Visiting all 5 of the Southern Gulf Islands just got easier!

A new water taxi service, AquaLink, connecting all 5 of the Southern Gulf Islands is set to begin operation this fall. 

In September, travellers will be able to use the water taxi to visit Salt Spring Island, Galiano Island, Mayne Island, Pender Island and Saturna Island.

The water taxi, a pilot project funded by the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership (SGITP), will run every Saturday and Sunday. 

Each route will have one scheduled trip in the morning and one in the afternoon/evening.

The cost of each island hop varies, with shorter routes (such as Salt Spring to Galiano) costing $15.75 per adult and longer routes (such as Mayne to Saturna) costing $21 per adult. Ticket prices are one-way. 

You can pre-book your September trip by visiting Aqualink’s website here.

RCMP say that a single-vehicle collision claimed the life of a young woman on Denman Island Thursday evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. on July 22. Police were called to the scene of a car crash on Danes Road.

An initial investigation determined that a driver had lost control, and a passenger was thrown from the vehicle as a result. No other vehicles were involved.

The RCMP say that the passenger, a 20-year-old woman, succumbed to her injuries on scene.

The vehicle’s other occupants were uninjured.

Comox Valley RCMP say they have notified the BC Coroners Service, and will not be releasing any further information to the public.

The BC government and the University of Victoria have announced they will be building additional learning facilities and expanding programs within Engineering and Computer Science. 

In response to a growing demand on both engineering and computer science programs as well as the need for high-impact solutions in fields such as environmental sustainability and health-care technologies, UVic’s expansion will include a six-story addition which will include a new laboratory and teaching spaces. 

This new building will support 500 additional seats that are currently being added for students in computer science and six engineering programs.

In addition, a new High Bay Research and Structures Lab will be constructed, including a 12-metre-high area for structural testing and other large scale experiments.

Both structures have been designed to achieve a net-zero carbon target and will combine Passive House design features and mass timber structures. 

The buildings will also include heat pumps and green and solar roofs. The buildings will serve as a living lab for experiential learning, research and industry partnerships, and tackle climate change, clean energy and health-care solutions.

“This new space will accelerate UVic’s research discoveries and attract top-tier international scholars and researchers” said Mina Hoorfar, Dean of UVic’s Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, “These landmark buildings will provide a dynamic environment for the training of future engineers and computer scientists”.

The cost of the project totals $89.6 million dollars, with $64.8 million from the province and $24.8 million from the university and through a fundraising campaign. 

The project is anticipated to generate approximately 600 jobs in the construction and supplier industry and, with the additional space and programs, lead to 125 more graduates per year by 2023.

Check out photos of the proposed design below: 

A protester at an old-growth logging protest was struck by a car on Thursday afternoon in an incident that is currently being investigated.

The victim, Warren Kimmit, 67, stood in front of an Indigenous elder to protect her from vehicles in the 800-block of Blanshard street on Thursday July 22nd.

Kimmit was struck by a car that VicPD said was travelling northbound at a low speed.

VicPD was monitoring the protest and responded to the incident by offering an ambulance to Kimmit.

Kimmit initially declined but a short time later, he requested an ambulance and was transported to hospital for medical evaluation.

There was no visible damage to the vehicle involved and there were no arrests.

VicPD are currently investigating the incident, and investigators say there is no indication that the driver of the vehicle intentionally struck the person who moved into the roadway.

Additionally, investigators are not currently aware of any conflict between the parties before the collision.

In a post on Facebook, a protestor, Jennifer Smith, claims that the vehicle did, in fact, intend to hit the protestor.

“I heard one car angrily lay on the horn and I saw them drive straight at her,” read the post.

“I saw his body go flying like a rag doll. The extent of his injuries is as of yet unknown. She was not hit. He took the blow for her.”

According to Smith, she has given video evidence to VicPD regarding the incident.

Other reports from protestors are also claiming the vehicle hit Kimmit intentionally.

Victoria Buzz has reached out to both VicPD and Jones for the video footage and more information about the incident.

This is a developing story.

Comox Valley RCMP have ruled a woman’s fall from a second-story window of a Courtenay hotel on Tuesday evening as accidental.

The Comox Valley RCMP Major Crime Unit has concluded that nobody pushed the woman.

On July 20th, just after 8 p.m., RCMP received a report that a woman had suffered serious injuries after falling from a second-story hotel room window in Courtenay.

Officers were told the woman had been pushed from the window of the hotel room, however, after reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements from the area, investigators determined the woman had fallen and was not pushed.

“Unfortunately, there are still some people in our community who believe this woman was pushed from the window,” said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer, Comox Valley RCMP.

“We want to make it clear that she was not pushed and any acts of vigilantism will be
subject to their own investigation.”

The woman remains in hospital and is expected to recover.

BC SPCA have launched a new “No Hot Pets” campaign to remind people of the dangers of leaving animals in a hot vehicle.

