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A World War II veteran celebrated his 106th birthday on Thursday March 11th!
Albert Middleton survived two world wars, lived through two pandemics, and blew out 106 candles as of his recent birthday this week.
Middleton currently lives at Veterans Memorial Lodge in Victoria, though he was born and raised in England.
In his early teens, he was sent to Canada as a war orphan. Later in life, Middleton served overseas in the Air Force during World War II.
After the War, Middleton received a sum of money from Veterans Affairs Canada which he used as a down payment on a hobby farm.
Besides his full time job as a factory worker, Albert spent most of his time operating a steady stream of livestock on 65 acres of his farm in Ontario.
He was married and widowed twice and had three children.
Eventually, Albert moved to Victoria and began living on his own in an apartment across from Beacon Hill Park.
Then at 101 years of age, Albert moved into Veterans Memorial Lodge, supported by his family in Ontario, Veterans Affairs Canada, members of the Broadmead Care community, and dear friends who live nearby.
To ensure they displayed his impressive age, Veterans Memorial Lodge staff had to get creative and crafty when they realized birthday balloon numbers only go to 100…
And while the pandemic posed restrictions on the celebration, a small gathering was held with his fellow residents, which included a birthday cake, champagne sent by his daughter in Ontario, and some classic big band music.
For many, taking off their bra at the end of a long day is one of the best feelings in the world.
So good, apparently, that one woman driving in Metchosin last night couldn’t even wait until she got home to do it – and was pulled over by police in the process.
On Thursday night, West Shore RCMP stopped a vehicle that was reportedly driving erratically in the 4100 block of Sooke Road.
According to a tweet by RCMP, they had received a complaint from the public on the woman’s driving.
Upon stopping the vehicle, the driver stated she that her reason for driving erratically was that she was trying to “take her bra off”.
“This is distracted driving too!”, West Shore RCMP said in the tweet.
Last night, officers stopped a vehicle who was driving erratically in the 4100 block of Sooke Rd after receiving a complaint from the public. The driver stated she was trying to "take her bra off"… This is distracted driving too! #drivesafely#itcanwaithttps://t.co/GIJRxTtZ7spic.twitter.com/jfcouXhXSs
March is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and police across the province will be conducting intensified enforcement and education, as well as checking for inattentive and distracted drivers.
Distracted driving is factor in about 27 per cent of fatal crashes in British Columbia, claiming an average of 78 lives every year.
The use of personal electronic devices is among the most common causes of distracted driving. Studies show that drivers talking on the cellphone lose sight of about 50 per cent of what is happening around them and drivers using hand-held phones are five times more likely to crash.
They say these factors have never been assembled in a Canadian city ranking of this scale.
In addition, the report also assigned editorial ratings for qualitative ratings on things like scenery, nightlife, climate, and outdoor lifestyle.
“Our first ranked city, Langford B.C. got high marks for growth, affordability (particularly relative to other B.C. hotspots), property tax costs, desirable climate and proximity to spectacular nature,” said Robert McLister, Mortgage Editor, RATESDOTCA.
“[Langord] and other top 10 locations could see outsized real estate returns in coming years given they check a lot of homebuyer boxes and are relatively cost effective.”
Also included in the top 10 locations was Cowichan Bay, in the number eight spot. The small South Island community was awarded five stars in the reports “scenery ratings,” compared to four for Langford.
However, Cowichan Bay was awarded only one star for “nightlife” to Langford’s three and had a slightly longer commute to a commercial airport.
“Though more expensive than mainland Kelowna, Langford retains a small-town feel, along with imminent access to nature,” the report says.
“The city’s nightlife and culinary scene falls shy of the country’s largest metropolises, but the recent increase in population has spurred growth, adding some cultural niceties to a place defined by natural beauty.”
RATESDOTCA says that housing prices are becoming increasingly inaccessible in many metropolitan cities, with 61 per cent of homebuyers citing affordability as a key criterion as they look for a place to relocate to.
“Canada has some incredible hidden gems if you’re relocating for a change in lifestyle; places people seldom think about,” said McLister. “This list shows that there are affordable home options for homebuyers willing and able to broaden their horizons.”
Victoria placed 30th on the list, while Greater Vancouver ranked at 27.
The report also included results from an online survey of 1,514 Canadians conducted by Leger Marketing from January 22-24, 2021, using Leger’s online panel. The sample’s ages ranged from 18 to 55+ years old. The margin of error for this study is +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20.
Victoria Police have released a photo of a suspect wanted in connection to a stabbing at a downtown community shelter Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. on March 10th in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue.
VicPD officers who were dispatched to the community shelter found a man who had been stabbed and was suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect had already fled the area before officers arrived.
Police described the suspect as a Caucasian man with a heavy build, wearing a grey hooded sweater, white sweatpants with red lettering, a black face mask, and black shoes. He was also carrying a black shoulder bag.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect, or if you have information on the incident are asked to contact the VicPD non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654 or call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
BC has seen its first easing of the provincial restrictions as we head into Spring Break.
With just days to go, BC has amended its province-wide COVID-19 orders when it comes to gatherings.
During Thursday’s press conference, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the orders have been amended to allow for outside gatherings of up to 10 people.
“This means your children can have a playdate with their friends… their safe group of friends, over the March break,” said Henry.
“You can meet friends outside, for a coffee, a chat, a connection, a picnic in the park.”
Henry urged people to still use safety when meeting with their safe group, including wearing a mask or maintaining some distance.
There are no changes to the current restrictions on indoor gatherings – in our homes or elsewhere. The requirements for restaurants and bars also continue.
Similar to New Year’s Eve, the province is altering its COVID-19 public health orders to cut off alcohol sales early on St. Patrick’s Day.
The province will be ceasing liquor sales at 8 p.m. on March 17th in an effort to limit gatherings on St. Patrick’s Day, rather than the 10 p.m. cutoff that has applied during the pandemic.
“Right now, we have to save those parties for the summer,” said Henry, noting inhibitions drop when people are drinking.
The province reported 569 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, including 41 people who tested positive in the Island Health region.
The B.C. Ministry of Health reported 569 new cases of COVID-19 across the province on Thursday March 11th, for a total of 86,219 cases since the pandemic began.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 140
Fraser Health: 301
Island Health: 41
Interior Health: 26
Northern Health: 60
The number of active cases in B.C. increased from 4,861 to 4,912.
There are now a total of 244 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 68 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
Three new people have died from COVID-related causes, bringing the provincial death toll to 1,397.
8,900 people are under active public health monitoring after exposure to COVID-19.
A total of 79,829 people have recovered from novel coronavirus.
Outbreaks
There has been one new health-care facility outbreak.
There are nine active outbreaks in long-term facilities and eight in acute-care facilities.
Outbreaks and other exposure events can be linked to from the BC Centre for Disease Control website.
(Tarun Fizer plays against the Kamloops Blazers in a past season)
The Victoria Royals announced on Thursday that they have named forward Tarun Fizer as the team’s new captain ahead of the 2020-21 season.
Fizer, originally from Alberta, becomes the eighth captain in Royals’ history, and follows Phillip Schultz, who wore the ‘C’ for a short tenure last season.
“Tarun is a driven competitor who sets the standard for dedication, leadership and behaviour for our organization,” Royals’ General Manager and Head Coach Dan Price said in a media release.
“He has earned this opportunity and we know that he is ready to take on this added responsibility. Tarun is, and will continue to be, an outstanding leader for us both on-and-off of the ice.”
The 20-year-old veteran of the time is coming off of a career season, where he tallied 53 points, with 19 goals and 34 assists – a personal best for him.
Fizer has spent the entirety of his WHL career with Victoria; in all 170 career regular season games with the Royals, Fizer recorded 94 points in 34 goals and 60 assists, with 34 penalty minutes.
The 5’11”, 190-pound forward has also made an appearance in 20 career playoff games for the Royals.
Fizer was selected by the Royals in the fourth round, 69th overall, in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft.
Victoria’s season kicks off on Friday, March 26th, as the away team, when they face the Rockets.
All of the Royals games will be streamed on WHL Live on CHL TV – full 2020-21 season streaming packages are available for $59.99, or for $6.99 per game.
(Dylan Coghlan of the Vegas Golden Knights, pictured on the right / NHL)
Well, that’s one way to start your NHL career off with a bang.
Scoring your first-ever NHL goal is always a momentous occasion, but for one Vancouver Island-born player, he wasn’t stopping there, tallying a hat-trick on Wednesday night for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Nanaimo’s Dylan Coghlan scored all three goals for the Golden Knights last night, though the game ended in a 4-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild.
The defenceman’s first-ever NHL goal came within just two minutes of the first period, with the second goal 14 minutes into the third – the third and final goal came a few minutes later.
“I haven’t had a hat trick since I was 10 probably, maybe even younger,” said Coghlan in his post-game interview.
Coghlan is only 12 games into this season with the Golden Knights, who currently lead the NHL’s West Division with a 16-6-1 record.
He kicked off his career with the Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association, then moved on to play one season of B.C. Major Midget League hockey with Nanaimo’s North Island Silvertips.
He continued on to the major junior level and beyond.
Aside from surely breaking some personal records, Coghlan marks only the third defenceman in NHL history to score his first three career goals in the same game.
Also impressive, he became the 11th player in the last 30 years to score his first three goals in the same game.
A Victoria man is vying for a chance to be on the first of eight on a civilian flight to the moon.
Japanese billionaire and fashion designer Yusaku Maezawa is offering a free trip to fly the lunar orbit in collaboration with Elon Musk and SpaceX.
Maezawa launched the ‘dearMoon’ mission on Tuesday with the hopes of bringing eight people, with a focus on artists, that must fulfill a criteria of two things.
Watch this video to learn more about the selection process. It also contains a special message from @elonmusk#dearMoon
Brett Andersen, a restaurant manager in Victoria, said he fulfills the criteria.
In a video posted to his Instagram, Andersen details the criteria which Maezawa will choose the recipients, and why he fits the bill.
“The first criteria is to push the envelope of whatever it is I love to do […], the second one is to support the rest of the crew on their aspirations while we go on this adventure,” said Andersen in his video below:
Andersen is an adventure photographer and videographer and has been in the hospitality industry for over 15 years.
But this isn’t the first time Andersen has tried going into orbit.
In 2015, Andersen made it through a global contest that would have seen him board the first civilian flight on Sir Richard Bransen’s Virgin Galactic.
The shuttle he was supposed to board ended up crashing.
This is his second chance, even if the circumstances are different.
“For Branson, I submitted a minute video which won both nationally and globally – that’s how I stood out. But for this, it’s just a basic application and raffle,” said Andersen.
The video Andersen posted is a way to put him on Maezawa’s radar.
“The more people who watch it, the more people can ‘like’ it and tag Yusaku,” said Andersen.
A trip like this is once in a lifetime, and it’s rare for someone to have gotten one chance, let alone the possibility of a second.
For Andersen, the adventure once again aligns with his core values of freedom and adventure, and it’s a way for him to reawaken the wanderlust that’s been more dormant since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“When it comes to space, there’s something so special about looking down on earth. I’m so used to looking up to clear my head and mind that to be able to look down would be a dream,” said Andersen.
“[The trip] it’s like a cheat code to enlightenment.”
Flags are at half-mast today for the National Day of Observance for COVID-19 in Canada.
It’s been one year since the World Health Organization (WHO) first declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic.
It’s hard to imagine that just one year ago, phrases like ‘social distancing’ and ‘novel coronavirus’ were new, and quarantining wasn’t so normal.
Or that most Canadians would be out their jobs, their livelihoods, and fearful of an unpredictable virus.
Today, Canada half-masts their flags – a symbol of respect, mourning, distress, or salute – for all those affected by COVID-19.
“Every Canadian we lost to this virus will be remembered. Every shift done by a frontline nurse, every mask made by a Canadian worker will not be forgotten. We are stronger together, today, tomorrow and always,” said Prime Minister Trudeau.
All Government of Canada buildings and establishments in Canada and abroad are half-mast from sunrise until sunset today.
Worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has infected 118,886,960 people and claimed the lives of 2,636,186.
Canada has seen over 899,000 cases and 22,636 have lost their lives due to COVID-19.
BC has seen a total of 85,650 infections and, on Monday, commemorated a full year since the first BC resident died from COVID-19; it has since grown to 1,394 deaths.
The City of Victoria have participated in the National Day of Observance and half-mast their flags too:
Today the Canadian flags on all City establishments will be flown at half-mast to acknowledge the one-year anniversary of the @WHO declaring #COVID19 a pandemic, and in memory of all the British Columbians whose lives have been lost due to #COVID19. 🇨🇦 #yyjpic.twitter.com/pR41V2UBEP
VicPD shared an image of their flags half-mast at their headquarters:
Our flags are to half-mast today to acknowledge the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic and in memory of all the British Columbians whose lives have been lost due to COVID-19. #WeWillRememberpic.twitter.com/5c1Xs6Rlkn
Around the world, some countries begin easing restrictions.
Australians have returned to life with large-gatherings, and this week, the US CDC began to recommend lifting restrictions for vaccinated people in the US.
The question is when Canada will be safe to return to their pre-COVID lives.
In BC, Dr. Henry says that the USA’s CDC guidelines are reasonable, that restrictions like that will be achievable after one-dose, but that BC isn’t there yet.
BC’s active cases have remained around 4,000+ for several months but the government announced today it is four days ahead of schedule after months of uncertainty in the shipments of doses.
Canada continues to increase vaccination in its citizens. As of today, 1 out of 20 adults in Canada has been vaccinated so far.
Someone on Vancouver Island has won a $1 million lottery ticket, and they just have one week left to claim the cash prize.
The winning lottery ticket for the March 18th, 2020 Lotto 6/49 guaranteed prize draw was purchased in the northern Vancouver Island region but is still unclaimed.
The winning number is 19117903-02.
Winners have one year from the date of the draw to claim their prize. All unclaimed lottery winnings go back into the prize pool for bonus draws.
So whoever has that winning ticket only has a week remaining as it is set to expire at midnight on March 18th, 2021.
The north island region includes Alert Bay, Telegraph Cove, Port Hardy, Coal Harbour and Port McNeill, among other municipalities.
BCLC said the specific retail location where the winning lottery ticket was purchased from will be announced after the winner has come forward to claim the prize.
Just one day after the sudden death of a woman at Beacon Hill Park was ruled a homicide, VicPD says a second death – that occurred the following day in the park – has been deemed non-suspicious.
On Thursday, March 4th, 60-year-old Michael Lockhart died when the van he had been living in caught fire in Beacon Hill Park.
His death came nearly 24-hours after the sudden death of a woman near the park raising many concerns by local residents as both deaths were being investigated by the Major Crime Unit (MCU).
Shortly after 8 a.m. last week, VicPD were called to Beacon Hill Park where the Victoria Fire Department was already on scene extinguishing a fire in a camper van.
Once the fire was doused, police confirmed that one person has died in the blaze, which occurred near the Children’s Petting Zoo.
VicPD’s MCU took over the investigation and has now ruled the incident non-suspicious.
While many friends of Lockhart had good things to say about him, court documents show he served a 90-day jail sentence in 2016, after pleading guilty to a charge of invitation to sexual touching involving a seven-year-old girl. He was under probation for two years after being released.
Vic Fire Dept responding to a camper van fire a few minutes ago in Beacon Hill Park. Let's pray no one was injured. pic.twitter.com/Xv5aWSsNSA
Despite a rocky opening day, the BC Government announced their booking system is four days ahead of schedule, and seniors age 85 and up will be able to book vaccination appointments today.
Beginning today at noon on Thursday, BC Health Authority call centres are ready to book the next age cohort of BC seniors starting — those born in 1936 or earlier (85+).
Indigenous seniors ages 65+ can continue to book.
“We’re allowing people to get their appointments sooner,” BC Health Minister Adrian Dix said. “This reflects that, for the most part, seniors over 90 have already booked their appointments.
Health officials originally planned to make vaccine appointments available to seniors age 85 to 89 starting this Monday, March 15th.
Now four days ahead of schedule, health authority call centres are ready to book the next age cohort of BC seniors starting tomorrow, Mar 11, at noon – those born in 1936 or earlier (85+). They won’t have to wait until Monday.
The phone lines to book a COVID-19 vaccination for the general public opened on Monday morning with some frustrations after many reported not being able to get through.
Since then, Telus, the contractor for the phone lines, apologized for the problems and quickly rectified them.
According to the province, call centres across the province received nearly two million calls within the first two hours of operation, and a whopping 1.4 million of those came in within the first 90 minutes.
There are about 47,000 British Columbians over the age of 90 and 35,000 Indigenous peoples above the age of 65.
As of 7 p.m. Wednesday, 39,163 were booked for their vaccine across the province.
Total bookings by Health Authority:
VIHA – 6,145
FHA – 16,487
IHA – 5,972
VCHA – 7,699
NHA – 2,860
Residents who become eligible don’t lose eligibility, and seniors over 90 can book their immunization appointment anytime.
Clinic locations across Victoria are ready to administer vaccinations starting this Monday, March 15th, and people can book their appointment by calling 1-833-348-4787.
A popular Victoria-based company most commonly known for creating unique masks has added a new inclusive product line.
The Kindness Factory launched their ‘zeropad‘ line on February 26th – a reusable menstrual pad lineup for all humans who bleed.
The reusable cloth pads not only reduce waste, they can save you money, and even better? Won’t leak when used as directed!
Zeropad carries 6 sizes from mini light to postpartum, an adjustable width with multiple snaps on the wings, and a specially formatted backing meaning the pads don’t slide when you wear them.
They also come in a variety of different colours, and their website even offers waterproof pouches for discrete transport.
“As we look to a future where masks are less commonplace, we have chosen to continue being kind to the planet by making other high-quality reusable products,” said CEO and Founder Karmen McNamara.
“Reusable pads seem like the perfect fit,” McNamara added.
McNamara adds that reusable pads are more comfortable than disposables and create significantly less waste. They’re also designed to last up to five years, and are washer/dryer friendly!
You can order your pads online today, via single purchase or by subscription – which saves you 15% off!
You can also snag your order for 15% off with the exclusive promo code VICBUZZ from now until March 31st!
The Kindness Factory was founded in March 2020 in response to a community need for reusable masks and has since grown to 18 people: 1 founder, 3 employees, and 14 contractors.
The company offers contact-free pickup at their location on Hillside Avenue.
(plate recovered from SS Valencia lifeboat/Maritime Museum of BC)
115 years ago, it was one of the worst nautical disasters to ever take place near Vancouver Island.
Now, the wreck of the SS Valencia, which saw the loss of over 100 people, will be the focus of a new exhibit at the Maritime Museum of BC.
“Shipwrecks are popular stories, of course,” said Brittany Vis, Executive Director of the museum, in an interview with Victoria Buzz.
“The Valencia is a very popular and well-known one here on the coast. It also has some ghost stories associated with it that a lot of people know.”
The SS Valencia was a passenger steamer that was temporarily servicing a route from San Francisco to Seattle in January 1906.
Stormy weather, strong southeastern wind and bad visibility took the ship off course, causing them to miss the Juan de Fuca Strait.
The ship ultimately collided with a reef near Cape Beale, off the southwest tip of Vancouver Island. Pandemonium followed, with an improperly trained crew loading lifeboats unsafely, leading to numerous deaths.
“They shouldn’t have even gotten out in the first place,” said Vis.
“The waves were just so strong and so high, and they were right on the rocks…they were just completely capsized right from the get-go. And people were falling to their deaths on these rocks, and the people still on board could do nothing.”
(photo by Victoria Buzz)
In the inquest into the disaster, it was determined that better training for crews was needed to prevent loss of life.
A new lighthouse was also built at Pachena Point to improve nautical safety. That lighthouse was first lit in 1908 and is still in operation today.
On top of the material consequences, a number of ghost stories cropped up in the years after the disaster.
Some sailors claimed to have spotted a spectral vision of the SS Valencia near Pachena Point, with human figures clinging to the rigging for dear life.
Vis, an English and History graduate of the University of Victoria and Master’s graduate of Libary and Information Science, composed and curated much of the exhibit’s content.
She says the public interest in the story reflects on our human fascination with the horrific.
“I think it just kind of speaks to the fact that we’re a little bit morbid,” she said with a laugh.
“It’s kind of that same reaction, like when you’re driving down a highway and there’s a car crash, and you’ve got to just slow down to take a look and see what’s going on.”
Victorians and visitors to the city will get their own chance to slow down and take a look at the SS Valencia’s story at the museum starting on Friday, March 12th. The exhibit will then run until September 2nd, 2021.
(photo by Victoria Buzz)
Like many businesses, the museum has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, temporarily shutting down completely before gradually returning with some online learning and limited in-person capacity.
Vis says she wanted to include information in the exhibit on the mental health impacts of the SS Valencia’s loss, a theme that has resonance today.
“Back in 1906, we didn’t have as much understanding of the brain’s reaction to trauma,” she said.
“Nowadays, I think we can understand that piece a little bit more. I’m hoping people will be able to take that, and maybe shed a little bit more sense of deeper understanding of how things unfolded.”
The Maritime Museum of BC is currently located at 634 Humboldt Street. They will be open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from March 16th to 27th.
From April to Victoria Day, they will be open Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., before resuming Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until September 2nd.
The Greater Victoria School District has issued a COVID-19 exposure at another elementary school in the region.
In a tweet, the district confirmed Vic West Elementary School has experienced a COVID-19 exposure.
The potential exposure occurred on March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.
Island Health is currently conducting contact tracing.
If an individual may have been exposed, Island Health will contact them directly.
As of this publication, there are 202 active COVID-19 cases in the Island Health Region.
COVID-19 Notification: Vic West Elementary has experienced a COVID-19 exposure. The potential dates of exposure are March 2, 3, and 4th, 2021. Island Health is conducting contact tracing. If a person may have been exposed, Island Health will contact them directly. pic.twitter.com/Us2DwkMqek
— Greater Victoria School District (@sd61schools) March 11, 2021
The sudden death of a woman discovered in Beacon Hill Park last week has been deemed a homicide by VicPD.
Shortly after 6 a.m. last Wednesday, March 3rd VicPD were called to the park for reports of an unresponsive person.
VicPD officers along with paramedics performed CPR on the woman, but she was confirmed deceased at the scene.
VicPD confirmed her death as a homicide one week later.
VicPD reports that the homicide is not connected to the fatal vehicle fire in Beacon Hill Park just one day later, on March 4th, where a 60-year-old man was found deceased.
That death also remains under investigation and foul play has yet to be ruled out.
Investigators are asking anyone who was in the following areas between the hours of 11 p.m. on Tuesday March 2nd, and 5 a.m. on Wednesday March 3rd to please call the VIIMCU Information Line at (250) 380-6211:
Lower Cook Street near Beacon Hill Park
Lower Douglas Street near Beacon Hill Park
Dallas Road between Douglas Street and St Charles Street
The area of Fort Street and Foul Bay Road
Investigators are particularly interested in dashcam footage from either location. A map of the areas in which investigators are looking for information is below.
The B.C. Ministry of Health reported 531 new cases of COVID-19 across the province on Wednesday March 10th, for a total of 85,650 cases since the pandemic began.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 147
Fraser Health: 291
Island Health: 19
Interior Health: 42
Northern Health: 32
The number of active cases in B.C. decreased from 4,869 to 4,861.
There are now a total of 244 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 66 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
One new person has died from COVID-related causes, bringing the provincial death toll to 1,394.
9,051 people are under active public health monitoring after exposure to COVID-19.
A total of 79,309 people have recovered from novel coronavirus.
Outbreaks
There have been no new health-care facility outbreaks.
Outbreaks and other exposure events can be linked to from the BC Centre for Disease Control website.
BC’s Premier has topped the charts once more, this time for an overall approval rating across the country, a recent poll reports.
According to the Angus Reid Institute, the latest Premiers’ Performance survey saw John Horgan score an approval rating of 66 per cent.
The premier has seen high ratings throughout the majority of the pandemic thus far, and is up two points from the previous poll, which was released in December 2020.
Angus Reid’s latest poll sees two-thirds of British Columbians approving of the job Horgan’s been doing, holding the top spot this quarter versus the rest of the country’s provincial leaders.
Horgan’s first place designation comes despite the recent announcement that the now $16-billion Site C hydroelectric dam would be completed, and with last week’s news announcing details for the province’s mass immunization also hot off the presses.
The immunization strategy made waves across the country for extending the time between first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine to four months.
Though there was initially some negative feedback over the mass immunization plan, other provinces announced they’d follow suit in adopting the same four-month spacing.
