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Several thousand BC Hydro customers are without power Tuesday morning in the Fernwood neighbourhood and the outage remains under investigation.
The outage occurred at 9:25 a.m. and as of this publication, BC Hydro says they’re still investigating.
An estimated 3,778 are currently without power. According to BC Hydro’s website, crews were planned to be working nearby, however, it is unclear if the power disruption was caused by this scheduled work.
According to the power authority, the following areas are affected:
ICBC has launched an online tool that offers an estimate on savings customers can expect under the province’s new Enhanced Care plan.
The tool is live now at icbc.com/enhancedcare and provides annual estimated savings as well as information on if and when a customer can expect their one-time, pro-rated refund.
B.C.’s new Enhanced Care plan is set to take effect May 1st and will remove most options for litigation in favour of increased benefits.
In January Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth said that the proposed changes are likely to save the average customer $400 a year.
“Today the rubber hits the road,” Farnworth said at a press conference Tuesday morning.
“You can rely on this tool to give you an estimate that’s accurate based on the information you put in at the time you use it.”
The minister says that the online estimator will be able to handle 1,000 customers at a time, or 6,000 an hour, based on 10-minute sessions.
Customers need their B.C. driver’s license and license plate numbers in order to log in to the tool.
If the estimator is accessed by a customer within 45 days of their renewal date the information can be used to review their plan with an Autoplan broker.
Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO of ICBC says that the province’s changes to auto insurance are estimated to save about $1.5 billion.
He added that the net income for ICBC for Q2 is about $410 million, while Q3 figures are set to be released in the near future.
“We’re working with government right now to finalize Q3, and to isolate what portion of our net income – which is higher than planned – is attributable to COVID,” Jiminez said on Tuesday.
A high-risk sex offender who was released into the community in October has been arrested for parole violations in Langford.
41-year-old Cameron Ratelle was the subject of a notice from VicPD upon his release on October 17th, 2020.
At the time of his release, he was identified as having a history of violent sexual offences against young women between the ages of 16 to 25, with a high risk to re-offend.
Conditions of Ratelle’s release included not being on the property of any school or educational institute of any kind, and not being in the presence of any female under the age of 18 without permission from a parole officer.
West Shore RCMP were called on January 21st by the parents of a female youth. The youth told officers that she had been approached by a man while at a bus stop on Peatt Road.
The man spoke to her and the youth recognized him from the VicPD notice.
Police say the youth kept herself safe and immediately spoke with a parent, who called the authorities. The youth was not physically injured in the incident.
RCMP officers responded but Ratelle had already left the area. VicPD officers were notified and located Ratelle the following day.
He was taken into custody for breaching his release conditions and has been returned to a correctional facility with his parole revoked.
The B.C. Ministry of Health reported 1,344 new cases of COVID-19 across the province for the period covering January 22nd to 25th, for a total of 64,828 cases since the pandemic began.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 314
Fraser Health: 618
Island Health: 73
Interior Health: 234
Northern Health: 104
Residents outside Canada: 1
The number of active cases in B.C. decreased from 4,450 to 4,392.
There are now a total of 328 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 68 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
26 more people have died from COVID-related causes, bringing the provincial death toll to 1,154.
6,607 people are in isolation, under active public health monitoring after exposure to COVID-19.
A total of 57,831 people have recovered from novel coronavirus.
Outbreaks
One additional outbreak has been reported, at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
11 outbreaks have been declared over:
Avalon Gardens in Langley
Braddan Private Hospital in Vancouver
Fraserview Intermediate Care Lodge in Richmond
Good Samaritan Delta View Care Centre in Delta
Menno Home in Abbotsford
Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock
Sunrise of Vancouver in Vancouver
The Harrison at Elim Village in Surrey
Waterford Retirement Residence in Delta
Williams Lake Seniors Village in Williams Lake
University Hospital of Northern British Columbia in Prince George
In total, there are 29 assisted-living, long-term care homes, seniors’ rental buildings and nine acute-care facilities with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks.
A delay in the delivery of Pfizer and now Moderna vaccines is causing issues with B.C.’s vaccine delivery strategy.
Dr. Bonnie Henry said on Monday that the province’s supply of doses will be severely hampered as no doses of Pfizer or Moderna are expected this week. That delay in production could last into February.
“We right now, do not know how much, if any, vaccine we’ll be receiving the following two weeks in February,” Henry said at a press conference Monday afternoon.
Second doses for people in “Phase 1” of the rollout — residents and staff at long-term care facilities, First Nation communities, and high-risk health care workers — will be delayed up until the 42nd day after the first dose.
Dr. Henry says this will allow the province to stretch its limited supply of vaccine to finish immunizing long term care populations and to address outbreaks in hospitals.