Less than halfway into the summer season, the BC SCPA has responded to 642 calls about dogs left in hot cars already this summer.

“Every year there is at least one call where a pet has died before help can arrive. It is heartbreaking because it is a horrible way for a pet to die and it is devastating for their guardian,” said Lorie Chortyk, general manager of communications for the BC SPCA.

Chortyk said many people don’t realize just how quickly a situation can become dangerous for their pets.

What happens when a dog is left in a hot car

Dogs can only cool off by sweating from their nose and paws. When they’re stuck inside a car surrounded by hot seats and other equally warm objects, it makes it even more difficult for them to release any sweat at all.

With an average body temperature of 39°C, a short time in a hot environment can quickly raise their temperature to 41°C which can potentially lead to the risk of brain damage and even death.

And it doesn’t help to leave the A/C running, so even cars that have signs like “the A/C is on. He has water and is listening to his favourite music” still pose a risk to the animal inside them.

“Dogs don’t have sweat glands like people do and can only release heat from their bodies by panting or through the pads of their paws,” said Chortyk. “It doesn’t take long, even if a vehicle is parked in the shade with windows partially open, for a pet to suffer severe heatstroke.”

As part of its No Hot Pets campaign, the BC SPCA is offering free car decals to help raise awareness of the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars. They’re also offering posters, flyers, and other educational materials that animal lovers can distribute in their community.

When you see an animal left in a car by themselves, check for symptoms of heatstroke.

These include exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting), rapid or erratic pulse, salivation, anxious or staring expression, weakness and muscle tremors, lack of coordination, convulsions or vomiting, and collapse.

Situations where you can move the animal out of the vehicle

If you’re able to safely and legally move the animal out of the vehicle, here’s what to do next:

• Move the animal to a cool, shady place.
• Wet the animal with cool water. Do not apply ice as this will constrict blood flow and discourage cooling.
• Fan the animal to promote evaporation. This cools the blood, helping to reduce the animal’s core temperature.
• Allow the animal to drink some cool water (or to lick ice cream if no water is available).
• Take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for further treatment.

What to do if you can’t move the animal out of the vehicle

If the vehicle is parked, note down the license plate, colour, make and model, and get the managers of a nearby business to try and page the owner to return to their car right away.

If that fails call your local animal control agency, police, RCMP or the BC SPCA hotline at 1-855-622-7722 as soon as possible for assistance.

And if a window has been cracked open, the BC SPCA recommends trying to give water to the pet or use a “battery-powered fan from a dollar store” to circulate air.

Don’t break the window because…

For a lot of people who mean well, their first instinct is to break the glass window to get the dog out of the car. Besides the fact that only RCMP, local police, and BC SPCA Special Constables are legally allowed to enter a vehicle in that manner, you breaking a glass window might just make things worse.

Glass shards strewn along the seat of the vehicle can lead to pieces in paws and fur and could end up cutting the animal in the process. So you risk harming yourself (physically and legally), and could also be putting the animal in further danger of injury.

To sign up for your free No Hot Pets Decal visit spca.bc.ca/nohotpets.

The province is urging people on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands to watch their water use with severe drought conditions in the region.

On the government’s scale of drought levels ranked from 0 to 5, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands remain at Drought Level 4.

At this stage, adverse impacts on fish and ecosystems are likely. Already, water shortages in private groundwater wells have been reported and watersheds are at high risk. These areas include:

• The majority of the Gulf Islands
• Fulford Creek on Salt Spring Island
• Tetayut (Sandhill) Creek on the Saanich Peninsula
• Koksilah River
• Chemainus River
• Millstone River
• French Creek
• Tsolum River
• Black Creek

Residential, industrial, and agricultural users are all being asked to do their part to save water.

At home, people should limit outdoor watering and avoid watering during the heat of the day or during windy conditions. Residents should also take shorter showers, avoid leaving taps running, and install water-efficient showerheads, taps and toilets.

BC Hydro offers energy-saving kits that can include water-efficient showerheads and faucet heads for low-to-moderate income households. For a single person, the kit is available for free for incomes up to $34,600.

Farmers, meanwhile, are asked to implement irrigation scheduling programs, improve water system efficiencies and to check for leaks. Focus should be placed on high-value crops and livestock when it comes to watering.

Industrial users are asked to recycle water used in their operations, reduce non-essential water use and to implement efficient methods and equipment.

More information on current drought conditions is available on the Government of BC website.

We all know Victoria has some amazing restaurants and delicious food, but when it comes to specific dishes, everyone has their favourites. 

Throughout the past year, many have been dreaming of their favourite restaurant dish they were missing and eagerly anticipating when they can get back to enjoying it – and we all know take-out just isn’t the same!

After over a year of changing restrictions and lockdowns, getting out there and back into restaurants for dine-in may be overwhelming. 

Where do we eat first? What’s the best dish on the menu? 

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!

