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Emergency crews are currently on scene of a structure fire at a historic home in the Vic West neighbourhood.
Shortly after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Victoria Fire Department was called to a structure fire at 223 Roberts Street – reports suggest the home is fully engulfed, however, this has not been confirmed.
The home, which was constructed in 1903, is a one-and-one-half storey wood frame house and was deemed historic in 1975.
Photos from the scene show black smoke billowing from the home.
There are reports the resident living in the home was able to escape safely.
More to come.
Video courtesy of Courtnay Paige
Fire crews continue to battle a significant blaze at a historic home in Vic West. More: bit.ly/2We4zdo Video courtesy of Courtnay Paige
Victoria Police are looking to return several items to their rightful owner(s) after seizing stolen property from a suite on Swift Street.
The VicPD Strike Force and Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) members executed a search warrant at a suite in an apartment building in the 400-block of Swift Street on Thursday, April 23rd.
One man was arrested in connection with a stolen property investigation, VicPD spokesperson Bowen Osoko confirmed in a phone call with Victoria Buzz. There were no injuries while making the arrest and the investigation is ongoing.
After the unit was cleared, officers found a large number of stolen goods including tools, guitars, and a unique bicycle.
Police have been able to return some of the stolen items to their rightful owners already. “In some cases, the owners did not yet know the items had been stolen,” says a statement from VicPD.
However officers are now looking to return the following items to their rightful owner:
A red “e wing” L folding bike…
(VicPD)(VicPD)
These guitars…
…and this black Evo bike
Anyone who recognizes any of this stolen property is asked to contact the VicPD non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654 and select option 1.
Those who have information about property crime offenders in Victoria can call the Strike Force line directly at (250) 995-7260.
The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 55 new test-positive cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number cases in B.C. to 2,053 people.
In total, 803 of these cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 918 in Fraser Health, 119 on Vancouver Island, 168 in Interior Health and 45 in Northern Health region.
Dr. Henry says the majority of active cases now are linked to the known cluster outbreaks described below.
There are now a total of 94 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, 37 of whom are in critical care – ICU or acute care units — showing a continued decline in hospitalizations.
Sadly, two new deaths were reported today and the death toll is now at 105 in total across the province.
In good news, a total of 1,231 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
Outbreaks
There are no new outbreaks at a long term care facilities across B.C. and a total of twelve long term care facility outbreaks have been declared over.
In total, 20 facilities and three acute-care units have active outbreaks, with outbreaks declared over at 12 care facilities. 391 people at those facilities have tested positive for the virus.
The coronavirus outbreak at the Mission Institute federal correctional facility now has 132 people who have tested positive for COVID-19, 120 of whom are inmates while the rest are staff.
The outbreak at a Vancouver chicken processing and packaging plant, United Poultry Company, continues to have 34 employees who tested positive for COVID-19.
Its sister plant, the Superior Poultry processing plant in Coquitlam now has 46 test-positive cases of patients who have contracted the virus — an increase of nine cases since the last report.
There continue to be 11 COVID-19 cases connected to workers returning from the Kearl Lake oil sands project in Alberta.
According to Dr. Henry, many B.C. residents continue to travel to Alberta and back in order to work, and while there remain 11 cases linked to that outbreak, there are several hundred people associated with the Kearl Lake workplace.
Health authorities are testing contacts and family members of those affected, and attempting to contact individuals associated with the project to inform them of the outbreak as workers have varying degrees of information about the outbreak from their employer, according to Dr. Henry.
Island Health region
Specific data for the Vancouver Island Health region shows that there are 119 total cases of COVID-19 in the area.
BCCDC data shows that as of April 27th, 81 people have recovered in the Island Health region and there have now been four virus-related deaths in total.
This means there are now 34 active cases in the region.
Three people with COVID-19 are currently hospitalized and one person is admitted in ICU, according to Health Minister Adrian Dix.
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 3,127,947.
Over 216,900 people have died from the illness and 950,753 have made a full recovery.
While the country’s economy and businesses take a hard hit amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, so has another important factor — mental health.
The results of a recent survey from the Angus Reid Institute show that half of all Canadians feel that their mental health has worsened during this time, signalling that the impacts of the virus are being felt across the nation.
The study surveyed 1,912 Canadian adults between the dates of April 15th and 17th, and asked how the current physical distancing measures, closures, and other regulations have affected them over the past six weeks.
Precisely 50 per cent of respondents stated that their mental health has worsened over the past few weeks, with only 7 per cent stating that they are doing better than they were six weeks ago.
The other 42 per cent said that there had been no change at all.
When asked about physical health, slightly fewer (42 per cent) stated that theirs had worsened, and 12 per cent felt it had improved.
The Angus Reid Study noted that women aged 18 to 54 were most affected, while men 55 and over say they were least affected.
It also found that the female group is more likely to be caring for children and parents during this time, which could play a factor in increased stress.
Canadians surveyed have also said that relationships with people outside of their homes have worsened, which may not come as a surprise.
With the inability to see friends and family members not in their household, one-in-three — or 32 per cent — say that the social aspect of their life is now worse than it was before.
The Township of Sidney is the latest CRD municipality to vote against implementing a property tax hike for 2020.
A statement from Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith on Tuesday says the town council has voted to reduce a previously approved property tax hike of 1.79 per cent to zero for residential and commercial properties.
Council also approved a 10 per cent reduction in the municipal portion of taxes for Commercial and Light Industrial properties.
“The Town is using some of the limited tools available at the municipal level to provide a degree of financial relief and flexibility to residents and businesses in an effort to help reduce the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor McNeil-Smith in a statement.
This revised plan was announced at a council meeting on April 27th after budget deliberations over the course of three meetings, and follows both Victoria and Colwood announcing similar measures to help mitigate financial hardships faced by business owners.
The tax cuts apply on top of a 25 per cent reduction in commercial property tax bills applied by the provincial government by reducing the school tax rate.
Penalties for unpaid taxes will also be deferred to a later date in Sidney. The 5 per cent penalty date for residential properties shifts from July 3rd to August 1st, and the 5 per cent penalty date for commercial properties shifts from July 3rd to October 1st.
A second 5 per cent penalty date for both residential and commercial properties will be moved to to December 15th, 2020.
The township will provide an explanation of these property tax changes on the Residential and Commercial tax notices sent out in late May.
Many renters are being left behind despite a financial supplement that has been offered by the province of B.C., says a Landlord advocacy group.
LandlordBC is calling on the province to increase its current COVID-19 rental supplement, as well as loosen the program’s eligibility requirements.
British Columbia unveiled its provincial rental supplement in March, after thousands of renters reported being affected by the strain COVID-19 has put on the economy.
The fund currently provides $300 per month to renters without dependents, and $500 to renters with dependents, and is provided in addition to the one-time $1,000 B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers offered to workers who have lost income due to the pandemic.
But LandlordBC says this just isn’t enough, stating that they would like to see the benefit increase to $750 per month for renters with no dependents, and $1,000 per month for those with dependents.
The association argues that the current amount of the supplement does not meet the high rental costs in most major cities in the province.
They are also calling on the provincial government to remove the income test for eligibility, and to extend this enhanced benefit through to August 2020.
In a statement released April 28th, LandlordBC says, “The current benefit amount is inadequate for a vast majority of renters relative to the monthly rent they are responsible for and, furthermore, the selection criteria is in our view leaving many renters behind.”
“The good news is that there’s time to fix this for May 1st when we are predicting a significant spike in the number of renters unable to pay their rent.”
Applications for the temporary provincial fund to assist renters who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic in paying rent are now open.
Students will be returning to in-classroom instruction in B.C. through a phased approach that will be guided by the Ministry of Education and the provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.
In an announcement on Tuesday, education Minister Rob Fleming pointed to jurisdictions like New Zealand — where students will be returning to school tomorrow — as places that authorities in B.C. are watching to guide their approach to how more students will eventually be allowed back in classrooms.
The province has not announced a concrete date for when schools across B.C. can reopen to a larger number of students, unlike places like Quebec where students will return to classrooms by mid-May.
According to Minister Fleming, jurisdictions that have set a date on when to resume in-class instruction have done so before developing a health and protocol framework to guide a phased re-opening. “I think that’s backwards,” said Fleming.
Currently, several thousand students — mainly elementary school children of essential service workers, and vulnerable students who need more support — are attending in-person classes in school.
In answering questions during prior briefings, Dr. Bonnie Henry has alluded to the fact that schools in B.C. are looking at accepting more students before the end of the school year through a hybrid approach.
Some students, particularly older children, may stick to virtual learning. Some students could attend classes on some days while others would go in on different days to minimize the number of people in the building at any given time.
Parents may go back to work on a modified schedule that allows them to look after their kids. The province is looking at ways to trial these methods in the coming weeks.
At the moment, school districts’ teachers and staff have some Personal Protective Equipment that they use in a non-mandatory way while working with the few students who currently require in-class instruction.
Minister Fleming says that authorities are looking at plans to acquire more PPE and possibly make their use mandatory when developing their health and safety protocol in planning for greater numbers of students.
As of today, the majority of K-12 students in B.C. have been out of school for 42 days, since March 17th.
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 3,118,589.
Over 212,200 people have died from the illness and 947,126 have made a full recovery.
One of Vancouver Island’s most popular summer pastimes has now been banned this summer in an ongoing effort to control the spread of COVID-19.
The Town of Lake Cowichan has issued a ban on tubing on Cowichan River, with the town’s mayor Rod Peters stating that it’s not so much the act of tubing they’re worried about.
