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It looks like it’s going to be a foodie’s paradise in Saanich this summer, after three different parks have been approved to host food trucks all season long.
Beckwith, Cadboro-Gyro, and Gorge Waterway parks have all been given the green light by council to host food trucks from July 1st to Labour Day as a part of a pilot project originally developed in 2019.
In December of 2019, council unanimously agreed to welcome food trucks to Beckwith, Cadboro-Gyro, Gorge Waterway, Mount Douglas and Mount Tolmie parks for the summer of 2020.
Due to the pandemic, however, the project was postponed.
On April 26th, council officially approved the $40,000 pilot project, but Mount Douglas and Mount Tolmie parks were left out due to concerns about increased traffic, noise and litter in these natural state parks, according to Mayor Fred Haynes.
Last night #Saanich Council approved the food truck pilot project at the Gorge Waterway, Beckwith, and Gyro parks for this summer! 1/2 https://t.co/hrQXUZnT9s
Since the pandemic began, the restaurant industry has taken blow after blow and with the recent dine-in ban, things just got a little tougher.
Thankfully, big-box retailers like London Drugs are stepping up to help.
Earlier this week, London Drugs — as part of the company’s Local Central program — announced it is offering up shelf space to Western Canadian restaurants struggling because of the pandemic.
Any restaurants with specialty house brand items suitable for retail sales are invited to submit them to London Drugs for immediate consideration to be stocked and sold on store shelves.
Items that will be considered include sauces, jams, rubs, apparel, and more.
“The collateral damage to small businesses created by the pandemic has been devastating and, the restaurant industry — particularly those small and locally-owned — have sustained one of the heaviest blows,” said Clint Mahlman, President and COO of London Drugs.
“As a company, we want to offer any support we can to restaurateurs and businesses in our communities right now, and we know our customers do too.”
London Drugs launched their Local Central program last April and has supported more than 100 local businesses to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars since that time.
“The last year has pushed local businesses – including London Drugs – to become incredibly nimble,” said Mahlman. “One of the most public ways this has played out has been in the quick response of local restaurants and businesses to sudden closures and evolving distancing measures.”
“With the Local Central program already in place, we are in a unique position to offer support quickly.”
The program is open to restaurants based in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. There are eight London Drug locations on Vancouver Island taking part in the Local Central program.
London Drugs is ready to review product submissions immediately and local restaurants can see their packaged products and merchandise on store shelves within a week.
To submit products for review, restaurant owners can visit the online application.
A Nanaimo woman was defrauded of thousands of dollars in a scam where fraudsters posed as officials from a lottery, according to Nanaimo RCMP.
The scam occurred in March, when a senior received numerous calls from a man who said his name was Dave Morin.
The senior was told she had a grand prize in a lottery and needed to provide payment for upfront taxes in order to claim her winnings, which included a grand prize of $750 million and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
Over the next three weeks, the victim was called and instructed on multiple occasions to purchase pre-paid gift cards or to send cash by mail.
The addresses she was told to send money to were spread across British Columbia and North America.
In total, the senior sent almost $16,000 in cash and another $10,600 in Vanilla pre-paid cards.
When the promised prize never arrived, the senior spoke with a family member who was able to convince her that she had been scammed. Nanaimo RCMP say the victim has changed her phone number and no longer uses a landline.
“Sadly, this happens more often that not, and in many cases the victim only realizes that they have been scammed when the prize never comes,” said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
Police say these scams can come in various forms, with victims contacted by email, social media, phone or regular mail. Occasionally, scammers have pretended to represent organizations such as Reader’s Digest or Publisher’s Clearing House.
Members of the public should protect themselves by hanging up on suspicious callers. Do not respond to suspicious communications.
Legitimate lotto companies will never require winners to pay taxes, and any lotto win requires the purchase of a ticket.
When in doubt, potential victims should consult friends or family members before making any decisions involving money.
Five years ago, BC declared a public health emergency due to the opioid-crisis.
This past March, the BC Coroners Service has reported that toxic illicit drugs have claimed the lives of 158 more British Columbians – raising the total number of deaths in the province for the year to 498.
The 158 new deaths show a 41% increase over the 112 deaths recorded in March 2020, and this also ties the previous high for March established in 2018.
Additionally, for the third month in a row, BC saw 5 people lose their lives to illicit drugs each day.
“Once again, we are reminded of the incredible toll that the toxic drug emergency is having on communities throughout our province,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner, BC Coroners Service.
“The illicit drug supply in British Columbia is volatile and unpredictable, and anyone using a substance from this unregulated market is vulnerable to serious injury or death.”
According to the BC Coroners Service, the drug supply continues to remain unstable and toxic; carfentanil was detected in 18 deaths in March, bringing the total number of carfentanil-related deaths in 2021 to 48.
There has also been an increased rate of benzodiazepine detection in drugs, up 15% in samples from July 2020 to 51% in samples from February 2021.
“There are no simple solutions to the toxic drug crisis this province is experiencing,” Lapointe said.
“Problematic substance use is widespread throughout our province, and evidence-based strategies, such as supervised consumption and drug-checking services, prescription alternatives and accessible and meaningful treatment and recovery options, are essential to reduce the death and suffering.”
According to the report, the number of illicit drug toxicity deaths in March 2021 was about 5.1 deaths per day, and in 2021 so far, 69% of those dying were aged 30 to 59.
Males have also accounted for 80% of deaths in 2021.
By health authority in BC, the highest death rates in 2021 are in Northern Health (57 deaths per 100,000 individuals) and Vancouver Coastal Health (45 per 100,000).
So far, no deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.
On April 22nd, Island Health warned of overdose spike on Vancouver Island, including Victoria.
Island Health also offered these safe practices for safer use:
Visit your local Overdose Prevention Service (OPS)
The BC government, in partnership with BC Housing, has purchased another hotel in downtown Victoria.
The province confirmed on Wednesday it acquired the Capital City Center Hotel – located at 1961 Douglas Street – for roughly $25 million to use as temporary housing for nearly 100 people, the province announced Wednesday.
The purchase also includes two adjacent parking lots at 722 and 726 Discovery Street.
The province had been leasing 83 of the 96 suites since April of last year, however, dozens of tenants were displaced in November following a large fire at the facility. A man, who was a guest at the hotel, was arrested and charged with arson with disregard for human life, and arson causing property damage.
BC Housing will convert 94 of the hotel‘s 96 rooms into temporary supportive housing units.
“The purchase of this hotel creates stable housing options now and opportunities for rental housing in the future that will serve people in Victoria for decades,” said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing.
“Because this hotel is now in public ownership, the almost 100 people who are safely housed with supports now can breathe a sigh of relief – they won’t have to move at the end of the lease. Even better is the news that this site will be the location for even more affordable rental housing in the future.”
The current residents of the building will be allowed to remain and the vacant units will be used to house those living outdoors at Beacon Hill Park. Two units will be used for administrative purposes.
Our Place will continue to operate the temporary shelter, as it has been since last October, according to the province.
BC Housing plans to redevelop both the hotel and parking lot to create additional rental housing and the community will get to provide their feedback when the properties are ready to be redeveloped.
As of this Saturday, the City of Victoria will begin to enforce the daytime camping ban at local parks.
The bylaw will return to pre-covid guidelines, which allow campers to stay at select parks from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. every day.