Here are 71 of the best dishes in and around Victoria and where to find them:

Grandpa Jones Sandwich

• The dish: Chopped brisket, pork butt, sausage, slaw, pickles and bbq sauce.
• Where to find it: Jones BBQ, 1725 Cook Street

The Green Bastard Taco

• The dish: Taco with deep fried avocado wedges, crispy cheddar, oh-snap and chipotle sauce, charred tomato salsa, pineapple, cilantro and snappy watercress slaw. 
• Where you can find it: Taco Justice, 1580 Cook Street

Cannelloni di Maiale

• The dish: Cannelloni filled with pulled pork and mozzarella, baked with savoy cabbage and smoked bacon, cream and topped with balsamic granny smith apple compote
• Where you can find it: Il Terrazzo, 555 Johnson Street

Brisket Pizza

• The dish: Brisket, dandelion, red onion, tomato sauce, and mozzarella pizza available on the restaurant’s takeout menu
• Where you can find it: Agrius, 732 Yates Street

Almond Stuffed Dates

• The dish: Six bacon wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese and an almond, drizzled with balsamic reduction
• Where you can find it: Tapa Bar, 620 Trounce Alley

French Onion Soup

• The dish: French onion soup with bacon and swiss croutons
• Where you can find it: Brasserie L’Ecole, 1715 Government Street

Ricotta Gnudi

• The dish: Hand rolled pasta with mushrooms and brussel sprouts
• Where you can find it: Wind Cries Mary, 45 Bastion Square

Chicken Shawarma

• The dish: Chicken marinated in 15 Herbs and Spices and slow cooked on a Vertical Rotisserie. You can get Bold Butchery’s chicken shawarma as a wrap, salad, poutine or bowl.
• Where you can find it: Bold Butchery & Grill, 1420 Quadra Street

Truffle Chashu Ramen

• The dish: Ramen noodles in pork and chicken broth, topped with Japanese braised pork belly, pickled shiitakes, scallions, white truffle oil, a fish cake, a soy marinated egg and togarashi
• Where you can find it: Bao, 626 Fisgard Street

Moroccan Chicken Benny

• The dish: Moroccan spiced chicken breast, sauteed brown button mushrooms & onions, palm date apple chutney, moroccan spiced holly. 
• Where you can find it: Blue Fox Cafe, 919 Fort Street

Hawaiian Shoyu Fried Chicken

• The dish: Fried local boneless chicken thighs, garlic pineapple glaze & furikake, grilled pineapple, avocado, pickled onion and Hawaiian Mac salad
• Where you can find it: Smiths Bar & Restaurant, 777 Courtney Street

Spaghetti Aglio Olio Peperoncino

• The dish: Spaghetti with garlic, oil and chillis
• Where you can find it: Zambri’s, 820 Yates Street

Loaded Fries

• The dish: Fries tossed in garlic oil, parmesan, bacon bits, sour cream and green onion.
• Where you can find it: The Tartan Toque, 1507 Pandora Avenue

Baja Shrimp Tacos

• The dish: Hand breaded and deep fried grey cod topped with chipotle mayo and your choice of spice.
• Where you can find it: La Taquisa, 1017 Blanshard Street

Drunken Noodles

• The dish: Flash fried rice noodles with chicken, chilies, onions, garlic, egg, fresh sweet basil leaves and bell peppers in a Thai seasoning sauce.
• Where you can find it: Sabhai Thai, 2493 Beacon Avenue

Dempsey’s Lasagna

• The dish: Beef lasagna with mushrooms, ricotta and mozzarella cheese. 
• Where you can find it: Pagliacci’s, 1011 Broad Street

5th’s Famous Chicken Tenders

• The dish: House made buttermilk-battered chicken breast tenders served with honey mustard sauce. 
• Where you can find it: 5th St. Bar & Grill, 1028 Hillside Avenue

Truffle Mushroom Burger

• The dish: Beef burger topped with garlic mushrooms, emmental cheese and truffle mayo.
• Where you can find it: Pink Bicycle, 1008 Blanshard Street

Charred Broccoli Sandwich

• The dish: Charred broccoli with date, mint, feta, sesame and mayo.
• Where you can find it: Part and Parcel, 2656 Quadra Street

Crispy Calamari

• The dish: Fried crisp and served with lemon, red onions, jalapenos, and Frankie’s house-made tzatziki.
• Where you can find it: Frankie’s Modern Diner, Unit 38 910 Government Street

Albacore Tuna Tacone

• The dish: Grilled medium-rare albacore tuna with spicy spot prawn mayo
• Where you can find it: Red Fish Blue Fish, 1006 Wharf Street

Polish Benny

• The dish: Perogies topped with bacon, caramelized onions and roasted garlic hollandaise
• Where you can find it: Shine Cafe, 1324 Blanshard Street and 1548 Fort Street

The Forager Pizza

• The dish: Walnut and arugula pesto, wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, italian sausage crumble topped with cashew mozzarella. 
• Where you can find it: Virtuous Pie, 530 Pandora Avenue