Mayor Peters tells Victoria Buzz that the issue is with more congregation of people at entry points, as well as an influx of tourists the activity tends to bring each summer.
“Saywell Park, where the tubes are rented from, can see upwards of 400-500 people per day at the peak of tubing season,” said Peters.
“This ban is more for the protection of the citizens of Lake Cowichan than anything else.”
Not only are tube rental businesses being shut down, but river entry points will be patrolled as well so those who have their own tubes are also asked to stay away.
“The way we’re going to close the river is by taping it off and having signs,” Peters explained.
“We’re going to have bylaw officers and, if need be, the RCMP to stop people from going into the river.”
Rod Peters also told Victoria Buzz that the Ministry Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development would step in if necessary to enforce the ban.
Federal health officials have announced that Canada is making good progress in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
But we are also “far from out of the woods”, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said during his daily address on Tuesday.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has released new projections for the virus’ trajectory, showing that the curve has flattened in many provinces, largely due to the ongoing physical distancing measures that are currently in place, say health officials.
At the same time, Trudeau warns that the country should remain cautious when it comes to lifting restrictions that have devastated the economy and created financial hardships for almost all.
“The measures we’ve taken so far are working. In many parts of the country, the curve has flattened,” Trudeau said at his daily briefing. “If we lift measures too quickly, we might lose the progress we’ve made.”
Health Canada officials announced today that Canada’s epidemic growth is slowing, with new cases doubling every 16 days, as opposed to when they were doubling every three days at the start of the pandemic.
Canada is currently closing in on 50,000 known cases of the virus, of which more than 2,700 have been fatal.
According to government projections, the worst-case scenario is that total cases of COVID-19 across Canada could reach 66,835 by May 5th, or in the best case scenario, it could be low as 53,196.
The number of projected deaths could reach 3,883 by May 5th under the worst-case scenario, and 3,277 in the best-case.
Dr. Theresa Tam says that so far, 740,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in Canada, with about 20,000 people being tested daily. Seven per cent of these people have tested positive for the virus.
The country’s numbers are largely made up of cases in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. There are currently no cases in Nunavut, and no community transmissions in PEI, NWT or Yukon.
(Public Health Agency of Canada)
The median age for an infected person is presently at 52, with 55 per cent of cases being female, and 45 per cent male.
17.1 per cent of patients require hospitalization, and 5.5 per cent of cases result in death.
(Public Health Agency of Canada)
As of April 28th, there are 49,025 confirmed and presumptive cases in Canada.
As more and more people shelter in place at home during this unprecedented period of global lockdown, everyone is tuning in to entertainment sources like never before.
One of the most popular streaming platforms in the world, Netflix, has had nearly 16 million new subscribers join the network in the first three months of 2020 — nearly double the number of new sign-ups in the final three months of 2019.
While few new additions to the channel can take the world by storm like ‘Tiger King’ did, Netflix Canada is adding a whopping 98 movies and shows for locked down viewers to enjoy.
Most of these additions include older movies and films that have already aired elsewhere, like Das Boot, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, Back to the Future, Bad Boys, and Happy Feet, as filming has been paused on most new movies and shows due to COVID-19.
If that mix sounds eclectic enough to interest almost any viewer, take a look through all the new movies and shows coming to Netflix Canada this May:
Over half of all COVID-19 cases recorded in B.C. today have been declared recovered, and while stringent public health measures remain in place, the curve for new cases has, by and large, flattened.
Hundreds of patients still remain diagnosed with the virus, however, and outbreaks at long term care facilities, poultry processing plants, and prisons account for most of the remaining active cases in the province.
Since the pandemic began to ramp up in B.C., there has been one change in criteria for declaring a COVID-19 patient fully recovered and one technical glitch in the Vancouver Coastal Health region that threw off recovery numbers for a week.
Originally, the nationwide approach to declaring any coronavirus patient recovered was two negative tests and ensuring the patient had no symptoms after 14 days of symptom onset.
Current criteria
On March 20th, provincial health officers across Canada agreed to change this criteria to requiring no symptoms after 10 days of isolation.
“For general workers, symptoms must be completely resolved before you can return to work, otherwise, stay home,” a Ministry of Health spokesperson told Victoria Buzz via email on April 1st after being asked about the new criteria.
“Occasionally people have [a] lingering dry cough after they have recovered from a cold/flu. [If] after a minimum of 10 days you have recovered, have no other symptoms and feel fine otherwise, you may return to work.”
Dr. Bonnie Henry added, in response to our question on the subject, that people who have a mild form of the illness were not found to be shedding a live virus after eight days of symptom onset, meaning they could not transmit the illness to others.
This information was gleaned after health officials learned more about the virus from data made available after widespread testing in South Korea.
On March 20th and 21st, B.C. had declared six people recovered from COVID-19 across the province. During the Ministry of Health’s next update on March 23rd, that number had jumped to 100.
(Created by Thor Tronrud)
At the moment, B.C. uses both the original and the updated criteria to determine recoveries on a case-by-case basis.
“We’re still using [the initial] criteria for those who have been hospitalized and for people who are immunocompromised because they can shed virus for longer periods of time,” said Dr. Henry.
However those who had a mild case of the virus and did not need hospitalization are considered recovered ten days after the onset of any symptoms.
“We have had people early on, particularly people who had to have two negative tests, and we found that they would go back and forth between negative and positive results,” added Dr. Henry, in explaining why two negative tests are no longer necessary for those who have a mild case of COVID-19.
Nevertheless Dr. Henry said on April 22nd that some people who have a mild version of the disease but whose symptoms progress and last longer than 10 days are not considered recovered from the virus until symptoms resolve completely.
Reporting glitches
Provincial health officials in B.C. rely on data coming from individual health regions and cluster outbreaks to make their daily case updates.
Two weeks ago, in the week of April 12th – 17th, people monitoring the number of cases, deaths, hospitalizations, and recoveries in the province noticed a strange pattern.
Vancouver Coastal Health region, one of the largest and hardest hit regions in B.C., had not been reporting new recoveries for several days as the number of recovered COVID-19 patients stood stagnant.
In a clarification last week, Dr. Henry said there was a point when Vancouver Coastal Health region was using an algorithm to report recoveries for patients with a mild case of the illness, and did not have a physician overseeing the reports.
Those technical glitches also accounted for an odd day of case numbers, as the number of recovered patients dropped from 983 to 966 between April 16th and 17th.
The wrongs have been righted, however, as health officials went back and recalculated the number of people who had actually recovered from the virus based on the criteria after 10 days of symptom onset, and on April 20th, reported 1,039 recoveries.
As of the time of publication, there are 1,190 people who have recovered from COVID-19 in B.C. out of 1,998 total cases.
103 people have died from the virus in the province, which means there are currently 705 active cases of novel coronavirus in B.C.
The next step now is to determine how many people have had COVID-19, whether they displayed symptoms of the virus or not, in an effort to determine to what extent people are immune to it.
Serological tests — blood tests that detect the antibodies produced in response to an infection — are needed in order to determine the level of immunity in the population.
As of now, there are no serology tests approved to be conducted in Canada, but Health Canada is in the process of assessing a number of applications for serological tests that are supported by appropriate evidence.
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 3,064,830.
Over 211,600 people have died from the illness and 922,397 have made a full recovery.
A singer-songwriter based in Victoria B.C. had an idea that would provide a creative outlet for his audience during this period of global lockdown.
Matt Stern decided to create a whole new music video for his song, Take It or Leave It, after a friend sent him a 10 second clip of her dancing to it in her living room.
“I always like having dance in my videos, and I love professional dancers but I also love people dancing naturally,” said Stern in a phone interview with Victoria Buzz.
“Doing creative projects like this at home give people a sense of purpose, and my friend suggested opening this up to other people.”
So Stern got about a dozen friends, family, fans, and acquaintances to submit clips of themselves dancing to his uplifting title track from his latest album, ‘Take It Or Leave It’.
“I feel like that’s one of the most catchy songs, and I guess I’m thinking a lot about how people need to be uplifted as much as possible,” said Stern.
Stern moved to Victoria from Montreal about three years ago and notes that B.C.’s capital city has far less diversity than what he’s used to and getting to know the culture here has been a process.
But what he loves about Victoria is the feeling of community and the ability to interact with people while performing at places like Centennial Square.
“The nature aspect has affected my music too, and lends itself to being contemplative and let ideas germinate which I like,” says Stern, adding that his writing retreats to the Gulf Islands have aided his process and given him time to work on creative projects slowly in a beautiful atmosphere.
His compilation video features ordinary people from Victoria and across Canada dancing their hearts out, which Stern says conveys the message of his song perfectly.
“I think the message when it comes down to it is everyone being their full selves — in this case, accepting the invitation to do a home dance and share it with the world even if you’re shy about it,” he adds.
“The way people are doing it is so unique to them. There’s alway some degree of self consciousness but they seem pretty comfortable.”
Those who dig his music can catch Matt Stern’s next live online performance that will be streamed at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28th on the Facebook group entitled ‘Get Down With the Lockdown‘.
Matt Stern, a Victora based singer-songwriter has produced a feel-good compilation of people dancing to his song — at home, of course!Read more about it here: https://bit.ly/2SeqU9o
Every night at 7 p.m., the cheers and clanging pots in support of Victoria’s frontline workers can be heard across the city.
But one quiet local street has taken it a step further, with everyone coming out of their homes to join together in joyful song — while still practicing physical distancing, of course.
The residents of Chamberlain Street have created a new way of coming together while still staying apart, flooding into the street for a singalong each night, many with instruments in hand.
The songs they sing vary, though some favourites have been ‘Satisfaction’ by the Rolling Stones, and ‘Hallelujah’ by K.D. Lang, clearly going along with the theme of friendship and relying on one another.
After the neighbours finish singing the song of the night, they move on to choosing a song for the following evening, so that everyone has time to find the lyrics and perhaps get a little practice in before the big debut.
With many feeling the social effects of physical distancing, the singalong has created fun evening activity and helps evoke a sense of community, even when people can’t get together in the usual sense of the phrase.
One resident says that the nightly ritual is “very sacred to her”.
There are around 20 singers who gather each evening, reminding the neighbourhood that just because there are self-isolation practices in place – we’re not alone.
The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 50 new test-positive cases of novel coronavirus in the province since Saturday, bringing the total number cases in B.C. to 1,998 people.
39 people tested positive for the virus in the period between Saturday and Sunday, and 11 people tested positive between Sunday and Monday morning.
In total, 795 of these cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 879 in Fraser Health, 117 on Vancouver Island, 164 in Interior Health and 43 in Northern Health region.
Dr. Henry says the majority of active cases now are linked to the known cluster outbreaks described below.
There are now a total of 97 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, 36 of whom are in critical care – ICU or acute care units — showing a continued decline in hospitalizations.
Sadly, three new deaths were reported today and the death toll is now at 103 in total across the province.
In good news, a total of 1,190 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
Outbreaks
There are two new outbreaks at a long term care facilities across B.C. while one long term care facility outbreak has been declared over.
In total, 21 facilities and three acute-care units have active outbreaks, with outbreaks declared over at 12 care facilities. 389 people at those facilities have tested positive for the virus.
The coronavirus outbreak at the Mission Institute federal correctional facility now has 118 people who have tested positive for COVID-19, 106 of whom are inmates while the rest are staff.
The outbreak at a Vancouver chicken processing and packaging plant, United Poultry Company, continues to have 35 employees who tested positive for COVID-19.
Its sister plant, the Superior Poultry processing plant in Coquitlam now has 25 test-positive cases of patients who have contracted the virus — an increase of nine cases since the last report.
In addition, there continue to be 11 COVID-19 cases connected to workers returning from the Kearl Lake oil sands project in Alberta.
According to Dr. Henry, many B.C. residents continue to travel to Alberta and back in order to work, and while there remain 11 cases linked to that outbreak, there are several hundred people associated with the Kearl Lake workplace.
Health authorities are testing contacts and family members of those affected, and attempting to contact individuals associated with the project to inform them of the outbreak as workers have varying degrees of information about the outbreak from their employer, according to Dr. Henry.
Island Health region
Specific data for the Vancouver Island Health region shows that there are 117 total cases of COVID-19 in the area.
BCCDC data shows that as of April 27th, 81 people have recovered in the Island Health region and there have now been four virus-related deaths in total.
This means there are now 32 active cases in the region.
Six people with COVID-19 are currently hospitalized and one person is admitted in ICU.
The Ministry of Health is developing a plan to reopen businesses and schools to a modified version of in-person classes, and Dr. Henry urges people to be patient and wait a few more days as they release information in a phased way.
“We’re taking the time to do them right and to meet the conditions that we have and are experiencing here in B.C.,” said Dr. Henry.
“Our focus is to provide a consistent framework so that different sectors know where they need to operate within.”
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 3,058,186.
Over 211,100 people have died from the illness and 919,727 have made a full recovery.
(SookePoint Grand Prize Home / BC Children's Hospital Dream Lottery)
In times like these, our Hometown Heroes need us more than ever!
Not only is the Hometown Heroes Lottery the hottest ticket in town, it supports both Vancouver General Hospital and the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn fund.
This includes BC’S health care heroes, like doctors, nurses, front line workers, first responders – as well aspatients that need life-saving care, and who benefit from all the work and research the lottery funds.
This year’s lottery features 9 incredible prize packages, one of which could be yours if you play your cards (or tickets!) right – including a brand new luxury condo in Sooke.
BC’s Hometown Heroes come to the aid of people in life-threatening situations every day. From rescue to recovery, BC’s fire fighters – along with the doctors, nurses and healthcare teams at Vancouver General Hospital, where 60% of the province’s trauma surgeries take place – are always on duty for severely injured and critically ill patients from all across BC.
When you buy a Hometown Heroes Lottery ticket, you’re directly supporting VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation – this raises essential funds for specialized adult health services and research at Vancouver General Hospital, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and Vancouver Community Health Services for all British Columbians.
Ticket purchases also support programs of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, including burn survivor support services and resiliency programs for fire fighters.
Tickets to the main lottery – and a chance to win one of the 9 prize packages including either a gorgeous SookePoint condo – start at 3 tickets for $75, and go all of the way up to a 20-ticket pack for $275.
If you’re chosen as a grand-prize winner, you’ll be the proud new owner of a 1,763 sq.ft. 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom condo located in beautiful SookePoint – but wait, it gets even better!
(Image / Hometown Heroes Lottery)
Included in the SookePoint package is also a brand new 2020 Audi Q7 Progrssiv Quattro, plus $300,000 cash.
You could also choose 1 of 8 other Grand Prize choices – which feature homes in White Rock, Courtenay, Abbotsford, Vancouver, TWO homes in White Rock and Cultus Lake, Kelowna and Penticton or $2.1 million cash.
On top of all of this, Hometown Heroes has an incredible Welcome Bonus Draw happening before the Grand Prizes are drawn, which includes your choice of a 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, a 2020 Toyota C-HR LE – or you can choose $22,000 cash.
Don’t wait on Welcome Bonus tickets, as the deadline to enter is May 22nd – the prize package is worth over $30,000 in total!
The grand prize draw will be Monday, August 17th, 2020. Purchase your ticket (or packs of them!) here.
(Image / Hometown Heroes Lottery)
Deadlines to enter the various draws are:
Welcome Bonus Draw: Midnight, Friday, May 22nd, 2020
Heroes Bonus Draw: Midnight, Friday, June 5th, 2020
Summer Bonus Draw: Midnight, Friday, June 19th, 2020
Early Bird Draw: Midnight, Friday, July 10th, 2020
Main Draws and Grand Prize: Midnight, Thursday, July 23rd, 2020
50/50 PLUS™: Midnight, Thursday, July 23rd, 2020
Daily Cash PLUS™: Midnight, Thursday, July 23rd, 2020
Know your limit, play within it. Must be 19+ to play.
A property owner in the Nanaimo area was fortunate to have spotted a broken lock on his barn this past weekend, as it led him to interrupt a break and enter in progress.
Nanaimo RCMP have arrested one man and are seeking two other suspects after the incident occurred on a rural property in Cedar.
The attempted incident happened at around 10 a.m. on Sunday April 26th, in the 1200-block of Maughan Road.
The property owner told Nanaimo RCMP officers that he noticed the lock on the door to the barn had been broken, and shortly after, heard a vehicle horn sounding.
Following this, two men were seen running from his property, and the owner was able to take a photo of a female driver and vehicle plate before the suspects drove off.
Nanaimo RCMP also located bolt cutters near the barn, and Police Dog Services attended to tracked the two suspects but were unable to locate them at that time.
After following up on the vehicle information that the property owner provided, Nanaimo RCMP were able to locate the registered owner driving the suspected vehicle at his home.
The 36-year-old man is known to police, and was arrested without incident for the attempted break and enter.
He was later released from police custody on an Undertaking, and is expected to make an appearance in Nanaimo Provincial court on July 7th.
The investigation is ongoing, and Nanaimo RCMP are confident the female driver and the second male suspect will be identified.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.
Sidney’s beloved annual street market, which often attract crowds of 5,000 every Thursday during the summer, has officially been cancelled this year.
The cancellation was announced on Friday by the Town of Sidney Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) after provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s statements regarding the cancellation of all summer events that promote large gatherings this year.
According to a statement form the municipality, the night markets aren’t the only summer events that will be missed in Sidney this year.
All events that involve public gatherings held both indoors and outdoors in Sidney in summer 2020 have been either cancelled or postponed.
Instead, the township has reached out to event organizers to explore ways to host significantly modified versions of the same events through online activities and functions that allow for physical distancing.
In particular, the municipality is working with Peninsula Celebrations to look at hosting altered versions of the annual Sidney Days/Canada Day events.
“I would like to thank Sidney event organizers and arts and culture organizations for their quick response to the threat of COVID-19,” said Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith.
“Sidney rightfully prides itself on its numerous events that bring great vitality and happiness to our community. While we all share in the disappointment of event cancellations, I believe we can also take pride in the way we have come together, by staying apart, to protect our community.”
(Totem Poles at 'Namgis First Nation Cemetery, Alert Bay, BC/Photo by A. Davey - Flickr)
A First Nation elder in Alert Bay is now among the 100 people who have died after contracting COVID-19.
Her death was reported on Saturday by Dr. Bonnie Henry during her daily briefing, and without identifying the individual, she stated that this elder was the first person from a remote Indigenous community to succumb to the virus.
“Our elders, particularly in our First Nations communities are culture and history keepers. When they become ill and when they die, we all lose,” said Dr. Henry, her voice breaking with emotion.
“My thoughts are with her family and her entire community as I recognize the tragic impact this has on all of them.”