“It has been a challenging year since the pandemic amplified the realities of homelessness, and having people sheltering in parks has not been ideal for anyone,” said Mayor Lisa Helps.
When the pandemic was declared last year, the city amended the parks regulation bylaw to allow people experiencing homelessness to remain in parks 24 hours a day.
In addition, the city also plans to amend the parks bylaw for Cecelia Ravine Park, Centennial Square, and Central Park, to prohibited camping at all times, including overnight.
“The impacts of this pandemic have exposed cracks in our social safety net,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps in a statement Wednesday. “Nowhere has this been more visible than in the individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.”
“This land acquisition helps people in need now, but it is also a prime site for redevelopment for purpose-built rental housing in the longer term,” Helps said.
VicPD’s traffic unit impounded a vehicle and consequently served the driver with almost $800 in violation tickets on Wednesday afternoon, after receiving reports of the Chevrolet Camaro doing donuts on the grass in Irving Park.
Just after 1 p.m. yesterday, VicPD were called to the park in the 200-block of Menzies Street in James Bay, where they located the vehicle and driver of the Camaro, parked next to circular marks on the grass.
After continuing their investigation, police learned that not only was the vehicle unregistered, it was also uninsured – and the driver had driven from Alberta to Victoria with the intent of camping in a park.
At the time of the incident, the vehicle was around 30 metres from a playground occupied with children.
VicPD impounded the vehicle for seven days for ‘stunting’, and also served the driver with $794 in violation tickets for no insurance, and driving without consideration.
If anyone has information about this incident, they’re asked to call the VicPD Report Desk at (250) 995-7654.
To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Victoria Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man who allegedly stole one very specific kind of liquor — from the same store four separate times.
At around 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 18th, staff from a business in the 2600-block of Quadra Street reported to police that a man had stolen several bottles of whiskey from their store.
The most recent act was caught on surveillance, and VicPD describe the suspect as an Indigenous man around 30-years-old, with black hair and a medium build.
At the time of the alleged theft, he was wearing a black New York Yankees baseball hat and a blue zip-up coat with black sleeves and grey stripes near the wrists, over top of a black “Jeff Foxworthy” shirt with white writing on it.
VicPD are still investigating the incidents, and anyone with information, or anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to call the VicPD at 250-995-7654.
To report anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
VicPD arrested a man with a violent criminal history less than two hours after he was released on Tuesday.
On April 27th, around 10 a.m., VicPD, working with Community Services Division (CSD) and the Behavioural Assessment and Management Unit (BAMU) worked to monitor a 38-year-old man upon his release from custody.
VicPD expressed significant public safety concerns about the man’s likelihood of reoffending, given his violent criminal history.
The man has over 70 criminal convictions, including a number of unprovoked and random assaults and offences which include assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, assaulting a police officer, robbery, uttering threats, weapons possession, and numerous breaches of release orders.
Noted by police was an incident in 2019 when he injured several correctional facility staff with a makeshift weapon, and an incident in 2020, when he assaulted a stranger who confronted him for pulling on vehicle door handles in a parking lot.
At the time of his release, the man was bound by the conditions of his probation.
Shortly after 11:30 a.m., on the day of his release, officers observed the man breach several of his probation conditions.
Police arrested him in the 800-block of Johnson street without incident.
He was then transported to VicPD cells where he was held in custody.
The BC government announced Wednesday that workers must be paid while getting their COVID-19 vaccine, retroactive to April 19th 2021.
The amendment to the Employment Standards Act, also known as Bill 3, is now a law that will ensure that employees will not lose pay if they need time away from work to get vaccinated.
This applies to both full-time and part-time employees.
The legislation improves on the regulatory change made on April 1st,that provides unpaid job-protected leave for workers to take the time they need to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
This unpaid leave remains in place to supplement the new paid time off, for example, to accompany dependent family members to get vaccinated or in the event a worker needs more than three hours of paid leave to travel to their vaccine appointment.
“Guaranteeing paid leave for workers to get vaccinated is an important way to keep workers safe, while reducing risks to businesses,” said Harry Bains, Minister of Labour.
Paid Sick Leave?
On Tuesday, Premier Horgan said that the province is looking to “fill in the gaps” of the federal government’s national paid sick-leave program.
During Question period on Tuesday, the BC Liberals criticized the provincial government for not implementing a provincially-funded paid sick leave program due to COVID-19 earlier.
In response, Minister of Finance, Selina Robinson, said a national program was the right way to deliver this program and criticized the federal government for not including that in their federal budget for 2021.
The province was working on a provincial sick leave program last summer, but Premier Horgan said on Tuesday that that program has been “taken off the shelf.”
“We’re looking at how to do it in a seamless way without putting more burden on businesses at a time when businesses can least afford it,” said Premier Horgan.
UPDATE: RCMP have located Simon Baker who was the subject of a missing person report. He is safe and sound.
— original:
Nanaimo RCMP are asking for the public’s help in locating a man who they say left his home in an extremely emotional state.
In a media release, RCMP said 20-year-old Simon Baker was last seen in the afternoon on Wednesday, April 21st, and was reported missing by his family yesterday, April 27th.
Police said Baker did not take his wallet or cell phone with him, and based on this, his family is extremely worried about his safety and well-being.
Baker went missing under similar circumstances approximately five weeks earlier and ended up in Port Alberni.
He is described as a Caucasian male, standing 6′ 2″ tall and weighs about 220 pounds. Baker was last seen wearing a black golf shirt and grey track pants.
Anyone with information on him is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2021-15219.
Rogers, in collaboration with Women’s Shelters Canada, have announced they will connect women experiencing domestic violence and homelessness with phones, along with prepaid cards.
The Digital Lifeline Program will be implemented in 56 women’s shelters across British Columbia and will expand wireless network coverage along Highway 14 and 16, known as the Highway of Tears.
The program is a provincial investment that the BC government announced as part of their 2021 budget and part of Rogers commitment of $6.5 billion to connect underserved rural and Indigenous communities.
“The phones can be used to make medical appointments, apply for financial assistance, look for work and housing, as well as to maintain important social connections with friends and family, especially during this pandemic,” said Executive Director at BC Society of Transition Houses, Amy S. FitzGerald.
“Some of our clients can’t afford internet or cell phones. Others have the phones, but their abusive partner controls and monitors the billing, leaving abusive women vulnerable to reprisal for reaching out for help.”
Rogers will begin construction on 12 new cellular towers on Highway 16 (also known as the Highway of Tears) between Prince George and Prince Rupert in spring, with a finish date of September 2022.
Domestic Violence during COVID-19
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence and abuse has increased.
According to ShelterVoices, a newsletter from Women’s Shelter Canada, domestic violence has increased for a number of reasons including reduced capacity at shelters, public health regulations, fundraising challenges, and staffing.
Frontline workers expressed that they were seeing an increase in violent abuse, including physical attacks, forced confinement, sexual abuse, and increased human trafficking among women who access services.
Even if women wanted shelter, many shelters were at capacity.
And while services were being offered online, ShelterVoices reported that victims either didn’t have a phone or the technology, or were worried their confidentiality would be breached.
“The pandemic has magnified social inequities, FitzGerald told Victoria Buzz
“But this [domestic violence] was a reality before the pandemic. Every 2.5 days a woman or girl is murdered in Canada. In BC, 7 women have been murdered since the beginning of the pandemic last March.”
While 54% of respondents said that calls for domestic violence decreased in Phase 1 of the public health measures, by Phase 2, 61% of respondents said calls for sheltering and domestic violence increased.
“It was quiet first during the pandemic,” said FitzGerald.
“But we took the time to do a lot of safety planning, anticipating the calls to come. People didn’t feel comfortable coming in at first due to COVID-19; it’s not that the violence wasn’t happening, it was that it was being sheltered at home.”
The phones and plans provided by Rogers are a step towards connecting women so they don’t feel so isolated, said FitzGerald.
“We are relying more on technology now. It’s so much bigger than a phone, it’s a lifeline,” she said.
The Comox Valley RCMP are looking to speak to anyone who may have near St. Joseph’s Hospital Tuesday afternoon after the body of a man was recovered from the harbour.
On April 27th, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the body of a man was discovered offshore in the ocean, near St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Police said the circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation and the BC Coroners Service is assisting with the Comox Valley RCMP.
“Anyone who drove, cycled, or walked in this area and saw something of interest, please give us a call to speak with investigators,” said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer, Comox Valley RCMP.
According to Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner, the victim was in three feet of water in the mudflats by the hospital.
No other details were released about the victim.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321 and refer to file 2021-6590. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
It may not be ACDC playing at the arena, but it’s a start!
The Inner Harbour Summer Line Up returns this weekend, and will run until September.
Starting May 1st, artisans and vendors will set up daily along the harbour’s lower causeway between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m, until September 12th.
From handmade jewelry and artwork to lemonade and mini donuts, the Summer Line Up will bring a vast array of artisans, vendors, and food vendors to visitors.
According to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) there will be a food truck location at the east end of Ship Point near the 3D Canada sign. Featuring a selection of takeaway food options from Songhees Seafood & Steam, Cup-A-Roni, and Bubble on the Run.
Additionally, Hot Dog Hustling, The Lemon, Elixir, and Empire Donuts will be set up along the lower causeway.
The Songhees Nation will also welcome their artisans along the south apron of the causeway, below the ‘Welcome to Victoria’ flower garden.
‘Explore Songhees’ will expand their cultural tourism offerings over the course of the summer with spaces and activation throughout the lower causeway and at Ship Point.
Detailed plans for these activations will be announced later this spring.
The GVHA said public health measures will be followed, with half of the spaces available for artisans and vendors, and masks worn by all vendors to ensure an added layer of protection.
With up to 23 people spaced out along all three sides of the lower causeway, the Inner Harbour Summer Line Up is bound to feed your soul.
“Relaunching the Inner Harbour Summer Line Up will bring life back to the Lower Causeway, which is part of the centre of tourism for the downtown core,” said Ian Robertson, CEO, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.
“In 2020, we were unable to safely find a way to allow artisans and vendors to interact with causeway users. Thanks to the work between our team and Island Health, as well as a year of understanding how this virus spreads, we have found a way to restructure the activation of this space for this summer.”
A warehouse and distribution facility proposed to the Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) was presented to Sidney council Monday evening.
According to a staff report presented to council on April 26th, York Realty has applied to the VAA for the construction of a 486,937 square foot multi-storey distribution warehouse facility at 9899 McDonald Park Road.
The realtor is representing a business tenant whose identity has not been publicly disclosed. During the presentation, the facility’s purpose was identified as being a delivery site for a large-scale distributor.
(graphic by Watt Consulting Group)
The height of the proposed facility is 22.76 metres. This exceeds the VAA’s height regulations, but Town of Sidney staff say the authority has accepted a variance.
The height also exceeds the Town of Sidney’s regulations, however, the final decision for approval of the development rests with VAA.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the VAA and the Town of Sidney requires that applications on VAA lands be forwarded for review to the Town of Sidney and/or District of North Saanich.
“We’re not the decision-makers,” said Sidney councillor Peter Wainwright during Monday’s presentation.
“Basically, all we do is make some recommendations to VAA. We’ve got a good relation, they’ll probably follow them. But I’m certain that our community’s going to have quite a bit of interest in this.”
Wainwright went on to express concerns with public engagement, saying that a significant portion of the community is likely to not have heard about the development until Monday night’s presentation.
Matt Woolsey, president of York Realty, said his company was only following the application process and that he could not take ownership of frustrations with that process.
“We are absolutely open to feedback from the community,” he said in reply to a question from Wainwright on if there would be more opportunities for engagement.
Other councillors expressed reservations about how the large-scale development could affect the direction of the community.
“This is something that is going to be with us and shape who we are in the future, so we have to look at this very, very carefully,” said councillor Barbara Fallot.
“For me, it is the personality of who we are as a community, and what this is going to do for us. Is it a price that we’re willing to pay? Are the benefits something that our community wants?”
In order to comply with the Memorandum of Understanding between the VAA and the Town of Sidney, the Town must respond with comments to the proposal by May 11, 2021.
Public feedback for the proposal can be submitted through email.
On Tuesday, the BC government announced people 30 and over can now get the AstraZeneca vaccine at eligible pharmacies across BC.
Prior to yesterday’s announcement, only those born in 1981 and earlier (40+) could get the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The AstraZeneca vaccine is not part of BC’s age-based vaccination program, like Pfizer and Moderna.
Appointments for the AstraZeneca vaccine must be booked in advance at all sites by going online or by calling ahead.
Some pharmacies have internal systems to book vaccine appointments, but the province’s centralized vaccine platform has been expanded to include pharmacy bookings.
Supplies of the vaccine remain low in several regions including on Vancouver Island where many pharmacies have run out of supply after the age limit was lowered to 40 last week — it’s unclear when they will be restocked.
“As we receive enough AstraZeneca to add appointments at pharmacies, it will be made available to anyone in the province aged 30 and older,” Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said in a statement
“We know demand for the AstraZeneca vaccine is high in many areas. Unfortunately, available supply through pharmacies in some regions will continue to be limited until additional supplies come in.”
“Our limited AstraZeneca supply is being used in some of these ‘hot spots,’ as well as for our provincewide pharmacy program.”
People 59 and older, Indigenous peoples 18 and older, and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable can now register to book their vaccine through the province as well.
As of last week, all residents of BC, 18 and older, will be able to register for their COVID-19 vaccine this week, see eligibility and register here.
To date, the province has administered 1,671,128 vaccines, 89,457 of those were second doses.
(View Royal Elementary School/Google Photos by Mohammad Mehdi)
Four schools in the Greater Victoria School District have reported COVID-19 exposures in the past 24 hours that date back a week.
On Tuesday night, SD61 announced that there had been COVID-19 exposure warnings for at least four different schools on southern Vancouver Island.
Notification letters were sent out to parents, staff, and guardians.
Here’s a breakdown of where and when the exposure occurred:
Strawberry Vale Elementary experienced a potential COVID-19 exposure on April 26th.
View Royal Elementary experienced a potential COVID-19 exposure on April 23rd.
Central Middle School experienced another potential COVID-19 exposure on April 20th, 21st, 23rd, and 26th.
Margaret Jenkins Elementary experienced a potential COVID-19 exposure on April 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 26th.
Island Health is completing contact tracing to identify any individuals that need to self-isolate or self-monitor for symptoms.
If an individual may have been exposed, Island Health will contact them directly.
At the moment, there are 16 ongoing exposure or cluster outbreaks in schools across Vancouver Island.
