildfire, report it as soon as possible by calling 1.800.663.5555 or *5555 on your cell phone.
Passengers 12 and older on board BC Ferries vessels and at terminals will once again be required to wear non medical face masks or face coverings starting Wednesday, August 25th.
The mask mandate will apply to anyone 12 and older regardless of vaccination status.
Additional measures will allow customers to remain in their vehicles on open or upper cardecks during the sailing.
There will also be enhanced cleaning and sanitizing stations, as well as physical barriers.
BC Ferries said there will be exceptions to the policy—passengers in their own car or customers eating in designated areas—as well as customers medically-exempt from wearing a mask or children under two years of age.
BC Ferries may require passengers who claim exemption to present documentation from a healthcare professional.
The BC Ministry of Health reported 641 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, August 24th.
There have been 161,271 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 125
Fraser Health: 149
Island Health: 53
Interior Health: 273
Northern Health: 39
Resident outside Canada: 2
There are currently 5,357 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.
153,967 people who tested positive have recovered.
There are now a total of 138 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 78 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
There were no reports of deaths from COVID-related causes, making the provincial death toll 1,801.
Data by Vaccination Status:
From August 9th to 22nd, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 83.4% of cases and 85.6% of hospitalizations.
Cases (August 16th-22nd):
Unvaccinated: 2,870 (70.2%)
Partially vaccinated: 541 (13.2%)
Fully vaccinated: 680 (16.6%)
Hospitalizations (August 9th-22nd)
Unvaccinated: 108 (77.7%)
Partially vaccinated: 11 (7.9%)
Fully vaccinated: 20 (14.4%)
Outbreaks
The outbreak at Kin Village West Court in Fraser Health has been declared over.
There are currently 6 active outbreaks in long term care: Heritage Village in Fraser Health, Village at Mill Creek – second floor, Nelson Jubilee Manor, Kootenay Street Village, Cottonwoods Care Centre and Brookhaven Care Centre in Interior Health.
There is 1 outbreak in acute care facilities: Peace Arch Hospital in Fraser Health.
There are currently 5 active outbreaks in assisted or independent living facilities: Nicola Meadows, Hawthorn Park, David Lloyd, Sun Pointe Village and Hardy View Lodge in Interior Health.
Island Health:
Island Health reported 53 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Island region and 383 active cases.
Breakdown of cases on Vancouver Island:
South Vancouver Island Active cases: 167 │Total Cases: 2396
Central Vancouver Island Active cases: 154 │ Total Cases: 2813
North Vancouver Island Active cases: 62 │Total Cases: 809
10 people remain in hospital with 12 in ICU.
There have been no new deaths in the Island Health region today, and a total of 43 deaths on Vancouver Island.
Vaccinations
83.3% of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 75.1% received their second dose.
In addition, 84.1% of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 76.3% received their second dose.
To date, 7,351,471 (+14,673) doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in BC; 3,482,876 (+9,661) of which are second doses.
Do you want to check out some Victoria restaurants, businesses and more without leaving the comfort of your home?
Attractions Victoria has a new webpage that will allow you to do just that!
The platform launches Monday, August 30th, allowing visitors to virtually walk through stores, restaurants and other attractions across Victoria.
As the first of its kind in Canada, the site works to enhance the province’s tourism goals and overall experience.
Not only does this help locals and tourists looking to see what a business is all about before they visit, it also helps businesses modernize their offerings.
The launch of the site has been supported by partnerships with Destination Greater Victoria, The City of Victoria, The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and the Vancouver Island Film Commission.
The first stage of the project will be complete in the next few months, bringing the first 25 walkthroughs online.
Attractions Victoria will continue to expand the digital walkthrough platform as funding is secured.
A Nanaimo woman who told family she was hitchhiking to Ontario has been reported missing. Shannon Lettington was last seen on Saturday August 14th. Lettington is a caucasian female standing 5’0” tall, weighing around 100 pounds. She has brown hair and hazel eyes. Since she left, her immediate family has not been able to contact her and are concerned for her safety and well-being. Nanaimo RCMP are asking the public to help find Lettington. They believe she is still on Vancouver Island. If you have any information on Lettington’s whereabouts contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-234.
The Liberal Party of Canada has released their election pitch to tackle an issue greatly affecting BC: housing.