In a Facebook video shared on Friday, Dr. Dan Cutfeet with the ‘Namgis Health Centre confirmed that the woman was a member of the ‘Namgis First Nation community in Alert Bay — a remote village on an island located northeast of Vancouver Island.
“We lost a community member today,” he said. “We’re thinking of family. We’re thinking of friends in this time. We’re praying for you.”
The Village of Alert Bay is the known location of a COVID-19 outbreak after its mayor, Dennis Buchanan, tested positive for the virus earlier this month.
On April 19th, the community declared a local state of emergency, with permission from Minister Farnworth, and instated a curfew of 9:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.
This state of emergency was due to last until April 24th, but the Village has received approval from the province to extend it as the pandemic cluster outbreak continues to pose a risk to the small community and its health care capabilities.
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 3,029,746.
Over 209,200 people have died from the illness and 900,334 have made a full recovery.
Though it can’t unlock all the answers, one Victoria company has designed a tool to hopefully make things a little easier for those who need to leave their homes to access or provide essential services.
The ‘COVID KEY’ was created by local furniture design firm, Shape Design, and is inspired by the need to maintain physical distances while still allowing Vancouver Islanders to shop for their essentials.
The tool is made from acrylic and has curves and edges that help open handles and doors, as well as pick up bags and press buttons — all in an effort to avoid touching objects outdoors.
It also includes a keychain hole for easy access, and is about twice as long as an average key.
These keys cost $12 each, are available for purchase online, and can be shipped right to your door.
On top of keeping your hands squeaky clean, the tool looks to help some of the local businesses islanders may visit, with 50 per cent of the profit from each key sold going towards buying gift cards from said businesses.
With each key purchased, buyers can vote for one business they want to support – up until August 31st.
For every $2,500 raised, Shape Design will randomly select five businesses from those nominated, and gift cards worth $500 each will be bought.
And even better, the gift cards will then be handed out to frontline workers.
Eligible businesses must be located on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands, have a physical location, and be operating and able to provide gift cards.
(From left to right: Habit Coffee, Mo:Le Restaurant, Bliss Cafe / from Bliss Cafe Facebook page)
It’s no secret that small businesses and locally-owned restaurants have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. With everyone social distancing and sheltering in place, restaurants are empty and owners and staff are taking on the economic toll.
Canada Takeout Day aims to combat this economic hardship and bring communities across the country together. The movement encourages Canadians to support local eateries by ordering takeout on Wednesdays.
The initiative kicked off on April 15th with a live show on Facebook featuring a variety of Canadian artists, athletes, and personalities. George Strombolopolous, Tessa Virtue, Alan Doyle, and more are all participating in the project. Their third show will be happening this Wednesday, April 29th at 5 p.m. PST.
Over a million people work in Canada’s restaurant industry. Canada Takeout Day is a great way to support them and keep the businesses you love up and running throughout the course of the pandemic.
And it’s not just restaurants that could use the business. Miss happy hour? Order from a local brewery or distillery and hold a tipsy Zoom hangout.
Canada Takeout’s restaurant finder provides a map of eateries that are open for business. If you want to add your establishment to the map, you can submit a form via their website.
Tourism Victoria also features a list of restaurants, breweries, and other businesses that have adapted their services in the midst of the pandemic.
While there is estimated to be a low chance of transmission when it comes to takeout and delivery, there are practices that can help to reduce risk even further:
wash your hands before and after handling packaging and food
throw out packaging as soon as possible and minimize the surfaces it touches
reheat food on the stove or in the microwave if possible
More health guidelines can be found on the Government of Canada website.
This Wednesday, and every Wednesday until the pandemic has passed, anyone that has the ability to do so is encouraged to order takeout!
We’ll make it through this as long as we keep supporting each other. And eating your favourite foods with no dishes to clean up afterwards? Sounds like a pretty great way to lend support!
In his daily address this morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reminded Canadians that applications for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy have opened today.
Last month, Trudeau informed Canadians that all small and medium-sized businesses – whose revenue has decreased by 30% or more because of the COVID-19 pandemic – will be eligible for the 75% wage subsidy.
As for what this could look like for employees, the Prime Minister stated specifically that the government will offer up to 75% of salaries on the first $58,700 – this will break down to $847 per week.
The subsidy will be offered regardless of the number of employees the business has, and will be back-dated to March 15th, 2020 – businesses can apply on the CRA website.
To aid the application process, the federal government has launched a new wage subsidy calculator on the Canada Revenue Agency website, which has been set up to help businesses determine the amount of funding that they could receive.
Officials have said they expect to process around 90 per cent of applications in the first week of May, which will ensure that funds get distributed as quickly as possible – Trudeau said this morning that eligible businesses should expect to receive their first payment by May 7th.
Trudeau’s original announcement also came with a cautionary word to businesses, urging them not to misuse the program and if they can continue to pay their staff, to do so.
“Every dollar of this should go to workers,” he said.
The benefit is an increase from the is an initial announcement of only a 10% subsidy, and also comes alongside an emergency guaranteed business loan of up to $40,000 – of which $10,000 may be “forgiven”, according to Trudeau.
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 3,021,049.
Over 208,000 people have died from the illness and 891,212 have made a full recovery.
Victoria police are seeking the public’s help in finding a high-risk woman who has been missing for almost a month.
Danielle Haywood, 32, last spoke to her family on April 1 and are very concerned for her well-being – VicPD also want to ensure that Haywood is safe.
Police describe Haywood as Caucasian woman standing about 5’1” tall, weighs about 120 pounds and has a slim build. She has shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes.
VicPD did not elaborate on why Haywood was deemed “high-risk”.
Anyone who sees her or knows of her whereabouts is asked to contact the Victoria Police department at 250-995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Remember that time Sunfest Country Music Festival broke the record for Vancouver Islands largest crowd? 📸: Tyler Falk Chalmers
The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed two more major summer events on Vancouver Island.
Organizers of Sunfest and Laketown Shakedown made the official announcement on Friday and said both festivals have been postponed until 2021.
Headliners for both events included big names such as Wu-Tang Clan, Keith Urban, Third Eye Blind, Nelly and many more.
“We have been in constant communication with artists, agents, management teams, staff, government and health agencies over the last six weeks,” organizers of both festivals said in a statement. “The volume of moving parts and people involved in these decisions is unprecedented, but the support and understanding from all of you has been amazing.
Ticket holders will have multiple options with regard to refunds or credit for future events. Laketown Shakedown festival-goers who hold onto their passes until next year will receive a free early camping entry for the 2021 festival, and SunFest attendees will be invited to attend a private function.
Laketown Shakedown, originally set for June 26th to 28th of this year, has been rescheduled to July 1st to 3rd, 2021. Sunfest, planned for July 30th to August 2nd, will now take place July 29th to August 1st, 2021.
Both festivals take place at the Laketown Ranch Music and Recreation Park in Lake Cowichan.
Now that Spring is here, Victorians are starting to spot baby deer, or fawns, taking their very first steps all over town.
Whether they’re in your own back yard or in a park somewhere, these adorable creatures are often seen wandering around by themselves, leading many people to assume that they are orphaned or in distress.
It can be tempting to go pet the fawn or offer it comfort, but this is inadvisable even if the animal is actually injured or in danger.
Why?
According to a study, fawns typically only nurse 2-3 times a day during the first few weeks of their life.
When they’re not nursing, they choose their own bedding away from their mom, and move around several times a day all by themselves! But the doe is always about 90 metres away from them – even if you can’t always see her.
Fawns also take several days to imprint on their mom, which means that before they do, there’s a chance they could imprint on other large moving objects. This includes human beings.
Plus touching a fawn means leaving our human scent all over it. This makes them much more easily detectable to predators in the area, since fawns naturally have little to no scent.
What to do if a fawn is injured/in danger
If you suspect that a fawn is orphaned, Animal Control Services recommends that you “observe from a distance for 12 to 18 hours” to see whether or not the mom returns. If she still hasn’t returned, call the BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (WildARC) at 250-478-9453.
Other reasons to call WildARC for a baby deer include if:
it seems frantic, is wandering and bleating consistently, or approaching people
it is obviously injured
it has been fed anything by anyone
it is located in a dangerous or high-traffic area
It is also important to note that in many parts of Greater Victoria, it is illegal to leave food out for wild animals including deer, raccoons, rabbits, etc.
The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 95 new test-positive cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number cases in B.C. to 1,948 people.
According to Dr. Bonnie Henry, today’s jump in cases can be attributed to COVID-19 patients being identified at ongoing outbreak sites.
Out of the 95 new cases reported today, 40 can be attributed to the Mission federal correctional facility outbreak, and there are now 16 cases related to the Superior Poultry processing plant outbreak in Coquitlam.
In total, 778 of these cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 853 in Fraser Health, 115 on Vancouver Island, 160 in Interior Health and 42 in Northern Health region.
There are now a total of 96 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, 41 of whom are in critical care – ICU or acute care units — showing a continued decline in hospitalizations.
Sadly, two new deaths were reported today and the death toll is now at 100 in total across the province. Dr. Henry noted that one of the people who died was an elder in a remote First Nation community.
In good news, a total of 1,137 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
Outbreaks
There are no new outbreaks at a long term care facilities across B.C. In total, 19 facilities and three acute-care units have active outbreaks, with outbreaks declared over at 10 care facilities.
The coronavirus outbreak at the Mission Institute federal correctional facility now has 106 people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Two inmates have been hospitalized.
