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Tonight is all about rapping — whether you’re spitting some classic Kanye at Hip Hop Karaoke or reciting the entirety of the Friends theme song at Darcy’s trivia night.
Whatever your chosen genre, here are five great things to do this Thursday, February 6th.
Hip Hop Karaoke was created for the inner Killer Mike in all of us. Originating from hip hop’s home in NYC, it’s your chance to kick your favourite rhymes, outside of the shower, at a dope venue in a great atmosphere.
PS – There’s no teleprompter — this isn’t your traditional karaoke!
Romance is in the air. Heart-eye emojis are on the mind. The season of cupids, love and heart-shaped candy is here. Phillips Brewery is turning the Tasting Room into a runway with performances from three of the city’s hottest drag artists. This event will have plenty of sweet party vibes, tart performance numbers, and a few tasty surprises.
When: 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Phillips Tasting Room, 2010 Government Street
Darcy’s Pub Westshore & IQ 2000 are pleased to present a Friends Trivia Night! A night to celebrate and test your knowledge of one of our favourite sitcoms Friends. Fans of the iconic 90s show will be tested by multiple rounds of trivia questions. In addition, we will be having an epic costume contest. Dress up as your favourite character from an episode for a chance to win some great prizes!
When: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Darcy’s Pub in Westshore, 737 Goldstream Avenue
Legal observers are volunteers who support the legal rights of individuals participating in direct action, protests and acts of civil disobedience in order to provide independent witness accounts of police behaviours.
On February 6th, Indigenous water protectors and professors and students from UVic’s Law School will teach attendees how to legally observe future protests and actions.
No matter what you’ve studied, there’s an opportunity for you with the Government of Canada. On February 6, come meet representatives from 15+ federal government departments and agencies right here on campus! Learn about job opportunities and see where you can make a difference.
(3900 block of Hammond Bay Road, where RCMP executed their first search warrant/Google Maps)
In an investigation that began in January 2019, federal RCMP officers have revealed the discovery of a clandestine drug lab in a Nanaimo residence.
According to Sgt. Warren Krahenbil, media spokesperson for the federal RCMP Serious and Organized Crime section, authorities executed two search warrants in Nanaimo on Tuesday, February 4th.
The first warrant was executed at a residential property in the 3900-block of Hammond Bay Road with the help of RCMP Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response Team.
There, officers found a “moderately sized” clandestine drug laboratory.
No evacuations were necessary as police ruled out any risk to public safety while executing that warrant. The contents of the laboratory are being tested and the results will be released by next week.
About two hours later, officers executed a second search warrant at another residential property, this time located on Kiara Place.
Sgt. Krahenbil says that officers “found what they were looking for”, but declined to comment further on what that is.
In a phone interview with Victoria Buzz, he also added that three people were arrested in connection with this investigation.
The RCMP Serious and Organized Crime unit and Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response Team are both based in the lower mainland.
Members of both teams travelled to Vancouver Island to execute these warrants and carry out their investigation with the assistance of Nanaimo RCMP. They returned to the mainland on Wednesday.
More information to provide a clearer picture of their investigation and its results is expected to be released by next week.
RCMP have issued a number of safety tips for hitchhikers after a man was hit by a vehicle on the Trans Canada Highway in North Cowichan last week.
Officers responded to a hit-and-run at approximately 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29th at the intersection of Trans Canada Highway and Drinkwater Road in North Cowichan.
The man who was hit was a hitchhiker, and had to be transported to hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
Police are searching for the vehicle involved and its occupants, the driver and one passenger. It is described as a newer silver Chevrolet quad cab truck believed to have had chrome wheels and the word ‘Nanaimo’ on the back window.
While officers continue to search for these individuals and any witnesses, they also discourage travellers from hitchhiking.
However for those who feel hitchhiking is their only option, authorities have issued the following safety advice:
Wear bright or reflective clothing,
Have a cell phone charged and ready to use,
Make sure others are aware of your plans to hitchhike,
Have a backup in case a ride doesn’t materialize, and
Be in a safe place off the road, as it is illegal to solicit a ride while on the part of the road designated for vehicles.
“Our first priority is safety. Hitchhikers and drivers should both consider their surroundings and their safety when making decisions on the roads,” says Cst. Matt Osborne.
“Hitchhikers should wait in a well-lit area with a shoulder or pull-out, and drivers who pick them up need to find a way to do it without endangering others on the roads.”
Any witnesses to the aforementioned incident is asked to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at (250) 748-5522, or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous.
UPDATE: In a press conference held today, February 6th, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed that two Canadian passengers had tested positive for the coronavirus.
The passengers are in hospital now, receiving medical care and consular assistance.
Ten more people have contracted the illness — the number of confirmed cases has risen to 20.
Earlier:
More Canadians abroad have been affected by the coronavirus.
Last week, the Canadian government announced they would help citizens in China with children who were affected by the quarantines due to the threat of coronavirus.
And now, 251 Canadians have been quarantined on a cruise ship after 10 passengers tested positive for coronavirus.
Ten passengers on the Diamond Princess, a ship run by Princess Cruises, have tested positive for coronavirus by the Japanese Ministry of Health.
Due to the illness, the passengers — 2,666 guests and 1,045 crew members — are in a state of quarantine for at least two weeks. Approximately 250 of the guests are Canadian; another 400 are American; and around half the passengers are Japanese, Princess Cruises says.
Of the 10 infected passengers, none were Canadian — two are from Australia, three are from Japan, three are from Hong Kong, one is from the U.S., and the last is from the Philippines.
All 10 of them will be taken off the boat and transported to local hospitals for care by Japanese medical professionals.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean the rest of the passengers will get to leave.
“It has been confirmed that the ship will remain under quarantine in Yokohama,” said Princess Cruises in a statement. “The length of the quarantine will be at least 14 days as required by the Ministry of Health.”
Guests onboard the cruise ship will continue to have access to complimentary internet and phone services, in order to help them keep in touch with family members and loved ones.
“The ship’s crew is working to keep all guests comfortable,” Princess Cruises said.
Japanese and Canadian government involved
Two more cruises from Yokohama have also been cancelled.
“Princess Cruises will continue to fully cooperate with and follow the instructions of global medical authorities and the Japanese government,” their statement read.
In a press conference earlier today, Global Affairs Canada Minister François-Phillipe Champagne said his department had reached out to Canadians on board and offered consular assistance.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to Princess Cruises for more information but did not hear back before publication.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this quarantine, please feel free to reach out to Victoria Buzz at tips@victoriabuzz.com.
The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) has issued their ruling on a major 2019 crash in Victoria.
The IIO has been investigating an August 24th, 2019 crash at Bay and Douglas for the past few months.
On February 5th, 2020, the agency released a report clearing Victoria Police of any wrongdoing after an officer decided not to pursue a pick-up truck which had sped away from an attempted traffic stop.
Just minutes later, that same pick-up truck ran a red light and t-boned a car, nearly killing the unsuspecting driver.
The IIO were investigating to see if police should have stopped the man before the crash occurred, thus preventing the near-deadly collision.
Surveillance camera captures dramatic crash in downtown Victoria early Saturday morningThe crash involved four vehicles and a cyclist at the intersection of Bay and Douglas Street. A white truck can be seen blasting through a red light a a high-rate or speed. The video shows one car flip three times and land upside down – the cyclist manages to stop amidst the chaos and is seen running from the debris. Another cyclist can also be seen just crossing the intersection.The driver of the truck can be seen fleeing the scene and was caught a short distance away. There is no update on injuries, but we are being told everyone was alert and conscious before being transported to the hospital. The intersection has since reopened. More to come. Video courtesy of Ryan Burghardt
Posted by Victoria Buzz on Saturday, August 24, 2019
They consulted video footage of the incident, collected eye-witness statements, and accessed police records. After that, the police watchdog determined that the accident was in no way caused by Victoria Police’s actions.
“The evidence collected makes it clear that Officer 1 did no more than attempt a Motor Vehicle Act traffic stop, and made the appropriate decision not to pursue when the pick-up truck fled at high speed,” the report reads.
“What happened after that was the direct result of the actions of the pick-up’s driver.”
The Victoria Film Festival is fast approaching, with its opening night just two days away on Friday, February 7th!
As always, the film festival offers a broad mix of local gems and international hits, with all sorts of documentaries and short films in between. This year’s showings are even more varied and interesting than before, and it can be hard to narrow down what to watch.
With that in mind, here are Victoria Buzz’s five picks for the festival — we’re sure you’ll enjoy them.
One of the year’s most tender and touching films, France’s Portrait of A Lady on Fire follows a young, soon-to-be-married woman and the female painter commissioned to paint her. But the two women become entwined in a heart-breakingly hypnotic film that is as mesmerizing as the embers in the heart of a bonfire.
This is the film of 2019 to watch, and both showings will surely be sold out. Get your tickets early!
When:
Wednesday, February 12th, at 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 16th, at 12:15 p.m.
Where:
(Wednesday’s showing) Dave Dunnet Theatre, Oak Bay High School, 2121 Cadboro Bay Road
Built in the veins of This is Spinal Tap! and Best In Show, this mockumentary is as hilarious as it is local — that is to say, very!
After the sudden death of the Executive Director, Desmond Baggs must become the new film director for The Victoria Festival of Cinematic Arts (sound familiar?) and lead his festival through squabbling staff and saboteurs from all directions.
It’s the perfect premise for any film festival goer, and the fact that it’s locally made makes it twice as much fun to watch! Plus, stick around for an appearance and Q&A with director Bryan Skinner!
As magical and charming as any Studio Ghibli film, Okko’s Inn follows a small girl who moves in with her grandmother after both parents die. But then Okko discovers there are more guests in the inn — ghostly guests only she can see. The film is heartfelt,beautifully animated, and can be enjoyed by anybody.
