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In Canada, DST traditionally starts on the second Sunday of March and the first Sunday of November.
The country has observed Daylight Saving Time for over a century now, starting in 1908 – however not all parts of Canada change their clocks twice a year.
While British Columbia does observe DST, parts of the province do not, including Chetwynd, Creston, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, and Fort St. John.
Last time ever?
However this could be the last year that BC observes the time change, after a whopping 93% of people responding to a provincial survey on the subject spoke in favour of making a permanent switch to Daylight Saving Time.
The people of British Columbia have spoken and their collective voice has come through loudly and clearly,” said Premier John Horgan in a statement at the time.
“This engagement has done exactly as we hoped it would in providing clarity about a preferred direction. The insights generated will be relied upon as we make a final decision about how to move forward.”
The results of this survey will be considered alongside decisions made by other jurisdictions in Canada and the western United States.
In 2018, delegates of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) also approved a proposal to discontinue the bi-annual time change that comes with Daylight Saving Time.
Instead, they made an argument for establishing a permanent time zone across the province, stating that “daylight saving time no longer serves a vital function in today’s connected economy”.
The vehicle of missing Saanich Peninsula man, 36-year-old Vincent Olsen, was located down an embankment last week near Sombrio Beach.
Sooke RCMP discovered his unoccupied blue 2016 Buick Verano shortly after 1 p.m. on Oct. 21st, the same day he was last heard from.
Mounties described the crash as a single-vehicle collision.
In a release, police say Olsen sent text messages and a photo of himself to his ex-girlfriend.
The photo appears to be taken from inside another vehicle and showed injuries he likely sustained in the crash.
Police are looking to speak with the person who picked Olsen up after the crash so they can determine his well-being and whereabouts.
According to RCMP, Olsen has connections in multiple Vancouver Island communities, including Sooke and Duncan and may be residing there.
He is described as a First Nations man standing 5’3″ tall and weighing about 146 pounds with brown eyes and dark brown/black hair.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP at 250-656-3931, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The Hotel Grand Pacificis bringing back the ever-popular Pacific Fondue just in time for winter.
Their mouth-watering three-course fondue meal is sure to help any dinner guest keep the winter chills at bay, and you can indulge in the full experience starting November 1st!
A Fondue Experience
For a limited time, The Pacific Restaurant is featuring a modern twist on a European classic: the fondue.
The Pacific Fondue menu includes three varieties, each a fresh take on traditional cheese, broth and chocolate fondues. Diners have the option of a three-course fondue menu for $85 per couple, or ordering a la carte from the following:
Roasted Garlic Cheese Fondue – raclette and emmental cheese blend with kirchwasser and roasted garlic, baguette, pears, granny smith apples, cornichons, grilled zucchini, wine chorizo;
Chicken Hot Broth Fondue – chicken stock, broccoli, baby yukon gold potatoes, prawns, seared sirloin, carrots, baby bok choy, chili onion sauce, charred green onion mayo;
Grand Marnier 70% Dark Chocolate Fondue – served with fresh fruit, house-made marshmallows, banana cakes and whipped cream.
Additional items for dipping can be added to the fondues, including:
prawn
scallops
salmon
sliced beef
chorizo
cheese tortellini
Tea Time
The Pacific Restaurant’s West Coast Afternoon Tea is also available throughout the year, and is a modern twist on a traditional afternoon tea.
Victoria has a long-standing association with delicious teas, but The Pacific Restaurant takes it to the next level. The tea program is heavily influenced by Asian culture, consisting of a custom mix of single-estate teas and blends, all presented in a culturally appropriate way.
The teas are curated in the same way that a sommelier chooses a wine list, and they work very closely with Silk Road Tea Company’s resident Tea master Daniela Cubelic on both the selection and the presentation.
Treat the loved ones in your life to high tea, or a delicious fondue dinner in Victoria – both beloved features at the Pacific Restaurant in the Hotel Grand Pacific!
COMMENT below the fondue flavour you’re most excited to try! (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on November 8th, 2019. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter within 24 hours of the contest closing. Good luck!
Saanich Police are investigating a hit and run involving a pellet gun, an e-bike and a pickup truck on Gorge Road this morning.
At around 7:30 a.m., a man residing in the 600-block of Gorge Road West saw a suspicious male on his property.
He decided to follow the man, and observed him meeting up with another man who was standing out front. The two suspicious men then walked over to the intersection of Gorge Road and Dysart, and jumped into a red Ford F150 pickup truck manned by a third person.
At this point, the complainant got on his e-bike and headed over to confront the three men. However, at the same time, the pickup truck was making a U-turn to go back towards Victoria.
While making this turn, the truck hit and crushed the e-bike under its wheels. Fortunately the victim was knocked off the bike and away from the truck, and therefore only sustained minor injuries.
The suspects then got out of the truck, grabbed some wood from the back of their vehicle and used it to free the truck from the e-bike.
At this point, a confrontation between the complainant and the suspects ensued, and what appeared to be a handgun was introduced into the fray.
“We are unsure of how the gun arrived at the scene and how it was brandished or used, so that’s still under investigation. When we arrived, the complainant had the handgun in his possession,” Det. Staff Sgt. Chris Horsley told Victoria Buzz.
Fortunately the handgun turned out to be a pellet gun and no one was injured by it. The suspects fled the scene after the confrontation and police were called.
During the fight, the truck also struck a BC Hydro power box and knocked it off the concrete base, and there was a possibility of electrocution due to a possible ground gradient.
BC Hydro crews were called to de-energize the box, and Saanich Fire and paramedics also attended the site.
The complainant was treated for his injuries on site and is now cooperating with police to locate the suspects.
Det. