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Can you believe it’s September already? Take your mind off the coming school year with some events around Victoria!
As you head out to activities and events, please follow the restrictions and guidelines that these businesses require to keep their employees and patrons safe during the pandemic.
As always, wash your hands, wear masks, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you feel sick or show symptoms!
Without further ado, here are five things to do today, Wednesday September 2nd:
Oaklands Sunset Market closes after today, so make sure you stop in for a look at this modified community market. Check out a selection of local farm and food vendors, including some tasty food trucks. Dogs are permitted as long as they’re on leash, but in the interests of COVID-19 safety, please don’t let others pet them!
When: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Oaklands Community Centre, 2827 Belmont Avenue
Hosts Morgan Cranny and Drew Farrance bring some hilarious local comedians together for an evening of food, drink and fun. Seating is limited so be sure to book your table of two, four, or six people online! Chow down on delicious west coast Himalayan cuisine and laugh until your sides ache..
Sixty Watt Trivia is back, sponsored by Driftwood Brewery. Teams of up to eight people will test their knowledge of…everything! Teams of three or less get a free point each round to keep the competition tight. Four rounds of quizzing for every skill level will make the evening a night to remember. It’s free to play, and prizes abound! .
Oak Bay Beach Hotel holds sunrise yoga classes on their Seaside Terrace every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 7:00 am to 8:00 am, until September 30. Classes will be taught by Tina Lyons, for a drop-in fee of $15 per person. Guests are encouraged to bring their own mats to help with COVID-19 guidelines.
The Royal BC Museum hosts the latest in a series of online workshops and demonstrations. This week science illustrator Mitra Nikoo shows us some ways to understand nature through sketching. Discover tools that you can use when you are outside exploring, and then learn skills about how to sketch a specimen. Bring your own specimen if you can (a shell, a bone, a leaf for example) but if not, Mitra will bring specimens for all to see. You’ll also need paper and something to draw with (pencils, markers, crayons, etc.).
British Columbia remains in the longest state of emergency the province has ever seen after a further extension on Tuesday.
Premier John Horgan has extended the provincial state of emergency for the 12th time on September 1 after the previous extension period ran out.
Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth initially declared a state of emergency on March 18 as a result of COVID-19, which was originally in effect for 14 days.
It was then extended 11 times by Premier Horgan, on March 31, April 15, April 29, May 13th, May 27, June 10, June 24, July 7, July 22, August 4, and August 18.
Tuesday’s announcement further extends the state of emergency until the end of day on September 15, 2020.
“It’s encouraging to see the vast majority of British Columbians following public health rules to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep each other safe,” said Premier John Horgan in a statement.
“However, there remains a small group of people ignoring Dr. Henry’s orders and threatening our hard work over the past several months to flatten the curve. This pandemic is not over, and whether it’s an end-of-summer gathering or hockey celebration, this is not the time to bend or break the rules.”
The statement goes on to add that the state of emergency allows the province to keep in place measures like the ones that allow police officers to issue violation tickets for party hosts and guests that flaunt COVID-19 safety rules.
In the first week of these new enforcement measures (Aug. 21 -n28), 10 violation tickets were issued. This includes six $2,000 violation tickets for contraventions of the PHO’s order on gatherings and events, and four $200 violation tickets issued to individuals.
Declarations of emergency can be extended by the province by increments of 14 days at a time.
Victoria Police are looking for witnesses after a school in downtown Victoria was vandalized over the course of three weeks.
In a statement released Tuesday, the department stated that 15 windows were damaged by rocks at South Park Elementary School, in the 500-block of Douglas Street near Beacon Hill Park.
Police were called on August 6, and again on the 23rd and 30th for reports of similar vandalism incidents at the school that have thus far caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to the building, according to VicPD.
“Officers are asking for your help as we seek witnesses and information about these incidents,” says the department.
“In addition, officers and staff are reaching out to the members of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association and James Bay’s VicPD Block Watch community to remain on the lookout for suspicious persons in the area of the school.”
Anyone with information about these incidents are asked to contact the VicPD non emergency line at (250) 995-7654.
To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If you see someone in the commission of a crime, please call 911.
The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 58 new cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number of cases in to 5,848 in the province.
In total, 1,922 of the cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 3,072 in Fraser Health, 175 in Vancouver Island Health region, 440 in Interior Health, 160 in Northern Health region, and 79 people whose residence is outside of Canada.
The number of active cases has increased by 17 to 1,124 in B.C.
There are now a total of 31 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 10 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
One additional death was reported today, and the death toll is now at 209 in total
2,761 people are now in isolation and being monitored by public health officials after being exposed to COVID-19.
A total of 4,505 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
Outbreaks
One new outbreak health care facility was reported in the Fraser Health region over the weekend while two outbreaks were declared over on the mainland—one in Fraser Health and one in Vancouver Coastal Health region.
In total, eight long-term care or assisted living facilities and two acute care facilities have active ongoing outbreaks at this time.
No new community outbreaks reported were reported today.
There continue to be a number of ongoing COVID-19 exposure sites. B.C. residents are urged to check the BC CDC website for all public alerts about possible exposures to the virus.
Those who may have been exposed are asked to monitor their symptoms, reduce the number of contacts they have, and call 811 to get tested for the virus if they do develop symptoms.
Island Health region
No new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Island Health region today.
There have been 175 total cases of COVID-19 in the region, five of whom have died, and 163 people have recovered.
This means there are now seven active cases in the region.
Thus far, there have been 366,635 novel coronavirus tests conducted across B.C., 51,132 of which were done in the Island Health region.
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 25,852,527.
Over 859,150 people have died from the illness and 18,078,091 have made a full recovery.
The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB) says that they have applied to the City of Victoria to open a cannabis retail store in the Bay Centre.
In an emailed statement to Victoria Buzz, the BCLDB says their application was filed on August 5, for a rezoning of 1150 Douglas Street for “cannabis retail” which is not currently permitted use.
If approved, the BC Cannabis Store would occupy a retail space approximately 1300 square feet in size, with an anticipated opening date in late spring/early summer of 2021.
“All BC Cannabis Stores are designed to be bright, clean, welcoming and professional, while creating a safe and favourable alternative to purchasing non-medical cannabis from the illicit market,” Viviana Zanocco, Associate Director, Corporate Communications BCLDB wrote in an email.
The proposed store would be the first of its kind in the City of Victoria. BCLDB has also applied for another store in the District of Saanich, at Uptown Mall.
Zanocco added that the current application with the City of Victoria is in the preliminary stages and the BCLDB does not yet have a date for when it will be put before Council.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in very different ways.
It took not only the world by storm, but the impact rippled down to even small communities; such as our own, right here in Greater Victoria.
For many vulnerable people who already face barriers – issues like poverty, homelessness and social isolation – the unforeseen circumstances of the pandemic mean they need more help than ever.
This is where United Way of Greater Victoriacomes in – they have rallied all of their energy, time, talents, and dollars to help those in need – with the help of the community.
We have also seen a lot of good emerge despite the trying times – neighbours are helping neighbours, and volunteers are stepping up when needed.
Businesses are even seeing a need, like Accent Inns who partnered with the United Way to provide free hotel rooms to frontline workers.
Only a week after COVID-19 was officially declared a global pandemic in March, United Way launched the Local Love in a Global Crisis Fund, which to date has raised over $1.3 million to provide relief to the Greater Victoria community.
“The response we have seen from the community has been immense and, quite frankly, inspirational,” said Mark Breslauer, CEO at United Way.
“I’m very proud of how our community has come together to support initiatives like our Local Love Campaign to help those that need it in our community.”
Now, United Way of Greater Victoria has narrowed their focus in direct response to COVID-19 to help their community recover and rebuild.
In the coming weeks, we will highlight their areas of action, each with signature initiatives, which you can donate to in order to assist those most vulnerable.
United Way will focus on three areas where help is needed most:
Families in need – help create a daycare space for children dealing with trauma
Are you an American living on Vancouver Island (or elsewhere!) and wondering how you can participate in the upcoming 2020 General Election?
For Americans living abroad, it’s important to register for an absentee ballot so you can exercise your right to vote.
Here’s a step-by-step guide that will help make the process a little bit easier.
Step One: determine the state you vote in
American voters living abroad vote in their state of last residence—in other words the state you last lived in. This will be the state you vote in by absentee ballot, and also where you send your registration information.
This is where it gets a little complicated.
Step Two: fill out your Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)
The FPCA is what allows you to vote as an American citizen abroad, under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
The FPCA serves as both a way of registering yourself to vote, and a way to request an absentee ballot.
Some states, such as Illinois, do have automatic voter registration, but no matter what state you last lived in, you will have to fill out an FPCA to receive an absentee ballot.
In other words, regardless of registration status, you should fill out and submit a FPCA to your last state of residence if you’re planning on voting abroad.
Step Three: send in your completed FPCA
Most states allow email, fax or online submissions for FPCAs. However, these states require you to physically mail your FPCA:
Alabama (postmarked by Oct. 19, 2020)
Arkansas (postmarked by Nov. 1, 2020)
Connecticut (postmarked by Nov. 2, 2020)
New York (received by Oct. 14, 2020)
California and Wisconsin (postmarked by Oct. 14, 2020; unless already registered to vote)
Idaho, Florida, Maryland and South Dakota – if registering to vote (postmarked by Oct. 5, 2020)
Note that you have to submit a new FPCA each year, as well as any time you move, or change your name, email, or address.