The three-step plan will ban blind bidding, establish a legal right to a home inspection, and ban new foreign ownership for two years — a policy the federal Conservatives have also included in their platform.
Three mandates are put forward in the policy proposal: unlock home ownership, build more homes, and protect Canadians rights to own a home.
With a promise to build 1.4 million homes in four years, draft a home buyers’ bill of rights, and reduce monthly costs of mortgages, the Liberals say their plan will make home-buying a more fair, open, and transparent process, while creating a more accessible, stronger middle class.
“Owning a home shouldn’t be out of reach and renting shouldn’t be so expensive for young Canadians,” said Justin Trudeau
“They shouldn’t be losing bidding wars when they see houses sitting empty next door.”
The Liberal’s plan intends to save a first-time home owner upwards of $30,000.
It’s unclear how many homes B.C. could expect, but the plan will depend on municipalities to help deliver the new homes.
Just today, Saanich council approved a comprehensive, 10-year housing strategy they say will increase the supply, affordability and diversity of housing options in Saanich.
The strategy will focus on increasing affordable and supportive housing, protecting rental housing, supporting housing diversity and increasing supply, reducing barriers to housing development, and engaging the community to better understand the housing demand of the area.
MAID, the new series from Warner Bros/Netflix, premiered its first trailer yesterday.
The 10 episode series is based on the memoir “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive” by Stephanie Land.
The adaptation follows the story of a young mother fleeing an abusive relationship who finds a job cleaning houses to help provide for her child and build them a better future.
Margaret Qualley is set to star, with the producers of Shameless and Promising Young Woman backing the production.
Filming began at Colwood’s Royal Beach in September 2020. Production then moved to various locations around Victoria before wrapping in March 2021.
Cross-border ferry companies are prepping their services after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the reopening of multiple terminals.
In Victoria, the announcement that the Belleville and Black Ball Terminals will be reopening as of September 6th was greeted with fanfare by local leaders.
“Our marine border is a vital link for our region and we’re thankful the Canada Border Service Agency has found the capacity to staff ferry terminals in the Inner Harbour as of Sept. 7th,” Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams said.
“The Victoria Clipper and Coho Ferry connect Greater Victoria with Washington State, which is extremely important for our tourism sector.”
The news was also met with reactions of relief, as some pointed out that marine borders were excluded from an initial air and land border reopening on August 9th.
Victoria mayor Lisa Helps pointed out that that exclusion caused confusion for local industry and business.
“There was also concern that because of suspended service during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Belleville Terminal had lost its status as a port of entry into Canada,” Helps said on Tuesday.
“The Belleville Terminal is an important entry way to the region and a key engine of the region’s economy. The Coho and Clipper are critical links for Victorians with our neighbours to the south and we look forward to this long-standing border crossing being reopened.”
Representatives for the Coho and Clipper lines say they will still need time to prepare for a potential restart of service, and the first ferries won’t run until at least a couple of weeks after the terminals reopen.
Clipper CEO David Gudgel says they are looking at a tentative restart date of September 17th for their first sailing on their Victoria to Seattle service.
“What we see this time of the year is more emphasis on weekend getaways,” Gudgel told Victoria Buzz.
“So as we come back we’re looking at doing an amended service, where we’ll come back a little bit slowly and offer Friday through Monday service, to begin with.”
While a global shortage of qualified mariners is impacting other marine-based businesses and operations, the Clipper CEO says he is confident that they will have staff ready to go for the fall.
However, other challenges do remain in place. According to CBSA, travellers eligible to enter Canada will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival. Alternatively, they must have a positive test result taken between 14 and 180 days before departure to Canada.
These test results have to be provided to a border official. On top of this, proof of full vaccination must also be submitted 72 hours before arriving at the border.
“It’s not, in a true sense, open,” said Ryan Burles, President of Black Ball Ferry Line, in an interview with Victoria Buzz.
“[Canadians], too, have to have a PCR test to come back in. So, logistically, how do you do that? When do you do that? How much does it cost? They’re all hurdles.”
On top of this, while Canada is working to allow Americans entry to our borders, the Biden administration has not yet reciprocated.
The U.S. government recently extended a restriction on all non-essential travellers, including Canadians, until September 21st.
With that closure in mind, Burles says the Coho ferry line will need more time to get into operation. He thinks that following a confirmation that the American border will open to Canadians, his service could be running again 10 to 14 days afterwards.