The outbreak at a Vancouver chicken processing and packaging plant, United Poultry Company, continues to have 35 employees who tested positive for COVID-19.
Its sister plant, the Superior Poultry processing plant in Coquitlam now has 16 test-positive cases of patients who have contracted the virus.
In addition, there are now 11 COVID-19 cases connected to workers returning from the Kearl Lake oil sands project in Alberta.
During her briefing on Saturday, Dr. Henry said the number of new cases at these cluster outbreaks does not change the Ministry of Health’s assessment of where B.C. is at in the pandemic trajectory.
We still need to see a decrease in the number of cases, but the fact that the province has seen a steady number of new cases over the past few weeks is not unexpected.
“The fact that we’re picking up these outbreaks is important because that tells us our surveillance is working,” said Dr. Henry in response to a Victoria Buzz question.
Island Health region
Specific data for the Vancouver Island Health region shows that there are 115 total cases of COVID-19 in the area.
BCCDC data shows that as of April 24th, 81 people have recovered in the Island Health region and there have now been three virus-related deaths in total.
This means there are now 31 active cases in the region.
Five people with COVID-19 are currently hospitalized and one person is in ICU.
Dr. Henry also specified that today’s spike in case numbers is not linked to Easter long weekend travel that we know of.
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 2,896,946.
Over 201,700 people have died from the illness and 825,376 have made a full recovery.
(Former Topaz Park homeless encampment/Victoria Buzz)
A massive effort to temporarily house unsheltered populations in Victoria and Vancouver has been announced on Saturday.
The provincial government and BC Housing are working with multiple non profit groups to address the health and safety crisis posed by 360 vulnerable people currently living on Pandora Avenue and in the Topaz Park homeless encampment.
To date, BC Housing has secured 324 shelter spaces across five hotels in Victoria for the purpose of providing rooms for unsheltered people, with 80 of them being occupied as of yesterday.
There are 360 people currently living in the Topaz Park encampment and along Pandora Avenue corridor.
Authorities will start moving people from Topaz Park and Pandora Avenue into hotel rooms in Victoria starting Saturday, April 25th. BC Housing is currently negotiating leases with four other hotel rooms in the capital city to be able to house everyone that needs sheltering.
Hotels have been identified by the province as temporary shelter options for homeless people during the COVID-19 pandemic as they are currently empty in most B.C. cities due to travel restrictions.
“Every day I am inspired by the tremendous leadership the Province has shown in British Columbia,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps in a statement responding to these measures.
“This approach to helping our most vulnerable residents is thoughtful, prudent and ultimately will keep all of us safer during this pandemic.”
The transition of vulnerable people into hotel spaces has been ordered through the Emergency Program Act by Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth.
The order sets May 9th as the deadline to transition people out of the encampments.
This order prevents anyone from entering those encampments starting today, and requires all individuals currently residing in the encampments to vacate those locations by May 9th.
Transition and supports
Authorities are making efforts to keep self-identified families together when transitioning them into these spaces.
The province has also secured spaces for women only — including an entire facility just for women in Victoria — shelter spaces for youth, and culturally specific locations for Indigenous people after identifying specific needs.
Transfer to hotel spaces will be referrals-only, meaning BC Housing, its non-profit partners, and health authorities will choose who goes to which hotel and when.
Meals and cleaning services will be provided daily, and staff on site will be providing specific supports as needed by individuals. Staff will also be monitoring people going in and out of the hotel buildings and prevent guests from entering the buildings.
Once individuals have been identified as needing a shelter space, an outreach worker will connect with them to gain an understanding of their needs, and everyone will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Each individual will be given a bin to pack their belongings in — additional storage options are available to those who need it — and professional movers (wearing Personal Protective Equipment) will help move these bins to their hotel or motel room.
The transition process and services provided to people living at these facilities over the next few months will be funded by the $40 million allocated to BC Housing in March.
Future concerns
These interim housing spaces at hotels are being rented by BC Housing for a period of three to six months.
Once that period of time is over, the province will work to acquire permanent supportive housing units to try and ensure that people do not return to homelessness after the pandemic.
To that end, BC Housing will be looking at acquiring some of the hotels and motels that are currently being leased for long term use to shelter homeless populations.
Authorities are also looking at accelerating the construction of temporary modular housing units at locations across B.C.
As for COVID-19 concerns, both Victoria and Vancouver have begun testing protocols for vulnerable populations.
According to Dr. Richard Stanwick, Chief Medical Health Officer for the Island Health region, no one at the Topaz Park encampment or on Pandora Ave has thus far tested positive for the virus.
“Our major concern right now is people bringing COVID-19 into those groups rather than the group being a primary source of transmission,” said Dr. Stanwick.
A large number of vulnerable people were displaced and forced into the streets of Victoria and Vancouver after homeless shelters had to shut down, as they did not have adequate room for people to maintain a distance of six feet from each other during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Similar measures are being taken in Vancouver, where authorities are also working to secure hotels and emergency response centres to house homeless people living at Oppenheimer Park in the Downtown East Side.
BC Housing will be taking responsibility of professionally cleaning each hotel after it has housed homeless people before handing it back to owners.
Across the Vancouver Island Health region, the province has thus far acquired a total of 470 shelter spaces across Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port
Alberni, Sooke, and Victoria.
The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 29 new test-positive cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number cases in B.C. to 1,853 people.
In total, 767 of these cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 772 in Fraser Health, 114 on Vancouver Island, 158 in Interior Health and 42 in Northern Health region.
There are now a total of 96 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, 41 of whom are in critical care – ICU or acute care units — showing a continued decline in hospitalizations.
Sadly, four new deaths were reported today and the death toll is now at 98 in total across the province.
In good news, a total of 1,114 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
Outbreaks
There are no new outbreaks at a long term care facilities across B.C. In total, 20 facilities and three acute-care units have active outbreaks, with outbreaks declared over at 10 care facilities.
The coronavirus outbreak at the Mission Institute federal correctional facility continues to have 78 people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Five inmates have been hospitalized.
The outbreak at a Vancouver chicken processing and packaging plant, United Poultry Company, now has 35 employees who tested positive for COVID-19.
Its sister plant, the Superior Poultry processing plant in Coquitlam now has two test-positive cases of patients who have contracted the virus.
In addition, there are now 10 COVID-19 cases connected to workers returning from the Kearl Lake oil sands project in Alberta.
Island Health region
Specific data for the Vancouver Island Health region shows that there are 114 total cases of COVID-19 in the area.
BCCDC data shows that as of April 23rd, 80 people have recovered in the Island Health region and there were three virus-related deaths in total.
This means there are now 31 active cases in the region.
Five people with COVID-19 are currently hospitalized and one person is in ICU.
“While our weekends are a time to unwind and relax, the exception is with these important health measures,” reads the statement from the Ministry of Health.
“As you get outside and safely spend time with loved ones, let’s continue to stay strong and show care and compassion to those around us, by ensuring we do not undo all of our hard work and sacrifice.”
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 2,820,935.
Over 196,700 people have died from the illness and 779,774 have made a full recovery.
Nanaimo RCMP are asking for the public’s help in finding a missing pregnant woman who didn’t show up for a planned medical appointment in Vancouver.
Ashley Virtue, 25, was first reported missing to police on Wednesday, April 22nd.
Police were told Virtue was planning on travelling to Vancouver for medical treatment but did not arrive. Her cell phone was traced to Vancouver, but police say investigators have been unable to find her.
Her family is extremely worried for her safety and well-being who requires daily medication.
Virtue is described as a Caucasian woman who stands 5’ 5” and weighs approximately 120 pounds.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
The Greater Victoria School District has loaned out 1,050 iPads and Chromebooks to help students stay on top of their education while distance learning is required during this pandemic.
Students who don’t have access to computers, laptops, or tablets at home are being lent these iPads and Chromebooks.
“We must ensure public education remains accessible and that every student can be successful,” said Board Chair Jordan Watters in a statement.
“By providing digital devices for our students who need them, we are removing a key barrier to participating in their virtual classroom and connecting with their teachers and classmates.”
This initiative was rolled out after the district identified families who required access to this technology ever since in-class instruction was suspended on March 17th and classes were moved online after Spring break.
Any student in the district who requires a device is asked to contact their school Principal.
During her most recent briefings on the COVID-19 pandemic in B.C., provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has advised that students may be able to return to classrooms before this school year ends, in a modified format.
To limit the number of students present in classrooms in an effort to help maintain physical distances, students may be able to return to school on alternating days, or with some children attending during the morning and some later in the afternoon.
Virtual learning, at least in some capacity, is expected to remain a part of the new normal in B.C. for the foreseeable future.
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 2,820,935.
Over 196,700 people have died from the illness and 779,774 have made a full recovery.
West Shore RCMP have arrested a 22-year-old man for exposing his genitals in a public place.
According to police, the man was walking along the main trail inside Thetis Lake Regional Park while revealing himself at around 2 p.m. on April 18th.
A witness who saw the man near the first bridge in the park called police and added that the suspect was walking in an area where a family with young children may have been privy to the indecent act.
Officers were able to find and arrest the suspect after the witness provided a detailed description of him.
They are now asking anyone else who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and speak to police.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian man standing approximately 5’8″ tall, wearing a blue plaid jacket, black hoodie, black pants, and was walking a dog at the time.
“We have not been able to identify the family who were in the area at the time and may have witnessed this crime,” said Cst. Nancy Saggar.