“We know that the federal gov is doing everything in their power to make sure that our vaccine supply gets back on track …but we need to make some changes to the ‘Phase 1’ that we’re in,” she said.
The government may also have to extend or revisit restrictions as the immunization plan is delayed, Dr. Henry added.
A sudden death at a camp erected for unhoused individuals at Royal Athletic Park has been deemed non-suspicious by police.
The death was reported to VicPD yesterday just before 5 p.m. when a deceased person was discovered.
Officers responded to the 900-block of Caledonia Avenue, where a temporary housing facility has been set up in the parking lot.
After an investigation, officers ruled that the death was non-suspicious. They have contacted the person’s family and notified them of their loved one’s passing.
The BC Coroners Service is has taken over the investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the individual’s death.
The identity of the deceased has not been released.
A small, family-owned farm in Duncan has posted a video of a suspected thief who made off with over $100 in fresh products.
The theft occurred on January 19th at 4:12 p.m., when a woman drove up to the Sedgemoor Farm stand and took sourdough bread, greens and meat worth about $110.
Hans Janse, one of the farm’s owners, says ordinarily visitors are allowed to take items and leave payment, using the honour system.
“We have a dropbox there so people can put money in, or people can do e-transfers,” he said in an interview with Victoria Buzz.
Janse was willing to give this person the benefit of the doubt, and posted a request for payment on January 22 to the Sedgemoor Farm Facebook page.
He says that a similar incident about a half a year ago ended when someone came forward to pay for items they had taken.
Unfortunately, no one has forward this time.
With payment still not received, Janse decided to post a video showing the suspected thief in the act of taking the items.
The clip shows a white woman with blonde hair, wearing a red baseball cap, tight-fitting black pants and a long-sleeved black shirt, taking several items without paying.
She is driving a silver, four-door sedan with a passenger inside, with who she appears to communicate non-verbally.
Good morning everyone, Many of you have commented on our previous post about not receiving payment. We LOVE the…
We’ve all been there; you’re wearing your glasses, put your mask on, and are immediately rendered sightless again due to the inevitable fog-up of the lenses.
OR, your mask just won’t stay put, slips down over your nose, and maybe doesn’t even cover your whole face (we’re looking at you, bearded dudes).
But what if there was a solution to all of these annoyances that have become a part of our every day lives?
Enter: The Kindness Factory. Not only have they made mandatory mask-wearing fun with their endless array of funky prints, they’ve created a whole new line of XL masks which mean those with wider faces, beards and glasses can get the coverage they so sorely need.
Their new XL model is specially designed for a better fit and more comfort for those with wider faces and/or beards, while providing the same full coverage they’re famous for – check out the full line-up of prints here!
Also, strong nose wires on The Kindness Factory’s entire lineup of masks mean no more foggy glasses.
“So stoked that I found The Kindness Factory XL masks! They have the best fit and offer full coverage. They don’t feel too tight and the nose piece is vital for wearing with glasses. Definitely the most comfortable mask I’ve tried. Honestly, the XL masks are the best and the only ones I use. All totally truthful. I don’t wear any other masks!” – Michael R.
Let’s talk about what you’re putting on your face
Like it or not, we all need ’em; so why not express yourself while wearing them?
Victoria-owned and operated The Kindness Factory has created a line of cute and unique masks that are so much fun, you’ll want to grab one for every day of the week (or even every outfit!)
Not only that, but we’ve got an exclusive discount code for you at the end of this article; read below to find out more.
The Kindness Factory offers dozens of fun and funky print options in 3 sizes: kids, adult, and XL. They carry over 1500 in-stock masks, so most orders are ready the same day.
They offer pickup, delivery and worldwide shipping, and their pickup process is 100% contact-free to limit contact with the public.
Masks are the pleated (surgical) style, and include a nose wire, ear elastics, a filter pocket, and one disposable filter per mask.
All masks from The Kindness Factory have 3 layers: 2 layers of high quality quilting cotton and 1 non-woven filter.
Ready to stay safe and stylish? Head online to order your masks and use the exclusive VICBUZZJAN2021 for 15% off your entire order through January 31st!
Make sure to visit The Kindness Factory online to find your perfect printed mask, for you and the favourite people in your life.
And don’t forget to follow The Kindness Factory on Facebook and Instagram, so you’re in the loop when they release new fun prints.
Island Health has declared an end to a COVID-19 outbreak at a care home in Victoria, but cases continue to rise mid-Island.
The health authority says that following enhanced strategies at Hart House long term care in Victoria, there are no longer any COVID-19 cases related to the outbreak at the home.
An outbreak was declared at Hart House on January 9 after one staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Follow-up testing of residents and staff found no other cases.
However, Thursday brought a record number of new cases of COVID-19 to the Island Health region, with 47 people testing positive for the virus.