What’s more, this film is showing as part of the festival’s Jammies and Toons event at the Vic Theatre. Head down there on February 16th in your pyjamas and get free coffee and cereal as well! It’s the perfect Saturday morning festival event.
Sure, you can watch all the David Fincher and Darren Aronofsky movies you want, but after awhile it’s easy to just feel saddened by it all.
That’s what makes Bellbird such captivating fare. After New Zealand farmer Beth dies, her husband and son, Ross and Bruce, have to deal with their loss by talking to each other and their community — and, no, not just the cows.
Heart-warming, comfy, and with all the charm of a Kiwi accent, this is the feel-good film of the festival.
When:
Tuesday, February 11th, at 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 16th, at 5:30 p.m.
Where:
(Tuesday’s showing) The Odeon, 780 Yates Street
(Sunday’s showing) The Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street
Canadian films are well-known for dealing with loss, grief, and adulthood, and writer/director Melanie Oates’ debut film Body & Bones follows in that tradition with style and sensitivity.
Set in Newfoundland, the film follows teenager Tess as she longs for her favourite musician Danny Sharpe, who then turns up in the teen’s kitchen one fateful morning. A story of loss, love, and heartbreak, this is a great chance to see and meet one of Canada’s finest up-and-coming directors. Oates herself will also be hosting a Q&A at this showing.
It seemed as though no matter what happened on Vancouver Island, Victorians could always rely on being named the most romantic city in Canada. But as of February 5th, 2020, we have been dethroned.
In their most recent rankings, Amazon Canada has named Fort McMurray, AB, as Canada’s Most Romantic City. In second and third place are Toronto, ON, and Yellowknife, NWT, respectively.
Victoria? All the way down in tenth place. Now that is heartbreaking.
It’s not even the most romantic city from the province — Kelowna, in ninth, beats us there.
We are, however, the highest-ranked Vancouver Island city, coming above 17th-placed Campbell River.
Amazon Canada looks at per capita sales data to formulate their list, analyzing the purchases of romance novels, romantic comedies, relationship books, jewellery, and sexual wellness products.
Unfortunately, it seems as though Victorians just weren’t in the mood this year, and we didn’t stack up so well.
The list is majorly transformed from last year, with 14 new participants included. Toronto, in second place, is the highest-ranked new addition.
BC and Alberta are still the most romantic provinces, with 12 out of the 20 cities on the list belonging to the west of Canada.
We’re not sure how Victorians will respond to the slight of being bumped down to tenth place, but it may mean buying thousands more romantic novels, pieces of jewellery, and sexual wellness products.
Oh well.
Full Rankings
Here is the full list, for your viewing pleasure (or outrage).
A Victoria Taxi driver was arrested and charged with assault after an incident near Tillicum shopping centre on Tuesday afternoon.
David James Taylor says he was leaving the Save-On-Foods grocery store at the mall at around 4 p.m. on Tuesday February 4th when a green Victoria Taxi vehicle sped past him through a Stop sign, barely avoiding hitting the pedestrian.
Taylor says he then turned around and pointed at the Stop sign as a signal to the driver.
According to him, the taxi driver then allegedly got out of his vehicle, walked over to Taylor, picked him up and threw him on the ground, causing a concussion and bruised ribs. The driver then got back in his vehicle and proceeded to drive away.
After this incident, Taylor quickly called 911 and took a photo of the cab. The vehicle was located by Saanich Police shortly afterwards.
“The driver had pulled over and began saying extremely horrible things about me being First Nation,” says Taylor, who works in the Indigenous Education Department at the Greater Victoria School District.
“Once Saanich Police arrived I gave my statement and was lucky enough to have had an either off duty or retired policeman who witnessed the whole incident.”
Taylor alleges the taxi driver lied to police in a statement, telling the cops that Taylor was “homeless” and pestering him for money.
“This is not at all what happened,” Taylor said.
According to Taylor, his view was corroborated by the retired/off duty police officer who witnessed the entire incident.
Saanich Police have confirmed that the cab driver was arrested, charged with assault, and released later on Tuesday on a Promise to Appear in court.
Meanwhile Taylor was transported to hospital in an ambulance to be treated for his injuries.
“There is no information to suggest this incident was racially motivated, but the investigation is ongoing,” says Cst. Anastasiades of Saanich Police.
A spokesperson for Victoria Taxi told Victoria Buzz that management has spoken to the driver in question but will withhold comment until they have spoken to police themselves.
“The investigation is on-going and any witnesses that may have seen the incident are
encouraged to contact the Saanich Police,” said Cst. Anastasiades.
The annual Vancouver Island Polar Plunge is almost back!
Officers from multiple police departments and other law enforcement agencies will be heading over to Willows Beach in Oak Bay and taking the icy dip at 11 a.m. on February 16th.
The objective? To raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics BC’s year-round health, youth, and sports programs for people with intellectual disabilities.
“VicPD officers are excited to be part of the Polar Plunge again this year,” says Victoria Police Department Chief Constable and BC LETR Executive Council member Del Manak.
“We’re looking forward to braving the cold waters in support of Special Olympics BC and the tremendous work they do in enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing them with opportunities to celebrate personal achievements through positive sport experiences.”
Victoria Police will be joined by members of Central Saanich Police Service, Oak Bay Police Department, RCMP, Saanich Police Department, B.C. Sheriff Services, Canada Border Services Agency, and The 5th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment.
The law enforcement officials will be plunging alongside Special Olympics athletes, corporate teams, and anyone else who wants to join – individuals and teams can sign up at www.plunge4specialolympics.com.
Last year’s Polar Plunge raised over $30,000 for Special Olympics BC.
These funds go towards supporting the organization’s high-quality programs and competitions for more than 5,200 athletes in 55 communities around the province.
Those who don’t quite want to traverse into icy waters but still wish to help can volunteer by sending contact details to mishida@specialolympics.bc.ca or make a donation to the Polar Plunge.
It’s very easy to be bad at playing acoustic guitar, and very hard to be good. Thankfully, you can head to tomorrow’s masterclass with Raphaël Feuillâtre and expedite the process!
Between that masterclass and the other amazing events happening today, February 5th, there are lots of ways to get over hump day and head to the weekend in style!
The Victoria Guitar Society is excited to present an open masterclass with young virtuoso Raphaël Feuillâtre, visiting from Paris, at the UVic School of Music’s MacLaurin, Room B120. This class is free to participate in with limited spots, and free to audit.
When: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: MacLaurin Building, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road
Drummer Kelby MacNayr’s All-Star Quartet is dedicated to celebrating old-school Groove, Soul & jazz. This week, the band features Cuban trumpet great Miguelito Valdes, pianist Tony Genge, bassist Peter Dowse, and drummer Kelby MacNayr!
Featuring music inspired by the soulful and swinging Eddie Harris, Cannonball Adderley, Les McCann and MORE!
Welcome to the first step of your next grand adventure. The Hunt will take place starting on February 1st and end on February 29th, 2020, and the breakdown of quests, clues, and bonus encounters will be sent out on the morning of February 1st, 2020. The Hunt may only take you a few days or you can spread the journey out over a couple of weeks.
And, of course, there will be a Grand Prize and prizes for second and third place based off points earned and locations found!
February’s Open Mic Night is just around the corner!. Head to Darcy’s Pub’s Westshore location on the first Wednesday of every month for this eclectic night of live acoustic music by local musicians. This is a singer-songwriter, stripped down, acoustic setting – just the musician and their guitar on the Darcy’s stage, showcasing their talent!
When: Sign-up at 6:30 p.m., show from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
On February 5th, members of the University of Victoria Sustainability Project are going to be meeting up to create some art to produce a zine! Join them and help to collage! If you want to have any other work featured in the zine; photos, poems, short writing pieces or recipes, they can facilitate that as well!
When: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Room B028, Student Union Building, UVic, 3800 Finnerty Road
(Russell Farm Market in Chemainus/Screencap from video by James Heatley Hanna)
Has your home, farm, or business been affected by flooding over the weekend?
Emergency Management BC is now accepting applications for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) from British Columbians affected by the floods that started after heavy rainfall on January 31st.
Applicants who live or own property in the following areas may be eligible for disaster aid:
Capital Regional District
Cowichan Valley Regional District
Regional District of Nanaimo
Greater Vancouver Regional District
Fraser Valley Regional District
Squamish Lillooet Regional District
Sunshine Coast Regional District
“All First Nations communities, electoral areas and municipalities within the geographic boundaries of these regional districts are eligible to apply for assistance,” reads a statement from Emergency Management BC.
“DFA is available to homeowners, residential tenants, small business owners, farmers, charitable organizations and local government bodies who were unable to obtain insurance to cover these disaster-related losses.”
Financial assistance will be provided for each accepted claim at 80% of the amount of total eligible damage that exceeds $1,000, up to a maximum claim of $300,000.
The loss of seasonal properties like hot tubs, patios, pools, garden tools, landscaping, luxury items like jewelry, and recreational items like bicycles are not eligible for compensation.
Those who apply under the category of small business owner or farm owner must demonstrate that their businesses and farms are their primary source of income.
Police believe they have recovered the body of the third man who went missing on January 31st.
After days of searching, RCMP and search and rescue teams have found the body of AJ Jensen who was reported missing along with his friends Cory Mills and Eric Blackmore.
The three men, all in their 20s, set off towards Sooke River on the evening of Friday, January 31st. On Sunday afternoon, two of them – Mills and Blackmore – were found dead by Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue teams.
The three were travelling together in a blue Dodge Dakota which was found submerged in the Sooke River near the 3000 block of Sooke River Road early Sunday afternoon.
“Our thoughts are with the families of all three of the victims and all those who have been and are impacted by this terribly tragic event,” said S/Sgt. Brett Sinden in a statement.
“We would like to thank all the volunteers who have assisted in the search over the course of the last few days.”