“If you were witness to this crime we are asking you to come forward and speak to police.”
Witnesses can call West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264.
In a ‘fairy’ important announcement earlier today, B.C. Premier John Horgan has declared that everyone’s favourite winged friend has been deemed an essential service and therefore has no limits on travel amid COVID-19.
In a written proclamation on social media this morning, Horgan says that he is “pleased to welcome our legendary friend who provides the essential service of rewarding healthy habits and good brushing”.
He also stated that many parents and children alike have reached out to him to ask about this “important line of work”, and he is happy to announce that the Tooth Fairy has been given clearance to travel freely across the province.
He emphasized that despite the current physical distancing, we are all in this together, and thanked all people and creatures alike for doing their part in this.
And in typical Premier Horgan fashion, he threw in a little dad joke at the end, specifying that the permission only applies to registered fairies, “no substi-tooth-ions or fillings-in allowed”.
The main point is little ones can take solace in the fact that there will still be a shiny coin under their pillow after losing a tooth during these uncertain times — so don’t forget to brush those pearly whites!
Many kids and parents in BC have reached out to ask about another important line of work.
I'm pleased to announce the Tooth Fairy is authorized as an essential service and may travel freely throughout British Columbia. 🦷🧚 pic.twitter.com/0ErsZDlIar
Victoria Police has confirmed that one man was taken into custody after making threats against COVID-19 testing facilities in the region.
Starting at 10 a.m. this morning, testing sites at Cook Street and on Mount Newton Cross Road were under lockdown for over an hour and a half because of the incident.
Police have confirmed Victoria Buzz’s original reports that the suspect made the threats after calling the 8-1-1 information line.
Officers from departments across Greater Victoria attended and spoke with staff at various public health facilities to ensure their safety.
Saanich Police coordinated with VicPD to locate and arrest the suspect. One man was taken into custody by officers in Saanich just after noon on Friday.
There were no injuries or additional incidents while making the arrest.
BC Transit will not be collecting fares or requiring tickets from passengers and require rear-door boarding for yet another month, until May 31st 2020.
These measures were first implemented on March 19th, intended to stay in place for a 30-day period, but has been extended for a second time according to an advisory from the crown corporation.
“The extension means customers do not need to purchase monthly passes or other fares for the month of May,” reads the statement.
“Details about refund processes for fare products will be available when we announce the return to regular fare collection.”
Passengers will continue boarding buses through the rear door until at least May 31st in an effort to ensure physical distancing between drivers and transit users.
Light duty buses that do not offer rear door boarding, used most commonly for handyDART and community transit services, have vinyl panels installed for drivers.
Moreover in addition to annual Spring service changes, BC Transit reduced service levels on multiple routes and temporarily discontinued late night service on Friday and Saturday nights starting April 6th.
Buses have also started limiting passenger capacity to enhance physical distancing, however they will not be blocking out seats to indicate which seats can be used by passengers to best follow physical distancing directives – a measure that has been adopted by TransLink in Metro Vancouver.
Media spokesperson Jonathon Dyck says this measure will not be adopted as they want to “allow families and those living in the same household to still be together on the bus.”
More information about specific schedule changes can be found on the BC Transit website.
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 2,807,490.
Over 195,800 people have died from the illness and 778,348 have made a full recovery.
Two local organizations have partnered together to offer Victoria business owners some expert advice while navigating uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Downtown Victoria Business Association and Community Micro Lending have announced they will be hosting “Small Business Ask an Expert” sessions on April 27th and April 29th, completely free and virtually hosted on Zoom.
Participants will be given the opportunity to ask for advice from legal, human resources, and accounting professionals.
“We know small business owners have many questions due to the pandemic,” says Jeff Bray, Downtown Victoria Business Association Executive Director.
“These webinars are intended help navigate the various programs that are available, and to help owners and operators with some of the strategic thinking they may need to ensure they can recover.”
The sessions are scheduled for Monday, April 27th from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday, April 29th from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Participants can join for one or both events, and registration is available through Eventbrite — all sessions will take place on Zoom.
“A lot of small, independent businesses can’t afford to talk to a lawyer or accountant and don’t have in-house Human Resources experts,” said Elysia Glover, Executive Director of Community Micro Lending.
“With the situation changing so rapidly, we wanted to offer one way easy way for folks to connect with expert advice,” said Elysia Glover, Executive Director of Community Micro Lending.”
Session experts include Dale Samsonoff, CPHR, Associate HR Consultant with Chemistry Consulting, Bruce Hallsor, Q.C., Managing Partner at Crease Harmon, Mike Delves, CPA, CGA Business Advisor at MNP and Steve Wellburn, CPA, CA, Partner at MNP.
BC Hydro has seen a large spike in the number of scams attempted in the month of April compared to March.
In a statement released on Friday, the utility company says they’ve seen a 350 per cent increase in scams since last month after announcing the COVID-19 Relief Fund on April 1.
Over 500 reports of sophisticated attempted scams have been made during the month of April.
One of the types of scams involves a fraudster threatening service disconnection for an overdue account. BC Hydro has made it clear that no accounts will be disconnected due to non-payment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These are the two types of scams BC Hydro is warning customers to be wary of:
Phone and email scam:
Customers receive automated calls or fake bill notification emails from fraudsters posing as BC Hydro employees, threatening disconnection for an overdue bill.They are then asked to call a 1-877 number to make a payment, and the number connects to a replica of BC Hydro’s phone system.
Scammers then ask the customer to purchase pre-paid credit cards or deposit money into a bitcoin ATM wallet to avoid disconnection.
Phishing scam:
Customers receive a text message that appears to be from BC Hydro, indicating that they are eligible for a refund. They are directed to click a link to submit their banking information for deposit.
BC Hydro wants all customers to know that in addition to not disconnecting any services during this time, the company does not collect credit card or bank account information over the phone, by email or text.
The company also doesn’t accept payment from pre-paid cash or credit cards, or bitcoin ATM, and does not offer refunds or credits through Interac e-transfer.
Anyone who receives any fraudulent messages similar to the ones described above is asked to contact BC Hydro at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376) or check their MyHydro account.
These scams can also be reported to your local police department.
A virtual vigil will be held online today for the victims of the tragic mass shooting that took place in Nova Scotia this past weekend.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the vigil which is happening today, Friday, April 24th when he addressed the tragedy, which has come at an already difficult time for Canadians and for the world.
Nova Scotia RCMP confirmed on Tuesday that the death toll from the shooting is now at 22.
The victims include a 17-year-old, a pregnant health care worker and a veteran Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer.
“Among them, a woman in uniform whose job it is to protect lives, even if it endangers her own – Constable Heidi Stevenson of the RCMP,” said Trudeau in his address.
“Constable Stevenson died protecting others. She was answering the call of duty, something she had done every day when she went to work for 23 years.”
Trudeau went on to discuss how the events took place in Portapique, Truro, Milford, and Enfield, which are small towns in which everyone knows their neighbours.
“Now these communities are in mourning and Canada is in mourning with them,” said Trudeau.
“Violence of any kind has no place in Canada. We stand with you and we grieve with you.”
A minute of silence was also held earlier today across Canada at 10 a.m. to honour Cst. Heidi Stevenson, and all of the lives lost in the Nova Scotia shooting. The Prime Minister has also asked everyone to wear red today in their honour.
The virtual vigil is set to take place tonight, April 24th at 7 p.m. AST (3 p.m. PST), for Canadians to come together as a country and honour the lives lost.
(Topaz Park homeless encampment in 2020/Victoria Buzz)
Victoria council has granted the police department’s request for additional funding for the purpose of deploying more uniformed officers in and around the Topaz Park area.
In a report to city council that was deliberated on Thursday, VicPD Chief Del Manak presented his observations about the rise of crime in the area, as well as an increase in the number of people coming to Topaz Park from areas outside Victoria.
“When a shelter or site for the vulnerable sector establishes itself, so too does the criminal element that preys upon that sector and the surrounding community,” Manak said in the report.
“The good work attempting to be done is overshadowed by those that are committing ‘survival crime’ as well as by the criminals that target this vulnerable sector.”
A visual element of the report shared by the police department shows just how much crime has increased in the area in the week of April 5th to 11th.
In light of these statistics, the police Chief requested the ability to assign two officers to he Topaz Park neighbourhood seven days a week for a period of five weeks, at a cost of $52,500.
After a Committee of the Whole meeting, Mayor Lisa Helps announced that the funding has been granted and will be redirected from the cities “late night great night” program which normally funds police presence in areas with nightclubs and bars on weekends.
Now that bars and nightclubs have been closed for over a month, the city is also redirecting up to $100,000 from that program to fund city staff in their work to help support vulnerable populations during this pandemic.
(Island Health COVID-19 screening facility on Cook Street in Victoria/Victoria Buzz)
UPDATE: An Island Health employee has confirmed to Victoria Buzz that the COVID-19 screening facility on Mount Newton Cross Road — Peninsula Health Unit — was also placed on lockdown at 10 a.m. Friday morning.
The source at the Cook Street facility says the lockdown there was lifted at 11:40 a.m. Sources say police are working to apprehend a suspect in Saanich.
Police have confirmedthat one person was taken into custody for allegedly making a threat against COVID-19 testing facilities in the area.
Earlier: A large police presence has been detected at a COVID-19 testing facility in Victoria.
The Victoria Health Centre on Cook Street at Pembroke located across from Royal Athletic Park is currently under lockdown, an inside source tells Victoria Buzz.
