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The Capital Regional District (CRD) is encouraging Salt Spring Island and Southern Gulf Island residents and visitors to conserve their water.
These regions are currently experiencing sustained droughts with little or no rain forecasted in the short-term.
Currently, most of eastern Vancouver Island is rated at Drought Level 4, which is affecting water scarcity and low flows, while western Vancouver Island is rated at Drought Level 3.
Drought Level 5 is rated as the most severe, having adverse impacts to socio-economic values and/or ecosystems.
The entire Thompson-Nicola region, the Cariboo, Shuswap and Okanagan are also experiencing drought-like conditions and water scarcity following the recent extreme heat wave.
Salt Spring Island and the Gulf Islands will need to conserve their water use to preserve the drinking water supply.
The CRD is encouraging a decrease in indoor water use and a stop to all outdoor water use with some exceptions including limited hand watering of trees, shrubs and vegetables.
Otherwise, CRD guidelines are telling residents to avoid watering lawns, turf, or boulevards, washing of outdoor surfaces like driveways, washing of vehicles or boats, and power off motion-activated sprinklers.
There are a number of CRD-owned water systems currently under elevated water conservation restrictions.
To see details specific to your local area visit the CRD website here.
UPDATE: According to family, missing couple, Helmy Sherif and Nadia Elkouni, have been located and are safe. A helicopter has been called in to pick the duo up.
— earlier:
Lake Cowichan RCMP are seeking public’s help in locating a pair of missing Victoria residents.
According to RCMP, Helmy Sherif and Nadia Elkouni were last seen at approximately 5:30p.m. on July 20th, in the Honeymoon Bay area of Lake Cowichan.
The couple were traveling in their black 2014 Toyota Corolla with Alberta licence plate number BKX0192.
Helmy Sherif is described as:
• Caucasian man
• 82 years old
• 5 feet 7 inches
• 155 lbs
• grey hair
• grey mustache
• brown eyes
Nadia Elkouni is described as:
• caucasian woman
• 72 years old
• 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
• 220 lbs (99 kg)
• brown hair
• blue eyes
Police said they are very concerned for their health and well-being.
They have ruled out foul play at this time.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact the Lake Cowichan RCMP at (250) 749-6668
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.
Originally set to begin in 2020, the Olympic event was postponed due to the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world.
This year marks the first time an Olympics has been postponed in history. Previously, Olympic games were suspended three times because of World War I and World War II
Despite the rescheduling to July 2021, the Olympic games will still be known as Tokyo 2020.
Competitions began on July 20th, with the official opening ceremonies airing Friday, July 23rd at 3:30 a.m. PT.
Viewers will be able to watch athletes from around the world compete in their sport. They will even be able to see some familiar faces from right here on Vancouver Island.
Here are 13 Vancouver Island athletes taking part in the the Tokyo Olympics:
Alycia Butterworth
Alycia started running at school when she was 9 years old and attended her first steeplechase event at 13. She has a degree in marketing and human resources from the University of Idaho and a Masters of Data Science from UBC.
Alycia came 26th in the 2017 World Athletics Championships for the 3000m steeplechase and 5th for the same event at the 2011 Pan American Championships.
Hometown: Parksville
Sport: Athletics
Age: 28
Cameron Levins
Cameron’s marathon debut was in October 2018 at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon when he broke the Canadian Men’s Marathon Record crowning him national champion.. His Olympic debut was the 2012 London Olympics. He also won the bronze medal in the 10,000m at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Hometown: Black Creek
Sport: Athletics
Age: 32
Michael Mason
Michael is a three-time Olympian champion and one of Canada’s top high jumpers. His first win was at the 2004 IAAF World Junior Championships where he won gold in his sport.
Hometown: Nanoose Bay
Sport: Athletics
Age: 34
Jay Lamoureux
After being sent home from his first senior national team training camp due to severe patella femoral syndrome (due to overuse affecting his right knee), Jay almost stopped pursuing his sport.
He didn’t give up, however, and began on a long road to recovery followed by competing alongside his team and placing in Pan American Championships, World Cup in Milton, Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, World Cup in Berlin, and Cambridge, New Zealand.
Hometown: Victoria
Sport: Cycling (track)
Age: 25
James Kirkpatrick
James has more than 100 senior national caps since making his debut in 2010. He was a member of the Canadian team for the 2015 FIH World League, 2017 World League and 2018 FIH World Cup. James also represented Canada at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and competed in the Pan AM Games in Lima.
Hometown: Victoria
Sport: Field Hockey
Age: 30
Caileigh Filmer
Cailigh had a dream to compete for Team Canada ever since she was 12 years old, swimming with the youth national team. Caileigh made her Olympic debut at Rio 2016.
Hometown: Victoria
Sport: Rowing
Age: 24
Patrick Keane
Patrick made his international rowing debut for Canada at the 2013 World Rowing Junior Championships while he was only in the 10th grade! In 2015, Patrick won the lightweight double sculls for the UVic team at the Canadian University Rowing Championship. Patrick rowed with the UVic team for 2 years.
Hometown: Victoria
Sport: Rowing
Age: 24
Avalon Wasteneys
Before rowing, Avalon was a competitive cross-country skier and a medallist at the junior national championships in 2014. Avalon discovered rowing when she began attending UVic where she tried out for and made the novice team.
Avalon represented Canada for the first time in 2018 at a World Cup in Switzerland, winning silver.
Hometown: Campbell River
Sport: Rowing
Age: 23
Connor Braid
Connor was a member of the Canadian Rugby Union team from 2010 to 2018 and made his international sevens debut for Canada at a Sevens Series event in Dubai in 2011. Connor’s career sits just shy of 50 career tries and 150 matches played going into the 2021 season.
Hometown: Victoria
Sport: Rugby Sevens
Age: 31
Mike Fuailefau
Mike debuted for the Canadian sevens team at the beginning of the 2013 Sevens Series in Gold Coast. 2015 was a particularly good year for Mike’s rugby career, competing on each stop on tour and being named to the Tokyo Sevens Dream Team.
Hometown: Victoria
Sport: Rugby Sevens
Age: 29
Patrick Kay
Patrick debuted with the senior Canadian Sevens team at a World Rugby Sevens Series in 2013 on the Gold Coast, becoming a regular fixture in the line-up during the 2014/2015 season. Patrick attended the University of Victoria where he won the Canadian University Rugby Sevens Championship in 2013.
Hometown: Duncan
Sport: Rugby Sevens
Age: 27
Emma Entzminger
In 2016, Emma moved from the junior team to the senior Women’s National Team where she was the youngest member on the team. The team took home bronze in the WBSC Women’s Softball World Championship in Surrey.
Hometown: Victoria
Sport: Softball
Age: 25
Matt Sharpe
Matt was Introduced to triathlon at a young age and has always been a strong swimmer. Matt was the winner of the 2017 Penticton ITU Aquathlon World Championship and won 5th place at the 2017 Huelva ITU Triathlon World Cup.
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.”
(Dr. Bonnie Henry/Province of British Columbia Flickr)
The BC Ministry of Health reported 78 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, July 21st.
There have been 148,641 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 23
Fraser Health: 21
Island Health: 2
Interior Health: 31
Northern Health: 1
There are currently 729 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.
146,142 people people who tested positive have recovered.
There are now a total of 48 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 16 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 at 1,763.
Outbreaks
There is currently 1 outbreak in long-term care (Holyrood Manor in Fraser Health) and assisted-living facilities and 1 outbreak in acute-care facilities (Laurel Place at Surrey Memorial Hospital in Fraser Health).
Island Health:
Island Health reported 2 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Island region and 14 active cases.
Breakdown of cases on Vancouver Island:
South Vancouver Island Active cases: 10 │Total Cases: 1998
Central Vancouver Island Active cases: 2 │ Total Cases: 2493
North Vancouver Island Active cases: 2 │Total Cases: 709
1 people remain in hospital with 0 in ICU.
There have been no new deaths in the Island Health region today, and a total of 41 deaths on Vancouver Island.
Vaccinations
80.1% of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 55.6% have received their second dose.
In addition, 81.1% of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 59.0% have received their second dose.
To date, 6,297,149 (+63,493) doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in BC; 2,577,909 (+58,223) of which are second doses.
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.
Everyone knows them for gas, but what many don’t know is how much more this Vancouver Island company has in store.
Peninsula Co-op is a local co-operative with 18 gas centres with convenience stores located on Vancouver Island, with 12 of those just in the Greater Victoria region alone.
Since 1977, they’ve remained entirely locally owned and share profits with their 100,000 member-owners, community and staff.
Becoming a member is easy – and comes with a ton of perks. It means you immediately begin sharing in the profits of the company, rebate cheques at the end of year, and so much more – read more than that below!
Without further ado, here are 11 things you may not have known about Peninsula Co-op:
1. Rebates (more cash in your pocket!)
Your membership isn’t a loyalty program at Peninsula Co-op, and there are no miles to collect, and no points to accumulate.
Every time you use your Peninsula Co-op member number, your purchases are recorded and totaled at the end of the year and go towards the calculation of your annual rebate; a cheque made out to you to spend however you choose!
Sign up to be a member in a few simple clicks here.
2. They invest in local community and share their profits
Through their Community Fund, Peninsula Co-op donates over half a million dollars every year to local charities, organizations, youth groups, student scholarships and community projects.
When you’re a member-owner and shopping at Peninsula Co-op, you too are helping make a difference in the community.
3. Full-serve for price of self-serve
No extra charge for someone else to pump the gas, wash your windows, check your oil, and even more? Yes, please!
At Peninsula Co-op, Full-Serve gas service is the same price as Self-Serve – so you don’t pay any extra for a ton of extra perks.
4. Available washrooms
We’ve all been there – stuck on the road and in need of a washroom.
Fortunately, in those cases, Peninsula Co-op’s got you covered, and their gas centres are known for their clean and attractive washrooms.
5. Free water bottle refill stations
For human and furry friends alike, a water bottle refill station can be a sight for sore eyes, especially while on the road!
Re-hydrate for free at one of their many participating locations.
6. When you’re a member you’re an owner
For just $27, you’re purchasing a share in the company. And because it’s a share, you only pay once – you’re a lifetime member. There are no monthly or annual fees, and it’s not just your typical rewards system – you get a pay out at the end of each year!
7. They’re local
100% locally owned and operated, Peninsula Co-op prides themselves on being Island only.
8. Dog treats on hand for furry passengers
Everyone deserves a treat! When you stop by to fill up, you can also grab your fuzzy co-pilot a snack.
9. They’re great employers
Employing more than 350 full and part-time employees, Peninsula Co-op offers perks such as flexible work hours, profit sharing and bonuses, tuition assistance and even fitness memberships!
10. Even more ways to earn money
As if the annual rebate wasn’t enough, they reward their members with $10 for every new member they refer.
11. Home oil heating services
Sick of running out of home heating fuel?
Peninsula Co-op has a NO-WORRY Automatic Fill program, where you can relax and let them assume the responsibility for checking your fuel levels and topping up your tank on a regular basis so you don’t run out.
Also, when you sign up for automatic delivery you receive a $100 credit/year on your Home Heating account for the next five years. That’s a $500 credit!
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.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said that upcoming wind and weather in the Interior has prompted additional evacuation orders.
The wildfire situation is still evolving but here are current statistics of the situation as of 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20th.
Current Active Wildfires
There are 296 wildfires currently burning in BC and since April 1st, there have been 1,156 wildfires and 310,509 hectares burned.
Most of these wildfires are occurring in the Interior, North, and Vancouver Coastal areas of BC; Vancouver Island has yet to experience any serious wildfires this year.
Here’s where there wildfires are currently burning:
Cariboo: 46 (50,348 hectares)
Coastal: 10 (799 ha)
Kamloops: 111 (110,043 ha)
Northwest: 5 (25,955 ha)
Prince George: 60 (105,661 ha)
Southeast: 64 (14,700 ha)
Evacuation Orders
Since wildfires began this summer, and Lytton was destroyed by a wildfire, evacuation orders due to wildfires have been more frequent.
To date, BC has called 44 evacuation orders and 74 evacuation alerts in total; most (35) being in central BC.
Northwest, northeast, and southeast BC have experienced a quarter of the evacuation orders compared to central BC.
With the state of emergency in place, the province will be providing daily updates on the ongoing wildfire situation.
Crews and Equipment
On July 16th, the BC government announced that a contingent of 100 Mexican firefighters and an additional 20 Quebec firefighters were coming to BC to assist the province’s Wildfire Service.
There are a total of 135 out-of-province firefighters. Firefighters and other personnel currently fighting the fires is at 3,180, which includes out-of-province and aerial support.
There are also 178 support ground crews and helicopters.
If you spot a wildfire, report it as soon as possible by calling 1.800.663.5555 or *5555 on your cell phone.
(Pat Bay Highway at Keating Cross Road/Google Maps)
The Adopt A Highway program is open to submissions again after being paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Wednesday, the province announced it will be accepting applications to once again support the care of BC’s scenic roadways.
Volunteer groups can apply to “adopt” a minimum two-kilometre stretch of highway for two years.
The program is designed for groups and individuals to upkeep their adopted kilometres by performing litter removal (collected by the ministry’s maintenance contractors), landscaping, and reporting invasive species found along the roadway.
Training and safety equipment is provided by the ministry, including vests, signage and safety checklists.
The ministry said groups average a cleanup of four times a year, and can have their organization’s name posted on a sign along their stretch of highway.
The program accepts applications year round and is often a proactive opportunity for community service for youth and adults.
The ‘Adopt A Highway’ program was first launched in 2003.
In 2019, more than 80 groups and nearly 900 individuals had adopted 150 kilometres of roadway.
Apply to become a part of the program by emailing here.
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.
The coordinators of the Victoria International Wine Festival and Cheese and Meat Festival are back, with another fun way for British Columbians to support some local businesses!
In May, the festival’s coordinators created the ‘Island Passport’, a road map to the best wineries, distilleries, and cideries that Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands have to offer.
The Islands Passport includes complimentary tastings and deals and can be purchased until May 2022, however get yours fast, it’s almost sold out!
Now, in partnership with BC Spirits, they’re back with something brand new, the ‘Distillery Passport’.
This new passport showcases 37 distilleries in and around Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Lower Mainland with 14 distilleries just on Vancouver Island alone!
Perfect for a staycation or if you head out to explore beautiful BC.
“British Columbia’s distillery movement is one of the fastest growing sectors in BC,” says Festival Founder David Bain.
“The huge portfolio of vendors across BC is outstanding.”
The passport includes a complimentary flight tasting per vendor and exclusive discounts and promotions with an estimated value of over $580.
The passport allows purchasers to try new flavours, learn about new products and support local business communities.