In terms of health service delivery area, a majority of the cases are showing up on the mid-island, where active cases have grown to 157 as of Thursday, compared to 22 for each of the north and south island regions.
While the outbreak at Hart House is over, an outbreak at Nanaimo’s Malaspina Care Residence is still ongoing, and has been linked to two deaths.
In the meantime, social visits, admissions and transfers, and congregate dining will resume at Hart House, along with infection prevention and control measures.
The B.C. Ministry of Health reported 564 new cases of COVID-19 across the province on Thursday, for a total of 62,976 cases since the pandemic began.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 111
Fraser Health: 234
Island Health: 47
Interior Health: 95
Northern Health: 76
Residents outside Canada: 1
The number of active cases in B.C. increased from 4,345 to 4,450.
There are now a total of 309 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 68 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
15 more people have died from COVID-related causes, bringing the provincial death toll to 1,119.
6,816 people are in isolation, under active public health monitoring after exposure to COVID-19.
A total of 56,010 people have recovered from novel coronavirus.
Outbreaks
Outbreaks at Vancouver General Hospital, Ridge Meadows Hospital, Hart House, Fleetwood Villa, Arbutus Care Centre and Renfrew Care Centre are now over.
One new community cluster has been declared, in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region of the province, in and around Williams Lake.
In total, there are 40 assisted-living, long-term care homes, seniors’ rental buildings and seven acute-care facilities with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks.
47 new cases were reported in Island Health on Thursday, breaking a previous single-day record of 34 new cases for the region.
As of Thursday, there are 187 active cases remaining in the region, according to Island Health. By Health Service Delivery Area, they are:
South Island: 22 | Total cases: 408
Central Island: 157 | Total cases: 693
North Island: 22 | Total cases: 270
No new deaths were reported in the Island Health region.
14 people are currently hospitalized in the Island Health region, including six people in intensive care units.
Island Health’s chart below shows the region’s COVID-19 curve over the course of the pandemic.
Vaccinations
To date, 104,901 (+9,776) people have received a COVID-19 vaccine in B.C.
More information on the government’s vaccination distribution plan will be coming tomorrow, with Premier Horgan set to deliver information Friday afternoon alongside Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix.
Government agencies have set up a number of websites for British Columbians who need more information on COVID-19. Some links include:
Victoria council is moving to provide the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) with funding to help businesses damaged in a recent spree of mischief.
A motion brought forward by Mayor Lisa Helps called on city staff to work with the DVBA on options to help downtown businesses impacted by vandalism.
The motion passed at Thursday’s committee of the whole meeting with unanimous support.
“Last night I was in touch with the executive director the DVBA, Jeff Bray, who indicated his organization’s willingness to help to create some kind of financial relief program for businesses that have been the targets of these attacks,” she said at a press conference Thursday afternoon.
The mayor says details on the program are still to be determined and staff will be working with the DVBA over the next few days on the details.
Patrol officers arrested a man early this morning after a spree of mischiefs to downtown businesses. 14 locations have been identified by investigators. If you were impacted by this incident & have not spoke with officers, call 250-995-7654 ext 1. #yyjhttps://t.co/Utb7uOTXurpic.twitter.com/kuRP4hNj7g
Helps says she was told the suspect was released on conditions from the earlier incident before his vandalism spree due to recent changes in the Criminal Code.
“Regardless of who and why and how and when, the negative impacts are on already struggling people.”
In terms of the amount of funding, the mayor said the city likely doesn’t have the funds to pay for every business that has been damaged over the last six months, and it will be up to city staff and the DVBA to determine how much money can be distributed.
Statistics Canada is currently hiring for over 30,000 jobs across the country as they prepare to conduct their annual census.
According to the national statistical agency’s website, the hunt for 32,000 people as census enumerators and crew leader positions across Canada has already begun.
Due to the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s census information collection will be physically distanced.
StatsCan’s census collects demographics data on each Canadian citizen, with the information collected used by governments, businesses, and organizations to make evident-based decisions.
Enumerators’ jobs are to collect questionnaires from households, drop off letters inviting people to complete censuses, follow up with respondents, and ship the questionnaires once complete.
As listed on the StatsCan website, enumerators generally only work part-time, and mostly during evenings and weekends. The pay rate for enumerators is $17.83 per hour plus “eligible expenses”.
Crew leaders train, lead and supervise a team of up to 18 enumerators, and are paid $21.77 per hour.
All applicants must be a Canadian citizen at least 18 years old, have a Canadian home address, as well as a valid work permit.
The agency reiterates that this year’s census will be physically distanced, and that all employees going door-to-door will be required to wear face masks, as well as to adhere to all provincial health guidelines.
You can apply for the available census positions online at the StatsCan website.
Nanaimo RCMP have released surveillance photos of a suspect who attacked a store clerk that came to the aid of a customer being harassed on Monday.