Many had something to say about the introduction of Monday’s vaccination booking hotline, after it was inundated with an influx of calls on opening day, but it’s still too soon to say if this will have an impact on the level to which British Columbians approve of their premier.
On the other side, Nova Scotia’s Iain Rankin scored the lowest of any premier, clocking in at 31 per cent.
Angus Reid does say that this number may be misleading, as the province is still trying to figure out their brand-new premier.
“While he appears to be the least approved-of premier in the country, this is a function of fully half the province (51%) as yet unable to render an opinion on the job he’s doing,” says the organization.
The Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey from February 26th to March 3rd, 2021 among a representative randomized sample of 5,004 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 1.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
Despite the low-risk of transmission, according to the US CDC, theatre curtains have mostly remained closed during the pandemic.
But on Vancouver Island, a few local theatre owners have found a solution to maintain some revenue.
Star Cinema in Sidney has opened its doors each weekend to serve that irreplaceable movie theatre-style popcorn we’ve all known, loved, and eaten off our shirts.
“We are keen to open soon, but in the meantime, we’ve opened up for popcorn services on weekends,” said the owner of Sidney’s Star Cinema, Sandy Oliver.
Many cinemas across Canada have offered online, virtual screenings of their typical marquees, including Vic Theatre.
Other theatres, like the Rio theatre in Vancouver, are redefining their license:
Operators and representatives are still wondering why they have to stay closed, despite similar protocols to bars and restaurants.
The Sidney Star Theatre has respected and understood all the provincial health guidelines and followed protocols, but Oliver said it’s disappointing that theatres aren’t able to open.
“We applied for variance before the restrictions [in November], we were operating house-hold bookings. Cohorts and families could rent the theatre on their own. We had a family rent it out and even a couple, but we haven’t been able to do that anymore,” said Oliver.
Representatives for the industry have argued there’s no data that points to cinemas as being a point of transmission.
But if you’ve been missing that fix, don’t worry, here’s how to get it:
Star Cinema
Address: 9824 Fifth Street
When: Friday, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sunday, from 1:00 p.m.to 4:30 p.m.
If you have a larger popcorn order, you can call (250-655-3384)
Cineplex (Yates)
Order online via Skip the Dishes after 6 p.m. daily. All food items such as pop, candy and etc. are available.
CCPA presents "I Hope My Heart Burns First" (Left) and "Falsework" | photos by Andrew Barrett
In late May to early June, another cohort of students will graduate from their two-year diplomas at the Canadian College of Performings Arts (CCPA).
For this cohort, though, the experience has been unlike any group’s before, and will probably be unlike any other group to follow.
“They had from September to last March in pre-COVID times, doing normal training at the college,” said Caleb Marshall, the College’s Managing Artistic Director.
“And then they had to complete their year entirely remotely, and we had to pivot their year end project into a digital virtual portfolio.”
That sudden shift, brought on by the pandemic, has led to significant changes for all of CCPA’s operations.
While the school has been able to continue in-person operations, they underwent substantial infrastructure changes to accommodate COVID safety guidelines.
That included installation of new HEPA filters, renovation of the office blocks to create a large studio for physical distancing, and the addition of screens and webcams in every single studio to allow remote viewing.
For the students, however, the change has been particularly jarring.
“I feel for this class because they knew what it was like before,” said Marshall.
“Our year one students this year have only ever known COVID protocols at the college. And in a way, I think the year ones have probably adapted more easily.”
Marshall also teaches at CCPA, and says that there is a sense of loss for the graduating cohort in that they haven’t been able to experience the usual activities that offer a sense of community through their learning.
In some cases, students are learning from instructors through a screen, and they are learning to perform with face masks on.
That said, Marshall says he is proud of the students for rising to the challenge.
“I’m incredibly proud of the student body,” he says.
“This is a very rigorous, demanding program…mostly 12-hour days from 8:30 in the morning until 8:30 at night. And then you layer the stress and anxiety, of how do you explore an intimate art form, an art form that requires human connection, an art form that requires physical intimacy.”
Their efforts will be presented for the public in a series of shows that will be available for viewing through a live-stream. The performances will not be recorded; audiences will be watching remotely as the students perform live from the College.
First up will be Governor General’s Award-winning playwright Colleen Murphy’s I Hope My Heart Burns First, a black comedy about six youths who break into a mansion, determined to loot their way out of a drug debt.
There will be three performances: 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday March 10, 7:30 p.m. on Friday March 12 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday March 13.
The second show performed by the students will be Falsework, adapted for the stage from the book of poetry by Gary Geddes and directed by Christopher Weddell.
The story dramatically recalls the worst industrial accident in Vancouver history, on
June 17, 1958, when Second Narrows Bridge collapsed while under construction.
Falsework will be live-streamed Thursday March 11 at 7:30 p.m., Friday March 12 at 2 p.m. and Saturday March 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets can be bought online at ccpacanada.com, or over the phone (250-940-6851).
Marshall says these productions show the adaptability of these students and their commitment to their craft.
“This is an industry and an art form that is about collaboration, and about community coming together,” he said
“I think their sense of of collaboration and Unity has been strengthened by this. Even though at times they probably feel very isolated, and that’s the irony.”
Victoria in the springtime is the stuff of dreams on its own, but it also signifies another kind of beauty; the return of Birkenstock season!
Just in time, our friends at Merchant Quarters General Store are offering an exclusive pre-sale on the hard-to-find Arizona Big Buckle Sandals.
And even better news than that, you’ll have the chance to win a pair of your very own big buckle Birkenstocks – read ahead to find out how!
The new over-sized buckles freshen the look of the legendary Arizona Sandal, which are available in black or cognac, with rubber outsole, full leather upper and of course the famous Birky cork footbed.
You can pre-order your pair online, but make sure you snatch them up quick before they’re gone!
(Merchant Quarters General Store)
Located on the bustling corner of Government Street, Merchant Quarters is a modern version of the classic general store – inspired by the early general merchant stores of the 1800’s.
Though they have done away with the harnesses and tobacco of the olden days, you’ll still find an array of artisan items – and have added everything from Birkenstocks to Ray Bans.
They offer products produced here in B.C. by local artisans and makers as much as possible, and seek out companies who are socially responsible with a mindful and fair trade philosophy.
Merchant Quarters carries 150 brands including Ray Ban, Scotch & Soda, Birkenstock, Free People and Herschel, and over 3000 individual and unique items.
CONTEST
For your chance to win a pair of Big Buckle Birkenstocks, do at least one of the following:
Head to the Instagram post below and complete the steps there (1 entry)
The event which began in 1998, would see nearly 1,400 pre-1952 collector vehicles lined the Inner Harbour on display for this year’s Northwest Deuce Days.
Started in 1998, Northwest Deuce Days took place every three years, saw nearly ten times as many spectators, as thousands of classic car fans from all over the world came to check out the much-anticipated event.
The event would see nearly all of Victoria’s hotel rooms rented out.
The last Deuce Days event was held in July of 2019, while the next was scheduled for 2022.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to Al Clark, Mayor Lisa Helps, as well as Destination Greater Victoria for comment.
VicPD is transitioning out of its volunteer bicycle registry in favour of adopting a registration app used across North America.
The “Garage” app, operated by Seattle-based organization Project 529, has been in use in Vancouver since 2015 and is now used by police departments on Vancouver Island.
Owners can upload photos of their bikes, notify other users if their bike is stolen, and allows registration by email.
The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition (GVCC) hailed the move on Wednesday, saying that RCMP in Nanaimo, Sidney and Langford already use the app.
A volunteer with GVCC says that with more Island-based police agencies on the app, it makes it easier to coordinate efforts to recover stolen bicycles in the region.
“Part of the purpose of a registry is to return a bike to its rightful owner,” said GVCC volunteer Todd Kalyniuk in an interview with Victoria Buzz.
“[The app] is much easier to use than VicPD’s process was. They can store more information.”
Kalyniuk says that the Greater Victoria region is a hotbed for bicycle thefts, with bike thefts consistently outpacing vehicle thefts by a factor of more than three-to-one.
A survey of over 500 bicycle owners conducted in 2019 by the GVCC showed more than half had reported a stolen bike, and in those cases only 15 per cent said their bike had been recovered.
“We’ve been trying to educate individual bike owners to secure their bikes more effectively,” said Kalyniuk. “One big thing is to stop using cable locks.”
The survey by GVCC also included some potential calls to action for the region, including a transition to a better registry.