Outbreaks, exposures, and clusters are removed after two weeks from their exposure dates.
An ‘exposure’ is defined by Island Health as a single person with lab-confirmed COVID-19 infection who attended school during their infectious period.
A ‘cluster’ means two or more individuals with lab-confirmed COVID-19 infection attended school during their infectious period. These cases may be linked to the school-based transmission.
Island Health says staff or students who see the exposure alert notice should not assume they have been exposed to the virus.
There are currently 263 active COVID-19 cases in the Island Health region.
A RCMP officer who has been posted throughout Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands was awarded for work in reconciliation on Monday.
Corporal Chistopher Voller was one of the recipients of the inaugural British Columbia Reconciliation Award, created in partnership between BC Achievement and The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
A 14-year veteran of the force, Voller is now in his fifth posting — this time as the detachment commander of the Quadra Island RCMP — following nine years on the North Island.
BC Achievement says that throughout his service, Voller has been confronting the RCMP’s need to address its history and build or rebuild trust with communities, particularly Indigenous ones.
“We existed as an enforcement agency when the Government created policies that forcefully removed children from their families in order to place them in schooling systems that saw them lose their sense of personal and cultural identity,” Voller said.
During his time around Port Hardy and Port McNeill, Voller oversaw an Indigenous unit serving the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw, Quatsino and Kwakiutl communities, according to the National Police Federation.
He has been credited with having a positive impact in these communities and was nominated for the reconciliation award by both Indigenous and police leaders.
Voller was also invited to dance at a potlatch held by the Nakwaxda’xw hereditary Chief. During the dance, the Chief and Voller exchanged pieces of Voller’s police uniform and regalia from the Chief.
“He’s one of several leaders with whom I’ve formed a connection that will last a lifetime,” Voller said.
The RCMP officer added that he hopes the award will draw attention to the need for education and wants to give hope to people who continue to feel the negative effects of colonization.
Voller was the only award recipient from Vancouver Island.
Other recipients included Grand Chief Stewart Phillip from Penticton, Dr. David Suzuki, Squamish Nation elder and leader Xele’milh-Doris Paul, and the Kelowna-based research team xaȼqanaǂ ʔitkiniǂ (Many Ways of Doing the Same Thing).
Downtown Sidney will be getting its very own ‘nanobrewery’ this summer if all goes according to plan.
On Monday, Sidney council met to consider a report that recommended the municipality get views on plans by Beacon Brewing to open a small brewery this upcoming August, featuring a tasting room for up to 45 people.
The proposed business would be at 9837 Third Street and would operate out of the first floor of the mixed-use commercial and residential building – which is currently under construction.
(Town of Sidney / Council Report)
According to the council report, Beacon Brewing will be a small-scale brewery, featuring a tasting room with pints, tasting flights and small scale, out of house sales.
Nanobreweries brew in very small batches, and differ from microbreweries because they typically produce no more than 500 liters per batch, and usually do not deal in large scale distribution of product outside of the tasting room.
Beacon Brewing has applied to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) for a liquor license with lounge area, and the council report says this will fall under the pub or brew pub categories; which allow alcoholic beverages to be consumed on site as long as there is food accompaniment.
Only the LCRB can approve or deny applications, but the Town of Sidney can also gather the written views of residents, showing their support or opposition.
Additionally, the municipality will also directly contact by mail owners and tenants occupying property within 100 metres of the proposed business.
In their letter to the mayor and council, Beacon Brewing details why they’d be an excellent addition to Sidney’s downtown core.
“We plan on having approximately 3-5 flagship beers that will stay in production continually and then rotate 2-5 seasonal/experimental brews that will rotate after one or two batches, with a guest tap or two and at least one local craft cider,” says Beacon Brewing.
“Bingo nights, car club days, live music, and hosting ticketed events are just some of the ideas we have in mind to bring people from all stages of life into the taproom as well.”
A 32-year-old man was stabbed by a woman at a Langford residence on Sunday.
On Sunday morning, April 25th, West Shore RCMP responded to reports that a man had been stabbed.
Officers responded and attended to the victim, a Langford resident, who was able to identify his attacker as someone he recently met.
The victim was transported to the hospital for serious but non-life threatening injuries.
West Shore RCMP officers and a police dog services team searched the area surrounding the complex.
Further investigation led police to a residence on Deville Road in Langford where 32-year-old Brenna Barker, a resident of Duncan, was arrested and brought before courts that next morning.
Barker, who is known to police, was charged with Assault with a Weapon and released by the courts on multiple conditions.
(Cloudburst Hefeweizen from Lighthouse Brewing in Victoria, BC)
A new program encourages local Victoria residents to indulge in their favourite local breweries, as well as win prizes along the way.
The Victoria Ale Trail Passport, started by The BC Ale Trail, is a local tasting tour that begins May 1st and ends May 31st.
The BC Ale Trail is brought in partnership with Destination British Columbia and the BC Craft Brewers Guild.
Here’s how it works:
Greater Victoria residents can pick up a Victoria Ale Trail passport from their favourite craft brewery and embark on a local tasting tour, collecting stamps along the way, to win a prize.
Whether you’re enjoying a local brew on a patio or picking up a case for home, you’ll get a stamp.
Collect six stamps and then you can drop a completed ballot off at a participating brewery and enter for a beer-themed prize package. Multiple entries are allowed.
Here’s what you could win:
Prizes include an overnight Staycation at Spinnakers Guesthouses, two free passes for the Pedaler’s Hoppy Hour Bike Tour, multiple brewery prize packages, and BC Ale Trail promotional swag.
The draw will take place during the first week of June.
“The Victoria Ale Trail passport is the perfect opportunity to support your neighbourhood brewery while staying local,” said Joe Wiebe, Content Manager at the BC Ale Trail.
“Most of the breweries and brewpubs have breezy patios where you can enjoy a beer in the sunshine, or you can pick up packaged beer to go. Either way, you’ll earn a stamp and feel good about investing your dollars back into our community.”
Due to travel restrictions in BC effective April 23rd, 2021, people cannot travel outside of their regional zone until May 25th. To learn more about British Columbia’s travel restrictions, essential travel inclusions and identify which health area you currently reside in, click here.
If you’re feeling disconnected from the local Vancouver Island art scene and want to support local businesses, the Myriad Experience is here to help.
The Myriad Experience, brought to you by the OneVoice Institute, is a new downtown Victoria feature which merges NexGen technology and the local art of Vancouver Island to bring you a new interactive experience.
You can enjoy the experience for yourself Monday through Sunday by reserving one of the one hour time slots beginning from 11 a.m., with the last reservation at 8:00 p.m. Physical distancing measures and cleaning protocols are in place to meet BC health regulation guidelines.
Tickets are available online through the Myriad Experience website.
Your ticket gets you admission to the full experience: an art gallery viewing (showcasing local Vancouver Island artwork), interactive participation in three creative community art products and the Myriad Experience 360-degree exhibit. Participants also receive a complimentary gift bag and a Discover Downtown Victoria Game Board Map.
This Discover Downtown Victoria game board map showcases 50+ local storefronts and business. Visit any 5 businesses within ten blocks of the experience (listed on the colourful map) to support local Victoria businesses then take a picture and tag @themyraidexperience on Instagram with the hashtag #myriadexperience to be entered in a monthly draw for free tickets and more.