Burrata and Tomato Salad

• The dish: This vegetarian salad has fresh burrata cheese, brioche croutons, pesto, parmesan, balsamic and black pepper.
• Where you can find it: Boom & Batten, 2 Paul Kane Place

Breakfast Bagel

• The dish: Perfect way to start the day with many customizable options, served on a Mount Royal Bagel.
• Where you can find it: Fernwood Coffee Company/Parsonage Cafe, 1105 Caledonia Avenue

Montreal Smoked Meat Poutine

• The dish: Poutine with Montreal smoked meat (hybrid of corned beef and pastrami).
• Where you can find it: L’authentique Poutine and Burgers, 1208 Wharf Street

Vindaloo mussels

• The dish: One pound of mussels served in a white wine vindaloo broth with a lemony baguette.
• Where you can find it: Fishhook, 805 Fort Street

Sweet & Sour Pork Belly

• The dish: Crisp pork belly, chilli fried green beans, sweet soy and tamarind glaze served with steamed rice.
• Where you can find it: Foo Asian Street Food, 769 Yates Street

Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper Chicken Wings

• The dish: A classic. Honey garlic, Carolina BBQ sauce, Louisiana hot, Christie’s blue boys, Sea salt & cracked pepper, House Habanero hot also available.
• Where you can find it: Christie’s Carriage House Pub, 1739 Fort Street

Beef Wellington

• The dish: A meal if you’re ready to splurge! Served with mushroom duxelle, foie gras and puff pastry.
• Where you can find it: Deep Cove Chalet, 11190 Chalet Road

Chicken and Vegetable Potstickers

• The dish: Pan fried dumplings served with ponzu, sriracha mayo, pickled ginger, sesame and green onions.
• Where you can find it: Darcy’s Pub, 1127 Wharf Street and 737 Goldstream Avenue

Garlic Soy Fried Chicken

• The dish: Original, bone-in chicken with homemade Korean Style garlic soy sauce.
• Where you can find it: Chimac, 512 Yates Street

Prawn Biryani

• The dish: Basmati rice stir-fried with prawns, Indian spices and herbs topped with cashews.
• Where you can find it: Turmeric Indian Cuisine, #103 777 Goldstream Avenue

Mixed Seafood Platter

• The dish: Lightly breaded prawns, squid and scallops fried with garlic-pepper salt. 
• Where you can find it: Tropical Island Restaurant, #1 3690 Shelbourne Street

Egg Mollete

• The dish: Two fried eggs, refried beans, melted cheese, guacamole and pico de gallo on house baked cornbread. 
• Where you can find it: Fuego Old Town Eatery, 1435 Store Street

Beetrice Burger

• The dish: Beef burger with Vancouver Island sauce, lettuce, cheddar and house made pickled beets.
• Where you can find it: Deadbeetz Burgers, 1950D Oak Bay Avenue

BLAT sandwich

• The dish: Local bacon, roasted tomato, avocado, baby greens, aioli and grainy mustard on a ciabatta bun. 
• Where you can find it: MARTA, 1600 Bay Street

Bambino Board

• The dish: Local and International cheeses and cured meats with poached pear, toasted nuts, onion confit and house mustard.
• Where you can find it: Fiamo Pizza & Wine Bar, 515 Yates Street

Greek Platter

• The dish: Greek ribs, lamb chops, calamari, spanakopita, hummus, tzatziki, served on a bed of rice with Greek style roast potatoes, Greek salad, and pita bread.
• Where you can find it: Il Greco Restaurant, 2900 Tillicum Road

Crispy Chicken Burrito

• The dish: The crispy chicken burrito includes cabbage, pickled vegetables, chimichurri and buttermilk chili crema.
• Where you can find it: Tacofino, 760 Pandora Avenue

Rucola E Crudo

• The dish: Tomato, parmigiano, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto di parma and arugula.
• Where you can find it: Pizzeria Prima Strada, 1990 Fort Street and 230 Cook Street

Chicken Udon

• The dish: Chicken and grated daikon radish served on top of Sanuki Udon with soya flavoured sauce.
• Where you can find it: Sen Zushi, 940 Fort Street

Spicy Chicken Donburi

• The dish: Fresh and convenient to-go sushi, bowls and more!
• Where you can find it: Fujiya, 3624 Shelbourne Street

Seafood Laksa

• The dish: Prawns, wild salmon, pacific cod, saltspring island mussels, malaysian coconut curry, rice noodles and cilantro. 
• Where you can find it: Ferris’ Grill & Garden Patio, 36 Yates Street

Breakfast Sandwich

• The dish: Breakfast sandwich served on a house biscuit with chimichurri, egg, cheddar, tomato & avocado
• Where you can find it: Ruth & Dean, 2509 Estevan Avenue