As of approximately 10 a.m. on Friday morning the source, who has requested to remain anonymous, says police responded to an alleged threat of violence at the facility.
Staff inside the facility were instructed to close all blinds in the building.
The threat was allegedly made over the phone by a suspect who dialled the 8-1-1 information line.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced significant government rent relief for small and medium sized businesses, at a time when many are affected by COVID-19 and may struggle to afford their rental costs.
The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance is expected to provide 75 per cent in rent reduction for small businesses, with 50 per cent of these costs covered by the federal government, and 25 per cent to be covered by landlords.
Of the 50 per cent covered by government, 37.5 per cent will be paid for by the federal government and 12.5 per cent by provincial governments.
“If you had to close up shop because of public health recommendations, if you don’t have a lot of money coming in because people aren’t spending much these days, you may be worried about keeping your office space,” Trudeau said in his daily press conference on Friday.
The benefit will provide forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners that will cover 50 per cent of three monthly rent payments.
This will be available for small and medium business tenants who are experiencing financial hardship during April, May and June due to COVID-19.
To be eligible, small business tenants must be paying less than $50,000 per month in rent, have temporarily ceased operations, or have experienced at least a 70 per cent drop in revenue due to the pandemic.
Trudeau says non-profits and non-government organizations are also eligible, and stated that options for larger businesses will also be made available in coming weeks.
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 2,768,001.
Over 193,000 people have died from the illness and 764,793 have made a full recovery.
A downtown Victoria business owner is asking for the public’s help in locating a dog believed to be stolen.
Kona, a 9-year-old dog Staffordshire Terrier was seen at around noon today at Popeye’s Supplements located at the intersection of Douglas and Bay Streets.
Her fur is described as brindle with a white blaze on her chest and grey on her muzzle.
If you know who has Kona, a cash reward will be given for her safe return.
Call 250-812-5284 if you see Kona, or know where she is.
Victoria Police are seeking public assistance in their search for missing Arianna McKenzie.
The 16-year-old girl was last seen by family members in the Topaz Park area on April 19th. Her disappearance has been deemed “high risk” by police.
She is described as a Caucasian girl with collar length, short hair that’s been dyed pink, and hazel eyes, standing 5′4 tall and weighing about 100 lbs.
McKenzie has been the subject of several missing person files over the years, including once earlier this year, and has been found safely each time.
Police and family members are concerned for her well-being.
Anyone who sees her is asked to call 911.
Those who have information on her whereabouts are requested to contact VicPD at (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
A fire in Central Saanich that left two firefighters injured also had a devastating impact on one business owner in Victoria.
In a phone interview with Victoria Buzz, Doug Riddell, owner of Vancouver Island Medical Supply, confirms that the outbuilding that caught fire in the 6300-block of Central Saanich Road on Friday night was used as a warehouse to store inventory for his business.
Riddell had been storing inventory of products like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, power chairs, and lifting devices at the property that he rented for several years.
He says the amount of products stored in the outbuilding made up about three quarters of the store’s total inventory. Due to the fire, Riddell estimates that his business suffered about $250,000 in damages.
“I had no insurance on the contents [of the outbuilding] which is absolutely devastating on top of what’s going on with this virus,” said Riddell, who comes from a nursing background and has worked in the medical care industry for over 25 years.
However the most devastating aspect of the blaze, even more than the catastrophic damage of products, was the loss of personal effects that were also stored in the outbuilding.
“That’s the hardest thing to swallow,” said Riddell. “There were personal effects from when my son was growing up, as well as keepsakes and papers from the house I used to live in.”
The fire at the Central Saanich house was sparked by an electrical cord running from the house to a storage container near the outbuilding in which irrigation tubes were stored, according to Riddell.
He says he did not insure the property himself because he believed it to be secure, given that the outbuilding’s door, wall, and roof were made of steel. The structural material of the outbuilding has not been confirmed by Central Saanich Fire department.
“I am in shock. I don’t know what to think right now. I’m having a very difficult time working or doing anything because of this loss,” said Riddell.
The family who owns the property attached to the outbuilding do have fire insurance but that does not cover Riddell’s belongings. Riddell says the landlord and their whole family is suffering greatly as well, as the flames wrought at least $100,000 of structural damage to their property.
“I’m fortunate that my losses are not as bad as losing your house. I’m hurting so bad for them that I just want to let them be and have time to heal,” he adds.
The question that remains for Riddell is how the fire managed to reach the outbuilding, given its steel interior.
“This is devastating for them [landlords], but I really want to know what happened and how the fire happened.”
The details of the cause of fire are discussed between the Central Saanich fire department, the owners of the property, and their insurance company. CS Fire Chief Chris Vrabel declined to provide further comment to Victoria Buzz.
But Riddell says he’s determined to find out.
“When I have the strength to deal with it, I will go to fire department and ask them what happened.
The B.C. Ministry of Health has reported 29 new test-positive cases of novel coronavirus in the province today, bringing the total number cases in B.C. to 1,824 people.
In total, 755 of these cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Region, 760 in Fraser Health, 111 on Vancouver Island, 156 in Interior Health and 42 in Northern Health region.
There are now a total of 103 people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, 44 of whom are in critical care – ICU or acute care units — showing a continued decline in hospitalizations.
Sadly, four new deaths were reported today and the death toll is now at 94 in total across the province.
In good news, a total of 1,092 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C.
Outbreaks
There is one new outbreak at a long term care facility located in the Interior Health region and two new outbreaks at acute care units across B.C.
Ten of the outbreaks at long term care facilities that were previously announced have now been declared over due to no new cases being reported within two incubation periods.
There are now a total of 347 cases in long term care, assisted living, or acute care facilities, specifically 217 residents and 130 staff members.
The coronavirus outbreak at the Mission Institute federal correctional facility now has 78 people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Five inmates have been hospitalized.
The outbreak at a Vancouver chicken processing and packaging plant, United Poultry Company, now has 29 employees who tested positive for COVID-19.
There is also a new community outbreak at the Superior Poultry processing plant — a sister plant of the Union Poultry company — that currently has two reported cases of the virus.
According to Dr. Henry, an investigation is ongoing into this community outbreak.
Island Health region
Specific data for the Vancouver Island Health region shows that there are 111 total cases of COVID-19 in the area.
BCCDC data shows that as of April 22nd, 76 people have recovered in the Island Health region and there were three virus-related deaths in total.
Five people with COVID-19 are currently hospitalized and one person is in ICU.
“We’re past that halfway point. We have not had a dramatic increase that accelerated upswing in many other places,” said Dr. Henry.
“Much of that is due to the way that British Columbians have responded together to keep their distance and do the things we need to do to manage things here.”
She reiterated the call for all B.C. residents to continue practicing physical distancing and all other measures required to continue to curb the spread of the virus.
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 2,712,425.
Over 190,100 people have died from the illness and 744,481 have made a full recovery.
Saanich Police have impounded the vehicle of an individual caught driving impaired after a motor vehicle crash.
Officers responded to a potentially serious motor vehicle crash at 4 p.m. on Wednesday April 22nd.
The incident occurred after one vehicle turned left in front of another vehicle at the intersection of Quadra Street and Union Road.
Fortunately there were no injuries as a result of the collision. However attending officers noticed signs of impairment in the driver who turned left and caused the crash.
The driver failed a breathalyzer test, leading police to believe they were impaired by alcohol.
They received an immediate 90-day driving prohibition and their vehicle was impounded
for 30 days. Police also issued a violation ticket to the driver for failing to yield while making a left turn.
The other vehicle had to be towed due to the extensive damage caused by the crash.
“Collisions at intersections have the potential for very serious injuries, which fortunately was not the case here,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades in a statement.
“This driver is now facing significant consequences and will not be driving on our roads for some time now.”
After years of searching for the perfect place, the Victoria Humane Society has now found a permanent fixture to house their animals in need.
In a Facebook post last week, the society announced that they had secured the spot which will allow them to “bring in more animals in need of help, assess their needs before placing in foster care and have a place where volunteers and adopters can meet.”
The organization, which operates entirely through donations, gathered online or through fundraising initiatives, provides shelter and rehabilitation for animals who have been rescued from hoarding situations, or those who come from remote communities with no access to medical care.
Currently, the animals are housed in foster homes while they wait to be adopted and go to their forever homes.
They are currently looking for donations of goods and services to help get their new digs up and running, including the following:
Services needed:
drywall repair
painters
floor layer
locksmith
surveillance camera person to set up security system
computer person to set up office
Goods needed:
paint and primer
counter tops
laminate or vinyl floor and probably subfloor (800 feet?)
2 smart TV’s
computer system
commercial size washer and gas dryer
stackable washer and dryer electric
used comfy leather couches
washable used quilts
10′ x 10′ dog kennels (Costco has good ones)
x-pens
Anyone available to help out with the above is asked to send the Humane Society a message on Facebook, or contact them via their website – and of course, cash donations are always welcome.
The second company to receive approval to provide ride-hailing services on Vancouver Island will soon be the first to start operating in Victoria.
On Wednesday, Lucky To Go became the second company to receive Passenger Transportation Board approval to operate as a ride-hailing service.
According to owner Mandeep Rana, the company plans to start providing the service within the next 14 days once insurance and other logistical requirements are in place.
In addition to the independent driver model followed by companies like Uber and Lyft, Lucky To Go has teamed up with the BC Taxi Association to offer taxi hailing services as well.