The incident took place around 6:40 p.m. January 18th at the James General Store on Victoria Road in Nanaimo.
The employee triggered the hold up alarm after he was assaulted by an unknown man who was asked to leave the premises for harassing a customer.
When police arrived, the worker told officers the suspect had caught his attention after he heard the suspect yelling at a customer outside the store’s front door.
The man was allegedly demanding the customer give him cigarettes.
The employee stepped outside and told him to stop yelling and bothering the customer, when the suspect charged at the employee and began assaulting him.
The employee suffered cuts and lacerations to his face, with two black eyes, and while he was shaken, he did not require medical attention.
Police scoured the area but were not able to locate the suspect.
The male suspect is described as White, approximately six feet tall with a slim build and blonde hair. He was seen wearing sunglasses and a distinctive black and white Rcklss hoodie.
Anyone with information on the suspect’s identity or the incident is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
BC’s government announced today that they have approved funding for 64 sports organizations across Vancouver Island, some right here in Victoria.
The $1.5 million Local Sport Relief Fund will help local sports organizations in the province who have felt the impact of COVID-19, the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport said in a release on Thursday.
COVID-19 has put financial pressure on many local sports clubs throughout the province who have had limited ability to offer programming and fundraise to cover expenses due to the pandemic.
These clubs are at risk of closure and leaving communities without local access to sport, says the release. A grand total of 288 organizations across BC will be supported by the Local Sport Relief Fund.
Those organizations in Victoria receiving a portion of the funding include:
Victoria West Athletic Association
Victoria Youth Field Lacrosse Association
West Coast Rhythmic Gymnastics Club
Victoria Curling Club
Spartans Canadian Football Assoc.
Society for Kids at Tennis
Saanich Squash Association
Saanich Peninsula piranha Summer Swim
Club
Runsport Victoria Society
Prospect Lake Soccer Club
Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Club
Lower Vancouver Island Baseball Association
JDF Minor Lacrosse Association
Island Judo Parent Association
Gorge Soccer Association
Gorge Narrows Rowing and Paddling Club
Chinook Racing Canoe Club
Capital Region Female Minor Hockey
Association
Castaways Football Club
A full list of organizations on Vancouver Island receiving funding can be found here.
“Coaches, volunteers and board members have worked around the clock to ensure people can keep active and gain the physical and mental benefits of sport during the pandemic,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
“We heard their challenges to meet financial pressures with current health orders in place and are proud to provide this additional support so our communities can continue to offer sport in a safe way.”
The funding will cover administration and operational costs for local sports organizations dealing with the impacts of COVID-19. These expenses include insurance, administrative costs, rent, storage costs, equipment essential to providing sports programs and COVID-19 related supplies, such as cleaning products, signage and PPE.
Saanich Police are investigating after a volunteer project aimed at protecting ecological restoration on Christmas Hill was destroyed.
The Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary had erected a fence in the area to protect it from foot traffic.
Public donations were used by volunteers to assemble a structure out of cedar-split rails that were nailed together.
At some point over the weekend of January 16th to 18th, an unknown party dismantled the fence and threw the rails over the side of the hill and down an embankment.
Police say the vandalism would have taken a considerable amount of time, and the motive is unknown.
Officers are looking for any witnesses or persons with information on the incident to come forward.
Saanich Police say the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is a not-for-profit organization and the destruction has caused a significant loss for them.
One man has been arrested in connection with multiple fires that were started at elementary schools in Duncan, according to RCMP.
The fires occurred at Drinkwater Elementary School on January 11th and Ecole Mount Prevost on January 15th, respectively. In both cases, the schools were forced to close due to smoke in the hallways and safety concerns.
On January 19th, officers located and arrested a 36-year-old Duncan man in connection to these fires.
He has been released on a number of conditions and is expected to appear in provincial court in March.
Conditions of the suspect’s release include not being within 200 meters of any school, not possessing anything capable of starting a fire and reporting to adult probation.
“We are very grateful for the quick work and thorough investigation from the North Cowichan / Duncan RCMP,” said Candace Spilsbury, Chair of the Board of Education.
“With a suspect identified we know our school communities, and our community at large, can breathe a sigh of relief.”
North Cowichan / Duncan RCMP are still actively investigating and looking for more witnesses or individuals with surveillance or dash cam footage who can come forward.
Anyone with information on the incidents can contact the detachment at (250)748-5522, and quote file #2021-801.
VicPD are looking for witnesses and anyone who might have surveillance footage of a suspected prowler spotted in Esquimalt on Wednesday.
Officers were called to the 1200-block of Colville Road just after 1 a.m. on January 20 for a report of a prowler.
A resident told police that they had noticed an air conditioner had been moved out of their window. As they walked into the room, a flashlight was shone into it from the outside.