Each state also has its own deadline for submitting your FPCA. Details for those deadlines are available online at the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website: fvap.gov/guide.
For the upcoming general election, the earliest cutoff deadline for a postmarked FPCA is in Puerto Rico, which has a postmark deadline of Sept. 15.
Past that, a handful of states including Alaska and South Carolina have FPCA deadlines of Oct. 4, and others are later.
The best rule of thumb is to get your FPCA submitted early, following the guidelines for your state of last residence at fvap.gov/guide.
If you’re mailing your FPCA, the FVAP website has templates that you can print that allow you to mail postage-free. However, you may still have to supply your own postage if you are mailing from outside the US.
The FVAP website recommends that if you have not received your ballot 30 days before the election, that you complete a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB).
If your regular absentee ballot arrives after you have submitted a FWAB, you should still complete and return the regular ballot. A FWAB will only be counted if your regular absentee ballot does not reach election officials before your state’s deadline, and you will not invalidate your vote or be counted twice.
Once you receive your regular absentee ballot, there’s just one more step to go.
Step Five: filling out and returning your ballot
Methods for returning your ballot differ according to the state you are voting in. Most states offer multiple methods including mail, email, online submission or fax.
These states and territories only allow return of absentee ballots by mail:
American Samoa
Arkansas
Connecticut
Georgia
Guam
Idaho
Illinois
Iowa (email or fax allowed for overseas Uniformed Service member, OR if you are located in a hostile fire area)
Kentucky
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri (email or fax allowed only if you are in a hostile fire area)
New Hampshire
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas (fax allowed only if you are in a hostile fire area)
Vermont
Virginia
Most states require that your ballot is either postmarked or received by November 3, regardless of return method.
Detailed information on how you return your ballot, including addresses for mailed ballots, can be found by clicking your state of last residence at fvap.gov/guide/chapter2.
Step six: additional help
If you’re still looking for help and information on voting in the American election while abroad in Canada or elsewhere, you can also turn to your local embassy or consulate.
In addition to providing voting forms and information about absentee voting, U.S. embassies and consulates can mail voter registration, absentee ballot request forms, and completed ballots back to the United States.
Embassies and consulates can also notarize or witness voting materials if required by your state.This service is supplied free of charge but should be booked in advance by appointment.
They will also be able to help you with estimated mail transit times and advise you on local mailing options, including courier services.
Note that you will still have to supply your own postage fees or use the printable envelope templates from the FVAP website at fvap.gov/eo/overview/materials/forms.
Angela S. Girard, spokesperson for the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver, wrote in an email to Victoria Buzz that they are here to help.
“The Department of State is committed to ensuring that U.S. citizens abroad are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so – from anywhere in the world.” wrote Girard.
“Our embassies and consulates communicate regularly to U.S. citizens regarding options available to register to vote and to vote from overseas.”
Step Seven: pat yourself on the back for participating in democracy
If you’re looking for more useful tools for living and voting abroad while retaining your U.S. citizenship, Girard suggests registering for an online program for American abroad.
“We do encourage American citizens to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program https://step.state.gov to receive important information from the Embassy about health and safety conditions, as well as information about overseas voting.”
But otherwise, give yourself a pat on the back for exercising your constitutional rights.
One man was arrested in downtown Victoria Monday morning after a spree of incidents involving property damage.
Just before 7:30 a.m. on August 31, police received multiple reports of the man ripping branches off a tree and trying to hit a passerby with them in the 700 block of Fisgard Street.
The suspect then reportedly chased other pedestrians and threatened to attack them.
While police were responding to the incident, other witnesses reported the man pushing a large dumpster into the road on Fisgard Street.
As a result, he ended up damaging several parked vehicles in the area, and the glass door to a multi-unit commercial and residential building in the area.
After obtaining a description of the suspect from witnesses, police were able to locate the man and took him into custody near the intersection of Blanshard and North Park streets.
He was transported to cells and faces several recommended charges including one count of uttering threats and five counts of mischief.
Grants from the federal and provincial governments have enabled multiple Vancouver Island municipalities to install over two dozen new electric vehicle charging stations.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy announced that the Regional District of Nanaimo, in partnership with 11 local and regional governments, will install a total of 28 Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations on the island.
“Expanding electric vehicle stations across Vancouver Island will make clean transportation options more viable to more people,” said Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, in a statement.
“Encouraging green energy solutions like this is essential to building strong resilient communities. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country and builds stronger communities.”
These installations will expand the current network of EV chargers in the Nanaimo and Parksville area, as well as communities like Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Campbell River, Tofino and Ucluelet, among others.
The project is being funded through $230,000 from the Province’s CleanBC Communities Fund, $275,000 from the federal government’s Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, and participating local governments together investing more than $183,000.
The locations selected for the charging stations are based on public demand, according to the province.
Here are the municipalities/regions that will be getting new EV charging stations:
Regional District of Nanaimo (10 stations)
Locations will include: Lantzville, Nanaimo, Parksville (three stations), Qualicum Beach, Electoral Area B (Decanso Bay Regional Park), Electoral Area E (Nanoose Place Community Centre), Electoral Area G (French Creek Marina), Electoral Area H (Lighthouse Community Hall)
City of Nanaimo (four stations)
Comox Valley Regional District (four stations)
City of Courtenay (three stations)
Town of Comox (one station)
City of Cumberland (two stations)
City of Campbell River (one station)
Resort Municipality of Ucluelet (two stations)
District of Tofino (one station)
Once these stations are complete, there will be a total of 83 new Level 2 EV charging stations across B.C.
It’s someone else’s birthday, and YOU get the gift?
Sign us up!
Victoria’s only local food delivery service, Tutti was founded in 2017 as a multi-faceted app that allows you to order not only things like food and beverages for delivery, but also houses a ‘Gofer’ service – offering help with shopping and errand running.
Tutti is actually a word of Italian origin meaning all or together – and that’s the idea the Victoria-based business wants to bring to our city!
Tutti offers meal delivery from more than 100 local restaurants, low delivery fees and longer distance deliveries to areas such as the West Shore and Central Saanich and beyond.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCrfVUqj_Tf/
They also pride themselves on being a bilingual app that’s available in English and Mandarin for download on iOS and Android devices – with no hidden fees!
In celebration of their third birthday this month, they’re giving away a $100 in food credit to three lucky people to the app – that’s a whole lot of delicious delivery!
They’re also offering FREE delivery until Thursday, September 3rd to keep the party going.
So what are you waiting for, Victoria?
Download the Tutti app, and get to ordering – you can stay in your pajamas AND don’t have to leave your couch tonight!
CONTEST
To enter to win a $100 credit to your Tutti account (we’re choosing 3 winners!) that can be used toward meal delivery and/or Tutti’s Gofer service, please head on over to ourInstagram page to enter:
Don’t have Instagram? No problem! Just share this article on Facebook for your chance to win – and don’t forget to tag a friend.
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on September 3rd, 2020. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter within 24 hours of the contest closing. Good luck!
Campbell River RCMP recovered a large amount of stolen goods from a residence that was the subject of a noise complaint early Monday morning.
Police were called just after midnight on August 30 to an excessive noise complaint at a residence near Willowcrest and Dogwood St.
When officers arrived they found a stolen motorcycle in the residence’s open garage and requested a search warrant.
While executing the warrant police seized a small quantity of illicit drugs, two stolen motorcycles and sports memorabilia that had recently been stolen from a storage trailer.
Officers also seized several thousand dollars in cash that had been stashed.
Police are recommending charges of Drug Trafficking and Possession of Stolen Property against a 34-year-old Campbell River man.
Anyone with information about criminal activity in the area is asked to call Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221.
Campbell River RCMP have arrested one man while another remains at large after a daylight attack with a hammer early Monday evening.
Police were called to a report of a man being beaten with a hammer shortly after 6 p.m. on Parkway Rd.
Two assailants approached a man in a car and attacked him, then fled to a nearby home on Galerno Rd. that was known to police.
The victim, a 42-year-old Campbell River man, was taken to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.
He was later released from hospital.
RCMP say they were able to arrest one of the suspects immediately but the other fled the area and is still at large.
The man taken into custody is a 47-year-old Campbell River man who could be facing charges of Assault with a Weapon and Assault Causing Bodily Harm.
Police also arrested two people in relation to the incident who had outstanding warrants
Officers remained on scene at the residence on Galerno Rd. until the early hours of September 1.
The RCMP also seized several grams of methamphetamine and various stolen goods at the scene while executing a search warrant to locate evidence in the assault.
Police say that the parties are all related to local drug trade and there is no risk to the general public.
“The homes that house this activity are a plague on the community and the local RCMP are constantly investigating these houses,” said Cst Maury Tyre.
“In some cases these homes are rentals and the damages that are done to the homes while drug operations are carried out there are immense and it’s quite difficult to get rid of tenants. If you are a landlord, it’s worthwhile to exercise due diligence and investigate the people that you are renting to and make sure you have clear conditions in your rental agreement.”
Last week, a piece of artwork Bastion Square became the centre of controversy after Victoria Police found that one of the letters incorporated the acronym ‘ACAB’ in its design. Now, a second local police detachment has issued a letter of support for altering the mural.
The mural on the ground was commissioned by the City of Victoria on August 14, and featured the work of 17 local artists who designed and painted the words ‘More Justice, More Peace’ to call attention to racial inequality and police brutality across North America after a wave of Black Lives Matter protests this summer.
However, when Victoria Police Chief Del Manak saw that the acronym ‘ACAB’—used to mean ‘All Cops Are Bastards/Bad’—was embedded into mural, he asked city staff to have it removed.
When city staff showed up to paint over the letters, BIPOC activists and the artists who painted them physically placed themselves on top of the mural to prevent it being altered. City staff left the scene and the situation was de-escalated for the time being.
The next day, police chief Del Manak issued a statement explaining his stance:
“The inclusion of ACAB is deeply disrespectful to the women and men of the Victoria Police Department… The Victoria Police Department, and I personally, stand behind the call for ‘More Justice, More Peace.’ Justice is not justice if it does not include all members of society. Excluding one group through harmful words seems counter to the very spirit of the mural itself.”
In response the artists issued their own statement addressing the issue:
“When we added ACAB to our piece, we did so as a statement against the mistreatment that is placed upon Black people by the police throughout North America particularly, as well as across the globe.”
Victoria city councillor Sharmarke Dubow also added his voice into the fray, arguing that police as a system are already included, legitimized, and authorized with power and resources, unlike the BIPOC youth trying to address injustices.
“For the police to evoke inclusion in this way is really to decontextualize and depoliticize what it is really about—systemic racism,” wrote Dubow.
“They could have used this as an opportunity to talk about what opportunity/gift it is that youth are giving them the chance to hear about what inclusion would mean for them and a chance to understand why a statement like that might be said and why it is important.”
According to the City of Victoria, discussions between the BIPOC artists and city staff are underway to reach a mutual solution.
But on Tuesday morning, West Shore RCMP decided to throw their weight behind their Victoria counterparts.
“Many police departments including my own detachment have lost officers in the line of duty,” writes Todd Preston, Officer in Charge of West Shore RCMP.
“The acronym ‘ACAB’ is particular[ly] disrespectful and hurtful to the dedicated police officers in our respective organizations as well as their families… The divisive language used in this mural is not the way forward.”
Preston adds that the West Shore RCMP detachment supports VicPD in their endeavour to have ‘ACAB’ removed from the mural.
For their part, the artists and activists who created the mural say they have no intention of letting anyone change their previously approved work.
The summer is nearly over, so make the most of it starting with events today, Tuesday September 1st!
As you head out to activities and events, please follow the restrictions and guidelines that these businesses require to keep their employees and patrons safe during the pandemic.
As always, wash your hands, wear masks, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you feel sick or show symptoms!
Without further ado, here are five things to do today, Tuesday September 1st:
Victoria beach clean up heads to Gonzales as summer winds down. Help clean up your neighbourhood and meet some great folk. Bring a grabber, gloves and a bucket or bag!
Aura Waterfront Restaurant hosts a wine tasting featuring some of B.C.’s best local varieties. $20 for a flight of three wines and a bite of food to go along with your tasty beverages.
Sült Pierogi Bar is featuring Open Mic comedy nights every Tuesday. This week host Erin Haley takes the stage, along with feature performer Shane Priestly! The cover is just $5 and doors open at 7:30 p.m.
The beginning of September means cooler weather, an assortment of new fall drinks and for many, an excitement for the change of seasons. As the summer season comes to an end, so do many summer events and traditions.
This year, the summer market season looked quite different, however, Victoria Farmers Markets were still operating for islanders to enjoy.
Various farmers markets across Victoria were running throughout the summer to support local farmers and craft vendors while promoting physical distancing practices.
Here are five Victoria Farmers Markets to check out before the end of the summer season:
The Esquimalt Farmers Market first launched in May 2015 and continues to be a popular summer market for locals. The market promotes supporting local business and building community, and features a large list of vendors that can be viewed on their website.
The market encourages donations (all non-perishable and perishable foods) which will go to the Esquimalt Neighbourhood House, Rainbow Kitchen & Senior Program through the Esquimalt Recreation Center.
The James Bay Market has been in operation for 25 years. Although this year’s event looks different (no food sampling or live music), visitors can still support local farms, food producers and craft vendors when they visit the James Bay staple.
The Bastion Square Market is a year round downtown Victoria staple and favourite of both locals and tourists. During the summer months, the market also includes an Artisan Market showcasing different artists each weekend.
The Artisan Market allows visitors to view ceramics, paintings, artwork, clothing and more while meeting the artists in person.
Where: 26 Bastion Square
Last Day: September 27th 2020
Public Market
When: Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm.
Artisan Market
When: July 4 to September 27, 2020, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Peninsula Country Market has more than 50 vendors weekly offering farm fresh products, jams and jellies, honey, homemade bread, cut flowers, assorted meats, organic produce and a fine selection of arts and crafts.
Although the market is not offering live music this year they have arranged some background music to accompany the market. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and blankets to sit on.
Summer 2020 marks the 29th season of the Moss Street Market.The family favourite offers local and organic produce, handmade crafts, artisan clothing as well as community education.
Moss Street Market now offers an online market with delivery and pick up options. The organization also runs a Winter Market (November through April).
The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported a record high of 294 new cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number of cases in to 5,790 in the province.
Between Friday and Saturday, 86 people were reported COVID-19 positive; 107 new cases were reported between Saturday and Sunday; and between Sunday and Monday, there were 101 additional cases.
In total, 1,900 of the cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 3,042 in Fraser Health, 175 in Vancouver Island Health region, 440 in Interior Health, 154 in Northern Health region, and 79 people whose residence is outside of Canada.
The number of active cases has increased by 133 to 1,107 in B.C.
There are now a total of 28 people in hospital due to COVID-19, 10 of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
Four additional deaths were reported over the past three days, and the death toll is now at 208 in total
2,723 people are now in isolation and being monitored by public health officials after being exposed to COVID-19.
A total of 4,406 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C. 4,406
Outbreaks
One new outbreak health care facility was reported in the Fraser Health region over the weekend while two outbreaks were declared over on the mainland—one in Fraser Health and one in Vancouver Coastal Health region.
In total, eight long-term care or assisted living facilities and two acute care facilities have active ongoing outbreaks at this time.
No new community outbreaks reported were reported today.
There continue to be a number of ongoing COVID-19 exposure sites. B.C. residents are urged to check the BC CDC website for all public alerts about possible exposures to the virus.
Those who may have been exposed are asked to monitor their symptoms, reduce the number of contacts they have, and call 811 to get tested for the virus if they do develop symptoms.
Island Health region
One new COVID-19 case was reported in the Island Health region over the weekend.
There have been 175 total cases of COVID-19 in the region, five of whom have died, and 155 people have recovered.
This means there are now 15 active cases in the region.
Thus far, there have been 353,174 novel coronavirus tests conducted across B.C., 49,774 of which were done in the Island Health region.
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 25,591,778.
Over 853,410 people have died from the illness and 17,829,536 have made a full recovery.
The B.C. government says that a projected surplus of over $200 million has been wiped out by severe losses in the fourth quarter of the 2019-20 fiscal year.
In a statement released Monday, the Ministry of Finance says that strong fiscal results from the first three quarters were overshadowed by a fourth quarter dogged by declining tax revenues, ICBC losses and expenditures on early pandemic measures.
“While the first three quarters of 2019-20 reflected a modest surplus and steady economic growth, COVID-19 led to lower tax revenues and losses at ICBC in the fourth quarter,” said Carole James, Minister of Finance.
The fiscal year ended with a deficit of $321 million, a large reversal from February 2020 when James had announced an estimated surplus of $274 million.
The government downplayed the situation in their release on Monday, saying that the province is in good shape to weather the accumulated debt.
“B.C. is in good financial standing with affordable debt levels at the end of the fiscal year and continues to lead the country as the only “AAA” accredited province,” the government said in their release.
The BC Liberal Party alleged in a statement that the province’s financial position was already worsening prior to COVID-19.
“The NDP government’s response to COVID-19 started mid-March, 92 per cent of the way through the fiscal year,” said MLA Stephanie Cadieux, BC Liberal Finance Co-Critic.
“In the third quarter update, the finance minister promised a $203 million surplus. So to blame the $524 million swing to a $321 million deficit on the pandemic is opportunistic.”
The BC Liberals also said that the NDP government has yet to announce an economic recovery plan, while Alberta, Ontario and Quebec have all done so.
Several provinces are reporting larger projected deficits for 2020-21 fiscal year than B.C., as COVID-19 spending and revenue losses impact government coffers.
In Alberta, the UCP government is projecting a $24.2 billion deficit for 2020-21, while Quebec Premier Francois Legault’s CAQ government is projecting $14.9 billion.
Ontario’s Conservative government is projecting a $38.5 billion budget deficit for 2020-21.
Replica firearm seized from suspect (left) next to police officer's real firearm (right)/VicPD
Victoria Police have seized multiple weapons from a man arrested as part of a drug investigation.
In a statement released Monday, the department announced that they have seized a replica Glock pistol and a throwing knife from the suspect.
He was arrested just after 4:15 p.m. on Saturday August 29 and officers recovered the weapons upon searching him.
VicPD spokesperson Bowen Osoko tells Victoria Buzz that the arrest took place outdoors in the 500 block of Ellice Street in the Rock Bay area.
No injuries were reported during the arrest.
Police are unable to release more details about the circumstances of his arrest as the investigation is ongoing and no charges have yet been laid.
Osoko says there is one other person associated with the suspect in the investigation but they were not arrested.
The suspect has been released from custody, and no court date has yet been set as the investigation is ongoing.
VicPD say they have seized over 60 replica firearms so far in 2020, including “Airsoft” guns, air-powered pellet guns and other replica firearms that have been used in numerous offences.
The Royal BC Museum first announced plans to develop and modernize the facility to “protect its historic holdings and provide better access to its collections” in February 2019.
Amalgamating IMAX into the museum’s holdings will mean that the potential re-development process will not be impacted by a private lease agreement down the road.
The theatre has been functioning within the museum since it first opened in 1998.
It reopened to the public on July 3 after COVID-19 induced closures, with a reduced capacity of 50 people, providing ample opportunity for patrons to maintain physical distancing.
According to the museum, the IMAX theatre will continue to show documentary features as well as Hollywood feature films, and current theatre staff will now be employed by the Royal BC Museum.
The theatre is currently showing nature documentary titles like Great Bear Rainforest, Turtle Odyssey, and Sea Lions: Life by a Whisker.
Cpl. Mike Halskov says that South Vancouver Island Traffic Services has assumed investigation of the incident, which claimed the life of one driver.
“I can confirm that one of our officers has been in contact with the suspect driver and plans are underway for him to turn himself in,” Halskov said in an email to Victoria Buzz.
He added that while the situation is developing and may change, he anticipates that RCMP will have an update later Monday afternoon.
The incident unfolded around 8:30 a.m. on August 29 when a Ford F150 truck went over the centre median on Highway 1 and collided head-on with a SUV travelling northbound.
The SUV driver died on scene while the suspect driver fled on foot. Police said it was believed he then stole another vehicle.
Officers also said that the suspect driver may have been injured and in need of medical attention.
Halskov did not comment on the condition of the driver in his email to Victoria Buzz.
(International Overdose Awareness Day flag at Victoria City Hall/City of Victoria—YouTube)
Several landmarks in Victoria and across British Columbia will be lit up in purple to commemorate the annual International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31.
This year is on track to recording the highest ever number of illicit toxic drug overdose deaths B.C. has seen, with over 900 deaths in just the first seven months of 2020.
For the past three months straight, the province has recorded over 170 overdose related deaths per month.
“Since January, 909 lives have been lost to an illegal drug supply that is more toxic than it has ever been in British Columbia. The unintended consequences of COVID-19 measures have been particularly hard on people who use drugs,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions in a statement on Monday.
“Many are facing isolation and loneliness, disconnection from usual in-person supports, financial strain and mental-health challenges—all contributing to unprecedented levels of stress and pain.”
In light of the dual epidemic facing B.C., the province announced that several landmarks will be lit in purple to commemorate the lives of those who have died and those who are struggling with drug addiction and the mental health challenges that come with it.
Darcy says August 31 is also a day to recognize family members, peer-support workers, harm-reduction workers, addiction and recovery workers, front-line community workers, ambulance paramedics, police, and firefighters who have been on the front lines of the opioid epidemic for years.
In Victoria, the International Overdose Awareness Day flag was raised Monday morning at City Hall and will be flown until Tuesday, September 1.
The municipal building will also join the Steamship Terminal building, and the BC Legislature Building’s front entrance and fountains in being lit up in purple.
Other landmarks across the province that will also feature the colour purple on August 31 are:
BC Place (Vancouver)
White Rock Pier (White Rock)
City Halls (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody
Royal Inland Hospital lighted walkway (Kamloops)
Various city lights (Kelowna)
“International Overdose Awareness Day is a day to remember that the overdose crisis touches each one of us. It is a day when we say loudly and clearly that addiction is not a moral failing,” adds Darcy.
“It is a health issue that should be treated like any other health issue—with consideration, caring and respect.”
Starbucks Canada announced on Monday that as of September 14, all customers at café locations across Canada will be required to wear face coverings.
The company says that select locations where local government mandates are not in place will offer options for people to order Starbucks without face coverings.
These options include drive-thrus, curbside pickup through the Starbucks app, or placing an order for delivery through Uber Eats.
“The company is committed to playing a constructive role in supporting health and government officials as they work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” Starbucks Canada said in a statement.
“All decisions are grounded in partner and customer care and safety, based on facts and science, and communicated with transparency.”
West Shore RCMP are searching for a suspect after a man was robbed at knifepoint just after midnight on August 31.
Police say the victim was walking in the parking lot near the Original Joe’s restaurant at West Shore Town Centre in Langford, at approximately 12:11 a.m.
He was approached by a male suspect on a bicycle who held out a knife and demanded the victim hand over his wallet.
The suspect took the wallet and cycled away toward Langford Parkway.
The victim was not physically injured.
Officers arrived shortly after but were unable to locate the suspect.
He is described as a white male in his mid 20’s, with blonde hair and a slim build, approximately 5’10” to 5’11” tall, wearing a grey coloured hoodie.
The suspect was riding a low rider style bicycle, possibly a BMX brand.
West Shore RCMP also say that a suspect matching this description attempted to rob another man on August 30th at 11 p.m.
Police say this earlier attempted robbery happened near the 700 block of Peat Rd. in Langford, but was not reported until hours later on August 31.
Officers also attended this scene but could not locate the suspect.
West Shore RCMP are asking that anyone with information about this suspect contact them at 250-474-2264.
Those who wish to report information anonymously can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
(Maple Leaf Adventures / Small Ship Tour Operaters Association of BC (SSTOA))
The B.C. government is employing local small ship tour operators through a new fund aimed at cleaning up the coastline.
The $3.5 million Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund (CCCW) will provide funding to operators, First Nations and local communities to help reduce plastic waste and other marine debris on the shores of the central coast.
The Small Ship Tour Operators Association (SSTOA) will be conducting two, 21-day marine debris removal expeditions, the first of which is already underway.
It was initially anticipated that the expeditions would collect around 35 to 40 tons of debris across 450 kilometres of beaches.
In a press briefing Monday morning, Sheila Malcolmson, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, said the first expedition has nearly collected that amount already.
“They’ve already almost achieved that in 7 days,” said Malcolmson. “They’ve gotten almost 30 tonnes already.”
She added that the revised estimate for the expeditions is around 75 to 100 tonnes of debris collected.
Nine ships from the SSTOA are working with the government on the cleanup expeditions, including vessels from Vancouver Island tour operators.
“When it became clear that we all would have to cancel a sold-out season, we asked ourselves how we could use our skills to protect the environment that sustains us,” said Kevin Smith, president of the Victoria-based Maple Leaf Adventures.
“It’s really rewarding to work with our colleagues, First Nations communities, the Wilderness Tourism Association and the Province of B.C. on projects that help the ocean we love and support our industry during this unprecedented time.”
Materials collected by the expedition vessels will be recycled where possible.
The cleanup area covers a large section of Queen Charlotte Sound, including Calvert Island and Hunter Island.
The Premier of British Columbia currently has the highest approval rating out of any Premier in Canada, according to a survey released Monday morning.
According to the latest Angus Reid Institute survey report, Premier John Horgan currently has an approval rating of 69 per cent, mostly attributed to how he and his government has handled the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Institute’s analysis puts forth the notion that his popularity may be driven by low COVID-19 hospitalization rates in B.C.
“As younger residents drive much of the province’s rising trend in COVID-19 case numbers and tune out public health officials, Horgan recently reached out to B.C-born celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Seth Rogen in an effort to change the message,” reads the report.
“The popularity of the Premier has led to speculation that a fall election may be called.”
(Angus Reid Institute)
Horgan is not the only Premier whose approval ratings have soared during the pandemic.
His popularity is closely followed by Ontario Premier Doug Ford (66 per cent), and Quebec Premier Francois Legault (65 per cent).
In Ford’s case, his government has been praised after an entrance into Stage Three of their reopening plan did not lead to an increase in daily case rates.
Though a mandatory mask policy in Quebec has led to protests in recent weeks, two-thirds of the province still support Legault as case numbers remain relatively low for two months straight.
At the other end of the spectrum, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Manitoba Premier Brian Palliser are doing far worse than their counterparts in other provinces.
Plummeting oil revenues and and persisting pandemic-related economic shocks in Alberta have led to a 42 per cent approval rating for Kenney—the lowest number recorded since his United Conservative Party formed government in 2019.
And in Manitoba, rising COVID-19 cases in recent weeks and a decision to promote the province as a tourism destination during the pandemic have caused a 44 per cent approval rating for Premier Palliser.
Meanwhile the Institute says the Premier with the lowest approval rating—34 per cent for Newfoundland & Labrador Premier Andrew Furey—can be discounted from this survey as he took up the post recently, this quarter, and residents remain unaware of his performance with more than half of respondents saying they are unsure of how they feel about him at this point.
These results are based on an online survey conducted between August 26 and 30, 2020 among a representative randomized sample of 4,703 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum.
The City of Victoria has ordered a closure of Centennial Square that will see the removal of a homeless encampment in the area.
People currently sheltering in the square were ordered to relocate to other places by Sept. 1.
The order was issued August 28 by the Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities through existing Parks Regulation Bylaws that allow closure of parks and open spaces due to hazardous conditions.
“We recognize every person has the right to shelter and that COVID-19 has exacerbated the challenges faced by vulnerable populations,” the City said in a statement.
“However Centennial Square has become entrenched with a criminal element that demands greater action to protect the public, businesses and those seeking shelter.”
They added that after people have been relocated from the area, the city will be restoring the landscape and cleaning the site.
The order does not affect homeless encampments in other parts of the city, including Beacon Hill Park.
(Coast Collective, one of the vendors at Royal Beach Pop-Up Market/Facebook)
The summer is nearly over, so make the most of it starting with events today, Monday August 31st!
As you head out to activities and events, please follow the restrictions and guidelines that these businesses require to keep their employees and patrons safe during the pandemic.
As always, wash your hands, wear masks, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you feel sick or show symptoms!
Without further ado, here are five things to do today, Monday August 31st:
Christie’s Pub hosts Sixty Watt Trivia with four rounds of brain-teasing questions. Sponsored by Hoyne Brewery, topics can range all over movies, music, sports, science, geography and possible things found in a hardware store …who knows!
When: 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Christie’s Carriage House Pub, 1739 Fort St.
Royal Beach Seaside Village in Colwood is hosting a pop-up market that serves as a preview of a planned future retail site in the City. A dozen different vendors from Colwood, Westshore and the surrounding area will be out with local goods and services.
The Downtown Community Centre’s Art Studio programming for August wraps up today with a fabric stamping workshop. Participants will decorate their own tote bag using homemade natural stamps from potatoes, flowers, and leaves! All supplies provided, no experience necessary. Please note events are limited capacity, all participants must sign up for sessions either in-person at 775 Pandora, email at dcc@coolaid.org, on the phone (250)-383-0076, or via Facebook.
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Downtown Community Centre, 755 Pandora Ave.
The Town of Sidney hosts the first in a series of virtual town halls, focusing on recovery initiatives during COVID-19. Tune in online with your questions about parks, trails, and recreation amenities. Topics on safety measures and bookings at public parks will be covered during the evening. Please register by email at: admin@sidney.ca or by phone at: 250-656-1139..
Salsa Caliente hosts an intermediate level class for a maximum of 10 students. Must be a competent On 2 dancer or have instructor permission to attend. No partner required. $15 drop in, $60 for a 5 class punch card. Call 250-881-6141 or email info@calientedance.com for more details. Masks are mandatory and physical distancing measures will be in place.
The BC Centre for Disease Control has identified a flight carrying one or more COVID-19 patients that departed from Vancouver and landed in Victoria mid-August
Passengers travelling on WestJet flight 3355 travelling on August 18 from Vancouver to Victoria are advised to be aware that they may have been exposed to the virus.
(David Lynn yells at the crowd while getting into a cab to leave/Photo by Brishti Basu, Victoria Buzz)
A group of around 100 people showed up in downtown Victoria to protest a known anti-gay preacher’s planned sermon Saturday night.
David Lynn and his group ‘Christian Forgiveness Ministries’ or ‘Christ’s Forgiveness Ministries’ have been known to use loudspeakers to preach to passersby and allegedly incite violence by espousing homophobic and transphobic rhetoric in Toronto’s Church Street neighbourhood.
On Saturday August 29, Lynn and his group attempted to kick off a ‘Cross Canada tour’ in Victoria, but did not last long on the streets of the capital city.
The Christian street preaching team was supposed to begin their speeches at the intersection of Douglas and Yates Streets at 6 p.m. last night.
However their arrival at that location was preceded by a steadily growing group of about 100 members of the LGBTQ++ community and allies, poised to drown out any sermons with loudspeakers, chanting, music, and noisemakers.
People are gathered at Douglas and Yates where an anti-gay preacher is expected to speak this evening.
“Lynn was initially scheduled to begin at 6, but he was clearly intimidated by the amount of people who showed up to counter his hate,” said Lin Alexander Lloyd, one of the main organizers of the grassroots protest movement.
“A friend was keeping an eye on his Facebook page, which made it easy to figure out where in the downtown area he was when he started broadcasting around 7. It just took a few minutes after that for us to catch up to him.”
Multiple Victoria Police officers escorted Lynn and around three other people associated with him out of the area as they attempted to deliver their sermon while being followed by the large group of rainbow-clad protesters who chanted ‘No Homophobia’, and ‘This preacher preaches hate’ in turn.
According to multiple accounts, Lynn kept repeating the phrase ‘repent your sins’ and told some of the protesters that being gay was a choice.
Further, while those who showed up to protest either wore a mask or was provided one to maintain safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lynn himself went without a face covering for the entirety of the event.
After a few minutes of attempting to speak over crowd, Lynn eventually stopped at the corner of Douglas and Courtney St, got in a cab with two of his accomplices, and drove off.
A few minutes after Lynn’s departure, the protesters caught wind of two more people associated with his group preaching at the corner of Broughton and Blanshard.
The crowd, that had by then dwindled to about 50 protestors, followed the remaining preachers and drowned out their sermons with more chants and music until the two got in a cab at Douglas and Fort and left.
David Lynn and the Christ’s Forgiveness Ministries were most recently in the news after two members of the religious demonstrations were arrested in Vancouver for assaulting a man who took the microphone of one of the preachers associated with the group to stop them from espousing homophobic rhetoric.
Justin Morrissette, the man who was assaulted, says the demonstrators purposely broke his leg for intervening.
He identified one of the attackers who was arrested as Dorre Love, a man previously affiliated with David Lynn and ‘Christ’s Forgiveness Ministries’.
In the aftermath of that incident, Lynn announced his ‘Cross Canada Tour’ which began in Victoria Saturday and had scheduled sermons for the group in Vancouver Sunday.
However Lynn and around five other members of his group showed up at Gonzales Beach in Oak Bay to continue their sermons on Sunday morning.
“He knew that we would show up in force if he gave any advance notice, so he just went live on Facebook and the people who were available showed up,” added Lloyd, who along with three other members of the community, went to protest that event as well.
“Everyone at the beach and in the surrounding community who heard his preaching (and my megaphone-amplified protesting) seemed quite miffed at him and very supportive of us. The beachgoers applauded for our side when he left, and some random people stopped to say that they support our community.”
The preachers left about 30 minutes after going live on Facebook from Gonzales Beach.
Lynn and his group are now expected to preach on the streets of Vancouver and several cities across Alberta and Saskatchewan, but Victoria residents are confident he will not be so quick to return to the island.
“I do believe we’ve impressed upon him that there are very few on these territories who are open to what he has to say,” said Lloyd.
“I don’t think it was worth the ferry cost, anyway.”
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Just after 8:30 a.m. this morning, August 29, Ladysmith RCMP said they were called to multi-vehicle collision on the Trans Canada Highway near Oyster Stolo.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers found a southbound F150 truck had gone over the high center median and collided with a northbound SUV.
A truck and trailer, which narrowly missed the collision remains at the scene.
The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the F150 fled on foot and is believed to stolen another vehicle near the scene.
His whereabouts is currently unknown.
“Investigators are extremely concerned about the F150 driver’s well-being as he was involved in a high speed collision, and evidence at the scene suggests he is injured,” states Staff Sergeant Janelle Shoihet of the BC RCMP.
A traffic reconstructionist has been called to assist in the investigation, and is working to determine the cause of the collision, which remains unknown at this time.
Traffic flow is limited to single lane in each direction, drivers are asked to avoid the area.
The identity of the victim has not been released.
Police are urging witnesses of the crash who have not already spoken to investigators to call SIVTS at 250-416-0352.
A preacher known to spread homophobic rhetoric in Vancouver and Toronto is hosting a street speaking event this evening in Victoria, and residents of the city plan to retaliate with their own rally.
David Lynn and his group, ‘Christian Forgiveness Ministries’, are kicking off a ‘Cross Canada tour’ in Victoria this Saturday, August 29 at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Douglas and Yates Streets.
Lynn and members of his group have been known to use loudspeakers to preach to passersby and allegedly incite violence in Toronto’s Church Street neighbourhood.
Most recently, Daily Hive reported that two members of the religious demonstrations were arrested in Vancouver after assaulting a man who took the microphone of one of the preachers associated with the group.
Justin Morrissette, the man who was assaulted, says the demonstrators purposely broke his leg for intervening.
He identified one of the attackers who was arrested as Dorre Love, a man previously affiliated with David Lynn and ‘Christian Forgiveness Ministries’.
Lynn and his group now plan to speak on the street in Victoria this evening, before travelling to Vancouver, and several cities across Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Victoria responds
Word of Lynn’s arrival in Victoria had been circulating through the city’s queer activism channels earlier this week.
“I first heard the preacher was coming to Victoria on his tour on Thursday,” said Matthew Michael, a local resident, in an interview with Victoria Buzz.
“It makes me angry. Angry that an individual and his organization are allowed to spew hate under the cloak of ‘religion’. This isn’t what we’re about in Victoria.”
He says a group of people have begun mobilizing a counter-rally that is set to take place at the same time and place as Lynn’s speech.
The grassroots movement has been building through social media networks, which makes it difficult to gauge just how many people are expected to attend, but Michael says it could be anywhere between a few dozen and a few hundred.
“The intent is to drown out the hate with messages of love and music, as opposed to spewing hate back.”
Those who attend the rally are advised to wear masks and stay six feet apart due to COVID-19, according to a call to action message posted on Facebook Saturday afternoon.
“The street preacher’s location is liable to change as they respond to this counter-protest. Whether you meet at Government and Fisgard or Douglas and Yates, please try and remain in contact with your friends and allies. We’ll do our best to coordinate changes in the location,” reads the event description for the rally.
Attendants are also encouraged to bring signs, placards, and drums with them.
Victoria Police was made aware of the planned speech and rally as a result of Victoria Buzz’s article on the subject.
Spokesperson Bowen Osoko says officers will be monitoring to ensure public safety.
The northbound lanes of the Trans Canada Highway near Ladysmith are closed Saturday afternoon following a serious multi-vehicle crash.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. in the northbound lanes of HWY 1 at Oyster Sto-Lo Road.
In a release, Ladysmith RCMP confirmed they are investigating a collision that claimed one person’s life and are seeking the whereabouts of the driver of the suspect vehicle.
Emergency crews were called to multi-vehicle collision on the Trans Canada Highway near Oyster Stolo.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers found a southbound F150 truck had gone over the high center median and collided with a northbound SUV. A truck and trailer, which narrowly missed the collision remains at the scene.
The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the F150 fled on foot and is believed to stolen another vehicle near the scene.
His whereabouts is currently unknown.
Investigators are extremely concerned about the F150 driver’s well-being as he was involved in a high speed collision, and evidence at the scene suggests he is injured, states Staff Sergeant Janelle Shoihet of the BC RCMP.
A traffic reconstructionist has been called to assist in the investigation, and is working to determine the cause of the collision, which remains unknown at this time. Traffic flow is limited to single lane in each direction, drivers are asked to avoid the area.
The identity of the deceased person has not been released.
If you were a witness to this collision and have not already spoken to police, you are urged to call SIVTS at 250-416-0352.
Drive BC posted a tweet stating the northbound lanes could be closed for up to five hours.
Following an investigation into the cause of his death, coroners have found that a popular Canucks writer who passed away last April died due to an accidental overdose.
Jason Botchford was only 48 when he passed suddenly in April of 2019, leaving behind his wife Kathryn and three children; at the time, it was believed his death was due to apparent heart failure.
The news of Botchford’s death rocked the Canucks fan base and Twitter-verse alike as he remained one of the most well-known beat writers in Vancouver.
Botchford’s wife Kathryn announced in a statement on Friday that the late sportswriter’s death was an “accidental overdose of cocaine and fentanyl.”
Jason’s was just one of 984 lives lost to an illicit drug overdose in British Columbia last year.
“We were completely shocked and in disbelief to discover the cause of Jason’s sudden death,” Kathryn Botchford added in the statement that was tweeted by Jason’s father.
I am Jason Botchford’s father. His wife, Kathryn Botchford, has asked me to release this statement on behalf of her and our family.@katbotchfordpic.twitter.com/jl6xw3x7eb
“This cause does not change who Jason was to all of us but just makes his death that much harder to comprehend. We are still grieving.”
Kathryn then went on to say how grateful she was for the outpouring of support that followed Jason’s death.
The Ontario native was a highly respected hockey-journalist and reporter, and very prominent in the Vancouver sports scene.
Botchford began his career in Vancouver with The Province as a news reporter, but quickly moved on to cover the National Hockey League, more specifically the Vancouver Canucks – he most recently began work for popular sports outlet The Athletic, and also worked in radio for TSN 1040 and made regular appearances on TSN’s That’s Hockey.
Since his death, the Canucks have paid homage to the beat writer by introducing a new mentorship program in Botchford’s name for aspiring sportswriters.
Another tribute sits in a park across the street from Rogers Arena, aptly named “Botchford’s Bench”.
The majority of restaurants in Canada are at risk of permanently shutting down by November 2020, a new survey has found.
The Canadian Survey on Business Conditions (CSBC), produced by Statistics Canada with support from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, shows that 29 per cent of accommodation and food service businesses cannot operate at all with physical distancing measures in place.
A further 31 per cent say they can only operate up to 90 days with distancing measures in effect, which means that within three months, up to 60 per cent of Canadian restaurants could close their doors.
According to Restaurants Canada, the food service industry lost 800,000 jobs when COVID-19 first hit Canada, and around 83 per cent of accommodation and food service businesses temporarily closed and laid off staff.
With distancing restrictions in place for the foreseeable future, the sector is expected to experience a period of prolonged suffering in the absence of consistent financial relief from the federal government.
As a result, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has launched an ‘Our Restaurants’ campaign to put a spotlight on issues faced by the industry.
“We need to act now. Across Canada, our restaurants are where we meet for business or pleasure, where we got our first job and where our families spend a night out. Simply put, our restaurants are cornerstones in our communities,” said Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“The ‘Our Restaurants’ campaign underscores the urgent need for Canadians—both the public and our governments—to come together to support these businesses in their time of need.”
Restaurant chains and businesses representing several brands have come together to highlight the effects of high costs, fewer customers, and government programs ill-equipped for the long-term challenges faced by the industry.
The campaign features a website that carries a list of restaurants it represents, and encourages Canadians to do two things to support restaurants:
Pick up dinner or dine in at a local restaurant, and tell elected representatives to support the food service industry by sending them this letter.
The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported a record high of 124 new cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number of cases in to 5,496 in the province.
In total, 1,791 of the cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 2,878 in Fraser Health, 174 in Vancouver Island Health region, 433 in Interior Health, 142 in Northern Health region, and 78 people whose residence is outside of Canada.
The number of active cases has increased by 68 to 974 in B.C.
There are now a total of 23 people in hospital due to COVID-19, seven of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
No additional deaths were reported over the past 24 hours, and the death toll stands at 204 in total.
2,796 people are now in isolation and being monitored by public health officials after being exposed to COVID-19.
A total of 4,310 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
Outbreaks
No new health care outbreaks were reported on Wednesday.
In total, nine long-term care or assisted living facilities and two acute care facilities have active ongoing outbreaks at this time.
No new community outbreaks reported were reported today after health officials reported one outbreak on Thursday at a water treatment facility construction site near Elkford B.C. where seven people have contracted COVID-19.
According to Dr. Bonnie Henry, the outbreak was identified after workers had returned home—six went back to Alberta and one returned home to another municipality in B.C.
Public health is working to trace contacts and monitor the symptoms of everyone associated with known cases of COVID-19.
There continue to be a number of ongoing COVID-19 exposure sites. B.C. residents are urged to check the BC CDC website for all public alerts about possible exposures to the virus.
Those who may have been exposed are asked to monitor their symptoms, reduce the number of contacts they have, and call 811 to get tested for the virus if they do develop symptoms.
Island Health region
One new COVID-19 case was reported in the Island Health region today.
There have been 174 total cases of COVID-19 in the region, five of whom have died, and 154 people have recovered.
This means there are now 15 active cases in the region.
Thus far, there have been 347,757 novel coronavirus tests conducted across B.C., 49,235 of which were done in the Island Health region.
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 24,860,661.
Over 839,780 people have died from the illness and 17,226,146 have made a full recovery.
Two men in their 30s have been arrested after a spike in property crime in a Saanich neighbourhood led police to find loaded firearms and suspected fentanyl, among other items, at their residence.
In a statement released Friday, Saanich Police say they have arrested two men, 34 and 38, after a month long investigation into the cause of a spike in property crime in the Travino Lane area.
Investigators gathered information that led them to a suite in the 700 block of Travino
Lane and, on the morning of August 28, police and Greater Victoria Response Team worked to arrest the two men associated with the suite.
A search warrant for the apartment was executed in relation to the investigation, and officers seized several items including a loaded 9mm handgun, thousands of dollars in cash, a ballistic vest, and drugs believed to be fentanyl and cocaine.
“Drug Experts at our department confirm that this purple fentanyl is traditionally found to be an extremely potent illicit drug,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades in a statement.
“As we know, fentanyl has been linked to the drug overdose crisis in BC so being able to remove this as well as the firearm from the street is a huge success.”
One of the two men remains in custody at this time, and police are recommending charges of unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm, unsafe storage of a firearm, and offences related to drug trafficking against both.
The names of the suspects have not been released as the charges have not been sworn in court yet.
Rules restricting international travel to Canada and making 14-day quarantine mandatory for those who enter the country will remain in place until the end of September.
In a tweet Friday afternoon, federal Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said the existing restrictions will be extended until September 30 to continue to limit the introduction and spread of COVID-19.
“Canadian citizens and permanent residents returning to Canada will continue to be subject to strict quarantine measures,” adds Blair.
Our government is extending the existing restrictions on international travel to Canada by one month – until September 30, 2020 – to limit the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in our communities. (1/2)
Violations of the Act are punishable by fines up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months. If a person causes a risk of death or serious bodily harm, they can face up to $1 million in fines and/or imprisonment up to three years.
The Canada-U.S. border also remains closed to non-essential travel, but remains open to trade, commerce, cross-border workers, and students with valid visas.
This border closure is set to expire September 21 and was extended several times after it was first introduced in March.
As we hang on to those last few dreamy days of summer, there’s plenty to do and plenty to see (safely, of course!) and we’ve got all the details on the best of the best of the happenings this weekend.
As you head out to activities and events, please follow the restrictions and guidelines that these businesses require to keep their employees and patrons safe during the pandemic.
As always, wash your hands, wear masks, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you feel sick or show symptoms!
Without further ado, here are 13 things to do this weekend, Saturday to Sunday, August 29-30:
One of Victoria’s largest weekly summer farmer’s markets is back for its 29th year at a new and expanded location to help vendors and customers practice proper physical distancing. Enjoy fresh, local produce, delicious food and handmade goods.
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Sir James Douglas school grounds and Moss Street and Thurlow Road boulevards
Sooke farmers provide fresh produce, plant starts, home baking and preserves. Fine artists and crafters showcase pottery, jewelry, fabric arts, woodwork, body care products and inspired west coast art. Talented musicians play every week!
Discover Local YYJ is an economic initiative created and hosted by the Victoria Women’s Professional Group to promote the small businesses in the Greater Victoria Area that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
They have partnered with locally owned and operated small businesses to provide discounts and special offers to the residents of Victoria between August 15th and 30th. Participants purchase a Discover Pass online, then use it to claim promotions and discounts offered by the vendors during the 15 days.
When: All day long! Runs from August 15th to August 30th
Head to the Loft this Saturday with Doug Blondeau’s The Third Degree. He is a high energy rocking R&B band that you won’t want to miss out on. Purchase tickets online.
The Market supports and promotes a sustainable and vibrant local agricultural industry and artisan community by providing an outlet for the farmers and artists. If you grow it, make it, or bake it, sell it at Goldstream Farmers Market in the heart of downtown Langford.
Join friends and neighbours in a physically distanced, COVID-19 friendly pop up social in Franklin Green.
This is a chance to spend time in your local park, connect with new and old friends, and support local musicians and businesses!
Drop in to see three incredibly talented artists beginning with Ora Cogan – an acoustic set of dark wave/folk. Next up is the funkiest crew this side of Fernwood, Downtown Mischief with their own brand of funkified soul.
The summer day will be finished off with the world wide jams of Caleb Hart. It all starts at noon, with food trucks nearby and a climbing gym for the kids.
The walk will start off with a one-hour discussion, followed by a one -hour “light” version of a forest therapy walk.
Reconnect with yourself and nature through a mindful walk in the beautiful Gardens at HCP.
An ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide will offer you a unique “forest bathing” experience, an “immersion” into the space of trees, plants and the beings of the forest and gardens. During a guided walk, the guide will offer you a series of “invitations” or suggestions, to help you to slow down and connect with your senses.
Tally-Ho is now offering a Tally-Ho & Sea Cider Picnic Experience for a limited time: it’s a three-hour long carriage tour showcasing the Saanich Peninsula, and including a complimentary coffee or tea from Fresh Cup Roastery Café, a flight of six award-winning ciders selected by Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, and a fresh gourmet meal prepared by Truffles Catering.
When: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:45 p.m.
Where: Tours depart from Fresh Cup Cafe & Roastery (101-1931 Mt. Newton X Rd, Saanichton, BC)
Often called “The greatest little show on earth,” Miniature World is a one-of-a-kind Victorian experience. The perfect activity for the young and young at heart, this little museum brings everything from historical battles to childhood fantasy lands to life in miniature.
When: Daily (except closed Monday), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take part in a guided 3 hr kayaking tour. The kayaks will be launched in protected water near Split Rock and then follow the coastline to Seal Island. From there we continue past Work and Berens islands and into Victoria’s West Bay harbour. Enjoy a scenic paddle that gives you an amazing view of the diversity of the harbour, Victoria’s historic buildings, peaceful scenery and interesting wildlife. This tour is beginner and family-friendly.
When: Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Esquimalt Anglers Clubhouse, 1101 Munro Street
Canada’s painful history of residential schools that tore Indigenous children away from their families and forced them to endure abuse in church-run boarding schools for decades is one that was not taught about in all classrooms.
A new survey conducted by Research Co. found that just 42 per cent of survey respondents say the topic of residential schools was discussed by their teachers.
The survey was completed by a representative national sample of adults who attended elementary school and/or high school in Canada.
Over 27 per cent say the topic of residential schools was broached in high school while 15 per cent were introduced to it in elementary school.
A whopping 45 per cent say they did not hear about the subject at all in the public school system.
“The findings outline some glaring generational differences when it comes to in-class instruction about residential schools,” said Mario Canseco, President of Research Co.
“While only 26% of respondents aged 18-to-34 say they did not discuss this topic inside the classroom, the proportion jumps to 51% among those aged 35-to-54 and 58% among those aged 55 and over.”
Meanwhile a third of all respondents said that the assessment of residential schools made by their teachers depicted the system in a positive light; 41 per cent remember the assessment as “negative”; and 25 per cent say they are unsure.
When asked about their current personal view of residential schools, 68 per cent say it is “negative” while one-in-five describe it as “positive.”
In B.C., negative perception of residential schools is higher than in other provinces with 88 per cent holding that view.
At the other end of the spectrum, only 57 per cent of respondents from Quebec said they think residential schools are a negative aspect of Canadian history.
These results are based on an online survey conducted between August 7 to August 9, 2020, among 805 adults representative of the population at large.
Research Co. says the data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer and Health Minister have issued a joint statement applauding WestJet for implementing measures that will help public health officials in their contact tracing endeavours in the event of a positive COVID-19 case on board a flight.
According to the statement, WestJet representatives met with Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Adrian Dix to find out how they could help public health.
As a result, on Friday the company announced that starting September 1, all passengers travelling on WestJet, WestJet Encore, WestJet Link and Swoop will be required to provide their contact information at the 24-hour check-in process online and at kiosks.
By the end of September, WestJet will have updated their systems so that guests will no longer be able to bypass the information screen that asks for their contact info, and will have to provide up-to-date details before getting a boarding pass.
“Throughout this pandemic, our contact tracers have had challenges reaching people who were exposed to the virus while flying—because of the limited information available on traditional flight manifests,” reads the joint statement from Henry and Dix.
“The decision they announced today—to collect names and contact information for each of their passengers at check-in and share it with public health if a COVID-19 case is identified on a flight—is something we discussed at that meeting and will help us immensely.”
Earlier this month Henry and Dix expressed frustration at airlines not providing timely contact information on passengers aboard flights, making it difficult for public health to contact trace in case a traveller tested positive for COVID-19.
In addition to vowing to collect contact information, WestJet is also instating a ‘Zero Tolerance Mask Policy’ starting September 1.
The airline has required travellers to wear face coverings since April 20, however starting next week, those who refuse to obey will face strict penalties.
“Masks are mandated by our regulator and the vast majority of our guests are happy to keep themselves and each other safe by complying,” said Ed Sims, The WestJet Group President and CEO, in a statement.
“This enhanced policy provides clarity on how we will enforce the regulation for those who don’t. Travellers must understand if they choose to not wear a mask, they are choosing not to fly our airlines.”
Passengers who refuse to comply with the mandate will be handled in a three step process. First, they’ll be asked by cabin crew to put on a face covering.
Then, they will be given a warning that masks are mandatory and compliance is required of them.
Finally, passengers will receive notice that non-compliance will result in follow up notification that they will be placed on a no-fly list for 12-months.
Guests who refuse to wear a mask before getting on the plane can be denied boarding.
Once on the flight, penalties include return of the aircraft to the gate to offload the passenger, and the suspension of travel on any WestJet Group aircraft for up to one year.
Owners of the Saanich Junior B Hockey team, formerly the Saanich Braves, have released a list of potential team names after reaching out to the people of Victoria on their favourites.
“We’ve had an overwhelming response from the community and from the world of sports in recent weeks as we have begun the work of renaming our team,” said Edward Geric and Norm Kelly, team owners.
“We started with a huge list of names that mostly came from the community and we’ve even had some very creative folks develop logos and jersey designs. We’ve now shortened the list to five names that we think would represent our team really well and we want feedback before we make our final decision.”
According to the team, the potential names are:
The Saanich Summit – a strong and steady team, the Saanich Summit are connected to their natural surroundings and stand in the way of their opposition as they strive for the top.
The Saanich Riptide – energetic and action-oriented, the Saanich Riptide is an unpredictable, powerful team that surprises their opposition with their speed and skill.
The Saanich Predators – a throwback for the team owners and local hockey lovers who remember The Victoria Predators, a team of high performance players managed by the same ownership group. The Saanich Predators play with honour, using stealth, strength and teamwork to thrive against their opponents.
The Saanich Squid – clever and quick, the Saanich Squid adapt to anything their opponents throw at them on the ice and proudly play in a place surrounded by the ocean.
The Saanich Defenders – a team that knows there is strength in numbers, the Saanich Defenders work together, look out for each other and build momentum the opposition can’t handle.
What are your thoughts, Victoria?
The Saanich team has stated that the public has until September 4 to share their thoughts on the shortlist of names.
Based on feedback, a new name and logo will be created and announced in the coming weeks.
RCMP have arrested a 28-year-old man from Duncan after a series of dangerous driving incidents in Nanaimo.
In a statement released Thursday, RCMP say they conducted a traffic stop with a parked older grey Ford F150, near View St in south Nanaimo at around 9:30 a.m. on August 26.
When the police vehicle stopped behind the truck, the driver of the truck shifted into reverse gear and drove it into the front of the police vehicle.
Officers say the driver then drove down an embankment and through a residential yard before heading up Fifth Street to Nanaimo Parkway.
Witnesses told police they saw the truck heading northbound on Nanaimo Pkwy and made a right turn onto Northfield Road.
The vehicle was soon located by police at a business on Boxwood Rd and after a short food chase and an altercation, the 28-year-old man from Duncan was taken into custody.
He now faces charges related to the incident.