Nevertheless, Burles says the terminals reopening are an important step towards the resumption of services and business.
“It’s really important that this is not closed, to be able to start operating when it comes to bringing people on board.”
(Island K’ulut’a sponsors: BC Ferries’ Crewing Advisor Jennifer Thacker and June Johnson from We Wai Kai Nation)
BC Ferries has revealed the names of their third and fourth Island Class ferries at a special naming ceremony this week.
The ceremony, which took place at Victoria’s Point Hope Maritime, introduced the two newest vessels to enter the fleet.
The Island Nagalis and Island K’ulut’a will begin service in 2022, providing a two-ship service between Campbell River and Quadra Island.
Island Class ferries can carry up to 47 vehicles and 400 passengers and crew.
The ships, which are battery equipped, also feature a design that reduces underwater radiated noise and lowers overall emissions.
The name selection was determined following a community engagement process, focusing on celebrating the important connection to some of the coastal communities BC Ferries serves.
Nagalis means “dawn on the land” and K’ulut’a is the name for Porpoise in both Kwak̓wala and Lik̓wala, two of the Kwakwaka’wakw dialects.
The ceremony included a few words from BC Ferries, representatives from We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum nations and other dignitaries. The ships’ names were then unveiled, and the hulls were christened.
BC Ferries also partnered with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) to commission original artwork from Indigenous artists for the interior of the vessels.
“For the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, this project provides a unique opportunity to share the exceptional work of Indigenous artists with people from across B.C. and around the world,” Karen Aird, Acting CEOof the FPCC said.
“We hold our hands up to BC Ferries for partnering in a fair and equitable Indigenous-led selection process and for acknowledging the Kwakwakaw̓akw language in the vessel names.”
The FPCC will manage an open call to artists to design the vessel interiors. Further details will be announced in the Fall.
Patrons heading to games at the Rogers Arena and Abbotsford Centre will need proof of vaccination, Canucks Sports & Entertainment (CSE) says.
The move follows a Monday announcement from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix on a new BC vaccine card.
A vaccine card will be required for anyone looking to attend indoor ticketed concerts, theatre, dance, symphony and sporting events.
It’s unclear what this means for people with medical exemptions.
“The health and safety of our fans, employees, players and community has always been a top priority and we welcome today’s announcement by Premier Horgan, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix,” said Michael Doyle, President, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Business Operations.
“The new program will help us ensure everyone is as safe and comfortable as possible at Rogers Arena and the Abbotsford Centre.”
He added that CSE will be working with local health authorities on an entry process for those attending events at the two facilities.
The province also announced it would not be moving forward with Step 4 of the Restart Plan on September 7th.
Starting September 13th, proof of vaccination will be required in BC for people attending certain recreational settings and events.
CSE has not released details on how operations will work with the BC Vaccine Card, but are expected to announce them soon.
The temporary public health order will require people to be vaccinated with one dose by September 13th and with two doses by October 24th.
Students, faculty, and staff are set to go back to in-person learning with a new set of COVID-19 protocols.
In an announcement on Tuesday, August 24th, BC’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, joined Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside and Minister of Advanced Education Anne Kang, to lay out their plans for the education sector.
Students and faculty will be required to wear a mask in all indoor public areas on campus including lobbies, hallways, stairwells, elevators, classrooms and labs.
Students in grades three and under will not be required to wear a mask.
The province said that there will be no vaccine requirements for students or teachers at schools, colleges, or universities. However, accessing non-essential services, such as on-campus indoor venues, gyms, restaurants, or sporting events, will require proof of vaccination.
Universities can mandate their own COVID-19 protocols regarding proof of vaccination.
The BC Centre for Disease Control and the Office of the Provincial Health Officer released COVID-19 guidelines for post-secondary institutions that can be found here.
Guidelines are being updated to reflect the new mask mandate and proof of vaccination card.
BC Teachers’ Federation expressed their support for mandatory vaccinations on Twitter, but also said they require more guidance on those who are medically-exempt from the COVID-19 vaccinations.
On mandatory vaccines, the BCTF would not oppose them for #bced. We would need to see details about protection of privacy and accommodations for workers with exemptions. In the meantime, we need to focus on masks for all, ventilation and distancing. #bcpoli