The Sausage Eggs Benedict

• The dish: Eggs Benedict with your choice of grilled chorizo sausage or Italian
• turkey sausage. The user recommends getting the eggs benedict on savoury cornbread!
• Where you can find it: Johns Place, 723 Pandora Avenue

Big Crunch Chicken Burger

• The dish: Crispy chicken burger with locally sourced chicken & buttermilk ranch.
• Where you can find it: Big Wheel Burger, #703 771 Vernon Ave, 341 Cook Street, #210 172 Wilson Street and 2155 Sooke Road

Cinnamon Buns

• The dish: Delicious and fresh cinnamon buns. The business recommends dropping by early or calling ahead as they sell out fast!
• Where you can find it: Patisserie Daniel, 1729 Cook Street

Chana Masala Curry

• The dish: Spicy chickpea and tomato coriander curry served with rice, achar, dahi, sambar and mango chutney. User recommends ordering the dish with tofu.
• Where you can find it: The Mint Restaurant, 1414 Douglas Street

Braised Duck Legs

• The dish: Duck legs served with roast turnips, cabbage and radish slaw, sherry-lime dressing and orange braising jus.
• Where you can find it: Cafe Brio, 944 Fort Street

Imperial Prawns

• The dish: Prawns served with spicy garlic wine sauce
• Where you can find it: J & J Wonton Noodle House, 1012 Fort Street

Ultimate Meatball Panini

• The dish: Meatball panini with tomato sauce, provolone cheese on a white or whole what panino
• Where you can find it: Italian Food Imports, 1114 Blanshard Street

Salad Rolls

• The dish: Salad rolls with shrimp and ham
• Where you can find it: Green Leaf Vietnamese Bistro, 1684 Douglas Street

Roti

• The dish: A West Indian/Caribbean flat bread served with your choice of curried chicken, shrimp, goat, vegetables, stewed pork, pulled pork, or fried fish.
• Where you can find it: Trini To D Bone, 650 Burnside Road West

Breakfast Sandwich

• The dish: Picnic Too’s breakfast sandwich comes with a fried egg with smoked bacon and havarti. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. 
• Where you can find it: Picnic Too, 1019 Fort Street

Duck Wings

• The dish: Wings served with orange coriander vinaigrette and house made ‘bread and butter’ pickles.
• Where you can find it: Heron Rock Bistro, 435 Simcoe Street

Chicken Butter Masala 

• The dish: Barbequed chicken cooked in rich butter masala gravy.
• Where you can find it: Spice Valley, #910 1/2 Esquimalt Road

Chicken Katsu

• The dish: A crispy fried chicken cutlet made with flaky Japanese panko breadcrumbs.
• Where you can find it: Sushi Matsuri, 239 Menzies Street

Deep fried pickles

• The dish: Breaded deep-fried dill pickle spears with roasted garlic & dill aioli.
• Where you can find it: Garrick’s Head Pub, 1140 Government Street

Blueberry Muffin

• The dish: The user recommends the blueberry muffin at Murchies, so it must be something special!
• Where you can find it: Murchie’s Tea and Coffee, 102 – 1644 Hillside Avenue and 1110 Government Street

Spicy Salmon Bowl

• The dish: The spicy salmon bowl comes with marinated salmon, sweet onions, green onions, cucumber, jalapenos, carrots, crab meat, seaweed salad, masago, pineapple, ginger, shoyu, spicy aioli, onion flakes and sesame seeds.
• Where you can find it: Island Poké, 1674 Douglas Street and 111-829 Goldstream Avenue

Spicy Salmon Bowl

• The dish: The spicy salmon bowl comes with marinated salmon, sweet onions, green onions, cucumber, jalapenos, carrots, crab meat, seaweed salad, masago, pineapple, ginger, shoyu, spicy aioli, onion flakes and sesame seeds.
• Where you can find it: Island Poké, 1674 Douglas Street and 111-829 Goldstream Avenue

Scotch Egg

• The dish: Boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried.
• Where you can find it: Irish Times Pub, 1200 Government Street

Barbacoa Empanada

• The dish: Fried turnover pastry filled with beef.
• Where you can find it: Restaurante La Tortilla Mexicana, 1205 Quadra Street

Mushroom Pizza

• The dish: Pizza with mushrooms, cream, cheese, parmesan and herbs.
• Where you can find it: Standard Pizza, 1515 Cook Street

Nanaimo Bars

• The dish: Delicious, traditional nanaimo bars from one of the city’s oldest bakeries.
• Where you can find it: Sidney Bakery, 2507 Beacon Avenue

The Mahoney

• The dish: A Victoria brunch favourite! Chef’s choice of creation. Flip a coin at the end of your meal to pay double or nothing!
• Where you can find it: Floyds Diner, 332 Menzies Street, 4496 W Saanich Road and 721 Station Avenue

Salmon Wellington

• The dish: Salmon wrapped in puff pastry and baked.
• Where you can find it: Flying Otter Grill, 950 Wharf Street