They also recommended that the City look at adding or upgrading secure bike parking in publicly-owned parkades, as well as partnering with organizations that would be willing to host long-term valet bike parking or pursue other innovations.
VicPD officers will be able to access the Project 529 Garage app to query recovered property or found bicycles.
Users interested in registering their bicycles can find more information on the app at project529.com/garage.
All information currently held on the VicPD Bike Registry will be deleted by June 30, 2021, in keeping with provincial privacy legislation.
West Shore RCMP have arrested three individuals in corroboration with a suspected drug trafficking operation.
Following a two-month long investigation, investigators executed three simultaneous search warrants on February 26th at residences in Colwood, Langford, and Sooke.
Police arrested a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman of Langford, and a 27-year-old man of Colwood.
As a result, investigators seized the following:
1 kilogram of suspected methamphetamine;
11 ounces of suspected fentanyl;
6 ounces of suspected heroin;
5 ounces of suspected cocaine;
1 kilogram of suspected Psilocybin;
70 micro dose of suspected Psilocybin capsules;
$12,000 in Canadian Currency;
1 loaded shotgun;
2 loaded pistol magazines;
Ammunition and other weapons, including brass knuckles and a stun baton;
5 luxury vehicles;
2 all terrain vehicles;
1 wake boat.
The investigation is ongoing and a detailed report to Crown Counsel will be forwarded for consideration of charges.
With the help of the West Shore RCMP Police Service Dog Erik, police uncovered evidence of a drug trafficking network, operating in the West Shore area and Capital Regional District.
“ Numerous resources as well as a variety of covert investigative techniques were utilized during this investigation,” said Constable Alex Bérubé.
“The disruption of such a drug trafficking operation is key to keeping our communities safe.”
VicPD arrested a man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant last night after an assault at a Victoria business.
Around 6 p.m. on Monday, March 8th, VicPD officers were called to the 3000-block of Blanshard Street after they received reports of a man assaulting staff members and breaking a glass door.
According to police the man was confronted by a staff member after he was caught stealing items from the business.
The suspect responded by smashing the glass door of the business and fleeing.
The staff member suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Officers identified the suspect in corroboration with witness information and CCTV footage.
The suspect was then located at a temporary housing site in the 1900-block of Blanshard Street and arrested for assault.
VicPD additionally arrested the man on outstanding Canada-wide warrants for assault with a weapon relating to an incident in Vancouver.
Officers transported the man to cells at VicPD where he was held to await court.
The BC Ministry of Health reported 550 new cases of COVID-19 across the province for Tuesday, March 9th for a total of 85,119 cases since the pandemic began.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 133
Fraser Health: 319
Island Health: 7
Interior Health: 36
Northern Health: 52
The number of active cases in B.C. increased from 4,854 to 4,869.
There are now a total of 249 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 68 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
Two new people have died from COVID-related causes, bringing the provincial death toll to 1,393.
Today marks the one year anniversary of the first death due to COVID-19.
8,723 people are under active public health monitoring after exposure to COVID-19.
A total of 78,770 people have recovered from novel coronavirus.
Outbreaks
There has been one new health-care facility outbreak at Fleetwood Place in the Fraser Health region.
The outbreaks at Fleetwood Villa and Glacier View Lodge are now over.
As of yesterday, there are ten active outbreaks in long-term facilities and eight in acute-care facilities.
Outbreaks and other exposure events can be linked to from the BC Centre for Disease Control website.
Island Health is reporting eight new COVID-19 cases today, March 8th, for a total of 2,580 since the pandemic began.
There are 213 active cases remaining in the region, according to Island Health. By Health Service Delivery Area, they are:
South Island: 47 (-1) | Total cases: 663 (+2)
Central Island: 116 (-14)| Total cases: 1,481 (+3)
North Island: 51 (-2) | Total cases: 436 (+3)
No new deaths were reported in the Island Health region. There are a total of 28 deaths to date.
14 people are currently hospitalized in the Island Health region, including 1 person in intensive care units.
Vaccinations and Variants
To date, 343,381 (+10,054) doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in B.C., 86,938 (+73) of which are second doses.
There have been 182 new confirmed COVID-19 cases that are variants of concern in our province.
Of the total number of 576 confirmed variant cases, 113 cases are active and the remaining people have recovered.
Of the total, 530 cases were of the UK variant, 33 cases were of the South Africa variant, and 13 cases were of a previously unreported Brazil variant.
The 39-year-old victim of a stabbing in Parksville is being ‘uncooperative’ with investigators, according to Oceanside RCMP.
The incident occurred this past weekend around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 7th in the 900-block of Fairdowne Road.
Oceanside RCMP said they have received a phone call from the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) advising them about a man who had been stabbed multiple times.
The victim allegedly became involved in a physical altercation with two unknown males.
A friend of the victim, a 38-year-old woman, contacted BCAS about the stabbing before fleeing the scene due to her outstanding arrest warrants.
The victim, who is recovering in hospital from multiple stab wounds to the lower back, has not been cooperative with investigators.
“Police do not believe this was a random incident. The exact location (crime scene) was not established due to the lack of detail from the victim and the original caller,” said Cpl. Jesse Foreman of the Oceanside RCMP.
“The Oceanside RCMP wish to speak to the original complainant or anyone who may have witnessed, or has information regarding this stabbing.”
Anyone with information on the incident are being asked to contact the Oceanside RCMP at 250-248-6111.
A new grant has been announced by the BC provincial government to support inter-city bus services and medical evacuation needs through regional airports.
In an announcement by Premier John Horgan, the province said it is providing one-time funding of up to $10.7 million for inter-city bus operators and up to $16.5 million for regional airports to support operations between April 1st, and March 31nd, 2022.
“Applications open today and we are reaching out to the 57 regional airports and reaching out to the companies that are typically non profit or municipally owned,” said Minister of Transportation, Rob Fleming.
In the past year, the industry has experienced a significant decrease in ridership, affecting revenues.
This funding will help companies maintain service over the next year which builds on additional financial support provided by the Province to the transportation sector.
“With the announcement of this grant, I am pleased to say we will be looking at restarting services in the coming weeks to ensure Vancouver Island once again has the connectivity that so many members of our communities need,” said John Wilson, president and CEO, Wilson’s Group of Companies.
The Vancouver Island Connector, was initially expected to return to service on February 12th but was suspended due to provincial health orders.
Samantha Wilson, an executive assistant with Wilson’s Group of Companies, said in a statement to Victoria Buzz that they are working to open all of their inter-city bus services by the beginning of April, with an emphasis on the Tofino Vancouver Island Connector.
“We are working to begin opening services, in some capacity, by the beginning of April. While it won’t be a full schedule which we are used to [pre-pandemic], we will work with the Ministry of Transportation to deem what is an essential service for operating,” said Wilson.
While the funding is a boost for the industry, questions over how services will meet the demand when services come back are still looming.
“[…] with air travel at a standstill, revenues have hit rock bottom, while high costs for maintenance have remained. When air travel comes back, it will come back as a tsunami. We encourage further funding and flexible assistance to ride that wave in the future,” said Heather Bell, chair, BC Aviation Council.
Since the pandemic began almost a year ago, regional airports have been instrumental in providing services to remote BC communities and Indigenous communities.
“Were it not for these services, massive parts of BC would have been in need,” said Premier John Horgan.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health (Colin Smith Takes Pics)
Nearly 15,000 eligible individuals across BC managed to book a vaccine appointment yesterday, despite a large number of calls that inundated the phone lines on Monday.
According to Health Minister Adrian Dix, call centres across the province received nearly two million calls within the first two hours of operation on March 8th.
Dix noted that in BC, there are about 47,000 British Columbians over the age of 90 and 35,000 Indigenous peoples above the age of 65, but due to the influx of calls, those who are actually eligible experienced massive wait times.
Island Health managed to book 2,395 eligible individuals for their vaccine yesterday, the third most of any health authority in the province.
At the close of call centres today their were 14,949 #COVID19 vaccines booked. VIHA – 2,395 FHA – 8,722 IHA – 2,456 VCHA – 369 NHA – 1,007
Fraser Health, where the majority of the confirmed cases in BC have been identified, were able to book 8,722 eligible people on the first day.
The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority ran into problems early in the day and were only able to book 369 people, according to Dix.
“VCH had some problems early in the day and we have been working with them throughout the day and will continue tomorrow to get their bookings back on track.”
The BC Government also included a few tips for those calling into the booking lines, including:
• Don’t have more than one person calling on behalf of an eligible senior.
• Remember you can call later in the week and you won’t miss your turn. All 5 call centres are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST, 7 days a week and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on holidays.
• If you get a busy tone or “call cannot be completed as dialed” message, please call back a few hours later or the next day.
• Wait until it’s your turn to book — if you are not eligible, you won’t be able to book an appointment.
“Thank you for your help as we work to book as many seniors as possible!”, they added.
Clinic locations across Victoria have recently been announced, with vaccinations starting as early as March 15th, and people can book their appointment by calling 1-833-348-4787.
A recent study by researchers at Researchco, measured the opinions of British Columbians on their beliefs about COVID-19.
In the sample, 82% of BC residents considered COVID-19 a real threat, while 15% did not, and 3% were undecided.
The sample was done among 800 adults in British Columbia and was statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in the province.
“British Columbia’s pandemic skeptics amount to a tiny minority of the population, but there are some demographic pockets where these views are slightly more common,” said Mario Canseco, President of Research Co.
“The group includes 18% of British Columbians aged 18 to 34, 29% of residents of Northern BC and 26% of residents of Southern BC.”
Skeptics in BC express lower levels of satisfaction with the provincial government (14%), the federal government (13%), television news (10%), radio news (7%) and newspapers (also 7%) on the management of COVID-19.
A third (32%) of pandemic skeptics have unfollowed a person on social media, while 26% have stopped talking to a family member, and 25% have ceased communication with a friend because of a pandemic-related disagreement.
Meanwhile, 16% of BC residents have said that, because of a disagreement related to COVID-19, they have unfollowed a person on social media, while 13% ceased communication with a friend, and 8% have stopped talking to a family member.
More than half of the province’s residents have been content with the work of television news, radio news, newspapers, and non-governmental associations during the pandemic.
As of this publication, there have been 84,569 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in BC, with 1,391 succumbing to the virus.
The 24-game schedule will span across only 48 days – Victoria will face each team six times, with an equal split of three “home” games and three “away”.
All of Victoria’s games will be streamed on WHL Live on CHL TV – full 2020-21 season streaming packages are available for $59.99, or for $6.99 per game.
WHL Live on CHL TV will be available through web browsers, iOS, and Android devices.
Royals’ Ticket Pack Members will also get special streaming package options for viewing online, and can contact the Royals’ ticket office at 250-220-7889 or via email to tickets@victoriaroyals.com for more information.
The WHL will implementing weekly PCR COVID-19 tests, and enhanced screening for all WHL players, team staff and officials will also take place on a daily basis, including regular temperature screenings as well as symptom monitoring.
Masks are required to be worn by all WHL players at all times, aside from when they’re on ice for games and practices. WHL coaches will also be required to wear masks at all times, including while during practice and while behind the bench during games.
No spectators will be permitted to enter either Sandman Centre or Prospera Place as the WHL Hub Centers in Kamloops and Kelowna.
West Shore RCMP have confirmed the identity of the victim in a targeted shooting in Metchosin last weekend.
37-year-old Shane Wilson died in the late-night shooting on Friday, March 5th.
Police are continuing to investigate the death, which has been taken over by the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU).
Officers responded to the 4600 block of Kangaroo Road, near Badger Place, at around 9 p.m. on March 5th for reports that a man had been shot.
“Initial evidence gathered at the scene lead investigators to believe that this was a targeted incident”, says Cst. Alex Bérubé, Media Relations Officer for the West Shore RCMP.
According to a GoFundMe page set up to support his family with funeral costs, Wilson, a professional MMA fighter, is being described by friends as a loyal friend who would go out of his way to help or be there for anyone he loved or cared for.
Wilson was also known to police and had a criminal history. In 2018, he was involved in a violent home invasion. During the invasion, he wore a red Hells Angels mask.
Along with two other men, they entered a man’s home armed with weapons and threatened the victim and accused him of being a drug dealer who had sold a fatal dose to their friend.
As of this publication, no arrests have been made, according to West Shore RCMP. Police do not believe there is any threat to the public.
Though unconfirmed reports that identified Wilson as the victim have been circulating prior to today, West Shore RCMP officially confirmed this morning.
Anyone with information can call the VIIMCU information line at 250-380-6211 or the West Shore RCMP non-emergency line at 250-474-2264.
A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Cottonwoods Care Centre in Kelowna, despite the majority of its residents being vaccinated.
As of February 15th, 220 of the 268 residents (82%) at the long term care and assisted living facility had been vaccinated, according to the data provided by the BC Centre for Disease Control.
The Interior Health Authority said two staff members and 10 residents have tested positive for COVID-19.
“You can still have transmission after two doses [of the COVID-19 vaccine],” Dr. Henry said at a press conference today, March 8th.
“We have a lot of transmission right now […] some people can and will transmit to large numbers and if they’re in situations where they can, they will.”
This comes a week after BC health officials announced the beginning of Phase 2.
Today, health officials announced an increase of 60 second doses over a three day period.
Compared to an increase of 5,352 second doses over a four day period on February 16th, the number of second doses administered is drastically reduced.
With the announcement of Phase 2, the number of second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine has reduced in order to vaccinate more of the population with their first dose.
Canada currently has four vaccines approved by Health Canada.
Phase 2 immunizations will prioritize those who have yet to be vaccinated from Phase 1 and include seniors 80 and over, Indigenous Elders 65 and over, and isolated indigenous communities not vaccinated.
According to health officials, it takes two to three weeks to develop immunity or protection against COVID-19 after receiving a vaccine.
Health officials are looking into how the virus got into the facility.
Residents and staff at long-term care homes were the first to be vaccinated, and that program has been completed.
Nanaimo RCMP are investigating an off road collision that left one man dead.
The 21-year-old suffered life threatening injuries due to an off road collision between his motorcycle and an ATV heading westbound.
The incident took place around 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 7th on Road 142 near Boomerang Lake.
Several witnesses reported the collision and called 911.
The crash involved the victim’s 350 cc orange KTM motorcycle and one of three westbound Polaris all-terrain vehicles heading westbound.
The driver of the ATV was not injured.
Due to the remote location, BC Air Ambulance was called where they located the site of the collision and landed one kilometre from the site.
The victim was transported to a Victoria hospital where he was pronounced deceased on arrival.
Investigators spoke with a number of witnesses.
Both the motorcycle and the all-terrain vehicle were later seized and will both undergo mechanical inspections.
“The investigation is only in the preliminary stages. Along with the BC Coroners Service being advised, investigators will be examining a number of factors that may have contributed to the fatal collision, such as speed of the vehicles, road and weather conditions and any alcohol consumption, “said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
Investigators are asking witnesses or anyone with additional information on each of the parties to contact the Nanaimo RCMP.
Public colleges and universities can prepare for a full return to on-campus education this September.
The Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, Anne Kang, issued a public statement Monday regarding post-secondary education in fall 2021.
“Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, advised the presidents of all public colleges and universities to prepare for a full return to on-campus education this September,” Kang said.
“At every step, we’re going to be working with Dr. Henry and all our partners to make sure the right measures are in place to keep people safe.”
Last year, the ministry worked closely with a number of partners and groups to develop the Go Forward Guidelines that enabled the current hybrid model of post-secondary education.
The ministry will work under those same principles to plan for a safe in-person return to colleges and universities in fall.
“While we update the guidelines to ensure on-campus safety, I encourage students and families to start planning for in-person instruction on a campus of their choice in September,” Kang said.
Institutions will work individually with their local medical health officer and WorkSafeBC to develop detailed safety plans for each institution.
The guidelines will provide high-level guidance to post-secondary institutions for a safe resumption of on-campus learning.
Institutions will then work with their local medical health officer and WorkSafeBC to develop more detailed safety plans for each institution.
The BC Ministry of Health reported 1,462 new cases of COVID-19 across the province for a three day period between Friday, March 5th to Monday March 8th.
There have been a total of 84,569 cases since the pandemic began.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 407
Fraser Health: 802
Island Health: 72
Interior Health: 79
Northern Health: 102
The number of active cases in B.C. decreased from 4,901 to 4,854.
There are now a total of 240 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 66 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
Eleven new people have died from COVID-related causes, bringing the provincial death toll to 1,391.
8,723 people are under active public health monitoring after exposure to COVID-19.