The Passports go on sale Wednesday, July 21st at 9 a.m.
The physical passport will be mailed to those who purchase it after August 1st, and hard copies will also be sold at various vendors that will be announced shortly.
The Distillery Passport is $47.99 and can be purchasedonlineas of July 21st, but we’ve scored you an exclusive pre-sale code that will get you $5 off your Passport, just use “VICDISTILLED”!
Check out this list of vendors on Vancouver Island in the Distillery Passport below:
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.”
The BC government has declared a provincial state of emergency in response to the ongoing wildfires.
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, made the declaration on Tuesday, July 20th to be effective on July 21st.
The state of emergency will go into effect for 14 days, but may be extended as necessary.
As of July 20th, 299 wildfires are burning in BC, with 40 evacuation orders affecting approximately 5,724 people and 2,862 properties.
There have been 69 evacuation alerts impacting approximately 32,076 people so far this year.
There are over 3,180 firefighters and resource staff currently actively engaged in fighting fires in all fire regions in the province. This includes 1,080 contractors and 135 out-of-province resources.
Minister Farnworth said that the Interior health region of BC should anticipate difficult days ahead of them, which could include mass evacuations.
“In a briefing last night, I received word that we’ll be facing a few days of very difficult weather in the Interior. This declaration will address the potential of a mass evacuation scenario and provide our government with the means to secure the accommodation spaces necessary to house our citizens, if necessary,” said Farnworth.
The province said that in the coming days, in response to their request, federal personnel and resources will be arriving in BC to assist with wildfire efforts.
The state of emergency is intended to allow for better coordination of federal, provincial and local resources to protect the public; this declaration gives authority to the government to take every action necessary to fight the wildfires.
Based on the advice of emergency management experts and worsening weather reports, we are declaring a provincial state of emergency. These additional powers will be used if necessary to support mass evacuation scenarios due to wildfires. More info: https://t.co/zPIojrDu73https://t.co/PZXVkM0OdH
Minister Farnworth and Premier Horgan both stressed public safety as their goal; meanwhile, many critics are saying that the declaration came too late.
“It is difficult to understand why the BC NDP is only acting now, when local representatives and experts have been calling for a state of emergency for weeks, and some taking matters into their own hands within their jurisdiction,” said Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the BC Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley.
“We have gone from one state of emergency into another, on the heels of a record-shattering heat wave that killed hundreds of British Columbians in just a few days. B.C. is now facing a reality of extreme weather events like forest fires every single summer. This pattern is going to get worse if we fail to turn the tide on the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.”
Keep up to date on the provincial wildfire situation at BC Wildfire.
(Dr. Bonnie Henry/Province of British Columbia Flickr)
The BC Ministry of Health reported 76 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, July 20th.
There have been 148,563 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 9
Fraser Health: 27
Island Health: 3
Interior Health: 37
Northern Health: 0
Resident outside Canada: 0
There are currently 692 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.
146,099 people who tested positive have recovered.
There are now a total of 50 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 12 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 at 1,763.
Outbreaks
There is currently 1 outbreak in long-term care (Holyrood Manor in Fraser Health) and assisted-living facilities and 1 outbreak in acute-care facilities (Laurel Place at Surrey Memorial Hospital in Fraser Health).
Island Health:
Island Health reported 3 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Island region and 16 active cases.
Breakdown of cases on Vancouver Island:
South Vancouver Island Active cases: 10 │Total Cases: 1997
Central Vancouver Island Active cases: 3 │ Total Cases: 2493
North Vancouver Island Active cases: 3 │Total Cases: 709
3 people remain in hospital with 0 in ICU.
There have been no new deaths in the Island Health region today, and a total of 41 deaths on Vancouver Island.
Vaccinations
80.0% of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 54.4% have received their second dose.
In addition, 81.0% of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 57.8% have received their second dose.
To date, 6,233,656 (+60,328) doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in BC; 2,519,686 (+55,485) of which are second doses.
Netflix knows you’re out there enjoying your summer but that isn’t holding them back from releasing more show time favourites.
The fun doesn’t stop when you come home, even after a fun day of hitting up the beach, going on hikes, and indulging in brunch with friends you haven’t been able to see in a while.
To make sure those evenings are relaxing, Netflix is adding 43 new movies and shows to their lineup next month!
Although there are not as many new additions compared to past months, there are still plenty of new titles to keep you busy in August.
Without further ado, here are 43 new movies and shows coming to Netflix Canada this August:
August 1st
44 Cats (Season 3)
Darwin’s Game (Season 1)
Five Feet Apart
Hunter X Hunter (Season 6)
I missed you: Director’s Cut
Poms
The Losers
August 3rd
Ijé: The Journey
Shiny_Flakes: The Teenage Drug Lord
Top Secrets UFO Projects: Declassified (Season 1)
August 4th
’76
Aftermath
American Masters: Inventing David Geffen (Limited Series)
Fire crews in Colwood contained a potentially dangerous fire Monday night and have deemed it as suspicious.
At approximately 11:30 p.m. on July 19th, multiple reports from neighbours and bystanders were received of a fire at a house on Betula Place in Colwood.
When emergency crews responded, the house was vacant and no one was believed to be harmed in the fire, according to neighbours.
According to the RCMP, a neighbour helped contain the fire by using his water hose to keep the flames under control until emergency crews arrived.
Firefighters sought to extinguish the flames and were able to contain the fire to the back portion of the home.
Upon investigation, Colwood Fire Rescue Service determined that the source of the fire was suspicious in nature.
“If this had caught and spread we would be dealing with a very different, possibly tragic situation,” said Constable Meighan Massey.
“It is due to the swift actions of the neighbour who spotted the fire that this did not spread and cause further damage.”
Investigators have returned to the scene Tuesday to continue their investigation into the arson.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at (250) 474-2264.
A new poll has found that Canadians are pleased with how federal and provincial governments have handled the vaccination process against COVID-19.
The poll from Research Co. found that in their representative national sample, more than seven-in-ten Canadians (73%) are satisfied with vaccination plans and phases outlined by their province, and with the pace of vaccination efforts in their province as well.
72% of Canadians are now happy with the procurement of vaccines, despite the low supply the federal government struggled with early on, though earlier polls suggested far less Canadians were happy with it at that time.
“In February 2021, only 45% of Canadians expected the vaccination goal outlined by the PHAC to actually be met,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co.
“This month, practically three-in-four Canadians (74%) believe the milestone will be reached.”
Also this month, almost nine-in-ten Canadians (88%) acknowledge that they have already been inoculated against COVID-19, or plan to have their first shot when it becomes available to them.
Fewer than one-in-ten Canadians (8%) say they will “definitely” or “probably” not get vaccinated.
This is the first time since April 2020 that the proportion of Canadians who plan to refuse a COVID-19 shot is in single digits.
(Research Co.)
Meanwhile, across the country, seven-in-ten Canadians (70%) say that they wear a mask every time they go out, including 76% of women and 75% of Canadians aged 55 and over.
As of yesterday, in BC, 79.9% of eligible people 12 and older in B.C.received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 53.2% have received their second dose; 80.9% of all eligible adults in BC received their first dose and 56.6% received their second dose.
In Canada, close to 51% of all Canadians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with 45.7 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine being administered.
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.
A VicPD officer is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries after being bitten by a woman over the weekend during an arrest.
The assault occurred when the officer was arresting the suspect for two random assaults in downtown Victoria on Sunday, July 18th.