The suspect fled the scene and officers flooded the area.
VicPD K9 responded and police tracked a potential suspect through the neighbourhood in the direction of Lockley Street.
During the course of the search officers noted that numerous sheds and backyards in the area had been accessed. The suspect was not located.
VicPD are asking that anyone who might have home surveillance video or who witnessed the incident contact them at (250) 995-7654 ext. 1.
A recent raid on a home in Colwood by West Shore RCMP has uncovered numerous stolen items and evidence of drug trafficking.
The raid follows an investigation that started January 3rd when police were notified of a break and enter at a boat docked at the Pedder Bay Marina in Metchosin.
Personal items worth approximately $1,000, including a fish finder, were stolen from the boat.
Following a review of the evidence, investigators obtained a search warrant for a home on Haida Drive in Colwood.
On January 9th, the search warrant was executed on a residential property near the 3000 block of Haida Drive.
Numerous stolen items from the break and enter were found inside, including the fish finder and other personal belongings.
These items have been returned to the rightful owner.
The search also produced evidence of drug trafficking, including a mixture of fentanyl and amphetamine along with cutting agents and packaging paraphernalia.
A 46-year-old female has been identified as the suspect in the incident. The investigation is still ongoing, and charges including break and enter and possession of stolen property are forthcoming.
Investigators also seized a second fish finder they believe to be stolen and are hoping to return it to its rightful owner.
Anyone who has recently been the victim of a theft where a fish finder was stolen can contact West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264. The rightful owner will need to provide manufacturing details such as a serial number.
VicPD are investigating a suspicious fire that destroyed a tent in the Burnside-Gorge neighbourhood Tuesday evening.
Officers were flagged down shortly before 7:30 p.m. for a report of a fire in the 500-block of Ellice Street.
Police responded to the scene and found an unoccupied tent engulfed in flames reaching as high as 15 feet. A nearby hydro pole and wires had also caught fire.
Firefighters from the Victoria Fire Department were able to extinguish the blaze.
@vicpdcanada are investigating after a suspicious fire Tuesday night which destroyed a tent and damaged a nearby hydro pole, wires, and a business. There were no injuries.
The fire occurred shorty after 7:30 p.m. January 19th.
No one was injured in the incident, but the tent was completely destroyed and the hydro pole, wires, and a business were damaged.
VicPD and the Victoria Fire Department are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call VicPD at (250) 995-7654, extension 1.
Those who wish to report information anonymously can call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The B.C. Ministry of Health reported 500 new cases of COVID-19 across the province on Wednesday, for a total of 62,412 cases since the pandemic began.
New cases were reported in these health regions:
Vancouver Coastal Health: 125
Fraser Health: 216
Island Health: 32
Interior Health: 91
Northern Health: 35
Residents outside Canada: 1
The number of active cases in B.C. increased from 4,331 to 4,345.
There are now a total of 320 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 66 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
14 more people have died from COVID-related causes, bringing the provincial death toll to 1,104.
6,905 people are in isolation, under active public health monitoring after exposure to COVID-19.
A total of 55,564 people have recovered from novel coronavirus.
Outbreaks
There have been two new health-care facility outbreaks reported, at Villa Cathay in the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and Acropolis Manor in the Northern Health Authority.
Outbreaks at Guildford Seniors Village and Maple Ridge Seniors Village in the Fraser Health Authority, as well as Mountainview Village and Village by the Station in the Interior Health Authority, are now over.
One new community outbreak was also declared, at the Surrey Pretrial Services Centre.
In total, there are 44 assisted-living, long-term care homes, seniors’ rental buildings and nine acute-care facilities with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks.
32 new cases were reported in the Island Health region on Wednesday.
As of Wednesday, there are 187 active cases remaining in the region, according to Island Health. By Health Service Delivery Area, they are:
South Island: 22 | Total cases: 407
Central Island: 132 | Total cases: 655
North Island: 23 | Total cases: 266
No new deaths were reported in the Island Health region.
15 people are currently hospitalized in the Island Health region, including seven people in intensive care units.
Island Health’s chart below shows the region’s COVID-19 curve over the course of the pandemic.
Vaccinations
To date, 92,369 (+5,023) people have received a COVID-19 vaccine in B.C.
More information on the government’s vaccination distribution plan will be coming this week as the province adjusts to a delay in orders from Pfizer that was announced by the Federal government last week.
Government agencies have set up a number of websites for British Columbians who need more information on COVID-19. Some links include:
Sick of and tired of Facebook Marketplace, or dealing with the headache that comes with selling your old phone on other swap and shop sites?
Honestly, us too. But what if we told you there was a legitimate shop who wants to buy your old smartphone, and offers tons of other buy, sell or trade options too?