A total of 78,237 people have recovered from novel coronavirus.
Outbreaks
There has been one new health care outbreak at Cottonwoods Care Centre.
Outbreaks at Royal City Manor and SFU Childcare Society have been declared over.
There are ten active outbreaks in long-term facilities and eight in acute-care facilities.
Outbreaks and other exposure events can be linked to from the BC Centre for Disease Control website.
Jarrett Lindal, a Vancouver Island photographer, will have his photo featured in an issue of Canadian Geographic after capturing a cougar on a remote beach on the island.
Lindal, who has been photographing since a kid, rekindled his relationship with photography after a critical mountain bike crash where he broke his pelvis and back.
“Photography is what kept me positive through that injury and has been my main passion since,” Lindal said.
Canadian Geographic is a national, award-winning magazine that has captured Canadian people, places, and frontiers since 1930.
For Lindal it’s an honour to be featured in the magazine.
“It means so much to me, it’s been a long time goal of mine and not something I thought would happen for me yet,” he said.
Lindal said the photograph, called ‘The Stare,’ was a team effort between himself and his friend, Finn Steiner.
In a letter to Victoria Buzz, Lindal broke down just how he captured the fantastic photograph:
It was early morning on a remote Vancouver Island Beach and the sun had just started to rise.
My good friend Finn and I were laying down with our tripods buried in the cold sand, waiting for coastal wolves.
Just as we started losing hope, this gorgeous cougar walked down the beach right toward us, unaware of our presence.
We stayed completely still to ensure not to disturb her, but as she got closer, she eventually noticed us and paused.
It was an experience hard to describe in words, but we each acknowledged that neither party was interested in harming the other.
She politely allowed us to take her photo and then slowly sauntered off to the next beach, leaving that stare in our memories forever.
This shoot was a team effort with Finn Steiner and we both got to share that Cougar encounter together.
I wouldn’t have wanted to be alongside anyone else for it.
Vancouver Island local artist, Tanya Bubs, used three month’s worth of plastic, both recycled and upcycled material, to create an interactive mermaid sculpture meant to attract people into the Gage Gallery.
“How do you snap people out of their stupor? How do you get people to notice something? In my course here [at the Gage Gallery], I’ve always tried to put things outside – to watch what snaps people to the moment,” Bubs said.
The mermaid was part of a larger show called Dreamscapes at the Gage Gallery.
The show was meant to defy boundaries between ocean and land, indoors and outdoors, real or not.
“The mermaid was defying many things and I think the statement can be left to interpretation,” Bubs said.
“It’s more of a juxtaposition of this plastic and beautiful mythological creature – a future of the oceans and ourselves.”
Bubs works with mostly upcycled and recycled material.
She said working with recycled and upcycled material adds layers of depth and dimension.
“It [her artwork] does have an environmental message I support. But it also contributes to your work because it brings the history of all the components of what you use and adds a subliminal level of depth,” she said.
The mermaid is currently on display at the Oak Bay marina.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year yet again: Daylight Saving Time (DST).
The practice kicks in yet again across B.C. and beyond, with clocks moving forward one hour as of 2 a.m. on March 14, 2021.
Originally begun around the Industrial Revolution, DST was widely adapted in Canada by 1918.
In B.C., there are two exceptions to the practice: part of the Peace River Regional District does not observe DST, including Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Chetwynd, and in East Kootenay, the region is on Mountain Time and observes DST, matching its time zone to Calgary. This latter region includes Golden, Invermere, Cranbrook and Fernie.
There have been repeated discussions around abolishing Daylight Saving Time in the province, though with important U.S. economic partners like California continuing the practice, these efforts have so far stalled out.
Phone lines to book COVID-19 vaccinations for the general public opened on Monday morning, and apparently they did so with a bang.
Call centres across the province received nearly two million calls within the first two hours of operation on March 8th, according to Health Minister Adrian Dix, and a whopping 1.4 million of those came in within the first 90 minutes.
This is problematic for a few reasons, though mostly due to the fact that appointments are only being given to seniors above the age of 90, or Indigenous peoples above the age of 65 at this time.
Due to the influx of calls, those who are actually eligible are experiencing massive wait times.
In a press conference on Monday morning, Dix noted that in BC, there are about 47,000 British Columbians over the age of 90 and 35,000 Indigenous peoples above the age of 65.
“We’re getting some calls beyond that group of people,” he said. “Obviously, some people are calling multiple times as well.”
“I very much appreciate the enthusiasm of everybody calling in but I would ask that people allow those who are eligible this week to book appointments to have priority,” Dix stressed.
He also added that exact numbers for how many people have been able to successfully book appointments thus far would be available during Monday’s 3 p.m. COVID-19 update.
In a social media post, BC Government also included a few tips for those calling into the booking lines, including:
• Don’t have more than one person calling on behalf of an eligible senior.
• Remember you can call later in the week and you won’t miss your turn. All 5 call centres are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST, 7 days a week and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on holidays.
• If you get a busy tone or “call cannot be completed as dialed” message, please call back a few hours later or the next day.
• Wait until it’s your turn to book — if you are not eligible, you won’t be able to book an appointment.
“Thank you for your help as we work to book as many seniors as possible!”, they added.
Call centres are experiencing a large influx of calls. More than 1.4 million calls in the first 90 minutes, which is far…
Clinic locations across Victoria have recently been announced, with vaccinations starting as early as March 15th, and people can book their appointment by calling 1-833-348-4787.
Specific changes to taxes on sweetened drinks are on the way for British Columbians after they were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the BC government, the previously eliminated provincial sales tax on carbonated beverages that contain sugar, natural sweeteners or artificial sweeteners will come back into effect on April 1st, 2021.
The reinstated PST will apply to all beverages dispensed through soda fountains or similar equipment, along with all beverages available through vending machines.
The province says the move is “supported by health professionals due to the health costs and impacts of sweetened drinks.”
Along with the sugary drinks tax, Canadian e-commerce sellers of vapour products, such as vape pens, etc. will now be asked to add the provincial sales tax on all online or mail-order sales to customers in BC, as part of the new measure.
Generally, the rate of PST in British Columbia is 7% on the purchase on the price of goods and services, with some exceptions.
The newly completed Triangle Green (City of Victoria)
Previously located in Bastion Square for nearly a decade, Commerce Canoe is now the focal point of the newly opened Triangle Green plaza.
The Triangle Green plaza near the Johnson Street Bridge is now open for public use and features new trees, a seating area, lighting, landscaping, and improved pedestrian and multi-use access.
The City of Victoria removed the art installation designed by lllarion Gallant on October 17th after city council voted to move the canoe to the triangle traffic island, bordered by Johnson, Pandora, and Wharf Streets.
The Commerce Canoe symbolizes the canoe as an indigenous vessel when local first peoples traveled coastal waters prior to European contact.
Traditionally, First Nations would harvest rice in waterways by tapping ripened kernels into the canoes, thus the red seed pods depict starch as a commodity.
The initial plans for the plaza were going to feature the Orca Project public art project, but were cancelled after the animal-inspired installation was deemed unfeasible.
Because of the Commerce Canoe sculpture’s scale, the material used and the theme, it was determined that the artwork would integrate well into the triangle island adjacent to the harbour.
“The new plaza provides a vibrant gateway to downtown that celebrates public art and welcomes everyone entering the urban core with new plantings and bright colour,” said Mayor Lisa Helps.
“The new green space complements other recent improvements near the waterfront and provides a cheerful space for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles in this bustling location.”
The new black tupelo trees planted in the plaza were donated by the Royal Commonwealth Society Vancouver Island Branch to mark the Common Centennial Celebration.
“Our ongoing Trees for Life campaign is a natural fit to celebrate our centennial with the City of Victoria and Triangle Green,” said David Spence, President of the Royal Commonwealth Society Vancouver Island Branch.
“Black tupelo trees grow in this beautiful garden and can lead the way across divides by building bridges with democracy, diplomacy, and diversity.”
The City of Victoria was recently recognized with a Tree Cities of the World award from the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which recognizes cities and towns committed to ensuring their urban forests and trees are properly maintained and sustainably managed.
The City increased tree planting by 40 per cent in 2020 and planted 500 new trees in parks and on boulevards. As we head into spring, residents are also encouraged to plant trees on private property and there are helpful resources on the City’s website to help with selection, planting and care at victoria.ca/treesincities.