BC Coroners Service is now investigating how, where, when, and by what means the three young men came to their deaths.
Police say there is no reason to suspect foul play in their deaths.
Family friends have launched a GoFundMe account to assist with the costs to come for the families of the three men.
They aim to raise $30,000 and, as of the time of publication, have collected approximately $16,100.
A group of Michael Guzetas’ friends have rallied together to spare no expense in their search effort after he went missing on January 31st.
The 51-year-old Courtenay man was last seen leaving his residence at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Friday and is believed to have been travelling in his red Ford Ranger with the BC licence plate HX4109.
After days of no word from Guzetas, affectionately called ‘Gaz’ by his friends, his friend Sue Biely set up a GoFundMe with the goal of raising money to hire a helicopter to aid in their search.
“Michael, or ‘Gaz’, often goes into natural areas and may have headed to the back roads around [Courtenay], Comox Lake, or Strathcona Park,” writes Biely.
“Due to the lack of specifics on where he could be, the goal is to find his truck so a search and rescue area can be designated.”
(Guzetas’ truck/Photo by Comox Valley RCMP)
According to the post, it costs $1,800 to hire the helicopter for an hour and an additional $350 per hour for fuel.
As of the time of publication, the fundraiser – which initially aimed to raise $15,000 – has garnered a whopping $33,650.
An update posted on Monday states that search teams scoured areas of interest in and around Comox Valley and the Buttle Lake area of Strathcona park, and along the coast from the Nanaimo ferry terminal to Courtenay.
The helicopter search, equipped with a pilot, expert navigator, and a go-pro with a 4K camera, has been ongoing since Sunday but to no avail.
“Michael knew the back roads and logging roads of this province intimately so he could be anywhere. The biggest clue we are looking for is his truck,” writes Biely.
There has been no word on sightings of Guzetas yet as search and rescue teams continue to scour the wilderness.
His friends continue their appeal for donations, as more funds means they can keep the helicopter in the air for longer, as well as have enough money to provide food for volunteers.
“Gaz is a beautiful teddy bear of a man who has been a generous friend and fan of many his whole life. We need to find that fella!”
Anyone who sees Guzetas or knows where he is should contact Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321.
If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Comox Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca.
Comox Valley RCMP are seeking public assistance in their search for missing Chelsea Poirier.
The 27-year-old Courtenay woman was last seen at her residence at around 3 p.m. on January 29th.
Poirier is described as a Caucasian woman standing approximately 4’9″ tall, weighing around 90 lbs, and has brown hair and blue eyes.
Police say she may be wearing a light coloured rain jacket and carrying a black purse.
Anyone who knows where she is or sees her is asked to contact Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Comox Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or make a report online at comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca.
In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed BC’s second coronavirus case.
While officials are waiting for the official test results from the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg, the case is expected to be confirmed.
At the press conference, Dr. Henry confirmed that the patient is in the Coastal Health Region of BC. The first case was also in the same region.
Henry told reporters that the second patient, a woman, had family visiting from Hubei province in China. Hubei province houses Wuhan, where the virus started.
The woman is in isolation at home and her family members are still in Canada, Henry said.
With three confirmed cases in Ontario and now two in BC, there are five confirmed cases in Canada.
BC’s first case was confirmed on January 27th. Speaking in a press conference at the time, Dr. Henry said the province expected more cases in the coming days.
“I would be absolutely surprised if we did not have more cases,” Dr. Henry had said on January 28th.
In Tuesday’s statement, she stressed that the risk faced by British Columbians is still “extremely low,” but that the province will keep the public informed about future diagnoses.
“You will hear from us if people have this disease and have been diagnosed with it here. We are doing everything we can to protect people in British Columbia.”
Conservative MP Arnold Viersen (Jeff Jedras/Twitter)
A Conservative MP from Alberta apologized to Victoria MP Laurel Collins in the House of Commons today after an inappropriate remark he made sparked backlash online.
Arnold Viersen, a Conservative MP from Peace River-Westlock in Alberta, made the comment during a debate about a man who was found guilty of killing a sex worker.
The man, a 51-year-old from Quebec, was charged with second-degree murder last week after killing Marylene Levesque, a sex worker, in a hotel room. The man was on day parole at the time, but was explicitly allowed to visit sex workers.
In the House of Commons, Conservatives have hammered the government about the federal parole system, while advocates of sex workers have been questioning the criminalization of the work.
“I would ask the honourable member to consider listening to the voices of sex workers,” said Collins, who has represented the riding of Victoria since her bi-election victory in October 2019.
“Sex workers are saying that sex work is work,” Collins said, raising the Harper government’s decision to criminalize the purchase of sex work.
“[I ask the member] if he acknowledges that this is a factor in this death and many others.”
Viersen’s reply was a personal one.
“I would just respond to that by asking the honourable member across the way if it’s an area of work that she has ever considered and if that is an appropriate –” Viersen said.
He was then cut off by shouts of “Shame on you” from the House of Commons.
Viersen later apologized
Viersen initially defended his remarks, before apologizing 20 minutes later:
“Mr. Speaker, I’d like to apologize unreservedly for my comments towards the member from Victoria,” Viersen said. He also tweeted an apology.
Earlier today, I stood in the House of Commons to apologize unreservedly to @Laurel_BC for my comments during the debate on our Opposition Day motion.
Condemnation from social media was quick, with many calling for Viersen’s resignation.
Laurel Collins responded on Twitter a few hours after the incident, saying Viersen owed many more people an apology.
I’m glad @ArnoldViersen apologized to me, but I invite him to extend his apology to all women,” Collins wrote.
“Denigrating sex work & criminalizing the very things that would keep sex workers safe contribute to increased violence.”
I’m glad @ArnoldViersen apologized to me, but I invite him to extend his apology to all women. Denigrating sex work & criminalizing the very things that would keep sex workers safe contribute to increased violence. #SexWorkIsWorkhttps://t.co/rTMExXdoy4
When you think pool in Victoria, one of the first places to come to mind is Peacock Billiards. With 24 tables, this place has the largest capacity by far.
Their rates depend on the group size and time of day, and you can also enjoy foosball, ping pong, or pinball if all 24 pool tables are busy.
The Games Room at the Sticky Wicket is a great downtown haunt with 2 tables that will set you back $2/game. If the tables are busy, enjoy a round of darts while you wait.
As our journey takes out further away from downtown Victoria, we arrive in James Bay at the James Bay Inn. The single table here will set you back just $1.50 a game.
Logan’s Pub, closer to the Fernwood neighbourhood, also has one pool table that costs $1.50 a game. This is a great place to catch a live show and support some local musicians while you play.
Looking for a more casual place with a fine selection of craft beer on tap? Being that Spinnakers is Victoria’s first Brew Pub it has to have a pool table, or two. The best part? They are both free.
This place isn’t just all about the laughs – they also love games. They have one pool table that will cost you $1 a game, except on Sundays when pool is free.
To top it all off they also have darts, bubble hockey, and foosball to name a few other games. Hecklers also offers retro games nights in the summers where you can play Nintendo on Fridays or during special events.
As we move away from the downtown core, the schools of people swarming the pool tables diminish. That means one thing: shorter wait times at places like Shark Club where you can play on their one pool table for just $1.50 or for free on Sundays.
V Lounge at the Red Lion has two tables and both are completely free. That also have darts for you to pass the time while waiting for one to become available.
If you are heading out towards the airport or the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, you can’t miss the chance to visit the Waddling Dog Pub. This place has two pool tables, and they are both free to use.
If you find yourself in Langford and searching for a pub with a pool table, check out the Metropolitan Bar & Grill. You will find a quality pool table here that will set you back $1.25 a game.
Where: 829 McCallum Road
Hours: Everyday, 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
17 Mile House may be a little far outside of Victoria but for those who like to get out of the city on their days off, this pub is a great spot to stop for a game of pool.
Besides their reputable service, their one pool table is entirely free to play!
This is our bonus pub. If you want to explore the rugged coast of the southern island, you will probably end up in Port Renfrew, and if you end up there you have to visit the Renfrew Pub.
There is a pool table here for you to enjoy for just $1.
(Tarun Fizer plays against the Kamloops Blazers in a past season)
Victoria Royals coverage presented by:
Calling all hockey AND video game lovers..
That’s right, two of arguably the greatest pass times ever have come together to form the Victoria Royals’ inaugural Tech Night – an evening full of fun, free beer and tons of sweet giveaways.
Happening this Saturday, February 8th, you can enter Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre early to watch (or take part in!) a live Super Smash Bros. Ultimate & Melee Tournament hosted by Esports Victoria and members of the Victoria Smash Club.
Doors open at 4 p.m., the tournament will start at 5:00 p.m. at Gate 1, and will wrap-up in the second intermission with the final match aired right on the jumbotron!
If you’re looking to test your Super Mario skills and be a part of the tournament, you can register online on the Victoria Smash Club’s Facebook page – and if you’d just like to watch it all go down, spectator entry is valid with purchase of your February 8th game ticket.
If you get the crowning glory of winning the tournament, you’ll will receive a pair of Vessi shoes (valued at $135) and a $50 gift card to the Strathcona Hotel.
It gets better
All fans attending that night will also have opportunities to win a Lenovo Chromebook C330 computer valued at $400 from Regroove, and a signed Bo Horvat Vancouver Canucks 50th Anniversary jersey courtesy of Rogers.
Also – free beer! Molson Coors will be giving away a limited amount of free full-sized Coors Original samples, with stations located around the arena concourse. Fans are limited to one full-sized sample per person and must be 19 years of age or older with a valid government issued ID, and you’ll have to grab them before the first period ends!
In celebration of Tech Night, the Royals have also announced two new mini-ticket packs available for purchase.
The Super Smash Pack starts at only $45 and includes tickets to Tech Night, Skate with the Players on March 1stand a pair of Royals’ brandedwireless headphones.