10% of proceeds from The Myriad Experience admission helps to support charities such as the Victoria Coolaid Society, The Mustard Seed, The Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation and the Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation.
Visit the Myriad Experience and begin your Discover Downtown Victoria game board map to support local artists and businesses and for a chance to win great prizes.
senior citizens (age 65+), veterans, students and frontline workers (emergency services, medical services, customer service, etc.) will receive a 10% discount at checkout (using discount code: MYRIAD10). Discounts cannot be combined.
A 78-year-old woman from Nanaimo has died following a crash in Parksville Monday afternoon.
On April 26th, shortly after 2 p.m., Oceanside RCMP and first responders responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision in Parksville on the Alberni Highway.
According to RCMP, evidence and witness statements confirmed that the 78-year-old woman parked her car on the shoulder facing Parksville, then suddenly pulled a U-turn in an attempt to head the other direction towards Coombs.
According to police, the U-turn was done directly in front of an oncoming RV and resulted in a T-bone collision.
The driver and her 93 year old male passenger were extracted from the vehicle and transported to hospital.
The driver succumbed to her injuries while in hospital and Victoria Buzz has reached out to police to determine whether the passenger was injured.
Neither speed, nor intoxicants were factors in this collision. Charges are not a consideration as the offending driver is now deceased.
Saanich Police have now said that two fires that occurred in early March are considered suspicious and investigators are treating it as arson.
On March 6th at 7 p.m., Saanich fire crew and police responded to the multi-home fire in the 1700 block of Carnegie crescent.
The homes were adjacent to each other.
The fire caused significant damage of approximately $355,000.
Fortunately, there were no physical injuries caused by the blaze, but twelve people have been temporarily displaced from their homes.
Detectives are looking to speak to any witnesses or anyone with information that could assist in the investigation, including anyone driving in the area that would have dashcam footage.
Investigators are focusing on the hour prior to when the fires were reported.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4321.
As the weather warms up, most Victorians will be digging out their summer attire.
But according to one local middle school, that may pose a problem, and they’ve gone as far as to say this type of clothing could be considered “distracting or disruptive” to other students.
Spencer Middle School in Langford sent out an email to parents on Monday outlining their dress code policy, beginning it with, “As the sun comes out and the temperatures begin to warm up, the clothes seem to come off.”
The email goes on to state that the school is a “place of business,” and that “clothes and appearance must not create a distracting or disruptive situation in the class room.”
But one parent at Spencer Middle School says this is simply not acceptable.
Tina Clark, whose son attends grade seven at Spencer, believes that there are bigger issues at hand than just the wording of the policy.
“I just think it specifically targets children that identify as female,” Clark said in an interview with Victoria Buzz.
“As a mother of a boy, I’m also insulted – the policy implies that boys are incapable of controlling themselves around girls.”
The letter sent to parents yesterday is below:
(Dress code policy email sent to parents of Spencer Middle School)
The Spencer Middle School website also detailed the policy – which has since been removed – stating that clothing with thin straps, bare midriffs, short shorts or low-cut fronts is not permitted.
It also says that backpacks and purses are not permitted in class, which leads to a whole other host of issues, Clark continued.
“Girls could need menstrual products in class, and if I sent my son with something he needed in school, I would not expect him to have to go to his locker to get it.”
“It’s just archaic,” Clark said, referring to the policy.
(Spencer Middle School dress code policy / since removed from website)
On Tuesday morning, prior to this publication, the dress code policy was removed from the Spencer Middle School website.
Spencer Middle School has received mixed reactions from parents and the public regarding the policy since then, some sharing their disappointment, while others showed support.
A post on a social media group regarding the email has also garnered much attention, receiving hundreds of comments, some supporting and many against the policy.
Since then, the school’s principal, Darren Russell, has responded to the concerns stating that the dress code policy has been changed moving forward, and that the school has been “working on the code of conduct over the last few years” and they had “used the wording we had in place for last year.”
“The code of conduct sent out yesterday is outdated. We have a newly developed one. We’ve never had a “dress code” per say,” Lindsay Vogan, Communications Manager at Sooke School District #62 said in a statement to Victoria Buzz.
“Only rules against wearing something that is openly discriminatory or violent towards others.”
The updated code of conduct sent out this morning is as follows:
ACCEPTABLE CONDUCT
The school expects that students will actively participate through effort and punctual, regular attendance, in their assigned education program.
Students are expected to respect the rights and property of all Spencer staff and students.
Students are expected to comply with classroom expectations set by individual teachers in order to ensure that all students’ rights to effective and efficient learning environments are respected.
Students are expected to wear clothing that is appropriate for an educational environment.
Students are expected to respect all school and school related events and ensure they are free from use of restricted substances, weapons and of intimidation.
Students are expected to respect the appropriate use of school computers and internet access.
Cell phones are to be turned off and stored in locker throughout the day.
Students are expected to stay on campus throughout the entire day.
An impaired driver was served violation tickets by VicPD after he collided into a hydro pole on Tuesday.
Shortly before 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, officers were called to the 400-block of Burnside Road for a report that a vehicle collided with a hydro pole.
VicPD responded, but the driver and the vehicle had fled the scene.
BC Hydro crews repaired the damaged hydro pole.
Investigators located the vehicle and the driver in the area of Harriet Road and Burnside Road East — by following the trail of fluids leaking from the car.
Based on the driver’s behaviour, officers conducted a field sobriety test on the suspect.
The file is still under investigation but the driver was served a 24-hour driving prohibition, as well as violation tickets for failing to remain at the scene of a collision and collision resulting in property damage.
If you have information about this incident, call VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
If you were one of the lucky Victorians to cast your gaze skyward last night, you were in for a treat.
April’s famed supermoon moon lit up skies across Vancouver Island Monday night, made all the much brighter and more spectacular because of the crystal-clear conditions we were gifted with.
This particular moon is dubbed the ‘pink moon’, in reference to pink wildflowers that sprout across the globe during this time of year – though it’s not actually pink itself, and has more of a golden hue.
It’s the first of two supermoons in 2021; and professionals, budding photographers, and supermoon fans took to social media to share their snaps of the stunning sight, and we’ve compiled our favourites here:
The Saanich Peninsula Hospital celebrated the opening of their new and expanded Day Surgery Unit earlier this month, a project that was five years in the making.
The new section of the hospital opened for use on Monday, April 12th and can be viewed as a virtual tour of the new facility
As a part of the opening ceremonies, local First Nations elders May Sam, Patti Underwood and Barb Henry conducted a blessing for the new facility.
This project, which has been in development for five years, will assist staff to care for patients in an area of the hospital that has grown in importance.
Day surgery, or outreach surgery, does not require an overnight stay.
“As surgical techniques advance and surgeons increase the use of laparoscopic techniques, more and more surgeries can be done as day surgery,” said Jessica Johnson, Director, Saanich Peninsula and the Gulf Islands.
“This modernization will further improve access for patients requiring medical, surgical and endoscopic care, and by consolidating activity in one part of the hospital, we will be able to increase our efficiency.”
The unit includes features such as a waiting room, lockers for an individual’s belongings, change rooms, more storage for medical supplies and expanded space to handle an increased amount of patients and hospital staff.
The Foundation has raised $65 million dollars for equipment, facilities and programs both at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and in the community.
The project itself totalled $3.5 million which was made possible by local donors.
Vancouver Island’s town councils are showing their support for a moratorium on wolf hunting ahead of a meeting of municipalities in May.