Customers who download the app will therefore be able to choose between ordering a ride from an independent driver licensed with the company, and any one of the taxi companies operating in Victoria.
“We have roughly 40 to 45 drivers signed up but we’re also working with the BC Taxi Association because they have endorsed us,” said Rana in a phone interview with Victoria Buzz.
“They believe in our product and they knew that this was something that is inevitable.”
Passengers also have the option of choosing the ‘Nearest Ride’ feature which will send an alert to all drivers in the area irrespective of whether they’re part of a taxi company or independent driver. Whoever accepts this call can then pick up the customer.
According to Rana, the company has designed a competitive fare structure that makes all rides hailed through the Lucky To Go app approximately 25 per cent less expensive than regular taxi service ordered over the phone.
Like Uber and Lyft, payments are made through the app by credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit, and is therefore entirely contactless. Customers can also leave rate their drivers and ride through the app.
Moreover all independent drivers and taxi drivers working through Lucky To Go will be disinfecting their vehicles before and after each ride. All drivers and passengers will also be provided with a non-medical mask to wear for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
People can start downloading the app now, which currently functions as a food and grocery delivery platform.
Once the platform has gone live in Victoria, Rana says the plan is to expand the company into Vancouver and the Okanagan region within next 60 days.
The first ride hailing company to be approved for operation on Vancouver Island was Kabu Ride Inc., a company based in Vancouver.
Kabu received the green light to operate in the CRD and on Vancouver Island on February 7th, 2020 but has not yet begun providing services here.
After first announcing the aid in March, the B.C. provincial government says they will will open applications for a one-time tax-free payment of $1,000 for workers on May 1st.
Most people eligible for the $2,000/month Canada Emergency Response Benefit will also be eligible for this B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers, including those who have run out of employment insurance (EI) benefits and subsequently qualify for the CERB.
Approval for the CERB, even if they have not received a benefit yet,
Age 15 or above,
Filed, or agreed to file, a 2019 B.C. income tax return,
Not be receiving provincial income assistance or disability assistance.
“This benefit is further help for British Columbians who are worried about paying their bills and making ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Carole James, Minister of Finance.
“During these uncertain times, we want to get through this together by helping displaced workers support themselves and their families.”
Those who meet the criteria can begin applying online at www.gov.bc.ca/workerbenefit on May 1st, and on the phone at 778 309-4630 or toll-free within B.C. at 1 855 955-3545 on May 4th.
The phone lines for this benefit will be open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and can also be dialled for general support and inquiries starting May 1st.
This benefit is part of the $5 billion COVID-19 Action Plan to support individuals and businesses that was announced on March 23rd.
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 2,682,745.
Over 187,900 people have died from the illness and 736,405 have made a full recovery.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled an additional $1.1 billion medical and research strategy, saying increased testing and further understanding of COVID-19 is necessary as Canadians continue to fight the pandemic.
In his daily address Thursday morning, Trudeau stated that 20,000 Canadians are currently being tested for the virus daily – but also says this is “not enough”, and more testing needs to be done.
Nearly one third of the National Medical and Research Strategy will go towards expanding national testing and modelling, in an effort to better understand the virus’ transmission and thereby prevent the spread of COVID-19 while a vaccine is being developed.
The Prime Minister said that a vaccine is indeed the long-term solution, but until that is developed, the country looks to slow transmission and start reopening the economy — hence the $350 million going towards more testing and modelling.
There will also be an additional $115 million towards more research on vaccines and treatments, and the largest portion of the funding, $662 million, will be dedicated to clinical trials to test the vaccines and treatments as they are created.
Trudeau has also announced a new COVID-19 immunity task force, which will be comprised of some of Canada’s top doctors, including Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, and Dr. David Naylor, who has advised Liberal and Conservative governments on health and science issues.
The task force will focus on blood testing to track and understand COVID-19, as well as those who may have gained immunity to the virus.
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 2,672,337.
Over 186,900 people have died from the illness and 731,825 have made a full recovery.
If you’re missing Pig’s famed pulled pork sandwiches, you’re in luck – the popular BBQ joint has announced today they’ve opened a ‘side hustle’, where you can buy take and make kits and assemble your very own sandwich at home – baked beans and coleslaw included.
Though Pig won’t be opening a new location, the pulled pork sandwiches are coming of retirement and kits will be available at Red Arrow Brewing in Duncan on Monday, April 27th through pre-order.
They will also be available at Victoria’s Hoyne Brewing in the near future, with the pick-up date to be announced soon.
Pig was a staple of Victoria’s downtown restaurant scene for many years, and was housed in the Atrium from 2010 until 2017, when it closed its doors.
You can check out Pig’s website for ordering and pick up info, but the steps for ordering are simple:
Step 1 (choose a size):
Option 1
Pulled pork + Pig Sauce
4 Brioche Buns
Slaw
Beans
Reheat Instructions
$35 (tax included, feeds 4)
Option 2
Pulled pork + Pig Sauce
2 Brioche Buns
Slaw
Beans
Reheat Instructions
$20 (tax included, feeds 2)
Step 2 (text your order):
Text (250) 893-7675 with the following information:
Name
Size option (1 or 2)
Pick up spot
Date
Step 3 (order confirmation):
About 48 hours before pick up you will receive a text message confirming the order and requesting payment. Please wait until you receive confirmation before paying!
Step 4 (pay):
Upon confirmation you can then send your payment through e-transfer to getpigbbq@gmail.com.
Step 5 (pickup):
Pickup your order (social distancing procedures will be in place).
Step 6 (enjoy):
Take home your sandwich kits and reheat and compile as per the included instructions.
Students at the University of Victoria have expressed anger and frustration after the Parking and Transportation department refused to issue partial refunds for annual parking passes.
An annual parking pass, accessed by thousands of students attending the post secondary institution, buys students one parking spot that can be used from September 1st, 2019 to ends on August 31st 2020.
It costs exactly $568.05 which the university says is a 73 per cent discounted rate amounting to $2.37 per day of parking. General parking on campus without a pass costs $9 per day.
However due to COVID-19 UVic, like all other schools and post secondary institutions in B.C., shut down most on-campus services in mid-March and switched to online courses. As a result, parking on campus is now free, rendering the purchased annual passes invalid and worthless.
When asked for a refund for the value of the pass for the remaining five and a half months of the year — which amounts to approximately $250 — the university’s Parking Services department tells students that because of the discount received at the time of the purchase, no refund will be provided.
“I had a mechanical engineering co-op lined up for the summer to earn enough funding to pay for my final two semesters at UVic,” said 5th year Mechanical Engineering student Aaron Elsser in an emailed statement to Victoria Buzz.
“Unfortunately the internship was cancelled due to the virus and now UVic refusing to refund my parking pass is just rubbing salt into the wounds.”
Elsser has been studying at UVic since 2016 and used savings, parental support and internships to pay for his first three years. Now, he relies on summer jobs, student loans, scholarships, and bursaries to get by.
Refunds have been issued by other institutions
Another UVic student, who has requested to remain anonymous, points out that the discount originally offered by the university no longer holds true if students are not given a refund for the amount of time they cannot use the parking pass for.
“We were only able to use it effectively for 6.5 out of the 12 months that it was purchased for, this would mean that permit holders paid $87 a month rather than the $47 a month originally agreed upon,” they said in an email to Victoria Buzz.
They also shared positive stories of how other universities like Vancouver Island University and the University of British Columbia have treated the issue of parking pass refunds.
VIU has taken specific steps to modify their parking pass refund policy in light of financial strains put on students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students at that institution can request to cancel their parking permits by April 30th. Once cancelled, refunds will be pro-rated based on the number of days remaining on individual permits, retroactive to March 13th.
At both the Vancouver and Okanagan UBC campuses, the parking department is contacting individual permit holders who have prepaid for parking permits to voluntarily issue them a refund or credit.
In stark contrast, UVic parking services is not reaching out to permit holders to let them know about the current policy and that there will be no refunds — students are expected to find out themselves.
“It has already been quite stressful dealing with the transition to online courses in the middle of the semester and UVic has constantly been saying we are all in this together and that they are coming up with ways to financially assist students during this time,” says the student who requested anonymity.
“Reimbursing students (and other permit holders) for a parking service that has been cancelled is an obvious way to assist students financially.”
UVic’s response
When asked about students’ concerns and financial stress being compounded by the lack of this (approximately) $250 refund, a UVic spokesperson reiterated that the annual parking pass being offered at a discounted rate means no portion of the fee will be refunded.
“University staff have followed up personally with any individual who has inquired about the status of parking permits at UVic. We appreciate that people have been patient and understanding as the university works through the many decisions it has to make,” the administration said in an emailed statement to Victoria Buzz.
They also stated that each post-secondary institution has differences in their parking permit structures and policies and makes their own decisions, when told about initiatives taken by VIU and UBC.
The university administration did not directly comment on whether or not the original discount has been honoured, given the circumstances of the parking passes being effectively nullified due to early campus closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an announcement earlier today, Prime Minister Trudeau announced a new $1,250/month grant for post-secondary students in Canada after many expressed concerns about lack of summer jobs that they would otherwise rely on.
Students are by and large not eligible for the $2,000/month CERB or Employment Insurance.
Financial stress has therefore weighed heavy among many students during this pandemic, which is also a factor in the frustration directed at UVic’s parking policies.
“UVic, especially when dealing with parking, has been notoriously greedy at the expense of students in my experience. I am not surprised by the lack of refunds but rather just disappointed and enraged,” added Aaron Elsser.