All new Prado Wireless has got you covered, and this is just one of the wide range of perks they offer.
They buy and sell all makes and models such as Apple, Samsung, LG, Huawei, and more.
Prado also has a unique trade-in program designed to save you money. Bring in your old mobile devices for trade-in for cash, or even credit towards a new or used mobile device, repair, or accessories in store.
The shop is conveniently located across from Uptown Shopping Centre, and along with the above they offer phone repairs, accessories, and brand new phones at great prices, along with pre-owned models.
On top of this, they have created customer financing deals – on phones, tablets, even computers! – meaning you could walk out today, brand new device in hand with no money down. You can also use financing for pre-owned phones and tablets, and for all repairs and accessories.
They even offer device protection and insurance – with prices far lower than traditional AppleCare.
Even better, in celebration of the new shop’s opening, they’re giving away a $100 store credit to one lucky winner – contest details are below!
With plenty of parking, a central location, and a quick turn around on device repairs and/or troubleshooting, Prado is your one stop shop for all of your essential gadgets that are keeping us in touch these days.
Their product list includes many different smartphones such as iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone XR , iPhone 11 as well as the Samsung A Series.
They also have pre-owned smartphones and computers, which all have available financing options.
Stop by in-store to chat with one of their knowledgeable technician or check out their extensive inventory!
CONTEST
For a chance to WIN a $100 store credit to Prado Wireless, complete one or more of the following:
COMMENT on the Facebook post letting us know who needs to upgrade their phone – even if it’s you! (1 entry)
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on January 31st, 2021. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter within 24 hours of the contest closing. Good luck!
Picture what it would be like to come home to a brand new pad covering over 1,400 sq. ft. PLUS a gorgeous rooftop terrace overlooking our beautiful city, complete with two bedrooms and your very own two-car garage.
Now imagine yourself inside, because this exact dream homeis a grand prize in the only BC Children’s Hospital Choices Lottery of 2021, and it could all be yours.
Buying a ticket for this lottery gives you the chance to win one of eight grand prizepackages. These include brand new homes in Morgan Creek, South Surrey, Vernon, Okanagan Falls, Vancouver, Courtenay, and Victoria, as well as a massive $2.2 million cash prize.
Proceeds from ticket sales go towards research initiatives at BC Children’s Hospital that could help address some of the biggest health challenges facing kids today.
This year’s Victoria prize is certainly one for the books, just steps from the Inner Harbour downtown; three levels, 2 bedrooms, and 2 baths all wrapped up in a modern 1,443 sq. ft. townhome with a fantastic 835 sq. ft. roof-top terrace and double garage.
Take a look at these photos of Victoria’s grand prize home:
If you’re chosen as a grand prize winner, you’ll be the proud new owner of this stunning townhome located in Victoria’s inner circle – but wait, it gets even better! Included in this prize package is a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, a 2021 BMW X3 xDrive 30i, PLUS $850,000 cash.
Stay tuned for more info on even more Bonus Draws happening including prizes like travel packages, new cars, and cold hard cash!
Deadlines to enter the various draws are:
Appreciation Reward Draw: Midnight, Friday, February 5th, 2021
Family Prize Draws: Midnight, Friday, February 19th, 2021
Spring Bonus Draw: Midnight, Friday, March 5th, 2021
Early Bird Draw: Midnight, Thursday, March 25th, 2021
Main Draws and Grand Prize: Midnight, Thursday, April 8th, 2021
According to a recent report from BC RCMP Traffic Services, one Ladysmith driver didn’t learn his lesson after driving through a road block while impaired the first time around – so he decided to go for a second run.
The suspected drunk driver came through the road check not once, but twice, and fled from police both times, though consequences were still to be had, says RCMP.
The first time, the driver stopped for an officer, but then proceeded to drive off when asked to pull to the side of the road.
“For reasons that can only be attributed to the driver’s impairment, he came through the road check a second time, stopping long enough to hand his driver’s licence to the officer before fleeing again,” said the RCMP.
The officer stationed at the road check then submitted a High-Risk Driver Report to RoadSafetyBC.
Justice was served when the same officer visited the driver’s home a few days later, and served him with numerous Violation Tickets and a four-month driving prohibition.
Police across the BC recently wrapped up the Winter CounterAttack Impaired Driving Campaign, and BC RCMP Traffic Services reminds all motorists to find alternate ways home if they are impaired.
“As we have seen many times in the past, the consequences of poor decision making when it comes to impaired driving can be deadly. If you suspect you are following an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 – you may save a life,” reminds the report from BC RCMP Traffic Services.
RCMP on Salt Spring Island have closed off access to a park after a suspicious device was found in the area.
Police were contacted Wednesday by a concerned citizen about a cylindrical-shaped device left in Drummond Park.