A resolution written by the District of Oak Bay calls on the provincial government to implement a moratorium on recreational wolf hunting on Vancouver Island, pending the completion of a study on unrestricted wolf harvesting practices.
The resolution specifically calls for consultation with Indigenous communities and a scientific study on the Island’s bio-diversity and sustainability of the resident wolf population.
Oak Bay’s resolution is to be presented at the AGM and Convention of the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) in May.
Already, multiple councils have endorsed the moratorium and will be sending their own letters of support.
Both Colwood and Metchosin councils unanimously supported the moratorium at separate meetings on April 12.
“I think all of us are horrified at the thought of losing our wolves,” said Mayor John Ranns during Metchosin’s council meeting.
“A very slight note of caution: we saw what happened when some bears crossed over and started eating our livestock. So far, there’s never been an incident that the wolves had done that, and I don’t anticipate they will, but if they do, I just hope that the conservation people can single out the culprits without causing any damage to the actual packs.”
The resolution follows a controversial incident where a local hunter allegedly killed multiple wolves near Sooke, sparking public outcry.
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait has written a letter to Natural Resource Operations Minister Katrine Conroy in support of the moratorium while condemning the rumored slaughter and threats the hunter had made earlier about the pack.
“Many of us in Sooke were sickened by this callous threat, especially given how all levels of government and many NGOs are working so hard, effectively and strategically to protect wildlife and habitat,” Tait wrote.
“A moratorium on hunting and trapping on Vancouver Island is urgent and essential until we learn more about the island’s wolf population.”
Every day feels like pizza week, but starting May 1st it will be…officially.
All week long, from May 1st until May 7th, the ovens will be fired up and the dough rolled for a saucy celebration for the first-ever edition of La Pizza Week.
La Pizza Week comes from the same creative geniuses that brought you La Poutine Week and Le Burger Week, and it currently has over 1000 participating restaurants across Canada, including ten right here in Victoria.
“[Our] overall mission is to support local restaurants by increasing their sales and awareness by participating,” said the organizers.
“The festival is designed to encourage people to visit restaurants and to order for take-out or delivery!”
La Pizza Week has partnered with SkipTheDishes, which will allow customers to bypass any line through pick-up or delivery.
Below is a list of Victoria’s participating restaurants:
Even though there are certain things you just know you shouldn’t flush down the drain in 2021, there’s a few things we’re all guilty of tossing in – maybe because we didn’t realize it would cause any issues.
But we’re here to tell you that what you flush down the drain matters, and that flushing these “unflushables” can lead to blockages in the sanitary sewer system that can cost you a hefty plumber’s bill.
They can also cause sewage to overflow into the environment or back up into your home, and despite the fact that the Capital Regional District’s new wastewater treatment facility is now up and running, it’s still important to be mindful of what you flush.
The CRD recommends that you stick to the 3Ps when it comes to flushing: only pee, poo and toilet paper go down the toilet, and keep your sink fat-free by keeping oils and grease out of the drain.
To ensure that your pipes stay clog-free, here are the 10 things you should really, truly should avoid putting down the drain:
Unflushable #1: “Flushable” wipes
Yep, we said it. Those wipes that are labelled as “flushable”? They’re actually not, and they don’t break down in the sewage treatment system – so much so, they’re the leading cause of expensive clogs and sewer back-ups.
The same is true for wipes marked “compostable”—they can’t go in your green bin. All wipes must be disposed of in your regular household garbage.
Unflushable #2: Dental floss
Dental floss is stronger than you think, and when flushed down the toilet can cause issues within the region’s wastewater pumps, meaning increased maintenance and operating costs.
Unflushable #3: Menstrual products
This one might shock you, but menstrual products (tampons, pads, etc.) should never be flushed down the toilet. Why? Because they’re products that are meant to absorb water, not break down in it, meaning they’ll only expand when you flush them — and that’s no good for your plumbing or the regional sewer line.
Unflushable #4: Fats and grease
Each year almost one million kilograms of fats, oils and grease flow down the drains of homes throughout the capital region. These can clog pipes and treatment screens, causing backups, overflows and odour problems.
Unflushable #5: Hair
It’s inevitable that some hair will make it into the sewer line, but there are things you can do to avoid it. Human hair is hard on the CRD’s wastewater machinery and a big source of clogs in the system.
A few tips are to brush your hair out before you shower or bathe, and clean brushes into the garbage can, not the toilet or sink.
Unflushable #6: Medications
A shocking 45% of capital region residents toss old medications in the garbage or down the drain, and as it turns out, that’s not such a good idea.
Medication that goes down the drain ends up in the ocean, where it can have a negative effect on the marine environment.
But there’s a solution; you can take your medications to one of the many pharmacies that is participating in the Medications Return Program (MRP). Look up nearby return locations by using your postal code.
Unflushable #7: Condoms
This one should go without saying, but it’s a huge no-no. Condoms and other plastics are also not designed to break down in water, so flushing them can cause clogs in toilets and septic tanks.
Unflushable #8: Paper towels and tissues
Not a part of the 3Ps, paper towels are simply not designed to break down the way toilet paper does, and tissues work the same way. If you have to use either in a pinch, it’s recommended they go into the garbage – not the toilet.
Unflushable #9: Kitty litter
Though some brands of kitty litter claim to be flushable, most toilets don’t use enough water to move the litter along properly in your pipes.
Unflushable #10: Diapers
Diapers, like menstrual products, expand in water, and even though most are too big to be flushed, a friendly reminder never hurts! Diapers will expand and get caught in your pipes, and cause more trouble for everyone in the long run.
Several outboard motors motors and a zodiac were stolen from a non-profit youth group in Gyro Park last week, according to Saanich Police.
The theft is believed to have occurred sometime on either Monday April 19 or Tuesday April 20. The unknown suspect(s) broke into a fenced compound at Gyro Park owned and operated by the 12th Garry Oak Sea Scouts.
Several outboard motors and a zodiac used for youth programming were stolen, including:
1996 Honda 8HP (possibly white/red/black)
2003 Honda 15HP (silver)
2010 Suzuki 9.9HP (black)
2013 Suzuki 9.9HP (black)
2009 11.5’ 350 RIB HYP (colour unknown)
The total value of the motors is estimated at $11,700 while the 11.5’ rigid hull inflatable zodiac is valued at $3,500.
Saanich PD said this is the second time the organization has been the victim of a theft, following an incident in September 2020.
The Scouts are now without any outboards or zodiacs to run their youth programs.
“We are asking the public not only for information on the theft, but also to be mindful when purchasing used items such as motors,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades.
“Be wary of outboards that have been repainted, cosmetically altered, or have a tampered or missing serial number. When buying a used motor, the public can perform on online search through CPIC to determine if the item has been reported stolen.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4321 or report anonymously through the Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The BC government has expanded mental health and substance-use services for young people as part of their BC Budget 2021.
After announcing the largest mental health investment last week, the province detailed their investment of $56 million in new support for youth in fifteen communities in BC.
350 new full-time workers will help support BC’s younger generation and their families, as well as provide them with access to services early on.
The province announced a model of care geared towards integrated child and youth teams in schools, meant to link young people to other services in the community — such as early years services, primary care, and specialized programs.