Officers were called to the intersection of Government and Wharf Streets at approximately 10 p.m. for a report that a woman had randomly assaulted two people and was being held there.
Witnesses reported that the woman had approached two people unknown to her, confronted and then assaulted each of them.
The two victims worked together to bring the random assaults to an end and detained the woman while nearby witnesses called police.
While witnesses were holding the woman to prevent further assaults and wait for officers to arrive, she spat in both of their faces.
When the first officer arrived he located the women – being held by two people – and moved to take the woman into custody.
The woman fought with him and then bit him.
Without suffering any further injury, the officer took the woman into custody.
She was returned to cells where she was held until sober then released on conditions with a pending court date.
VicPD said the two assaulted individuals and the officer required additional medical treatment, as injuries that involve biting, spitting and bodily fluids can also carry the potential risk of complications.
The woman was not injured during the incidents.
VicPD are asking anyone with information to call them at (250) 995-7654.
Starting August 9th, Canada will begin to welcome fully-vaccinated travellers from the USA.
The move will enable fully-vaccinated travellers originating from the USA to enter Canada for non-essential travel, removing the mandatory quarantine hotel requirements.
Foreign travellers entering Canada will need to present proof of vaccination in either English or French with one of the vaccines authorized for use in Canada — either the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca products, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, at least 14 days before arriving.
Children under the age of 12 or who are not yet eligible for vaccination in the USA will have to travel with a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, tutor or guardian who is eligible to enter Canada.
Travellers must use the government’s ArriveCAN portal to submit their information, as well as get a COVID-19 test result before arriving.
If they meet the government’s criteria, they will not have to be quarantined upon arrival in Canada.
Last week, BC Premier, John Horgan, said the province will be ready for the August border reopening.
The government said it then plans to open Canada’s borders to fully vaccinated travellers from all other countries on September 7th.
The US government has yet to put a statement out regarding health requirements for Canadian travellers going to the USA and when they will welcome travellers.
Both Canada and the USA agreed to restrict non-essential travel between the countries since March 2020.
Air Travel
After the government announcement, Air Canada announced its current summer transborder schedule including 55 routes and 34 destinations in the US, with up to 220 daily flights between the US and Canada.
Air Canada has developed a digital solution which will enable customers to fly from the US to Canada, and select European destinations, more conveniently and securely.
Via the Air Canada App, travellers can upload their COVID-19 test results to validate compliance with government travel requirements prior to arriving at the airport.
Did you catch a glimpse of iconic planes overhead this afternoon?
Around 1 p.m. on Monday, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds flew over Greater Victoria as they made their way from Comox and Sooke all the way to the inner harbour.
The Snowbirds, the air show flight demonstration team of the Royal Canadian Air Force, flew to show support for front line workers.
Their flight path saw them soar over Victoria General Hospital, CFB Esquimalt, the downtown core, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Saanich Peninsula Hospital and up to Sidney.
Many locals looked to the skies ahead to catch a glimpse or photo of the event.
Check out some photos of the Snowbirds in flight below:
The BC Ministry of Health reported 156 new cases of COVID-19 for a three-day period from Friday, July 16th to Monday July 19th.
There have been 148,487 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
Day-to-Day Breakdown:
Friday-Saturday: 56
Saturday-Sunday: 60
Sunday-Monday: 40
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 27
Fraser Health: 63
Island Health: 4
Interior Health: 58
Northern Health: 3
Resident outside Canada: 1
There are currently 653 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.
146,062 people who tested positive have recovered.
There are now a total of 49 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 12 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 1,763.
Outbreaks
There is currently 1 outbreak in long-term care (Holyrood Manor in Fraser Health) and 1 outbreak in acute-care facilities (Laurel Place at Surrey Memorial Hospital in Fraser Health).
Island Health:
This section will be updated with Island Health updates at 4 p.m.
Vaccinations
79.9% of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 53.2% have received their second dose.
In addition, 80.9% of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose and 56.6% have received their second dose.
To date, 6,173,328 (+168,816) doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in BC; 2,464,201 (+153,313) of which are second doses.
The highly anticipated Malahat Skywalk opened last week, with an incredible opening weekend which saw over 5,000 guests.
If you’ve somehow missed photos of the Skywalk on social media and everyone eagerly awaiting an announcement of a grand opening, here is what you need to know!
The Malahat Skywalk offers scenic views of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and islands in two countries from a viewing platform 250 meters above sea level.
The attraction is also easily accessible, even for strollers and wheelchairs.
Once you reach the top, the brave can walk across the sturdy, 84 square meter ‘Adventure Net’ offering a full view of what’s below your feet.
Enjoy the sights as you walk across the Treewalk and nature trail, taking in the incredible views of the peninsula.
Be sure to snap a photo of yourself at the top!
At the end of your adventure, visitors have a choice of either walking back down as normal or opting to enjoy something a bit more exciting – the Skywalk includes a 20-metre Spiral Slide that gets you back down to the bottom of the Skywalk in 13 seconds!
What a rush!
Check out some photos of the all-new attraction below:
VicPD are crediting the public after a woman went on a crime spree which included her starting several grass fires using a torch in Beacon Hill Park.
In a media release, VicPD thanked the public for extinguishing a bunch of small grass fires while officers responded to a string of other incidents committed by the woman, including an attempt to steal a vehicle and breaking into a nearby residence.
VicPD were dispatched around 5:30 p.m. to Beacon Hill Park near the 200-block of Simcoe Street for a report that a woman was walking in the area, using a small torch to light sections of grass on fire.
Several people were following the woman and extinguishing the flames before they spread out of control.
An arriving officer found the woman sitting near a van in the area and recognized her as being wanted on a warrant from Duncan.
As the officer attempted to take the woman into custody, she fought back and leaped into the nearby van, which did not belong to her.
While still fighting with the officer, the woman started the van and attempted to drive away. The officer then deployed pepper spray, impacting both their visions and causing the woman to flee the van.
The officer radioed for additional units to assist and helped secure the running vehicle.
As additional officers arrived, a person in the 200-block of Douglas Street flagged them down after they had to flee their suite in an apartment building with their dog after a woman broke in.
To person told officers the suspect had entered their suite, taken clothes from their bedroom closet, and was taking a shower.
Police located the woman in the bathroom and were able to take her into custody without further incident.
In addition to being wanted on a warrant out of Duncan, investigating officers learned the woman is also awaiting disposition of several charges related to a number of incidents including an alleged assault of staff at a multi-unit temporary housing facility, as well as mischief and break and enter files.
She now faces additional recommended charges related to arson, breaking and entering, attempted theft of a motor vehicle, flight from police, and resisting arrest.
“Given the tinder-dry conditions, VicPD would like to thank the members of the public who extinguished the numerous small grass fires that the woman had started,” said Victoria police spokesman Bowen Osoko.
Anyone with information is asked to call the VicPD at (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Saanich police arrested a 36-year-old Nanaimo man for impaired driving in the early hours of Monday morning.
At 1:50 a.m. on Monday, July 19th, officers parked near the intersection of Shelbourne Street and Cedar Hill X Road heard a loud crash.
As they approached the scene, officers saw evidence that a vehicle crashed into a concrete centre island on Cedar Hill X Road.
Police said the car left a trail of debris and fluids which Saanich PD followed into a parking lot on Ophir Street.
The responding officers said they saw the man get out of the driver’s seat, and run from the vehicle as they approached.