Frontline members arrived on scene but were unable to determine the nature of the device. The Salt Spring RCMP have contacted the BC RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) for their expertise.
After consultation with EDU and a review of photos of the item, the RCMP determined that the area should be made safe by removing anyone nearby.
As of 2 p.m., police are awaiting the arrival of EDU members on Salt Spring Island to examine the device and, if necessary, to make it safe.
Local residents are advised to avoid the area while police await the arrival of the EDU team.
Anyone with information on the item is asked to contact the RCMP by phone at (250) 537-5555 or by email at saltspring@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Police say they were called at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning after a mischief spree had damaged several Victoria businesses.
They first responded to a multi-unit residential building in the 1700-block of Cook Street for a report of an alarm.
Officers arrived on the scene and found that the front window had been smashed by a rock. Over the next hour and a half, they also discovered several additional businesses with smashed windows.
Shortly before 2 a.m., VicPD was alerted that a man was smashing windows at a restaurant in the 500-block of Pandora Avenue with a large wooden pole.
The suspect fled, but officers were able to locate and arrest him in the 500-block of Yates Street.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 14 different locations were identified in the suspect’s spree of destruction:
the 1700-block of Cook Street
the 1500-block of Cook Street
the 600-block of View Street
two locations in the 1100-block of Blanshard Street
the 700-block of Broughton Street
the 600-block of Courtney Street
three locations in the 1200-block of Broad Street
the 600-block of Yates Street
the 500-block of Pandora Avenue
the 1400-block of Store Street
the 700-block of Fort Street.
VicPD say there may be several additional locations damaged in the incident and would like to hear from anyone who has been impacted.
The suspect has been held to await a court appearance on multiple charges of mischief and breach of an undertaking.
Anyone with information about the incidents or who was the victim of property damage should call VicPD at (250) 995-7654, extension 1.
Those who wish to report information anonymously should call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
RCMP are on the lookout for a suspect and are asking witnesses to come forward following a report of an indecent act in Comox.
A trail walker reported that she had been walking in the Northeast Woods of Comox between 3:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. on January 18th when she saw a young man exposing himself.
He was last seen running toward the parking lot at the end of Torrence Road.
The man is described as approximately 20 years old, tall and thin with medium length hair, wearing tight clothing, walking a medium-sized black and white dog.
Comox RCMP are looking for anyone who knows or might have seen the man or who may have dashcam footage from the parking lot.
Anyone with information should contact the Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321 and
refer to file 2021-984.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Comox Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca.
A national alert issued by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has VicPD sounding the alarm over a new sophisticated cybercrime: “spear phishing.”
Spear phishing involves criminals attempting to redirect or initiate fraudulent payments while making them appear legitimate.
They do this by infiltrating or spoofing business or individual email accounts. Often fraudsters will take time to gather information on intended targets to send more convincing emails.
Information is collected by creating an email rule that forwards copies of a victim’s incoming emails to a fraudster’s accounts.
These emails are then combed for personal information, studying the sender’s language and looking for behaviour patterns, including important contacts, payments and dates.
VicPD say that Victoria and Esquimalt are seeing these types of spear phishing attacks in local incidents.
One staff member at a local business avoided a scam by spotting that a fraudulent email address was one letter off from a legitimate email address.
Other examples of attacks include donation requests sent to churches or temples from fraudsters pretending to be religious leaders, financial planners receiving withdrawal requests from phony client emails, or emails with malware attachments.
Police say key warning signs for cyberfraud are emails with threats, unusual requests against company procedures, unsolicited emails, or requests for absolute confidentiality.
VicPD says companies should include fraud training as part of new employee training, and individuals can restrict information shared publicly on social media while updating security software.
More information on fraud protection is available online at vicpd.ca/fraud.
Anyone who falls victim to fraud should stop payments immediately, contact their financial institution and VicPD at (250) 995-7654 ext 1.
VicPD has issued a warning to businesses in the Victoria and Esquimalt area after a spike in break-ins throughout the two communities in the first few weeks of 2021.
Between January 1st and January 18th, there have been 28 business break and enters.
According to VicPD, business break and enters have been on the rise over the past four months. In December, there were 26 break-ins, while November had 16 and in October there were 18.
Since December, 75 per cent of break and enters have been concentrated in downtown Victoria and the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood.
On January 5th, VicPD alerted the public they were investigating nearly two dozen break and enters that they describe as “sophisticated” break-ins.
According to VicPD, the largest cluster of reports is from Victoria’s downtown business community, where nearly two dozen break and enters are believed to be related.
The thieves have been using the sophisticated technique of removing the glass from doors or windows to gain stealthier access.
“This approach requires specialized tools and knowledge and, in some files, has been effective in defeating alarm systems,” said VicPD in a release.
In instances when the glass removal technique has failed, the thieves resort to more brute force methods; smashing windows and prying doors.