Dragon Bowl

• The dish: Teriyaki tofu, ginger rice, wok fried vegetables, crispy onion, spicy yogurt and bean sprouts. 
• Where you can find it: Browns Crafthouse Vic West, #100 184 Wilson Street

Grilled Cheese

• The dish: Grilled cheese made with aged white cheddar, havarti, house pickles and local berry barbecue sauce. Can be served on a gluten free bun!
• Where you can find it: Wheelies Motorcycles & Cafe, 2620 Rock Bay Avenue

Halibut Fish & Chips

• The dish: Traditional fish and chips made from fresh halibut!
• Where you can find it: Finest at Sea, 27 Erie Street

The daughter of a Nanaimo homeless man who was run over and pepper sprayed is raising funds for her father’s recovery and well-being.

Kayleen Salter identified her father, 45-year-old Charles Samuel Salter, as the victim of the shocking attack on July 10th that has left him in hospital with serious injuries.

The GoFundMe initially began as a fundraiser for Kayleen and her brother to visit her father from Alberta —where they live — to Victoria — where Charles is being treated in hospital.

The victim has been in hospital and, according to the fundraiser, has multiple broken bones and requires an intubator to help him breathe, preventing him from being able to communicate verbally.

Kayleen said she is expecting her second child and that this unfortunate event has shocked both her and her family financially and emotionally.

The fundraiser has now reached more than triple of its $2,500 goal and future donations will be “going into a trust fund to help support his recovery,” read the fundraiser.

“My brother and I would like to go see our father and show him that regardless of his choices that led him to being on the street, we still love him and want him to recover in time. He has a very long journey ahead of him in regards to recovery and I want to be there with him.”

On Saturday July 10th, Salter was accosted by a group of people inside a black car while he pushed a shopping cart along Victoria Avenue near 102nd Street earlier this month.

Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP said the act was “extremely troubling.”

“This incident is extremely troubling as it appears from all accounts the victim was targeted for being a marginalized person,” said O’Brien.

Nanaimo RCMP have yet to provide any new updates on potential suspects.

The fundraiser has now raised over $10,000 for the victim.

“Now that my GoFundMe has blown up so incredibly, all donations that are being made, since I hit my goal, are going into a trust fund to help support his recovery,” read the fundraiser.

To donate to the GoFundMe follow the link here.

BC will change its minimum working age this coming fall.

The new regulation will go into effect on October 15th, 2021 changing the general working age from 12 to 16 years of age.

Under the new regulations, youth in Canada aged 14 to 15 years old will still be allowed to work.

The province has defined the types of jobs youths aged 14 to 15 as “light work.”

Light work includes recreation and sports club work, light farm and yard work, administrative and secretarial work, retail work, food service work and skilled and technical work.

With permission from their parents or guardians, youths can be lifeguards, writers or editors, sales and cashiers, gardeners or grass cutters, and bussers or dishwashers.

Children aged 12 and above can continue to be employed in a business or on a farm owned by an immediate family member, as long as the work meets the safety criteria set out in the regulation.

Youth will not be prevented from babysitting or delivering newspapers, nor will students be ineligible from working in a work study or work experience class.

Young performers in recorded and live entertainment will not be affected by these changes.

The new regulations have included changes to home-care worker and babysitter employment standards as well. This will ensure that those providing in-home care and babysitting services can work under more flexible arrangements with protection under the Employment Standards Act.

The amendment to the Employment Standards Act was initiated after consultations with more than 1,700 youth, parents and employers from multiple sectors in 2019.

Prior to the legislation, BC was the only province in Canada that allowed the employment of children as young as 12.

According to WorkSafeBC, young workers are often involved in hazardous environments at construction sites or heavy-industry settings.

More than $1.1 million was paid in job-related disability claims for workers 14 or younger between 2007 and 2016.

The province said work to define regulatory changes of “hazardous work” for 16 to 18 year olds will come later this year.

A new hybrid vessel will be joining BC Ferries’ fleet soon, and you can welcome the new ship tomorrow morning at its expected arrival at Ogden Point.

The temporarily-named “Island 3” joins other battery-equipped ships that are expected to operate fully on electric power once proper shore charging is built.

Constructed in Romania, it departed the European country on May 19 and is due to arrive on July 22nd.

It will sail around southern Vancouver Island and into Victoria’s Upper Harbour, visible from a number of downtown locations including Dallas Road, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Songhees Walkway, Wharf Street, and the Johnson Street Bridge.

A specific arrival time has not been provided, but vesselfinder.com reports that its current speed will see it to Point Hope Maritime by 5 p.m. in the afternoon.

Following final inspections, BC Ferries will take ownership of the vessel. It will later be renamed and entered into service on the Campbell River – Quadra Island Route in 2022, along with another ship which just finished transiting the Panama Canal, also en route from Romania.

The current president of Vancouver’s Langara College has been selected to serve as the next president and CEO of Camosun College.