“So families don’t lose critical time when mental health and addictions treatment help is urgently needed, we’re adding new teams so young people receive seamless service at school, at home and for life,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
This model of care is intended to reduce wait times, improve health outcomes, and increase engagement at school.
The government is working with Indigenous partners and community agencies to build this system of care.
This investment is part of the overall $97 million announced in Budget 2021 for child and youth mental health and substance-use support to further advance the BC government’s plan, A Pathway to Hope.
Oak Bay police arrested a suspected impaired driver last week, who swam into the ocean at Willows Beach.
On Tuesday, April 20th, at approximately 9 pm, officers were advised of a suspected impaired driver in the area of Beach Drive and King George Terrace.
Officers located the vehicle near Haynes Park and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
The driver failed to stop and continued north on Beach Drive, and eventually parked and walked to Willows Beach.
Upon locating the suspect, officers advised him that he was under arrest for suspicion of impaired driving.
According to the report, the man became confrontational and began yelling at officers that he had nothing to live for and asked to be shot by police.
The suspect then ran into the ocean and swam around 50 meters offshore.
After approximately half an hour of speaking to the suspect, he came onto shore and officers apprehended the man.
Officers served him a driving prohibition, a violation ticket for driving without consideration.
The suspect was then taken to hospital for evaluation.
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If you or someone you know needs help, call the B.C. Crisis Centre Distress Line number at 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433.
A flight from Calgary to Victoria has been added to the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) public exposures list.
According to BCCDC, WestJet flight 3115 from Calgary to Victoria on April 22nd was added to its exposure list.
The affected rows on the flight span from rows 9 to 15.
Additionally, three other flights to Vancouver Island were added to the same list.
Air Canada flight number 8261 from Vancouver to Nanaimo reported an exposure on April 20th. On April 14th, WestJet reported a COVID-19 exposure on a flight from Calgary to Nanaimo (#3109, rows 5 to 18).
Also, WestJet flight number 3171 from Calgary to Comox also experienced a positive COVID case on April 14th.
All passengers on a domestic flight with a COVID-19 case should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days.
The BCCDC is no longer notifying passengers on affected flights about potential exposures. The information on affected flights is posted publicly on the BCCDC website.
Sometimes, we look in the mirror and we don’t recognize the person staring back at us; it’s as if we’re somehow living in someone else’s shoes.
Other times, we’re just simply in a stranger’s house.
For one man, that sentiment rings even more true after last week.
On Tuesday April 20th, at 1:43 am, Oak Bay police responded to a break and enter on Rutland Road.
According to the report, a young man, who appeared disoriented and confused, was confronted by homeowners.
The man stated he must be in the wrong house, and without incident, exited through the front door. The suspect was not aggressive and did make any threats towards the homeowners, nor did he take any property.
Police said that he was believed to have entered the home through an unlocked door.
The area was checked, but police were unable to locate the man.
Oak Bay police reiterated that residents should lock exterior doors to their homes, especially at night.
Multiple schools in the Greater Victoria area are reporting COVID-19 over the weekend.
Since Friday, there have been COVID-19 exposure warnings for at least three different schools on southern Vancouver Island.
Here’s a breakdown of where and when the exposure occurred:
Colquitz Middle School experienced a COVID-19 exposure on April 19th. This is the second case identified at the school so far this month.
Northridge Elementary School experienced a COVID-19 exposure on April 19th.
Cedar Hill Middle School experienced a COVID-19 exposure on April 19th and 20th.
Island Health is completing contact tracing to identify any individuals that need to self-isolate or self-monitor for symptoms.
If an individual may have been exposed, Island Health will contact them directly.
At the moment, there are 12 ongoing exposure or cluster outbreaks in schools across Vancouver Island.
Outbreaks, exposures, and clusters are removed after two weeks from their exposure dates.
An ‘exposure’ is defined by Island Health as a single person with lab-confirmed COVID-19 infection who attended school during their infectious period.
A ‘cluster’ means two or more individuals with lab-confirmed COVID-19 infection attended school during their infectious period. These cases may be linked to the school-based transmission.
Island Health says staff or students who see the exposure alert notice should not assume they have been exposed to the virus.
As of this publication, there are 8,842 active cases in BC with 354 of those cases being in the Island Health region.
I don’t like the way I look. I feel like a rough drawing that Dr. Seuss gave up on halfway through, or a Picasso where he just kept going. YOU HEARD ME.
Though if you did hear me, I should also mention that I am self-conscious about my voice, too. I have the nagging feeling that I bear an uncanny resemblance to Kermit the frog.
The long-and-short of this persistent image problem is that I rarely, if ever, post pictures/videos of myself to social media.
But now, all the cool kids are doing it, as hashtag VACCINATED kicks into high gear with badly-ageing millennials like myself eagerly lining up for our perfect Insta shot. And a life-saving medicine, I suppose.
This is a golden opportunity for ugly ducklings like me, though. Because we finally have a social media trend that’s all about taking pictures with masks on.
Oh sure, mask selfies have been a thing for over a year now, but this time we not only get the dopamine high of getting Likes, but we also get to revel in moral superiority.
WORSHIP ME, we shout with our vaccine selfies. I AM LIKE UNTO THE LEGENDARY GRECIAN HEROES, HERE TO DELIVER YOU FROM THE PLAGUES OF PANDORA’S BOX. I AM CLEANSED. I AM MIGHTY.
With that shot (pun definitely intended) at adulation, how can I pass this moment up? It’s your time, understudies! The leading lady has broken her leg! Step up to the spotlight!
I shall go out to the clinic, phone eagerly clutched in my hand with white-knuckled anticipation. I will roll up to that nurse, bask in the flattering glow of clinic fluorescent lighting and say “I’m ready for my closeup, Mr. AstraZeneca.”
Let me just roll up my sleeve and…
Oh. Oh that is a disappointing amount of muscle mass.
And when did I get so many hairs on my shoulder?
And there’s not even an appealing, cool tattoo like the Prime Minister has?
I…do not like this arm.
Hm.
Uh, tell you what, let’s maybe just keep my own celebratory vaccination post to a text-based one, yeah?
I’ll leave the vaccine selfies to the sexier limbs out there.
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.
Ahead of this coming weekend, Island Health has penned an open letter to the public shedding light onto the ongoing “third wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island.
The letter touches on the pressure on first responders and medical staff, as well as the importance to take measures seriously.
On Thursday, the province announced 1,006 new cases in a single day and 8,733 active cases.
Island Health announced 32 new cases on Thursday, and 307 active cases on Vancouver Island, 191 of which are on the South Island.
As of this publication, 32 people are currently hospitalized on Vancouver Island, with 4 people currently in critical care.
Yesterday, another person died from COVID-19 complications, marking the 34th death due to COVID-19 on the Island.
Vancouver Island has seen 4,411 total cases since the pandemic began.
Read Island Health’s open letter from Dr. Richard Stanwick below:
The third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is here and like all of us, our health-care teams are ready to put the pandemic behind them. For more than a year, public health teams, medical staff, staff and care providers across Island Health have focused their energies on preventing and managing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, and keeping you and your loved ones safe. This unprecedented effort continues, in addition to other important, everyday health-care needs beyond the pandemic. You can help by following public health orders and guidelines.
As the detailed April 16 presentation from the Province showed, COVID-19 cases remain high in our communities and we are seeing an increasing presence of the new Variants of Concern. Our Public Health teams are working long hours in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities through testing and collection, case and contact management, and vaccinations.