One of the officers was able to catch the driver as he failed to climb a nearby fence.
Upon investigation, it was discovered the driver was prohibited from driving a motor vehicle, was in breach of probation stemming from a break and enter conviction, and later provided breath samples that were twice over the legal limit.
The man faces charges of impaired operation of a conveyance, breach of probation, and driving while prohibited.
A white metal cross, which usually sits on top of Mount Tzouhalem, has been removed and possibly vandalized, says Mayor of North Cowichan.
On Saturday, Mayor Al Siebring wrote in a Facebook post that he suspects a grinder was used to lop off the cross at the base.
Siebring called the act a “sad piece of vandalism,” but cautioned people not to conflate the removal of the cross with other recent acts of vandalism until the motive is known.
Siebring speculated that the cross removal is related to recent acts of vandalism involving the removal of the Captain James Cook statue in downtown Victoria and the vandalism of a totem pole on the Malahat.
Recent vandalism around the island is being linked to the investigations into mass graves discovered at residential schools around Canada.
“It could be a random act, but I suspect there will be speculation that this is in line with the church burnings, statue destruction, and the attempt to set fire to that totem pole at the Malahat Summit earlier this month,” Siebring wrote.
“In our present cultural context, that’s where our minds go.”
The letter specifically condemned “the damaging of property including statues and totem poles,” and said that everyone in the region needs to respect each other.
Last week, over 160 undocumented and unmarked graves have been confirmed at the site of a former residential school in the Gulf Islands.
The removal of the cross has yet to be reported to the North Cowichan RCMP and it’s unsure what the intention of its removal was, despite Mayor Siebring’s comments.
Mount Tzouhalem is four kilometers away from Duncan, and is a popular destination for those who want to see or take a picture with the cross which looks out upon the Cowichan Valley.
This isn’t the first time the cross has been removed though.
In 2014, the cross was removed from a sudden and extreme windstorm.
Earlier, the District had been tight-lipped about who their chosen partner was, referring to them in documentation as “Proponent 1.”
“The District of Oak Bay put together a thorough RFP process and it was handled professionally,” said Oak Bay Marine Group CEO Brook Castelsky.
“We greatly value all the community input that we received and we will continue to work closely with all stakeholders, including First Nations.”
The new plan for the area includes a revision for the parking layout, a widening of the Turkey Head walkway, and the installation of First Nations interpretive signage.
Respect for First Nations culture has been stipulated as a lease objective, according to the District of Oak Bay, as well as a guiding principle. Proponents were encouraged to engage with First Nations during the request for proposals.
Oak Bay Marine Group counts among their holdings the marinas at Pedder Bay, North Saanich, Ladysmith and Oak Bay, as well as a resort in the Bahamas and two restaurants in Victoria.
The full technical proposal from the Oak Bay Marine Group for the Turkey Head marina is now available online.
In partnership with the province and the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC), The Capital Regional District (CRD) has begun construction on a five storey wood-framed building at 2782 Spencer Road in Langford.
Located near Langford’s urban centre, the building will be a mix of unit sizes from studio to 2-bedroom, providing homes for low to moderate income seniors, individuals and families, including those with disabilities for $375 a month.
BC Housing is providing $5.9 million through the Community Housing Fund towards the $19.9 million project.
The project at 2782 Spencer Road is part of a larger redevelopment that includes the Tri-Way Mobile Home Park lands and a mixed-use commercial area along the Trans-Canada Highway.
“As the most liveable city in Canada, we have provided the opportunity for development to occur which looks after all segments of our population – that’s what builds healthy communities and we are proud to see this project go forward,” said Langford Mayor Stu Young.
The CRHC will operate the building, providing day-to-day management of housing,property management services, and providing services to residents.
“As the largest non-profit housing provider on Vancouver Island, the CRHC is a strong community partner that can make a real difference in people’s lives by delivering affordable housing and services to over 3,500 residents,” said Lisa Helps, Capital Region Housing Corporation Chair.
The building will feature studio, one bedroom, one bedroom accessible, one bedroom plus den, and two bedroom units; 11 units will be subsidized at $375 a month; and there will be a 1,000 square foot amenity room for residents’ use.
Construction is anticipated to be completed in fall 2022.
The province has announced an investment into community-based mental health and addictions counselling services for adults in the Greater Victoria area.
The $85,000 investment was announced Monday, July 19th and will be led by the Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society.
The society offers free, short-term, community-based counselling for adults dealing with challenges, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss.
The new investment will provide individuals support and guidance from trained volunteer counsellors without needing a referral.
During the pandemic, the demand for counselling services doubled. The province said that due to the society’s volunteers and support from the province helped meet that need.
Within a year, about 15 new qualified diverse volunteers are trained, completing a 10-month training program.
“This is great news for people living in Esquimalt and throughout Greater Victoria who are looking for affordable mental health and addictions counselling,” said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin and Minister of Children and Family Development.
“By investing in more counselling services, our government is bringing help and hope to even more people and families, free of cost, which supports our vibrant community.”
If you missed the CF-18 Demonstration team flyovers Sunday, you now have a chance to see the Canadian Forces Snowbirds fly over Vancouver Island today.
There are two parts to Monday’s flyover, each lasting about an hour.
The first part will see the team leave Vancouver International Airport at about 10 a.m. and go to Nanaimo, where they will pass over Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni (West Coast General Hospital) and Tofino (Tofino General Hospital) before landing in Comox.
At 1 p.m., the team will take off from Comox and head to Sooke and Greater Victoria, where they will pass over the following locations before returning to Vancouver:
• Victoria General Hospital
• CFB Esquimalt
• Downtown core
• Gorge Road Hospital
• Glengarry Hospital
• Royal Jubilee Hospital
• Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health
• Saanich Peninsula Hospital
• Sidney
Keep in mind, times may change based on the weather.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds first returned to the island in May to conduct their spring training in the Comox Valley.
It marked their first return to the island after a tragic incident last year.
On May 17th 2020, in the midst of their cross-country tour aimed at boosting morale during the COVID-19 pandemic, tragedy struck when an engine failure caused by a bird strike killed one person and seriously injured another during their tour in Kamloops.
The plane was bound for Comox from Kamloops, however, the tour was cancelled while investigators determined the remaining planes were safe to fly.
Canadian Armed Forces member, Capt. Jennifer Casey, a public affairs officer from Halifax, was killed while another, Capt. Richard MacDougall, who was piloting the aircraft, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The Snowbirds returned to air three months after the crash.
VicPD arrested a prolific car thief after they found him in a vehicle he stole the previous day.
Officers spotted a stolen Volkswagen Westfalia van parked in the 900-block of Mason Street just after 7 a.m. on Friday, July 16th.
Recognizing the van, officers investigated and discovered a broken window and that the van was sporting stolen plates; they then conducted a security search of the van and discovered a man inside.
Police ordered the man out of the vehicle and took him into custody.
Despite sporting stolen BC plates and the few alterations the suspect made, VicPD confirmed the van was stolen.
The van, from Alberta, was the subject of VicPD social media posts.
Have you seen this cream-coloured Volkswagen van? It was reported stolen from the area of Pembroke & Store St overnight.
VicPD reported that upon identifying the man, they learned he was violating court-ordered conditions not to be inside a vehicle without the vehicle’s registered owner – a condition that stems from a series of previous vehicle theft convictions.
The man has since been transported to cells and awaits court, while the vehicle has been transported for forensic processing, after which it will be returned to the registered owner.