Dr. Lane Trotter, who joined Langara in 2014, will head to Victoria to lead Camosun College for an initial five-year term beginning January 1, 2022.

He succeeds Sherri Bell, who is retiring at the end of 2021 after serving over six year’s as Camosun’s president.

“After an extensive search process, the board agreed that Dr. Trotter is an inspiring choice who will enhance and create truly life-changing learning opportunities for students,” said Camosun Board of Governors Chair Dr. Monty Bryant.

“Dr. Trotter is committed to helping Camosun maintain and further enhance its focus on truth and reconciliation, and Indigenization, in addition to inclusivity and sustainability, while ensuring all our students thrive and succeed.”

Camosun College says that Trotter has worked extensively with the Musqueam First Nation, on whose land Langara College is based. This work led to Langara being honored with the name snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ by the Musqueam Nation in 2016.

Over nearly three decades in the field of education, Trotter also has served as as Dean at BCIT and at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario. He was also a Senior Vice President at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario and worked with Colleges Ontario as an expert panelist on visioning sessions for 24 provincial colleges.

“Now, more than ever, post-secondary education has a pivotal role to play in B.C.’s post-pandemic restart, facilitating reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, supporting marginalised communities, and enhancing sustainability to create a bright future for students,” says Dr. Trotter.

“I am excited to move back to Vancouver Island with my family and being part of the Camosun community.”

Four new primary care networks (PCN) are coming to residents living in Victoria, Saanich, and Oak Bay, making it easier for them to access same-day, urgent, non-emergency health care for medical issues varying from minor injuries, mental health, and everyday primary care.

Minister of Health Adrian Dix made the announcement on Wednesday, July 21st.

The urgent and primary care centres will provide primary care to patients who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, and will be open on weekends and after-hours for residents in the Greater Victoria area.

The new facilities will staff up to 96 more full-time health-care providers over a four year span. 

PCN’s will include nurse practitioners, nurses, mental health therapists and a comprehensive range of primary-care services from family physicians and registered nurses to clinical pharmacists, Indigenous health providers and allied health professionals such as social workers and mental health clinicians.

The new networks are intended to give better access to healthcare for those with mild to moderate mental health conditions; better coordinated services for families and seniors who are frail and people with complex health issues; more access to comprehensive services for people living in poverty; and will be culturally safe care for Indigenous peoples.

Newly opened downtown Victoria UPCC

A new Urgent Care and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) opened on Monday, July 19th in downtown Victoria at 1107 Pandora Avenue; its current hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Patients will be seen by a team of health-care providers and will be able to self-refer to the UPCC for care.

When fully staffed, those hours will be expanded to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and care will be available seven days a week, including statutory holidays.

To date, 53 PCNs have been established in BC with a staff of 31 family physicians, 91 nurse practitioners, 104 registered nurses and 6 Indigenous Wellness Providers, among others.

A year and a half after its launch in Victoria, Current Taxi is no longer operating in the city. 

Current Taxi offered a ‘luxury alternative’ to traditional taxis with a fleet of Teslas to provide a unique electric-vehicle experience. 

The service also offered a convenient booking app. Users could set a pick-up and drop off location in the app itself, were provided a quote for their ride and could track the taxi’s location for accurate and precise pick-up.

According to reports online, the closure is being mostly blamed on COVID-19.

The Current Taxi website and social media accounts have been quiet regarding any news of their service leaving the city, however, Victoria bookings are no longer available or advertised on both their website or booking app. 

Bookings are currently only available in Kelowna, where the company was founded.

Victoria Buzz has reached out to Current Taxi, but has not heard back with any further information.

VicPD are reminding members of the community who use cannabis products to safely store them after five children accidentally ingested cannabis-infused gummies last weekend.

On Friday, July 16th, at a barbecue, parents called 911 and took their children to hospital after they discovered their children had accidently ingested THC gummies – the psychoactive chemical in cannabis.

According to VicPD, parents at the barbecue started to notice their children were acting oddly.

When the children were questioned, they said they had eaten candy they found while playing in a room.

The parents soon discovered that the “candy” ingested were THC gummies, and immediately called 911.

The children, all under the age of 10, were brought to hospital where they were observed and later released.

Foul play is not suspected.

Investigating officers located the gummies bag which closely resembles the packaging of a popular gummy candy brand.

VicPD said that while the use of cannabis products is permitted under provincial and federal law in Canada, given the close resemblance of some products to non-cannabis products, they are urging those who use cannabis products to safely store them out of the reach of inquisitive children.

No charges are anticipated.

It’s summer, so naturally, we want to cut loose and have a few drinks.

Just make sure you’re cutting loose those keys and organizing a ride.

Not only will you reduce the risks for yourself and others, but you’ll also avoid the hefty fines and consequences from police.

This past weekend, Oak Bay police conducted three separate roadblocks that cost some impaired drivers their licenses and vehicles.