From January 14th through February 7th 2021, locals can enjoy Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria by dining at participating restaurants. This year, over 48 restaurants have created three course meal experiences, varying from $20 to $60 a person.
Current provincial orders require BC residents to only dine out with members within their own household or, if a single occupant household, eat with one or two other people in their pandemic bubble.
Now more than ever it is important to support local businesses and restaurants, so here’s a list of 8 locally owned eateries to check out during this year’s Dine Around Victoria:
Board with Friends is a board game cafe located downtown Victoria where $5 admission gets you unlimited board game time. The cafe also offers a variety of beverages and food options. Board with Friends is offering a $20 menu for Dine Around 2021.
J.R. Slim’s mission is to deliver laid-back comfortable fare made from high quality ingredients in a comfortable setting. J.R. Slims is offering a $30 menu for Dine Around Victoria 2021.
If you are looking for dinner with a view, the Beach House is the perfect date night. With vaulted wood ceilings and wall to wall windows, you will love the view of Cordova Bay Beach. The Beach House is offering both a $30 menu and $40 menu for Dine around Victoria 2021.
Established in 1855, Six Mile Pub is British Columbia’s oldest pub. With 22 draught beers from local craft breweries, as well as an extensive cocktail selection you will be sure to be satisfied. Six Mile Pub is offering both a $30 menu and $40 menu for Dine Around 2021.
Located in the Oswego Hotel, this Southern italian inspired menu showcases the finest globally inspired sharing plates. Bar 500 is offering both a $30 menu and $50 menu.
Location: 500 Oswego Street
Hours:
Closed Monday and Tuesday
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm., 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday
The Mint is a dining lounge that specializes in South Asian and West Coast cuisine. The Mint is offering both a $30 menu, $40 menu and $50 menu during Dine Around Victoria 2021.
Blighty’s Bistro began as a beloved fish & chippery in Oak Bay. Today, it thrives as a small and intimate eateryThey are offering a $50 menu for Dine Around Victoria 2021.
Location: 2006 Oak Bay Avenue
Hours:
Closed Monday and Tuesday
10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday
Little Jumbo Restaurant and Bar is a hidden gem downtown Victoria. Inspired by the best bars in New Orleans, Austin, Seattle and Portland, Little Jumbo prides themselves on using fresh local ingredients and classic and modern mixology. This Dine around they are offering a $50 menu.
Two COVID-related deaths in the Island Health region have been linked to an outbreak at a care home in Nanaimo.
Island Health confirmed in a statement to Victoria Buzz that one of the COVID-related deaths announced Monday, January 18 is related to the outbreak at Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence.
This is the second death related to the outbreak.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of each of these individuals as they grieve the loss of a cherished loved one,” Island Health President and CEO Kathy MacNeil.
“To the staff at Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence and Island Health staff involved, please know that the entire Island Health family is behind you and is thankful for the compassionate care you are providing during this difficult time.”
On January 6th, one additional Chartwell Malaspina staff member and one additional resident tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases at the residence to seven residents and one staff member.
No further cases have been confirmed since then.
Since the outbreak was declared, Island Health says more than 360 COVID-19 tests have been performed on residents and staff at Malaspina. All tests have come back negative.
Island Health’s target is that all residents of long-term care across the region will be vaccinated in the coming days.
The outbreak has been confined to two units on the first floor of the home, with staff members and residents tied to the unit where the outbreak was initially identified.
The origin of the outbreak is still under investigation, while enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented and visitations have been stopped.
A positive case of COVID-19 has been reported at an elementary school in Duncan, joining a list of other school exposures in the city this month
Alexander Elementary School reported a member of the school community tested positive with possible exposure dates on January 13th, 14th and 15th.
Island Health says the individuals in each case are self-isolating. Phone calls and letters have been sent to staff and parents of students who have been identified as coming in close contact with infected individuals.
Those who received a phone call will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days, while those who received a letter will be asked to self-monitor for symptoms.
Anyone who did not receive a phone call or letter is advised to continue attending school as normal.
A man drowned after falling into the water at a marina in North Saanich late Monday evening, according to police.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP say they were called to the Canoe Cove Marina just after 10:30 p.m. on January 18th for a report that a man had fallen into the water.
Members arrived on scene and were told by witnesses that the man had failed to resurface. A search of the area was conducted and the man was located in approximately 15 feet of water.
RCMP members were able to pull the man to the surface using nearby equipment, and he was then brought onto the dock where officers began first aid measures.
BC Ambulance Advanced Life Support services made attempts for some to revive the man, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
The man, identified as a 64-year-old resident of North Saanich, was pronounced dead on the scene.
RCMP say the man’s death is not considered suspicious, and the BC Coroners Service is continuing to investigate.