Triangle Green plaza near the Johnson Street Bridge is now open! This new urban green space improves pedestrian and…
West Shore RCMP are seeking the public’s help in locating a missing teenage girl believed to be heading to Alberta.
Mackenzie Courchene was last seen in the Langford area on March 2nd.
She is described as a 16-year-old Indigenous girl, 5’3″ tall, 123 pounds, with a slender build, brown hair, and brown eyes.
Police say she is known to change her appearance and sometimes has blond hair. She is believed to be travelling between Vancouver Island and Edmonton, Alberta.
Police are very concerned for Courchene’s health and well-being.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact their local police or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
The official list of COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the Island Health region has been announced for Phase 2 of the province’s immunization plan.
18 locations have been listed on the health authority’s website for vaccinations beginning March 15th, with an additional one beginning March 30th.
Larger clinics which Island Health is referring to as “mass clinics” include the McKinnon Gym at the University of Victoria, the Archie Browning Sports Center in Esquimalt, Eagle Ridge Arena in Langford, the Cowichan Community Center gym in Duncan, Beban Park in Nanaimo and the Parksville Community Center.
For smaller communities, the health authority says it will be pursuing a “whole community” approach, where they visit more remote areas or towns on specific dates.
Smaller communities that will be offered “whole community” clinics include places like Port Hardy, Tofino, Gabriola Island and Port Renfrew.
Beginning Monday, March 8th, the first round of public appointment registration will open, with non-Indigenous seniors aged 90 and over and Indigenous seniors aged 65 and over eligible.
The following week, seniors aged 85 and over will be able to register, and the week after that, seniors aged 80 and over.
Registration is done over the phone by calling 1-833-348-4787, from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. Eligible vaccination recipients will need to provide their:
Legal first and last name
Date of birth
Postal code
Personal health number (aka: care card)
Contact information (direct phone number or support person phone number)
Postal code information will be used to determine the closest clinic to the caller.
Health officials say they are prepared for possible issues with the call center but are confident they will be able to adjust any problems.
“We have over 50 agents ready to start working on Monday morning,” said Victoria Schmid, Vice-President, Pandemic Planning of Island Health.
“The minute we start to see long wait times for people, the team will be huddling on that and trying to rectify those situations. We also have internal staff that we’re able to mobilize and support the call center.”
She added that clinics should be able to deliver 12 vaccinations per hour, per vaccine station, with 15 to 20 stations at each mass vaccination clinic.
The clinic at UVic, for example, has an estimated capacity of 1,410 appointments in its first week.
Officials also said that they are working from a good rate of vaccination of targeted populations as the province moves into immunizing the general public.
“The announcements we’re giving right now just really provide me such a sense of hope,” said Dr. Mike Benusic, Physician Lead of Mass Immunization Operations.
“The fact is that right now we have 25 times the number of people vaccinated within Island Health than people who have had COVID within Island Health, and we’re only going to see that number skyrocket in the next few weeks and months.”
The health authority is hoping to offer the vaccination to all Indigenous people over 65 and all non-indigenous people over 80 by April 12th. They estimate this will include approximately 40,000 individuals.
Here are some of the mass vaccination clinic locations across Vancouver Island:
Victoria – University of Victoria – McKinnon Building (11 Gabriola Road)
Ahead of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting seven strong, influential women that not only head their businesses, they do so locally – right in our very own Westshore Town Centre.
On March 8th, the world collectively comes together to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women – the day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific – it’s everywhere.
We’re also doing a special giveaway from each of the seven businesses we highlight this week – read below to find out what you can win!
Today, we meet Ha of Elegance Nails and chat with her about what it means to be a woman in business in the Westshore:
Tell us a little about yourself: My family is originally from Vietnam and, and I’m a mother of 5. I’ve been a business owner for 12 years.
Tell us a little about your store: We specialize in nails, brows and waxing. We saw it as a great business opportunity to start our business, as we knew Victoria at the time did not have a lot of nail salons where you could just drop in.
What do you love the most about having a business in the Westshore? The Westshore is a great loyal community. People here love supporting small businesses and getting to know each other.
What are some challenges about being a woman in business?As a female in the industry, it is something that can never be taken away from us and despite what happens in the world feeling pampered and beautiful will always be a priority. I think the challenge is breaking the stigma that nails brows and waxing is just for females when in reality it’s for everyone of all ages.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to women thinking about starting their own business?My advice would be not be afraid of failure. Every successful person starts somewhere and with passion, education and determination you can be successful in any industry.
(Elegance Nails / Westshore Town Centre)
You can find Ha at Elegance Nails in Westshore Town Centre at #158-2945 Jacklin Road.
CONTEST
To enter for your chance to win a $50 gift card to Elegance Nails, please complete one or more of the following:
COMMENT below with your favourite woman in business! (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m on Sunday, March 14th. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter. Make sure to register when commenting below.
One man has succumbed to his injuries after a shooting that occurred in Metchosin on Friday night, according to West Shore RCMP.
Officers responded to the 4600 block of Kangaroo Road, near Badger Place, at around 9 p.m. on the evening of March 5th, for reports of a 37-year-old man who had been shot.
Multiple detachments responded, including the West Shore RCMP Police Dog Service (PDS) and the Vancouver Island RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT).
The 37-year-old victim was known to police, and was found dead at the scene.
As of this publication, no arrests have been made, according to West Shore RCMP.
“Initial evidence gathered at the scene lead investigators to believe that this was a targeted incident”, says Cst. Alex Bérubé, Media Relations Officer for the West Shore RCMP.
Highway 14 in Sooke remains closed east of Kangaroo Road due to the incident, and a detour is available via Happy Valley Road and Gillespie Road.
The investigation remains in the early stages and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) has now taken over.
Anyone with information can call the VIIMCU information line at 250-380-6211 or the West Shore RCMP non-emergency line at 250-474-2264.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting seven strong, influential women that not only head their businesses, they do so locally – right in our very own Westshore Town Centre.
On March 8th, the world collectively comes together to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women – the day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific – it’s everywhere.
We’re also doing a special giveaway from each of the seven businesses we highlight this week – read below to find out what you can win!
Today, we meet Narpinder of Sizzling Tandoor, pictured above with her daughter, Kirn, and chat with her about what it means to be a woman in business in the Westshore:
Tell us a little about yourself: I’m a self-taught chef who started the business purely based on passion. I’m 51 and was a pharmacy technician prior to opening Sizzling Tandoor. I have two kids, 31 and 27. I was born in India but immigrated to Canada at 18 years old.
Tell us a little about your business: We are an Indian restaurant with three locations in Victoria. Often people think we are a franchise, but in fact we are a local family business. We have a food truck on the way, so the business is still expanding. Victoria is a growing community so people often have a perception of how they think an Indian restaurant is but when they check out our locations they will notice we put an equal emphasis on our food and our beverage program. We do great house cocktails and have a variety of mostly local wines, and local beers on tap.
What (or who) inspired you to open your restaurant? Years of hosting parties and being told I should open a restaurant always stuck with me, and finally when the kids were older, I thought it was a great opportunity. We also lucked out with timing and found a spot downtown that used to be an Indian restaurant.
What do you love the most about having a business in the Westshore? It’s a diverse and growing community! Westshore is such a developed place now, so it’s neat to be a part of that growth. Langford didn’t have much a couple decades ago, so it’s really cool to see how much it’s changed and to be able to serve the Langford, Sooke, Metchosin, etc. communities with our food.
What are some challenges about being a woman in business? People always assume the owner is a male. People mostly affiliate my husband as being the owner. Although we own it together, and that’s okay, it is disappointing that this assumption still exists. Most chefs, bartenders and managers tend to be men so as a female our ability in these roles tends to get questioned often. As women in these roles we shouldn’t have to work harder to prove ourselves, so hopefully this will change in the near future.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to women thinking about starting their own business?
Don’t let the challenges stop you. If you’re passionate about something you will succeed. It may not be easy, but in the end it will be worth it.
You can find Narpinder at Sizzling Tandoor located in Westshore Town Centre at #129-2955 Phipps Road.
(Sizzling Tandoor / Westshore Town Centre)
CONTEST
To enter for your chance to win a $50 gift card to Sizzling Tandoor, please complete one or more of the following:
COMMENT below with your favourite woman in business!
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 pm (end date). One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter. Make sure to register when commenting below.