“Nanaimo RCMP would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating the suspect vehicle,” said Cst. Sara Clark.
“Their actions and observations allowed the police to locate the vehicle and make a quick arrest of the driver.”
Police are now searching for further witnesses as well as dash cam footage that captured the incident.
Witnesses are urgent to contact Cst. Blacklock at Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 with any information.
Just another beautiful night at Ogden Point Pier. (@crislmf via Instagram)
It’s Friday, and the end of August is here! Before you head back to school, why not check out some events for August 28th.
As you head out to activities and events, please follow the restrictions and guidelines that these businesses require to keep their employees and patrons safe during the pandemic.
As always, wash your hands, wear masks, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you feel sick or show symptoms!
Without further ado, here are five things to do today, Friday, August 28:
Quebec artist Ylang Ylang wraps up the fifty-fifty arts collective and Feed The Arts in the CRD’s presentation of 4 artists in 4 days. Tune in to Ylang Ylang’s brooding, experimental electronic music online and check out their latest album, Interplay. The performance is free but you can donate to artists by purchasing from their bandcamp page or by adding them to your streaming playlists.
Theatre SKAM presents Backliners, a comedy about vulnerability and the anxiety of feeling out of control. It is a new SKAM Young Company play written by Ellery Lamm (2019 Pick of the Fringe: Best Original New Work, Best Drama, 2018 Pick of the Fringe: Overall Favourite Show, Bravest Show) and directed by Mikaela Haeusser. Donations welcome through canadahelps.org.
Soprano singer Alison Ward takes to the rooftops to belt out some classic opera. The last in a series of pop-up performances, and one that people will be sure to remember. Come gawk at the spectacle and enjoy some beautiful opera ringing through the city.
Come jam with The Groove Diggers at The Loft Friday, Aug 28! Don’t miss out on these top 40’s hits and classic party music that keeps the night alive. $10 cover, or book online at loftpubvictoria.com.
Hermann’s Jazz Club hosts an online showing of Auntie Kate and the Uncles of Funk. Originally from Saltspring Island, Auntie Kate is a charismatic singer with a style all her own. The Uncles who will be joining Kate are: Tom Bowler, guitar and vocals Bil Underwood, bass and vocals Joe Kovacs, drums and general nonsense Darcy Phillips, keyboards. Donations welcome at ArtsOnView.ca/Donate
Victoria Police officers seized two replica firearms from an individual at Beacon Hill Park after being called to the area for an unrelated weapon sighting.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, the police department said they were called to the Cook Street side of the park at around 9 a.m. this morning for reports that a man had been seen loading a firearm.
“There was a significant time delay in the initial report reaching officers as the person who first spotted the man with the firearm called a staff member at their place of employment,” says VicPD.
“The staff at the place of employment called police. Officers searched the park, but did not locate the man in the park.”
However over the course of their search, officers came across another man near a 12-foot utility trailer that was parked on the grass in the park.
While talking to the man, police spotted a gun case inside the trailer and asked the man about it. When asked about the contents of the case, the man told police that it contained replica firearms.
Police say this man had court-ordered conditions not to possess weapons, so officers seized the replica firearms for destruction.
The search for the man that officers were originally called to look for remains underway.
The wife of Ben Kilmer, a Vancouver Island man who was found dead from suicide after going missing in May of 2018, has spoken out on a local podcast about mental health issues and the struggles that led up to his death.
Tonya Kilmer spoke to the hosts of the podcast, Obstacle Course, for a multi-part series entitled “Finding Ben Kilmer,” which was released July 15 to August 12 this year.
The co-hosts of Obstacle Course, Andrew Langford and John Close, say that Kilmer reached out to them after speaking to a friend who had been a guest on the podcast earlier.
“We had some connections through previous guests to Tonya,” said Langford in an interview with Victoria Buzz.
“Just like the rest of Vancouver Island we were following along with the story. She actually started messaging us and wanted to develop a relationship.”
From that relationship, Langford and Close say they worked with Kilmer to communicate details of Ben Kilmer’s life that had never been portrayed in the media coverage from his disappearance to his death.
“Tonya from the very beginning has wanted to communicate about this story but never wanted to go in the ‘true crime’ realm of things,” said Close.
“She always wanted to talk about the mental health aspect. Seeing what this did to Ben and hoping to god this doesn’t happen to someone else.”
Ben Kilmer was first reported missing on May 16, 2018. A large search for the Duncan resident made national headlines and attracted widespread social media attention.
The co-hosts say that Tonya Kilmer’s story was an ideal fit for their podcast, which covers adversity in all forms and people who work through it.
“We’re trying to relate real experiences and things that people can use for their own lives,” said Langford.
“We’re motivated to make a positive impact and help people have conversations that might be a little more difficult.”
A large part of their conversation focused on the stresses in Ben and Tonya Kilmer’s shared life in the days leading up to Ben’s death.
The couple had been experiencing financial difficulties as they tried to build a new home on the Island for themselves and their two children.
In the podcast, Tonya speaks at length about Ben’s mental health struggles during this period of time.
Hurtful conspiracy theories
“[Tonya] needed to get prepared,” said Langford.
“We were probably close to a year developing our relationship, ensuring that we’d built trust with each other so that we could tell the story from a place of vulnerability and authenticity.”
Part of that preparation was acknowledging the risk for harm in raising the story online.
During the search for Ben Kilmer and following the discovery of his body, several conspiracy theories appeared on social media, including accusations that the coroner’s report was falsified and he had died from other causes.
“Social media has changed communication and human interaction forever,” said Close. “People’s negative energies attract, and it turns into a fire.”
“I think it’s important to know that those comments and those theories were harmful,” added Langford.
“People, family members who were going through that were affected. It does create harm and add to the problems of depression and anxiety which are a huge part of this story.”
Confronting mistruths and bringing light to mental health issues, which Close and Langford say are underrepresented in the media landscape, were vital points for Tonya Kilmer.
“She’s hoping that through this unimaginable thing, that if she can save even just one other person, that it will be worth bringing it up again,” said Close.
“I laud her courage in coming forward and pursuing this.”
The podcast co-hosts are hoping that through sharing Tonya Kilmer’s story and other stories from Vancouver Island and beyond, they can bring inspiration to people suffering their own adversities.
Other episodes of Obstacle Course have included conversations with an 11-year-old computer programmer with autism, and a 96-year-old World War 2 veteran.
But the story of Ben Kilmer, as related by his wife Tonya, is especially resonant for both Close and Langford.
“We feel like this podcast can connect to anybody because it’s about pain, it’s something we all universally experience,” said Close.
“When we can find ways of dealing with that pain in a healthy way, even embracing it, we can handle anything.”
Listen to all three audio interviews below:
If you or someone you know needs help, call the B.C. Crisis Centre Distress Line number at 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433.
For the first time ever, the B.C. Ministry of Health is releasing specific regional information that identifies how many COVID-19 cases have been reported in different parts of the province.
To date, there have been 5,372 cases reported in B.C. out of which 173 were located in the Vancouver Island Health region.
Data released Thursday shows that out of those 173, 29 cases were located in the Greater Victoria area, 11 on the Saanich Peninsula, and six cases in the Western Communities or the West Shore area.
The majority of Island Health region cases were located in the northern part of the island, with a total of 30 cases located in that area.
While the total number of cases in each region has been identified, there is no information on where active cases are currently located.
In total, there are now 16 active cases in the Vancouver Island Health region.
Region-specific information about where COVID-19 cases are located will be updated periodically, according to Dr. Bonnie Henry.
It is unclear how often this map will be updated moving forward.
The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 68 new cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number of cases in to 5,372 in the province.
In total, 1,737 of the cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 2,818 in Fraser Health, 173 in Vancouver Island Health region, 429 in Interior Health, 137 in Northern Health region, and 78 people whose residence is outside of Canada.
The number of active cases has increased by 10 to 906 in B.C.
There are now a total of 22 people in hospital due to COVID-19, seven of whom are in critical care — ICU or acute care units.
One additional death was reported over the past 24 hours, and the death toll is now at 204 in total.
2,810 people are now in isolation and being monitored by public health officials after being exposed to COVID-19.
A total of 4,253 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
Outbreaks
No new health care outbreaks were reported on Wednesday.
In total, nine long-term care or assisted living facilities and two acute care facilities have active ongoing outbreaks at this time.
There was one new community outbreak reported today at a water treatment facility construction site near Elkford B.C. where seven people have contracted COVID-19.
According to Dr. Bonnie Henry, the outbreak was identified after workers had returned home—six went back to Alberta and one returned home to another municipality in B.C.
Public health is working to trace contacts and monitor the symptoms of everyone associated with known cases of COVID-19.
There continue to be a number of ongoing COVID-19 exposure sites. B.C. residents are urged to check the BC CDC website for all public alerts about possible exposures to the virus.
Those who may have been exposed are asked to monitor their symptoms, reduce the number of contacts they have, and call 811 to get tested for the virus if they do develop symptoms.
Island Health region
Three new COVID-19 case was reported in the Island Health region today.
There have been 173 total cases of COVID-19 in the region, five of whom have died, and 152 people have recovered.
This means there are now 16 active cases in the region.
Thus far, there have been 343,165 novel coronavirus tests conducted across B.C., 48,742 of which were done in the Island Health region.
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 24,570,188.
Over 833,870 people have died from the illness and 17,009,204 have made a full recovery.