The three special event games included in the Stretch Run Pack are Saturday’s Tech Night, Skate with the Players on March 1st and WHL Suits Up game on March 13th. The Stretch Run Pack also includes a collectible Kaid Oliver bobblehead – and starts at only $55.50!
The limited edition game packs and single game tickets for the first ever Tech Night are available online and at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre Box Office.
The Royals will be facing off against division rivals the Kamloops Blazers in back to back contests on both Friday, February 7th for Eco Night and Saturday, February 8th for Tech Night.
A recently released report details how often Victoria and Nanaimo residents get ticketed at hospitals and nursing home parking lots.
Hospital Pay Parking (HPP), a local advocacy group, issued a press release on Tuesday, February 4th, based on FOI reports from Island Health between the dates of April 1st, 2018, and March 31st, 2019.
In that time, Robbins Parking, the company in charge of Island Health parking, issued 13,105 tickets to people visiting hospitals and nursing homes in Victoria.
According to these FOI documents, the cost of those parking tickets was a total of $327,625. Each ticket costs $25.
The company only received 28% of that money — $92,248 — due to discounted and waived tickets.
In the FOI, Island Health said they had waived 3,451 tickets.
Island Health also included information for staff parking violations, which make up the vast majority of the parking tickets. According to them, 8,843 of the 13,105 tickets (or 67%) were from staff.
Robbins towed 13 staff vehicles over the course of the year, as opposed to no public vehicles.
As of the time the FOI was filed, over 4,994 parking tickets were outstanding.
Pay parking is discriminatory, advocacy group says
“Pay parking is a user fee that discriminates,” says Hospital Pay Parking on their website, where they released the results of their report.
“We think the current welcome message at BC hospitals of, ‘Hi, I’m the pay parking machine and I am your first priority at this hospital’ … should change to one that welcomes people with empathetic compassion.”
In an email to Victoria Buzz, Island Health said they are committed to supporting patients who arrive at their sites for care and reiterated that the 13 cars towed belonged to staff.
“The revenue stream from pay parking covers the cost of parking infrastructure, maintenance, lighting, painting, security, and snow removal,” Island Health said.
“For patients and visitors, Island Health provides a variety of pay options for different types of hospital visits, including short term and extended stay rates, and financial hardship subsidies.”
RCMP and Search and Rescue are continuing their search for the third missing Sooke man after his two companions were found deceased on Sunday.
The three men, all in their 20s, set off towards Sooke River on the evening of Friday, January 31st. On Sunday afternoon, two of them were found dead by Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue teams.
Family have identified the deceased as Cory Mills and Eric Blackmore. The third member of the party, AJ Jensen, remains missing.
The three were travelling together in a blue Dodge Dakota which was located in the Sooke River near the 3000 block of Sooke River Road early Sunday afternoon.
RCMP found the bodies of Mills and Blackmore shortly afterwards.
On Monday, authorities deployed an under water recovery team to search for Jensen but to no avail.
“BC Coroners Service is in the early stages of its fact-finding investigation to determine how, where, when and by what means two males in their early 20s came to their unexpected deaths,” said Andy Watson, spokesperson for the BC Coroners Service, in an email to Victoria Buzz on Monday.
Police say there is no reason to suspect foul play in their deaths at this time.
Family friends have launched a GoFundMe account to assist with the costs to come for the families of the three men.
They aim to raise $30,000 and, as of the time of publication, have collected approximately $14,800.
Victoria Police are looking for two suspects after an armed robbery took place on the evening of Saturday, February 1st.
The two men allegedly robbed a store in the 100-block of Gorge Road East after 9 p.m. on Saturday, February 1st. During the theft, one of the men reportedly produced a hand gun.
The suspects are both muscular Caucasian men between the age of 25 and 35. Police say one is six feet tall, and the other is even taller.
Both suspects fled the store before police arrived.
While no one was harmed during the robbery itself, a police officer and two civilians were injured afterwards while responding to a report related to the robbery.
The officer had their lights and siren on when their cruiser hit a civilian car with two people inside.
An eye-witness told Victoria Buzz that the cruiser did not slow down before proceeding through the intersection, which emergency vehicles are required to do. Because of this, the witness said, a collision ensued.
All three were transported to the hospital, treated, and released. The officer has not returned to work as of today.
Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the two robbery suspects. During the robbery, both men were wearing black hooded sweatshirts. One covered his face with a red bandana, while another covered his face with a black bandana.
Anyone with information about this armed robbery should call Victoria Police’s non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Colonial-drawn borders rarely depicted, or necessarily cared for, lived realities on the ground, and they have thus been responsible for many disputes and conflicts over the last century.
But as UVic’s Dr. Martin Bunton explains in this talk, the border drawn by British officials to divide Sudan from Egypt has given rise to a rather unique set of stories — including that of “Bir Tawil,” the last unclaimed sliver of land on earth. As one journalist who recently visited concluded, “there is nothing else quite like it on the planet.”
On Tuesday, February 4th, musician, producer, and spoken word artist Curtis Running Rabbit-Lefthand is coming to Open Space to perform a solo set. He will perform new improvisational work in response to the gallery exhibition When Raven Became Spider.
Reminisce 1928 with a night of live swing jazz, classic cocktails, and swing dancing. Speakeasy has two great bands alternating every Tuesday night: The Capital City Syncopators / The Flying Saucers. There will be a beginner dance lesson at 8PM with the live jazz set starting at 8:30 p.m. At the band break, you can stay entertained with a feature performer.
When: 7:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Where: The Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street
Canada’s senior population is growing and it’s important that our community is inclusive and age-friendly so that seniors can lead healthy and active lives, and stay involved.
Join the City of Victoria for their Town Hall at City Hall and help shape their Seniors Action Plan. The focus of this town hall is aligned with the work of the City’s Seniors Task Force, who will share their draft recommendations for a Seniors Action Plan at a series of upcoming open houses for public feedback.
Dance Victoria presents the world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company for one night only! Playful and entertaining, this skewed view of traditional ballet is a perfect, polished parody of the highest order. The TROCKS’ inspired blend of their loving knowledge of dance, their humorous approach, and the astounding fact that men can, indeed, dance en pointe without falling flat on their faces, has made them loved around the globe.
UPDATE: Kate-Lynn Tooshley has been located safely as of 9:45 p.m. on Monday night.
Earlier: Victoria Police are seeking public assistance in their search for missing Kate-Lynn Tooshley.
The 16-year-old girl was reported missing on January 31st and her family is concerned for her well being.
Tooshley resides in Duncan but police have reason to believe she may be in the Victoria area.
She is described as an Indigenous girl standing 5’5″ tall, weighing about 120 lbs and has shoulder-length dark hair.
Anyone who sees her is asked to call 911.
If you have information about where she may be, contact VicPD at (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
(A&W guy spotted filming at fake pop-up cafe on Government Street)
If you spotted boom mics, film crews, and a celebrity of sorts on Sunday, you weren’t alone.
An orange and white cafe popped up right next to Trounce Alley on Government Street, an orange over the weekend, prompting many passersby to stop and observe the scene.
As it turns out, the cafe was a prop used during a commercial starring A&W guy, Allen Lulu, who was also seen in the area accompanied by a film crew.
Several onlookers got a chance to be interviewed for the commercial, while others tasted the chain’s new organic coffee.
This is not the first time the A&W crew has chosen Victoria as the backdrop for their commercials.
They created quite the buzz in 2017 during a three-day shoot at the University of Victoria, the Inner Harbour, and Clover Point.
This year’s commercial is expected to air on television next month.
An individual trying to rent property in Oak Bay was scammed out of $2,250 last week.
According to Oak Bay Police, the victim corresponded with someone online who claimed to own a home in the 2000-block of Goldsmith Street but said they lived abroad in Spain.
They instructed the victim to wire the money as a deposit in exchange for the promise of a key that was supposed to be mailed to them but never arrived.
The individual then visited the property themselves only to find residents who let them know that the house was not for up rent and that the homeowners lived on the main floor.
In the wake of this incident, Oak Bay Police have issued a reminder of the three common types of rental scams seen in the area:
Obtain up-front money by collecting a deposit or the first month’s rent
Get people to buy online directories of homes supposedly for rent
Trick victims into signing up for credit monitoring
They have also issued the following fraud indicators to watch out for when considering renting a property:
The owner is out of town, and you cannot see the unit in person before sending money.
There is a “for sale” sign in the yard.
The alleged owner or property manager wants money through Western Union, MoneyGram, or a gift card. No legitimate business gets paid this way.
The rent advertised is well below market rates.
Police also advise prospective renters to first conduct an internet search on the property they are interested in by doing a reverse image search on Google or tineye.com to check for multiple listings.
It is also possible to cross check for multiple listings by Googling an interesting phrase in the property description, or search for the address of the unit.
If seeing the unit in person, make sure to check the ID of the individual showing the place to make sure you are dealing with the property owner or manager.
Saanich fire crews are working to rescue a man who injured his knee while hiking at Mount Douglas Park.
At approximately 11 a.m. on Monday, first responders began working on extricating the man, who is in his 50s, from the mountain.
“We’re moving him to the top of the mountain as opposed to lowering him down because it is easier and safer,” Saanich Fire Assistant Deputy Chief Rob Heppell tells Victoria Buzz.
“We use safety lines and haul lines to use as a low slope rescue technique.”
Several fire trucks were spotted parked atop the mountain to aid in the rescue as Assistant Deputy Cheif Heppell points out, it takes a lot of man power to move a person who is not ambulatory.
As of the time of publication, an ambulance unit is poised to assess the injured man and transport him to a hospital.
The accident could be attributed to icy conditions resulting from the cold snap in the city last night.
Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for parts of Vancouver Island that could see anywhere between 5 and 20 cm of snow on Tuesday.
The advisory is in effect for eastern Vancouver Island from Courtenay to Campbell River, Duncan to Nanaimo, and Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay, and inland Vancouver Island.
“A front will track down the BC coast beginning Tuesday morning and combine with a cool airmass to produce snow across the lowlands,” says the weather authority.
“The air will be cool, but not truly Arctic, so snowfall amounts will vary with proximity to the water, elevation and intensity of precipitation.”
Get those snow shovels out again – SNOW🌨️ is coming to the south coast tomorrow! 5-20 cm of heavy, wet snow is expected to fall as a system approaches from the northwest.
— ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) February 3, 2020
Snow is expected to persist the longest in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley, but warmer air will arrive on Vancouver Island by Tuesday afternoon, causing the snow to turn into rain.
No weather advisory is in effect for Greater Victoria, which is expected to see periods of mixed rain and snow on Tuesday morning.
Data taken from Victoria Gonzales Point weather station show that the mix of snow and rain will transition in to rain by the evening, with winds picking up by early afternoon.
In the wake of Victoria’s recent Snowmaggaden, we’re looking forward to Spring flowers and (hopefully) brighter days ahead. This time of year also means one of the city’s most well-known and loved events is on the horizon – and it’s looking like the best one yet!
Be a Local Tourist is kicking off this month, with the event running from February 27th to March 2nd – sure to start your Spring off with a bang!
This popular event has been around for a long time, and for good reason. From discounts for locals at Victoria’s finest attractions, to an extensive list of free offers, now is a better time than ever to take advantage of all of the perks of being a tourist – without breaking the bank!
Even better, with wristbands only costing $16 for 5 days jam-packed full of discounted fun, you can try all of the things you’ve always wanted to – at a price you can’t say no to.
Also, if you register your wristband online, you could be entered to win their awesome contest with prizes like hotel stays, whale watching and more!
Without further ado, here are 7 reasons why Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown should be on your to-do list this year:
1. Free! How can you beat free?
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7B_X5HJNz9/
The list of free attractions this event is offering is impressive, and if you’ve been on the fence, now is a better time than ever to dive right in! If you purchase a Be a Tourist wristband, you won’t have to spend any more than that with all of the free offers it includes!
Free cider-tasting at Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse, free admission to popular attractions like The Butchart Gardens and Butterfly Gardens, as well free tours of the Legislative Assembly of BC are just to name a few.
2. Speaking of wristbands..
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7O3OYLpWsm/
The Be a Tourist wristband is your all-access pass that provides you with many free or discounted offers around the city for a great deal of attractions.
Wristbands are only $16 and available for purchase at all 7 Save On Foods locations as well as online. Also, with every wristband purchased, you’re contributing a $1 to the Victoria Hospital Foundation – as if you need another reason to grab yours today.
3. You can rediscover the city you know and love
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7jdoE2JiZF/
Have you lived in Victoria for quite some time, yet have never had the chance to experience all of the things our city is infamous for?
Now’s your chance! With heavily discounted and even some free experiences, you can live it up like a tourist without having to spend money like one.
4. Plan the ultimate ‘stay-cation’ without leaving the city
All things considered, planning a vacation away from home is a lot of work – not to mention expensive!
With Be a Tourist, you can stay close to home and indulge in a luxurious hotel stay as well get outside for some serious adventure. All five of Victoria’s whale watching companies and offering killer deals!
Also, after a day full of exhilarating fun, what better way to reward yourself than with a night at one of the city’s best hotels?
Hotel Grand Pacific is offering 25% rooms specifically for the Be a Tourist event!
All the rage these days, you could create your own tour customized to your liking!
With an impressive list including places like Macaloney Caledonian Distillery, Deep Cove Winery, Sea Cider, and Twa Dogs Brewery, there’s something for everyone.
You could start off with breakfast at the famed Jam Cafe, grab a free cup of tea at Urban Bee Honey Farm, or even pop in for afternoon tea at Pendray Inn and Tea House!
There are tastings at Off The Eaten Track to try, you could soak in some culture with a guided tour of Market Square, and finish the evening off with a romantic carriage ride care of Tally Ho.
The possibilities are endless, and you’ll be sure to wow your other half!
From the renowned Beaver Tails, to the best chocolate-themed confections at Chocolat Favoris, to Victoria’s newest and hottest cold treats around at Perverted Ice Cream, the list of sweet indulgences in our fair city during Be a Tourist are endless – the hardest part is to pick which ones you want to try!
Comox Valley RCMP are seeking public assistance in their search for missing Michael Gazetas.
The 51-year-old Courtenay man was last seen leaving his residence at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Friday, January 31st.
At the time he was wearing a red and blue poncho over a black shirt and vest, paired with dark jeans and a green toque.
Gazetas is believed to be travelling in his red Ford Ranger with the BC licence plate HX4109.
(Photo by Comox Valley RCMP)
Anyone who sees him or knows where he is should contact Comox Valley RCMP at (250)
338-1321. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Comox Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca.
After two men were tragically found dead on Sunday, RCMP are doubling down on their efforts to find their third companion.
The bodies of two of the three young men who were missing in Sooke since Friday evening have been found by Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue on Sunday afternoon, but the third man remains unaccounted for.
According to RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Chris Manseau, police and search and rescue are continuing to scour the area on Monday to find the third man.
They will be deploying the RCMP underwater recovery team to assist in the search.
“There is nothing to indicate anything suspicious at this time,” Cpl. Manseau says, speaking of the deceased men.
Cory Mills, Eric Blackmore, and A.J. Jensen were last reported going off-roading on Friday night in the Sooke/Cowichan/Renfrew area.
Friends and family were concerned for the boys’ safety as they say the three 20 year-olds had not made contact with anyone since approximately 11 p.m. that night.
The three were travelling together in a blue Dodge Dakota with the license plate NY9677 – which was located in 3000-block of Sooke River Road early Sunday afternoon. However the vehicle was unoccupied.
Members of Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue, along with family, friends and volunteers in the area spent Sunday searching for the trio.
A short time later, RCMP announced that they found two bodies believed to be that of two of the missing men, but the identities had not yet been officially confirmed.
After this announcement, those closest to the men were seen gathering around the Sooke RCMP detachment around 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
“BC Coroners Service is in the early stages of its fact-finding investigation to determine how, where, when and by what means two males in their early 20s came to their unexpected deaths,” said Andy Watson, spokesperson for the BC Coroners Service, in an email to Victoria Buzz on Monday.
Family friends have launched a GoFundMe account to assist with the costs to come for the families of the men.
They aim to raise $15,000 and, as of the time of publication, have collected approximately $4,800.
The wildfires in Australia have been raging for months: 12 million hectares of land burned, 29 people dead, and thousands displaced.
It’s easy to feel impotent in the face of this kind of destruction, especially when it’s happening half a world away. But there are plenty of ways to help from right here on Vancouver Island.
Donate to these charities
There are a number of charities aiding victims fo the wildfires that could use your support right now.
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service is the largest volunteer fire service in the world and has been integral to the firefighting efforts. Donations to them directly support these volunteers.
The Australian Red Cross is involved in disaster relief and bushfire recovery. They are raising money for evacuations and community support such as emergency grants and bereavement payments for those who have lost their homes and family members.
Well over a billion animals are estimated to have perished in the fires. If you want to directly support habitat restoration, conservation efforts, or even adopt a koala, donate to the World Wildlife Fund.
Seed, a network of Indigenous youth, is working for climate justice in Australia alongside the Australia Youth Climate Coalition. In addition to many Indigenous people being displaced, thousands of cultural sites are feared to have been damaged by the fires.
Seed advocates for the protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land in the face of fossil fuel extraction and global warming.
In addition to a large team of staff and volunteers, Climate Council is made up of experts in the fields of climate change, health, and renewable energy.
They work to promote stories about the effects of climate change, advocate for alternate solutions to non-renewable energy, and call out misinformation about the devastating effects of global warming.
You can help in the fight against climate change by supporting and promoting organizations like these.
Keep talking about it
Share charities and campaigns on social media. Read and discuss the news with family and friends. Make sure people keep talking about this.
The constant news cycle can be overwhelming and even crises as extreme as this can fade into the background if they’re not affecting one’s day-to-day life.
Even if you can’t donate, you can help by spreading the word and promoting charities and organizations for others to support.
Canada’s National Women’s Team will face off against the United States in the return of the Rivalry Series! The series comes to Canadian ice for three games – December 17th in Moncton, N.B., February 3rd in Victoria, B.C., and February 5th in Vancouver, B.C. Check out the best the women’s game has to offer, with proceeds from all ticket sales supporting women’s hockey across the country.
When: Doors at 6:00 p.m., puck drop at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
Bartender Bootcamp is back! And this time is at The Mint, with Bradley Scissons from Devine. This will be an exploration into some of the epic grain spirits and focusing on the recently launched barrel aged Genever, Dutch Courage.
This is going to be a magnificent event dedicated to a true elevation of one of the most phenomenal culinary experiences… the Pulled Pork Sandwich! This will be a simple yet elegant presentation of this renowned and succulent delight. The low and slow method will be the cornerstone for creating this masterpiece.
Internationally renowned storyteller & best-selling author Richard Van Camp has been named the 2020 recipient of UVic’s Fine Arts Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA). A proud member of the Dogrib (Tlicho) Nation from Fort Smith, NWT, he is also a graduate of the En’owkin International School of Writing and UVic’s writing department. Now, as DAA recipient, he’ll be offering this free public talk looking back over his life & career, courtesy of the Adaskin Fund in Fine Arts.
When: 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Room 159, Fraser Building, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road
Showcase your talent, whether it’s music, comedy, dance, spoken word or poetry… you name it! Registration begins at 7:30 p.m. with the showcase starting at 8 p.m. and continuing until 11 p.m. Pete will be bringing some instruments to get some jams going!
The bodies of two of the young men have been found by RCMP this afternoon, as search and rescue continue to work to locate the third man.
Cory Mills, Eric Blackmore and A.J. Jensen were last reported as going off-roading Friday night in the Sooke/Cowichan/Renfrew area, and they have not been heard from since.
Friends and family were concerned for the boys’ safety as they say the three 20 year-olds had not made contact with anyone since approximately 11 p.m. that night.
The three were travelling together in a blue Dodge Dakota with the license plate NY9677 – which has since been located in 3000-block of Sooke River Road early Sunday afternoon. However the vehicle was unoccupied.
Members of Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue, along with family, friends and volunteers in the area spent Sunday searching for the trio.
A short time later, RCMP have said that two bodies that have been found are believed to be that of two of the missing men, but the identities have not yet been officially confirmed.
After this announcement, those closest to the men were seen gathering around the Sooke RCMP detachment around 4 p.m. this afternoon.
Both Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue and RCMP are continuing their search for the third missing man.
The cause of death of the two men found is currently under investigation by the BC Coroners Service, though nothing has been released yet.
Family, friends, and members of the community have been searching areas in and around Sooke after three men went missing Friday evening.
It is believed that the three, A.J. Jenson, Eric Blackmore and Corey Mills left to go off-roading Friday night in the Sooke/Cowichan/Renfrew area, and they have not been heard from since.
The area is infamous for lack of cellular service, and coupled with the heavy rain and adverse weather conditions this past weekend, friends and family are concerned for the boys’ safety as they say the three 20 year-olds have not made contact with anyone since approximately 11 p.m. that night.
The three were travelling together in a blue Dodge Dakota with the license plate NY9677 – which has since reportedly been located Sunday morning, according to a Facebook group dedicated to locating the boys, though the vehicle was unoccupied.
The vehicle’s discovery came after a helicopter joined hundreds of Sooke area residents searching for the teens, and Search and Rescue had set up a base camp in Shirley on Sunday.
Though members of the public and community were previously looking to help out with search efforts, Search and Rescue have now told civilian searchers that they will handle the rescue.
Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue is currently conducting the search, and says anyone with information on their whereabouts should call Sooke RCMP or 911.
A “prolific offender” is in custody after a high-drama joyride, Nanaimo RCMP say.
30-year-old Nanaimo man Brandon Sharp was arrested on Wednesday, January 29th, for numerous charges.
His latest charges are possession of stolen property, dangerous driving, and a breach of probation, after an escapade in a stolen vehicle led to a head-to-head interaction with Nanaimo RCMP — literally.
An alert Nanaimo RCMP officer noticed Sharp driving erratically at around 1:25 p.m. on January 29th. The officer tipped off his colleagues and observed the vehicle, which was confirmed as being stolen.
Another officer in an unmarked vehicle attempted to stop Sharp by positioning his car, lights on, across the street from the stolen car. But Sharp, undeterred, accelerated at the police vehicle and rammed into its front grill.
The police car sustained significant front end damage. Fortunately the officer escaped the incident with no injuries.
After the collision, Sharp took off, but he didn’t make it far. The stolen car went over a lawn and a curb, before finally coming to a stop in a ditch off of Park Avenue in Nanaimo.
Sharp was subsequently arrested, as were two female passengers in the car with him.
Dating back to 2014, Sharp has been arrested for dozens of charges. These include possession of stolen property under $5,000, theft under $5,000, mischief under $5,000, causing a person to use a forged document, and fraud.
Sharp appeared in Nanaimo Provincial court on Thursday January 30th, 2020 and was then released from custody.
The annual Victoria Cheese and Meat festival is coming back to town this summer with a fresh new vibe and even fresher ingredients!
This year, the festival will be taking over The Parkside Hotel & Spa on May 9th, after spending previous summers at Crystal Gardens and the Roundhouse at Bayview Place.
The event showcases some of the best local and international cheeses, meats, and drinks to pair them with. Just make sure to come hungry!
“The biggest advice we like to give the guests of the festival is to come empty-handed,” festival founder Dave Bain told Victoria Buzz.
“When you arrive at the festival you are given a charcuterie board (that you get to keep) and a wine glass which keeps your hands very busy. You then walk around the Festival grounds tasting creations of the artisan food and beverage vendors.”
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New this year
The classy new venue isn’t the only change you’ll notice at this year’s iteration of the Cheese and Meat festival.
Instead of two tastings, patrons will be able to choose between three two-hour sessions during which to peruse and taste BC fare to their heart’s content.
“We’ll be selling the same number of tickets as every year, but three tastings means there will be fewer people in each session so there’s more opportunity for interaction with the vendors,” says Bain.
These three hour sessions will be hosted at 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and at 7 p.m. on the day of the event.
In addition, Whole Foods will be hosting two one-hour-long seminars that guests can also attend at an additional cost of $40.
At 2 p.m., experts will be walking their audience through a History of Cheese (paired with liquor, of course), and at 6 p.m., seminar hosts will be discussing the Science of Artisan Food and Beverage, with plenty of each to taste.
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Details
The annual Cheese and Meat Festival doesn’t just showcase cheeses and meats – they’ve also got a host of fresh, artisan food and beverages that you’d be hard pressed to find all under one roof.
On top of their popular Olive and Antipasto Bar that made its first appearance at last year’s festival, the event regularly features items like jams, fresh produce, smoked salmon, and much more.
Vendors include giants like Whole Foods as well as local farmers – and the event operators don’t charge them anything to be there!
“The only way we charge them is if they want to sell something because it costs us money to sell for them. We wanted to make this accessible to vendors so they have the ability to showcase the best products,” says Bain.
According to Bain, around 20% of the Victoria Cheese and Meat festival tickets have already been snatched up during their holiday pre-sale, so he expects the event to sell out fairly soon.
Regular tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. on Monday February 3rd – don’t be late!
After his arrest in Saskatchewan made waves on Vancouver Island, court records indicate a Nanaimo man was charged for committing similar trafficking crimes at home in 2019.
19-year-old Seyed Kourosh Miralinaghi was one of four people arrested in Swift Current, SK, on charges of human trafficking.
Both he and 19-year-old brother Seyed Kamran Miralinaghi are from Nanaimo. Their two accomplices, 36-year-old Shermineh Sheri Ziaee and 23-year-old Shawn Alexander Kelly, are from Victoria.
These are not the first human trafficking-related arrests for Seyed Kourosh, who was charged four times in 2019 for committing similar crimes in Nanaimo.
On February 24th, 2019, Seyed Kourosh was charged with procuring a person under 18 years, advertising sexual services for consideration, and benefitting from sexual services by a person under 18.
And on January 1st, 2019, he was also charged with procuring a person under 18 years.
All four suspects are being held in Swift Current, Sk. Their first courthouse appearance was on January 31st. They will remain in custody at least until a video hearing on February 5th.
In a video posted to Twitter by Swift Current Online reporter Anthony Janzen, the three men arrested can be seen laughing while walking — hands and feet cuffed — into a courthouse. They are accompanied by two other suspects from unrelated cases.
All four were apprehended by Swift Current RCMP on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 28th, after an off-duty police officer noticed three cars speeding and driving suspiciously.
During a traffic stop, officers became suspicious of the relationships between the passengers in the three cars, mainly two young female passengers without IDs.
Ziaee, Kelly, and both Miralinaghis were then arrested. They face a host of charges, listed on the Swift Current RCMP’s website here.
Prepare yourself for wings and beer — it’s Super Bowl Sunday! Yes, the annual tradition of millions of people talking about football (and millions more talking about why they don’t like football) is taking place this weekend, and Victoria Buzz has all the info you need to make it the best one yet.
If that doesn’t interest you, check out one of the other 15 amazing events taking place this weekend, February 1st and 2nd!
The big day is here, with all the action and advertisements you could ask for. This is a classic defense meets offense game, as the stingy San Francisco 49ers come up against the prolific Kansas City Chiefs. With both teams in red-hot form, this is sure to be a Super Bowl for the ages.
There are viewing parties all around the city — check out our article for info on 15 of them!
Operating “the place where where synth-pop meets old soul and scrappy meets sexy,” according to NPR, Begonia is Alexa Dirks, and their music feels like something we’ve all been waiting for the chance to say, but couldn’t quite phrase — a throwback to something that’s never existed before.
With the wonderful Sam Lynch opening, this is sure to be a phenomenal night of sultry and thoughtful music.
“The thing is, this thing is all it is…” engages with the experience of materials. In the art show, sculptures composed of wood and plastic will populate parts of the floor, and light bulbs will emit a soft glow from the shapes. The show attempts to create a peculiar circumstance for the viewer through the abstraction of visual elements.
When:
Saturday, February 1st, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 2nd, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Devonshire Studio Gallery, 858 Devonshire Road
The Choir, The Chorus, and The Mini-Choir sing a new repertoire that is all fun and feels. Don’t miss their bold arrangements of music by: R.E.M., Björk, The Beatles, Lucy Dacus and more spectacular artists, along with amazing talents Luca Fogale, Laura Mitic (Carmanah), and the Cascadia Quartet!
When: Saturday, February 1st, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Welcome to the first step of your next grand adventure. The Hunt will take place starting on Feb 1st and end on Feb 29th 2020, and the breakdown of quests, clues, and bonus encounters will be sent out on the morning of 1 Feb 2020. The Hunt may only take you a few days or you can spread the journey out over a couple of weeks.
And, of course, there will be a Grand Prize and prizes for second and third place based off points earned and locations found!
When: The Hunt starts Saturday, February 1st, at 8:00 a.m.
Raven will be in Victoria, B.C. to tell stories from his crazy career in the world of pro-wrestling! Stories from ECW, WCW, WWF/WWE, TNA, and more. There will also be a Q&A with the audience and a limited Meet & Greet!