The suspect faces recommended charges for possession of stolen property and for violating court-ordered conditions.
VicPD are asking anyone willing to share information about the case to call (250) 995-7654.
The CF-18 Demonstration team have announced that they will be conducting flypasts over southern Vancouver Island on July 18th, as part of this year’s Operation Inspiration.
According to Captain Dan Deluce, the CF-18’s will will begin the flypasts at approximately 1:15 p.m. over Nanaimo and head northwest towards Tofino, then down along the West Shore before they land at the Victoria International Airport.
No specific times were given for when they will fly over Victoria, but keep your eyes peeled – they move fast!
The CF-18 Demonstration Team, which will be flying at an altitude no lower than 1,000 feet, will be flying over various hospitals to recognize the hard work and sacrifices of frontline workers throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Flypasts by the Royal Canadian Air Force are conducted in support of special events, and are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure public safety.
The CF-18 Demonstration team represents the aviators of the Royal Canadian Air Force who conduct and support operations at home and around the world every day.
Showcasing the abilities of Canada’s multi-role fighter through an impressive aerobatic routine, the team attends air shows and conducts flypasts across Canada and the United States.
They are also dependent upon weather and flying conditions.
(pictured at centre: an elusive, furry face | photo by Tim Ford)
I’m not a hunter by nature.
I mean, some will likely say I’m a hunter-gatherer by ancestry, but what I mean is that socially, I’m not the type to trek out to the woods and murder an animal for fun. I also try not to slag too much on those that do, at least when it comes to making deer jerky or duck confit or whatever.
But I’ll admit that when I first heard about Roger, something instinctual took over.
If you haven’t heard that name before, I’ll explain as it was told to me.
Roger is a yellow-bellied marmot. The yellow-bellied marmot is not native to Vancouver Island. It is believed he came here hitching a ride on a truck, like some kind of rodent hippie.
Once settled in Victoria, he found himself a home at the Fairmont Empress — which, hey, totally reasonable, if I could just pick a home like that, absolutely go where the fancy folk go.
This was 2008. Staff at the hotel attempted to capture him. Multiple times.
They failed.
And now he just…lives there. He is a fixture of the Empress, with signage nearby his burrow and everything. Sometimes people feed him, but mostly he keeps to himself and bothers no one, and is hopefully unbothered in return.
When I heard this story, it awoke something primal in me. I decided then and there I would hunt Roger.
I would capture him.
On film, I mean.
Criminy, it’s the age of social media, not the middle ages.
Hunter’s log: Day One
I begin my hunt for Roger accompanied by a pair of co-workers. We are all eager for our chance to spot this majestic creature in his chosen hotel habitat.
We make small talk to keep our spirits up. I learn a lot from my companions. Is this the camaraderie of a hunt? Am I getting in touch with my primitive ancestors, sharing stories around the fire of a great wooly Roger hunt?
Will we, too, catalogue our success with the modern-day cave painting of a selfie with Roger?
Hunter’s log: Day Four
A series of subsequent visits to the site have proved fruitless. Roger remains unspotted, and not just because he is a yellow-bellied marmot, not a spotted marmot.
Are there spotted marmots? If not, why not? Must research further.
Hunter’s log: Day Ten
The small talk has dwindled away. Spirits are low. I greet fun facts about the area from my co-workers with scorn and irritation as I focus on the prize.
I play a marmot-call on my phone, confusing some nearby sparrows and causing a near-fatal midair collision. Roger fails to materialize to assess the damage.
“You know they raise honey here?” one of my co-workers says.
“Unless that honey is furry, adorable and also a marmot, I don’t give two bumblebee barfs,” I say.
“Yeesh,” they say.
Hunter’s log: Day 13
I am now visiting the site of Roger’s home alone.
A hummingbird appears to me. It is the first time I have seen a hummingbird in person.
Is it magical? Of course. It is magical AF. It is glorious and cool and trippy.
But it is no Roger the Marmot.
The sight of the hummingbird now repulses me. It’s like growing out of Coldplay.
Hunter’s log: Day 24
I have attempted to alter my thinking. Training may be required. Unfortunately, the video logs of similar incidents I can turn to — Caddyshack, Ratatouille, Mouse Hunt — largely portray human vs. rodent relations as a matter of lethal force. Not quite what I have in mind for my Roger moment.
I spend several hours on Pokemon Go. Slowly, though, a terrible thought begins to emerge: I may never catch them all.
I may never even catch one.
Hunter’s log: Day 32
Roger appears to me in a dream.
“‘Sup,” he says, ethereally, as only a dream-marmot can.
“Hi,” I say.
“Why you so worked up about all this?”
My mouth feels clammy. Maybe, back in the meat-space, I forgot to drink enough water before going to bed. “I don’t know,” I say. “I just really want to share in something fun.”
“I get that,” says Roger, idly floating overhead to rest on my bedside table. “But if you stress out about something, are you really having fun any more?”
“That’s deep, man.”
“Darn straight.” Roger bobs up towards the ceiling, on his way back out of my dream space. “Also, you forgot to water the plants today.”
Crap.
Hunter’s log: Day 42
I have stopped making regular trips to the fenced-in area where Roger’s burrow is. It is summer, and I’ll be off from one of my jobs for most of the next few months.
Idly, I pilot my bicycle into the Empress’ parking ring, and walk down the path.
The familiar sight of the little garden, the bees buzzing about, instills a sense of calm. I stand there in silence. This is fine. I am fine. It’s been a hell of a ride.
Then, I hear it. Not a marmot. But humans. Making distinct, “chi-chi-chi” and “here, Roger,” noises as only humans can do.
They are up above me, on the higher side of the path. I walk around to them.
Two men, equipped with broccoli, crackers, and fruit, are cooing into the bushes. I watch in rapt awe.
And then it happens.
He is about the size of a cat. He is rotund. Brown. Furry. And very, very cute.
He takes up some of the offered produce. Spots me. I can feel his eyes roll, even if they don’t do so literally. He shuffles away.
The two men are not offended by my presence. We chat. I learn that they have taken a long time to befriend Roger. Clearly, though, he does not yet trust or see me in the same light.
They, on the other hand, have done this for months. He knows them.
I am shook.
Hunter’s log: day infinity
I realize now what Roger has taught me. The things worth having in this life are not trappable. You can’t nail them down to a specific timeline, have them appear on cue and pose for pictures. You have to work at them, have patience. And accept failure.
This is the tao of Roger.
Also: be nice to your co-workers. And the hummingbirds.
Those guys are cool.
Also also: for real, don’t harass the marmot. He’ll come to you if you give him time, patience, space, and plenty of broccoli.
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.
A Victoria-based fashion line is breaking with industry norms and is inviting people to see how their clothes are made up close.
Ecologyst, a company started in 2013 as Sitka by René Gauthier, is expanding downtown with a new outlet that serves as an all-in-one factory and storefront.
At their new location on Store Street in the historic Powerhouse building, ecologyst’s stitchers and sewers will be upfront and visible, making the products that are sold in-store and shipped worldwide.
This visibility is a business practice that Gauthier says is about raising people’s awareness of where their products come from.
“A big part of what we’re trying to solve with this space is, we find people are very disconnected to a lot of the goods that they purchase, but clothing, particularly,” he says.
“And hence, they’re willing to pay $20 for a T-shirt, right? But they don’t see the true cost of that.”