On Friday July 16th, officers stopped a 2015 black Nissan Leaf on Beach Drive when they noticed a marijuana bong between the driver’s legs.

The 21-year-old driver was given a Standard Field Sobriety Test for drugs and failed.

He was arrested for impaired driving by drug, and provided with his charter of right and a drug recognition expert demand.

The driver was transported to the Oak Bay Police department where a urine demand was read and a sample collected.

A drug recognition report was completed to be forwarded to crown counsel for charge approval.

The driver was issued a 24-hour prohibition and violation tickets for no driver’s licence with a fine of $276 and cannabis in the vehicle with a fine of $230.

On Saturday, July 17th, another roadblock was conducted on Beach Drive, and a 2014 white Honda Odyssey was stopped.

Officers reported that the driver, a 48-year-old female, appeared nervous.

Admitting to consuming one alcoholic drink, an ASD was administered showing a reading of “49.”

The driver had her license seized and was given a 24-hour prohibition notice.

On Sunday, July 18th, a 2006 grey Nissan SUV approached the roadblock at the same location.

The officer detected an odour of liquor emanating from the driver’s breath and administered an ASD which read “WARN.”

Officers issued the 55-year-old male driver a three-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for three days.

The driver was also issued a violation ticket for no driver’s licence with a fine of $276.00.

Find a ride, don’t get a fine!

Today, BC appointed two new First Nations liaisons to assist caretaker communities and provided additional funding to First Nations communities for the investigation into BC residential schools.

Caretaker communities — those with former residential school or hospital sites in or near their communities — can receive up to $475,000 in funding for planning, excavating, DNA testing, and investigations into former residential school or hospital sites.

In total, there were 18 residential school sites and three Indian Hospitals in BC; five of which were on Vancouver Island.

The $12-million fund announced last month to support work at former residential care sites is now open for expressions of interest from caretaker communities.

This funding is meant to “fill in the gaps of the federal funding for residential schools,” according to Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

“The liaisons will support caretaker communities to make connections with provincial and federal agencies, provide advice to the provincial government on activities related to former residential school and hospital sites, and serve as a crucial communications link between communities and the province,” the BC government said in a press release.

The province said it intends to fast-track the review of funding requests, and that there is no deadline attached to the grants.

An additional $2 million in funding will ensure service providers and survivor support networks, adequate resources for wellness, cultural and mental health needs for Indigenous communities.

First Nations Liaisons

The province has appointed Charlene Belleau and Lydia Hwitsum as First Nations liaisons to caretaker communities.

Charlene Belleau is a member of the Esketemc First Nation in the interior of British Columbia.

She was the first female Chief from 1985 to 1987, and has since returned to serve an additional term as Chief.

In 2005, she began work as the Manager of the Indian Residential Schools Unit of the Assembly of First Nations.

Lydia Hwitsum is a citizen of the Cowichan Nation located in Duncan on Vancouver Island where she previously served four two-year terms as the elected Chief of the Cowichan Tribes.

In the emotional press conference, Belleau delivered a speech touching on her experiences and stories involving residential schools and the Sixties Scoop.

“Today, we stand with former students, survivors, intergenerational survivors and their families,” said Belleau.

“We are ready to support communities as they do the difficult work of honouring the spirits of the children who never came home. I am pleased to take on this role and support leaders, former students of residential schools and their families in their journey to bring truth, justice and healing.”

Hwitsum was not present for the press conference.

The latest vessel in BC Ferries’ fleet is entering the second half of its journey to a berth in Canada after it transited the Panama canal this weekend.

Island 4, as the ship is temporarily named, is a hybrid electric ferry that was constructed in the Damen Shipyard Galati in Romania.

It departed the shipyard in June, and is expected to arrive in B.C. by mid-August.

The newest vessel joins a group of similar battery-equipped ships which are intended to operate fully on electrical power, once shore power technology is in place. Until then, they will be able to utilize hybrid power for their journeys.

Island 4 will be renamed later this year along with Island 3. These two ships will then enter service in 2022 on the Campbell River – Quadra Island route.

The tracking website vesselfinder.com last showed Island 4’s position on Monday as 8.44515 N / 79.45424 W.

The Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIOBC) has been called in to look into an incident involving a police dog biting a person on Quadra Island.

Quadra Island RCMP say they were called for a complaint on July 18th shortly before 7 p.m. According to the report, a person had been yelling and screaming all day.

Police say they drove to the location and were met by a person allegedly holding a weapon. The RCMP claim that the person refused to exit a trailer they were in.

Additional police units were called to the scene, including the Vancouver Island Emergency Response Team (ERT). The RCMP say that when ERT arrived, the person left the trailer.

Police claim the person then attempted to go back inside, and a police dog was deployed. The person was bitten by the dog.

The individual was given first aid and was later taken to hospital.

The RCMP say that the matter is now under investigation by IIOBC and they will now be providing any other information. They did not say if the person who was bit by the police dog was charged, arrested, or otherwise detained.