When: Saturday, February 1st, doors at 6:30 p.m., event at 7:30 p.m.
Prohibition blues and old timey swing is the order of the day with this group of delightful gents. This is a great night for dining, drinking and dancing! Or simply sit back, sip a cocktail, and enjoy the good energy from a great band.
Fancy watching some rugby instead of football? The Irish Times have got you covered. The Six Nations tournament runs every weekend from February 1st until March 14th. You can head to the pub with a game day pass or an all-access pass, with reservations available now!
This weekly program introduces children ages 3 – 5 to the fun world of museum learning. Each week’s program revolves around a new theme, encouraging children to learn through crafts, play, song, and dance.
When: Saturday, February 1st, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Maritime Museum of B.C., 634 Humboldt Street
This fun, informative and interactive two-hour workshop introduces you to the wonderful world cold-process soap-making! Whether you are interested in making soap for fun and gifting, as a new hobby, or help to launch your own soap making business at a local market, you’ll find everything you need at this workshop!
When: Saturday, February 1st, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Join Oliver Swain, Twin Bandit, Annie Lou and Jesse Cobb for a night of Americana Music at Hermann’s Jazz Club. From The Appalachians to the Delta, The Texas Roadhouses to Chesapeake Bay, Americana music encompasses all the good seeds in the breadbasket of North American music!
When: Saturday, February 1st, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, and becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music — she wrote the soundtrack to a generation.
This five-part film series, which began on January 25th, takes a never-before-seen look at the golden years in the animal kingdom against the extraordinary backdrop of some of the world’s most magnificent wilderness areas.
When: Saturday, February 1st, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This 2-hour tour begins at the Victoria Public Market and includes stops at The Gates of Harmonious Interest, Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, Bastion Square, Trounce Alley, Government St., and the Inner Harbour Causeway.
Depending on the day, there are between 6-8 tastings along the route, as we discuss the history and quirks of beautiful Victoria, B.C. Tastings can include bread, pierogis, meatballs, craft beer, macarons, chocolate, and much more!
When: February 1st and 2nd, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Starts at the Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas Street #6
When Raven Became Spider
Coming to Open Space after a critically-acclaimed nation-wide tour, When Raven Became Spider brings together work from six Indigenous artists who transpose supernatural beings from Indigenous stories into the realm of superhero comics.
On Saturday, curator Leena Minifie will give a talk on the new exhibition, a great chance to gain insight on the incredible work.
When: Saturday, February 1st, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Police are seeking the public’s help in locating Ethan Sampson, who was last seen in the waters of the Cowichan River on Thursday night.
According to North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, the 28-year-old male was last seen on January 30th, at 10:40 p.m. on Quamichan Road West in the waters of the Cowichan River.
Due to the dangerous waters, the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, Cowichan Search and Rescue (SAR) and North Cowichan Fire Department were all called to assist in locating Sampson.
The community and SAR have been assisting the RCMP throughout the night and continue to search utilizing all avenues available at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at cowichancrimestoppers.com to leave a secure tip online, or call 1-800-222-8477.
Whether you’re cheering on the San Francisco 49ers, the Kansas City Chiefs, or just in the mood for some football, getting together with friends and other sports fans is a must this Sunday!
Here’s a list of some of the pubs and bars that will be showing the game – and giving away some awesome prizes.
Canoe Brewpub will be showing the Superbowl on their six new 65” TVs. There will be a special “tailgate” menu for one day only. Beer and touchdowns on special!
Hecklers Bar and Grill will be giving away a 55″ TV, a beer fridge and maybe some smaller prizes. Every Sunday wings are on special all day for $.49 and we have 50 flavours. They’ve already started taking reservations, so give them a call soon at 250-386-9207.
Head over on Sunday February 2nd for their Super Bowl 54 Party, Chiefs Vs 49’ers
There will be a big screen TV giveaway, drink and food specials. No cover or tickets required so give them a call at 250-590-5253 to reserve your table now.
Don’t miss one of the best Super Bowl parties in town shown on their HD projectors and TVs in the Sticky Wicket, Games Room, Clubhouse and Maple Room.
Their prize giveaways total over $5,000 and include Smart TVs, Xbox, NFL jerseys, Nintendo Switch, and more! Tickets available at the Strathcona Hotel Front Desk ONLY.
Head over to Irish Times pub early for some BBQing, tailgating, corn-holing, action on the patio.
They’re giving away a big TV, brand new BBQ with a $50 butcher voucher for grilling, tons of jerseys, and so much swag that you are bound to leave with something! Watch the top teams of the NFL 100th season battle it out for the Lombardi trophy.
From 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. they’re offering a bottomless bowl of chilli + a pint of your choosing + complimentary chips & salsa for just $14.95!
All the TV’s will be playing the Super Bowl with sound. To make a reservation, give them a shout at (250) 380-0706 or send them a message on social media.
Super Bowl 54 is just around the corner so don’t delay, and make your reservation party plans today!
Darcys’ 3 large projector screens, HD TVs, and Dolby surround sound system provide the ultimate game day experience! They also have a new food menu with many gluten free options.
The day you’ve been waiting for all year is finally (almost) here! There’s arguably no better place to catch the biggest game of the year than at the HQ of sports – Shark Club.
Prizes and games all day long! Get your tickets for only $10. Don’t miss the biggest tailgate party of the year!
This Sooke pub is also hosting a smashing Superbowl party featuring 6 big screen TVs with surround sound. They’ve also got a special tailgate menu, Budweiser sleeves for $4.50, door prizes, a grand prize giveaway and more!
Food, fun, and prizes will be the order of the day at this Super Bowl LIV party! Kick off is at 3:30 — arrive early! Tons of prizes including swag, hats, shirts, hoodies and much more.
Cineplex theatres across Canada will be screening Super Bowl LIV for just $10 per admission ticket.
In Victoria, this deal is only available at the SilverCity Victoria Cinemas located at 3130 Tillicum Road. With this deal, football fans can enjoy reserved seating, food and drink service throughout the game, giveaways, and a $5 voucher towards snacks.
The holidays have come and gone, and they’ve taken the snow with them.
That familiar Victoria chill is in the air, and everyone is looking for that perfect post-Christmas pick me up – and we’re here to tell you how you could win it!
This year, take a trip up to Parksville – one of Vancouver Island’s most rustic and scenic vacation destinations – and experience first-hand the beauty of the acclaimed Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort for yourself.
Bundle up in your warmest clothes and make sure to bring a raincoat (even in the winter, the beaches are breathtaking!) so you can feel the misty spray of the ocean – or enjoy the sights from the comfort of the fireside!
Sitka Law Group is making it happen for one lucky winner
In celebration of their 4 years in operation, Sitka Law Group is giving away a $600 gift card to the luxurious ocean-sideTigh-Na-Mara!
With awe-inspiring views on 22 acres of tranquil forest, the luxurious Grotto Spa, two award-winning restaurants, 3 kilometers of sandy beach and the warmest ocean swimming waters in Canada, it’s an easy choice for a trip to paradise – without ever leaving the island.
Not only will you be spending your nights just steps away from the ocean, but the winner will also receive a $100 gift card to their Grotto Spa – which, it turns out, has been voted the #1 spain Canada.
Take this chance to treat yourself, and don’t forget to check out Sitka Law Group for all of your legal needs – they’ll change the way you think about lawyers!
For your chance to win a $600 gift card to Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville plus $100 at the Grotto Spa, please complete one or more of the following:
3. COMMENT below with who you’d take with you on this trip! (Don’t forget to register on the website!) (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 pm on Monday, February 17th. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
Despite similarities in coverages, payouts, and systems, insurance costs in B.C. and Alberta couldn’t be much further apart, says a private insurance organization.
Citing quotes obtained by accounting firm MNP, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) recently released a report comparing the prices in an effort to highlight the plight of BC drivers paying high premiums.
According to those quotes, MNP found that BC drivers are paying up to 42% more for their auto insurance than their neighbours in Alberta pay for similar coverage.
“This study gives an apples-to-apples comparison of the price drivers are paying for similar auto insurance coverage in BC and Alberta, and clearly demonstrates the price impact of ICBC’s monopoly,” said Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President Pacific with IBC.
There are a few key differences in insurance between the two provinces, with the main one being that ICBC represents all British Columbians while Albertans have the choice of acquiring private insurance.
IBC, a company which represents private insurers across Canada, says that the limitation on choice hurts BC drivers.
“A new driver with two years of experience would pay ICBC $4,319 to insure their 2008 Honda Civic to go to and from school (less than 15 km),” the IBC report states. “That is $828 more than the same driver would pay in Calgary.”
BC insurance agency rebukes claims
The report has been rebuked by the Insurance Brokers Association of BC (IBABC), which represents the province’s insurance providers. The IBABC said comparing the two is akin to comparing apples and oranges.
“No two provinces are alike in their driving exposure or auto insurance system,” the agency said in a release.
ICBC did not respond to requests for a comment by the time of publication.
The province’s only car insurance agency has been in some hot water recently. In late December, multiple media outlets reported on court documents that said ICBC had blamed Mountie Sarah Beckett, killed in a collision with a drunk driver, for the accident.
And on Wednesday, January 29th, the Ministry of the Attorney General in BC announced the appointment of a new office to improve transparency and accountability for ICBC customers.
“British Columbians should have the peace of mind that they will be treated fairly after they’ve been injured in a crash,” said David Eby, Attorney General, in a statement at the time.
The BC cabinet will appoint the Fairness Office to be independent of ICBC. The Ministry expects it to be in place by spring 2021.
What do Terry Fox, Alexander Graham Bell, and Emily Carr have in common?
One of them could soon be the latest Canadian legend enshrined on currency.
The Bank of Canada is accepting nominations to determine which iconic Canadian should be on the next $5 bank note.