Roughly eight full-time workers will be employed at the new store specifically to make clothing. Gauthier says the profession requires a great deal of training to become proficient, with thousands of hours needed to become an expert.
In addition to creating the clothes that ecologyst sells, these employees will also offer services in repairing and maintaining the company’s products after they’re in the customer’s hands.
It’s part of a philosophy of sustainability that is key to Gauthier’s business.
“Your average garment, they say these days in North America, lives two years from purchase to in the landfill,” he says. “That’s something we’re trying to change too.”
The CEO of ecologyst says his worldview was deeply affected by an accident that nearly claimed his life in 2013. Gauthier was riding his motorcycle on Bay Street and Douglas and was hit head-on.
He was rendered unconscious in the incident but miraculously escaped without any life-altering physical injuries. His outlook on life, however, was permanently changed.
“One of those areas was around business and just how we were doing it, and how the values of myself and our company just totally didn’t align with how we were making our goods,” says Gauthier.
“At that point in time, we were protesting a pipeline… Yet, we were making clothes with polyester and nylon. Those two don’t go together, right?”
Ecologyst now uses all-natural materials, sourced from locations like New Zealand, Ireland and the United States. In addition to their Victoria factory/storefront, they also produce goods with partners in Ontario, Quebec and the U.S.
But perhaps most importantly, Gauthier feels that this new store can be an industry-setting example for how to conduct ethical business in fashion.
“I’m quite proud of it,” he says. “Our industry is a really messed up one right now. I think people know the solutions, but it’s so entrenched in a way of doing things. We’re proof that it can be done in a different way.”
Ecologyst’s new store and factory opened to the public on Friday, July 16, at 2110 Store Street.
(Dr. Stanwick receiving the COVID-19 vaccine / Government of BC)
Over one million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been distributed on Vancouver Island.
Island Health also reported that 48% of people 12 and over are fully vaccinated with two doses.
Island Health made the announcement on Friday, July 16th and to mark the milestone, Dr. Richard Stanwick made himself available to the media.
Dr. Stanwick reported the vaccine supply will no longer be a limiting factor in getting vaccines into Canadians’ arms. And with that, Island Health has been making conscious efforts to vaccinate more people through mobile and walk-in clinics.
During the media availability, Stanwick said he was hopeful that BC is ready for Phase 4 of the reopening plan.
With an average of 2 to 3 cases per day and not a single death on the island since May 30th, Stanwick said that it was international travel that made up a third of the cases on the Island.
While he said most cases last week were the Alpha and Gamma strains of COVID-19, he noted that the Delta variant was detected last month, but nothing to be concerned about.
The potential for a fourth wave is unlikely since Canada has such a high vaccination rate, but COVID-19 booster shots, either annually or bi-annually, are a potential that Canada’s health officials are watching over, said Stanwick..
“We’ve been trying to develop scenarios where boosters may be needed — will it be like SARS and disappear? The virus may change so we may need to top up our vaccinations. Some pessimists say it will mutate beyond our control, but right now, there’s no evidence of that,” Stanwick said.
“But we do not want to be caught flat footed. We are staying on our toes. Canada has a higher vaccination rate which would fight the potential of a fourth wave.”
Still, concerns over the delta variant, which vaccines are only 33 percent effective against after one dose, and new variants of concern, like the Lambda variant, remain.
The following have received at least one dose in the Island Health region:
92% of people aged 70 and older
84% of people aged 50-69
71% of people aged 30-49
65% of people aged 12-29
92% of physicians and nurse practitioners
88% of all Island Health employees
In collaboration with First Nations and First Nations Health Authority, more than 21,000 people in approximately 50 First Nations communities have received at least one dose. This includes rural and remote as well as urban First Nations communities.
Yesterday, Island Health reported 5 new cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Island region and 28 active cases.
2 people remain in hospital with 1 in ICU.
There have been a total of 41 deaths on Vancouver Island since the pandemic began.
Fork’n Pork has take out macaroni and cheese, for when you need it on the go. Build your own or choose from their variety of options and flavours such as regular, poutine mac and cheese and butter chicken mac.
Location: 1221 Wharf Street
Hours: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Friday and 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Saturday
Be Love’s plant based mac and cheese is made with coconut cashew cheese sauce and includes field greens broccoli, sweet onion and a walnut and herb parmesan.
Location: 1019 Blanshard Street
Hours: 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday
Both Darcy’s Pub locations serve their baked mac and cheese favourite. The dish is made with white cheddar sauce, bacon and topped with a garlic panko mix.
Locations: 1127 Wharf Street and 737 Goldstream Avenue
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday
CANOE’s mac is a cheese lover’s dream, packed with cheddar, gouda, mozzarella and swiss cheese. The dish also includes poblano peppers, house made cheese sauce, paprika-parsley breadcrumbs and is served with focaccia.
Location: 450 Swift Street
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Sunday
Avery Oye, 11, was pronounced dead at the scene after he collided with a pick-up truck towing a boat at the corner of Benko Road and Kearny Place.
In a GoFundMe campaign, Avery is described as a brilliant young boy who was greatly creative.
“He spent his free time building models, painting and drawing, as well as learning to play the cello. He lived with his mother Sarah and father Kiyo at their hobby farm in Mill Bay,” read the GoFundMe.
“He was very involved in the farm, and most loved their bunnies and his dog, Charlie.”
We are devastated to share the tragic and unexpected passing of DJBA U11 player Avery Oye on Monday July 12th.Avery…
The collision remains under investigation, however, police believe the cyclist failed to stop at the stop sign and made a left (northbound) turn onto Benko Road.
“The driver of the pickup truck was unable to stop in time, and collided with the cyclist,” said Commander Tim Desaulniers Shawnigan Lake RCMP Detachment.
Shawnigan Lake RCMP said the investigation is still ongoing and they’re being assisted by the Vancouver Island Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS).
“Victim Services was called out immediately, and anyone who saw this incident and is having difficulties is encouraged to reach out to them, or the Shawnigan Lake RCMP for assistance,” adds Desaulniers.
“The driver is co-operating with the investigation, and initially it does not appear to be any criminality in this tragic collision.”
(GoFundMe)
Money raised from the GoFundMe will go towards helping Oye’s parents with funeral expenses and giving them time and space to grieve their son.
As of this publication, $30,278 has been raised with a goal of $75,000.
A new BC Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy is set to open, funded by the BC government, the Government of Canada, and Shell Canada.
Intended to open in fall 2021, the centre will be a member-based, non-profit corporation operating independently from government or private entities; it intends to bring together innovators, industry, governments and academics to accelerate the commercialization and scale-up of BC-based clean-energy technologies.
The province and Shell Canada both committed $35 million to the centre and the Government of Canada has committed up to $35 million for the centre’s innovative projects.
The centre’s focus areas for funding and project delivery will include carbon capture, utilization and storage; the production, use and distribution of low-carbon hydrogen; biofuels and synthetic fuels (including marine and aviation fuels); renewable natural gas; and battery technology, storage and energy management systems.
The centre is delivered through funding from Budget 2021 and Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program; it will help Canada meet its climate change targets and build a low-emissions energy future.
The province said that the centre intends to initiate new technology pathways to accelerate larger reductions on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050.
“Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, and we are already seeing its devastating effects. Shifting from our reliance on fossil fuels to low-carbon energy requires an all-hands-on-deck approach,” said Premier John Horgan.
“That’s why we are working together with industry and government partners to create a centre for innovation and clean energy that will build on B.C.’s strengths as a climate leader. By supporting new technologies, we will stimulate investment and create the good jobs of the future.”