But our health-care teams are tired. Many are on the verge of exhaustion. We are immensely proud of all the people who work so tirelessly to keep our health system running. In recent days, there also has been discussion about acute care occupancy and available critical care beds. Island Health currently has the necessary infrastructure and capacity with respect to critical care beds and ventilators. But occupancy numbers and ventilator supply doesn’t tell the full story. For every person in a critical care bed, whether they are being treated for COVID-19 or another serious medical condition, a team of dedicated professionals is required to deliver care. It is a system that relies on people. Our people are dedicated, diligent and resilient, and their commitment to providing excellent care is unwavering. But they are being stretched to their limit as this pandemic continues.
COVID-19 is swift. Right now, we are a third of the way to achieving community immunity and we need to adhere to public health orders and guidelines to prevent overloading our health-system.
We acknowledge the global pandemic continues to be an extremely challenging experience for so many. We appreciate everything the community has done to support us, and we look forward to the continued roll-out of vaccines. Until we have sufficient community immunity, help reduce the burden on the health-care system by not gathering indoors with people we don’t live with, avoiding all non-essential travel by staying local, and staying home when sick. Your efforts to stick to these principles are a show of support for our frontline workers. And they need all that support more than ever right now.
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.
A Langford store was the site on Thursday of what police are saying is the latest in a string of attacks involving bear spray.
West Shore RCMP say officers were dispatched at approximately 6 p.m. on April 22 for a report of attack at the Devonshire Market, located at 808 Goldstream Avenue.
The downtown Langford business owner, Anoop Dhami, said he had caught a man attempting to steal an item.
Dhami told the man to leave. As the man exited, he made comments about lighting fires.
Shortly afterwards, Dhami noticed the smell of bear spray and called 911.
Officers determined that the man had sprayed bear spray into the main area of the store through an external vent.
West Shore RCMP say this is the fourth incident involving bear spray in the last week that they have responded to.
The store owner did not suffer any injuries and police are still investigating to identify the suspect.
He is described as a white male, wearing camo print cargo style shorts, a paint splattered grey long sleeve T shirt with SUNDOWN written on the front, white shoes and a black mask.
The RCMP have released photos of the suspect from the store’s surveillance system.
Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at (250) 474-2264, or contact our local CRIMESTOPPERS at (250) 475-4260.
A photo of E-Comm call-taker Christie Duncan answering emergency calls (E-Comm 911)
No, we’re not joking.
E-Comm, BC’s largest emergency communications centre, is asking people to stop calling 911 about travel restrictions in BC.
The organization began receiving calls shortly after the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor, Mike Farnworth, declared the inter-provincial travel ban this morning until May 25th.
“911 is for emergencies ONLY. Help us keep the emergency lines free for people who need help from police, fire and ambulance,” said E-Comm in a tweet.
We are receiving calls on 911 from ppl asking q's about travel restrictions. Remember: 911 is for emergencies ONLY. #HelpUsHelp keep emergency lines free for ppl who need help from police, fire or ambulance.
The travel ban is effective immediately and will prohibit residents from travelling outside of their health region or be at risk of a $575 fine.
The province is working with local police agencies to set up check stops at each of the health regions. Details of these check stops will be released next week, according to Minister Farnworth.
Provincial health officials are still encouraging residents to stay in their local region, despite being able to travel within your health region without penalty.
Effective immediately, BC Ferries will also ban travel outside of the Island Health region that are for leisure purposes.
The company has also added a check box to the online booking registration of the website to ensure customers read and acknowledge they are travelling for essential reasons when making a Booking.
Customers will be asked whether their travel is essential and denied if it is deemed not essential.
Here’s a list of what is deemed essential travel:
The BC government detailed a list below:
carrying out a work-related purpose, including volunteering
moving to a different principal residence or assisting a person to move
commercially transporting goods
receiving health-care services or social services or assisting someone to receive those services;
attending court;
complying with a court order;
accessing child care;
spending parenting time with a minor child;
attending classes or receiving training at a post-secondary institution or school;
responding to an emergency or a critical incident, including incidents that involve search and rescue operations;
providing care or assistance to a person who requires care or assistance because of:
a psychological, behavioral or health condition; or
a physical, cognitive or mental impairment.
visiting by an essential visitor as provided in the guidance of the Ministry of Health set out in a document titled Ministry of Health – Overview of Visitors in Long-Term Care and Seniors’ Assisted Living that was in effect on April 1, 2021;
attending a funeral service;
travelling under the authority of a variance of an order issued by the provincial health officer under the Public Health Act if the variance was made before this section comes into force;
travelling by residents of the local health areas of Bella Coola Valley or Central Coast to Port Hardy to obtain essential goods and supplies;
travelling by residents of the local health area of Hope to Chilliwack to obtain essential goods and supplies;
travelling by residents of the Nisga’a Health Authority region into the Northern-Interior Health Authority region; and/or
Nanaimo RCMP are asking for the public’s help in identifying a dirt bike driver who failed to stop for police.
On Saturday, April 10th, at approximately 6 p.m., a dirt biker without a license plate was followed by an RCMP officer near Nanaimo River Road and White Rapids Road.
As the officer approached the dirt bike, the driver sped off.
About 30 seconds later, the dirt biker “stunted” passed the officer in the opposite direction. Stunting refers to driving with one wheel on the road.
The officer turned his emergency activation equipment on and partially blocked the road in an attempt to stop the rider.
The dirt bike driver sped up and drove off past the officer, and the officer did not pursue.
Nanaimo RCMP report that the rider’s only identifiable feature was that the bike has gold-coloured shocks.
It is unknown if the rider is a man or woman due to the driver wearing a helmet and visor.
Nanaimo RCMP are asking anyone with information in regards to the incident to call them at 250-754-2345.
(Image from West Coast Ferries Forum / http://ferriesbc.proboards.com/
Effective immediately, until May 25th, those looking to travel outside of the Island Health region, recreationally, will be stopped prior to entry and potentially face a fine of $575.
BC Ferries said it will not schedule any extra sailings that are typically offered during the May long weekend.
The company has also added a check box to the online booking registration of the website to ensure customers read and acknowledge they are travelling for essential reasons when making a Booking.
The following ferry routes will be affected:
Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay
Tsawwassen – Duke Point
Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands
Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay
Comox – Powell River
Port Hardy – Prince Rupert
BC Ferries says customers travelling on these routes will be asked whether their travel is essential and denied if it is deemed not essential.
“BC Ferries supports doing everything we can to discourage non-essential travel, and this Order gives us the legal authority we need to deny travel for non-essential reasons,” said Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President and CEO.
“Our employees continue to work hard providing service transporting people, goods and medical supplies to coastal BC communities for essential reasons, and I’m proud of the work they are doing.”
To determine whether your travel is essential read here.
A section of Gorge Road is closed after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle Friday morning.
The incident occurred just before 10 a.m. at the intersection of Gorge Road and Jutland Road.
VicPD has confirmed they are investigating a collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle, and traffic in the area is closed.
In a tweet, VicPD said the pedestrian was transported to hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries; witnesses in the area at the time told Victoria Buzz that the pedestrian was elderly, and may have been stuck under the vehicle.
VicPD are asking people to avoid the area, and no estimated time was provided on how long it would be closed for.
The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident, or anyone that might have video from the scene, is being asked to call the VicPD non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654.
To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