The competition was first announced on January 10th, and on January 29th, the bank outlined the rules and regulations for nominations.
According to the Bank of Canada, nominees must be Canadian — either by birth or naturalization — and have demonstrated “outstanding leadership, achievement, or distinction in any field, benefiting the people of Canada, or in the service of Canada.”
There are, of course, many people who fit that description. But to narrow the search down, the Bank of Canada says the person must have been deceased for at least 25 years, or before March 11, 1995.
Unfortunately, that means living legends like Chris Hadfield, Christine Sinclair, or Celine Dión are out of the picture.
Older heroes like Terry Fox or Lucy Maud Montgomery are in the running, though.
Finally, there is one more criterion — perhaps the most important of all: “They are not a fictional character.”
Sorry, Caillou and Yvon (of the Yukon). Maybe you’ll make the $20?
Nominations are open until March 11th, 2020, and one submission can have up to five names on it. People can also submit ideas for the new bill more than once.
“You can also explain why you nominated an individual and provide images or symbols you associate with them,” the bank writes.
So start thinking of your favourite Canadians and click here to name your choice! Who knows — maybe your wallet will feature your nomination in a few years’ time!
(Salish Raven / Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure)
BC Ferries has commissioned a company in Poland to build a new liquefied natural gas-fuelled vessel that is slated to go into service in 2022.
Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdansk, Poland has been awarded a $92.3 million contract to design, build, and deliver the 107 metre Salish Class vessel, identical to the three vessels built by the same company in 2016.
“Our Clean Futures Plan is our path to replace diesel fuels with cleaner energy options. While this cannot be achieved in a single step, we are continually seeking energy sources that offer a cleaner, lower carbon-intensity option to displace non-renewable diesel,” said Captain Jamie Marshall, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Business Development & Innovation.
“In our move towards a sustainable future, adopting LNG is one way to reduce our impact on the environment today. This new vessel will be our sixth ship fuelled by natural gas.”
The Crown corporation’s agreement with Remontowa features substantial guarantees related to delivery dates, performance criteria, cost certainty and quality construction.
The total budget includes financing and project management costs.
Vessel details
Once complete, the new vessel will have the capacity to carry at least 138 vehicles and up
to 600 passengers and crew.
It will replace the Mayne Queen, a diesel-fuelled ship which will then be retired, and operate in the Southern Gulf Islands in 2022.
According to BC Ferries, the ship will be powered by three Wartsila engines and electrically propelled by Schottel thrusters at each end, driven by an efficient gas-electric power plant.
To find a suitable company to design and build the vessel, the Crown corporation issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) to start the bidding process.
A total of 16 international companies responded, out of which three were shortlisted – no Canadian companies applied.
British Columbia’s Minister of Health and the provincial health officer have issued a joint statement on Friday to reassure people of the low risk of coronavirus spreading in BC.
Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed in a statement to media that as of today, the province continues to have only one confirmed case of novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV.
The diagnosed man is a resident in the Vancouver Coastal Health region in his 40s and returned from a trip to Wuhan, China last week. He began exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus a day after he arrived home.
Both the BC Centre for Disease Control lab and the National Medical Laboratory in Winnipeg found that he tested positive for 2019-nCoV.
This was established on January 28th. There have been no new cases of coronavirus detected in the province since, after authorities tested 114 samples for the disease.
The Ministry of Health states that they will continue to update the public on the number of cases tested each Friday. This information will also be available on the BC CDC website.
“We want to reassure people that the risk of this virus spreading within British Columbia remains low at this time,” reads the statement.
“All necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of infection. We have multiple systems in place to prepare for, detect and respond to prevent the spread of serious infectious diseases in the province.”
Further, the ministry advises the public that no special precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of coronavirus, other than usual measures to safeguard against common respiratory illnesses.
“Regular handwashing, coughing or sneezing into your elbow sleeve, disposing of tissues appropriately and avoiding contact with sick people are important ways to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, generally,” they state.
Clearing the air
On Thursday, the BC CDC took to social media to curb the spread of misinformation about how the 2019-nCoV is spread.
According to the authority, the disease is not airborne — instead, it is carried in large droplets that are released when someone sneezes or coughs without cover.
The receptors for those droplets are deep in the lungs, meaning the coronavirus cannot be contracted through casual contact.
The virus cannot be absorbed through the skin, but droplets can make their way into the lungs if they touch the face or mouth.
But as long as people clean their hands before touching their face or mouth, the virus will not get into the lungs.
People should only wear masks if they have the disease already, as the masks contain those droplets.
If people without the illness wear the mask, it can actually increase chances of transmission, seeing as people wearing the mask are more likely to touch their face (to rearrange the mask, for instance).
The most effective way to prevent transmission is by washing your hands, the BC CDC says. People should also cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching their face more than is necessary.
It’s the end of the working week and, thus, time to dance. Headbang at Felicita’s to some good old-fashioned rock and roll or learn some salsa steps at the Victoria Event Centre!
Whatever you do, we hope you find your dancing shoes at any one of these amazing events happening this Friday, January 31st!
Experience the best up-and-coming local bands competing live to win $750, a day in a record studio, and a Friday or Saturday headlining show per semester! Each Friday night features many amazing local bands giving their all for a chance to take the next musical step. It’s worth the watch.
When: 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Where: Felicita’s Pub at the University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road
Latin Funk & Soul Night is back on January 31st! This will be another night where Latin/Cuban music will be blended with some of the best Funk, Soul, and R & B music of all time as performed by Pablo Cardenas & The West Coast Cuban Orchestra.
Plus, the amazing Christina Morrison will be leading the Salsa class and performing for you all with her company Salsa Caliente!
Spring Festival is also known as Lunar New Year. To celebrate this cultural tradition, Ocean Rain Arts Academy presents the 3rd Spring Festival Spectacular with a collection of local elite talents, including the famous Ballet Etoile Canada and Ocean Rain Arts Academy, as well as local artists from multi-communities.
As always, the net proceeds will be donated to the Big Brothers and Big Sister of Victoria Area in their many projects and community works in education and mentorship for children and youth.
When: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Dave Dunnet Community Theatre, 2121 Cadboro Bay Road
Enjoy the incredible talents of Albanian pianist Xheni Sinaj, who has won several national piano awards in her home country and is a first-year Master’s student in the University of Victoria’s music program.
With conductor Ajtony Csaba, hear compositions from Schubert, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky, plus a composition developed in collaboration with Lindsay Delaronde, Faculty of Fine Arts Indigenous Resurgence Coordinator.
When: 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Farquhar Auditorium at the University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road
Join Deepend Promotions for their last party at the Copper Owl as they close things down in style. Residents J Feud and James Teej play back to back all night.
Although this sweet and storied little venue is closing down, Deepend Promotions will continue to bring you more Cabin Fever parties in future at new venues!
Two Victoria residents and two Nanaimo residents have been arrested on charges of human trafficking in Saskatchewan.
According to an RCMP release, an off-duty police officer spotted three vehicles speeding in unison along Highway 1 going towards Swift Current.
As police pulled them over and were in the process of issuing tickets for speeding at 153 km/h, they noticed something unusual.
Officers became suspicious of the relationship between the drivers and two girls under the age of 18 in the back seats of the vehicles, both of whom did not have identification.
Observing signs of human trafficking, the officers arrested the three men and one woman for related charges.
Two Victoria residents, 36-year-old Shermineh Sheri Ziaee and 23-year-old Shawn Alexander Kelly, were arrested along with Nanaimo residents 19-year-old Seyed Kourosh Miralinaghi and 19-year-old Seyed Kamran Miralinaghi.
They each face charges including transport of a person under the age of 18 for the purpose of exploiting them, procuring a person to offer or provide sexual services, harbouring a person who offers or provides sexual services for consideration, or exercised control or movement of that person, and knowingly advertising an offer to provide sexual services.
Ziaee also faces one charge of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
These four accused are set to appear in Swift Current Provincial Court on Friday.
Police say the two underage girls are from BC and not related to those arrested.
Saanich Police have arrested three people who were seen trashing a park in their vehicle and then attempting to flee the scene.
At around 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, witnesses called police after observing an SUV doing doughnuts in the field at James Houlihan Park off of Ferndale Road.
The SUV got stuck in the mud, which is when the three occupants of the vehicle got out and attempted to flee on foot.
Fortunately, a witness description of the suspects helped Saanich Police find and arrest all three individuals who had been walking nearby.
Police say the driver of the vehicle caused about $2,000 worth of damage to the field. The SUV has since been towed away from the park.
Upon examination, the vehicle they were using – a 1990 Toyota 4Runner – had been reported stolen by a resident in Victoria on Thursday morning.
“We don’t know at this point why they decided to drive into the field, but the actions they took were certainly very foolish and reckless nature,” says Cst. Markus Anastasiades in a statement.
“We would like to thank the witnesses who provided detailed information that helped us locate the individuals responsible.”
Saanich Police will be working with their counterparts in Victoria to fully investigate the theft of the vehicle.
At this time the three suspects, two men and one woman, are facing charges of Mischief Under $5,000 and Possession of Stolen Property Under $5,000.
Victoria Police are seeking public assistance in their search for missing 14-year-old Lia Barker.
Barker is described by police as ‘high risk’ and was last seen on January 28th. Police say she has an urgent medical condition and investigators as well as friends and family are concerned for her well being.
The 14-year-old had gone missing earlier this month but was located shortly afterwards.
She was also reported missing three times last year and once in 2018, and was found safely each time.
Barker is described as a slim Caucasian girl, standing 5’8″ tall and weighing 120 lbs. She has shoulder-length hair that is dyed red and pink, with blonde ends.
According to VicPD, Barker is known to frequent Centennial Square and surrounding areas in downtown Victoria.
Anyone who sees her is asked to call 911.
If you have information on her whereabouts, call Victoria Police at (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