Nanaimo RCMP have released a photo showing two women who are allegedly responsible for stealing a nearly $2,000 camera in Nanaimo.
According to police, the theft occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23rd, near Seto Sushi, located at 4286 Departure Bay Road.
The owner, an insurance adjuster, told police he was taking pictures of the sushi restaurant when he realized he forgot something in the restaurant.
He placed the camera on the ground for less than a minute, while he went inside. When he returned the camera was gone.
Investigators reviewed the security footage of the parking lot which shows the two suspects walking in the direction of the camera moments later.
The two were seen picking up a small black object, then walking away. Police are confident the black object they picked up was the camera.
The stolen camera is a black Nikon D90 valued at nearly $2,000.
The two suspects are described as Indigenous women in their early to mid-20s. Both had long dark hair and were wearing dark pants.
Anyone with information on this incident or the identification of the two suspects, are asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2021-22893.
A group of Sikh motorcyclists will hit the road for a trip across Canada in support of the Make-A-Wish foundation this weekend.
Legendary Sikh Riders will depart from Mile Zero in Victoria on Saturday July 17th at 12 p.m., which will commence their cross-Canada ride raising funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The group intends to project the values of their Sikh faith while pursuing their love of the open road and doing so for charity.
Recently, they had a solidarity ride supporting the Indigenous community following the confirmation of 215 unmarked graves in Kamloops; and last year they rode to support farmers in India, who have been protesting against controversial agricultural laws.
Their 2020 road trip across Canada was postponed due to COVID-19.
This year, they decided to raise funds for the Make a Wish Foundation, who grant wishes to children with critical illnesses.
“As a group we voted on facilitating the next generation, which is our children, because children are the future of every nation and race,” said the Legendary Sikh Riders’ website.
“We decided to go with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada and our trip will take us across Canada asking for donations.”
Any funds received will be distributed towards each province that they collect money from.
To donate online click here and follow their journey here.
VicPD arrested a man after a crime spree where he attempted two carjackings while armed with a knife.
He also tried to steal a scooter, and attempted two separate break and enters.
On July 15th, at around 10 a.m., a man reportedly broke into a suite of a multi-unit residential building in the 1800-block of Fern Street and stole several items.
Responding officers received additional reports that the same man, now in the 1500-block of Pandora Avenue, attempted to enter an occupied vehicle while armed with a knife.
The victim of the attempted carjacking stopped the suspect from entering their vehicle and then locked their doors.
The suspect was unable to enter the vehicle and then attempted to steal a nearby scooter. A witness interrupted the theft attempt, and the suspect fled the area.
Following this, the suspect broke into another suite in a multi-unit residential building in the 1300-block of Stanley Avenue. Officers located the suspect as he departed the building and advised him that he was under arrest.
He then attempted to break into a separate ground floor suite in the same building from which he had just departed.
Officers arrested the man and transported him to VicPD cells where he was held in custody.
No one was injured in the attacks.
The 33-year-old Victoria man faces recommended charges of robbery with a weapon, assault with a weapon, and break and enter.
The suspect was on conditions of an undertaking not to possess weapons after recently assaulting a police officer. The suspect also faces recommended charges of breach of an undertaking.
VicPD are asking anyone with more information to call them at (250) 995-7654.
If you’re having one of those weeks, don’t worry, so is Comox Valley RCMP.
The detachment reported two instances that would have anyone scratching their head.
On Tuesday, July 13th, an off-duty Oceanside RCMP officer saw a goat on the loose in Courtenay.
RCMP reported that the goat was on a walkabout along 29th Street when the call came in.
Before they could arrive, the off-duty officer put the goat on a leash, until the owner of the goat could claim the prize.
The next day, on Wednesday July 14th, Comox Valley RCMP responded to a 911-call reporting several gunshots from a residence on Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay.
When police went to the area they immediately blocked off the road and surrounding area.
Residents inside the home cooperated with the investigation, ensuring nobody was hurt.
According to the RCMP, someone had been playing loud music and gunshots rang out in one of the songs.
While the event had no injuries, Comox Valley RCMP are still asserting that they need respect in order to fulfill their duty.
“While we had the area blocked off, several people tried to pass-by pylons and police vehicles designed to keep residents out of danger,” said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer, Comox Valley RCMP.
“One woman even stood at the side of the road yelling at police as people were exiting the residence. It is very important that while these situations unfold to respect the blocked off areas and allow us to do our job – do not try to interfere or pass through an area that could be dangerous.”
Well, let’s just hope residents can appreciate the screaming vocals of metal music.
As Canada’s vaccination program continues to see impressive numbers and COVID-19 active case numbers continue to fall, we are seeing changes to the country’s ban on cruise ships.
In a statement today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced cruise ships will be able to enter Canadian waters earlier than previously expected.
Starting in November, cruise ships will be able to operate and dock in Canada once again, pending operators will be able to fully comply with public health requirements.
In March 2020, in a response to the threat of COVID-19, Transport Canada announced their initial ban on cruise ships with more than 500 passengers from entering the country. The ban has been extended several times since.
Although the regulations were put in place in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the GVHA emphasized the impact this could have on the cruise ship industry which contributes more than $130 million to the Greater Victoria economy and is responsible for more than 800 jobs.
In addition, American lawmakers unanimously approved a bill allowing Alaska-bound cruise ships to skip BC ports, such as Victoria back in May. This bill and the possibility of it becoming a permanent decision was met with more concern as to how it could impact the Victoria tourism industry even further.
With the announcement of an earlier return of cruise ships, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) is optimistic of the future. They say this announcement comes in time to properly prepare for the full resumption of cruise ships in Canada in time to welcome the 2022 cruise season.
The GVHA says this announcement also allows plans for short and long-term capital infrastructure needs.
Transport Canada has stated they will continue to work with the Public Health Agency of Canada, other levels of government, the United States government, transportation industry stakeholders, Indigenous Peoples, and Arctic communities to help ensure Canadians and Canada’s transportation system remain safe and secure.
The Government of Canada continues to advise Canadians to avoid all travel on cruise ships outside the country until further notice.
Dreams do come true.. and sometimes all it takes is a few simple clicks.
The season’s biggest home lottery is back – with more than 3000 prizes to be won worth over a whopping $4 million.
With the BC Children’s Hospital Dream Lottery, you’ll have the option of 8 Grand Prizes, with homes in South Surrey, Vancouver, Kelowna, Penticton, Victoria and Courtenay.
Even better? New this year, the Dream Lottery is offering up their biggest cash Grand Prize option yet – a tax-free $2.3 million.
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 (or 10, or 25!) 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.
Tickets to the main lottery – and a chance to win one of the 8 Grand Prize options including two gorgeous homes on Vancouver Island – start at 3 tickets for $100, and go all of the way up to a 20-ticket pack for $500.
Grabbing your tickets ASAP is looking better than ever – the last three lotteries sold out in record time, so get yours while you still can!
If you’re chosen as a grand-prize winner, you could be the proud new owner of a stunning sub-penthouse in Vancouver or, even closer to home, an incredible James Bay townhome – the possibilities are endless.
You could also choose 1 of 6 other Grand Prize choices – which feature homes in Kelowna, Penticton, two in Morgan Creek (in South Surrey) and one in the island’s own Courtenay – OR choose the tax-free $2.3 million cash.
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:
Appreciation Reward Draw: Midnight, Friday, August 20th
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
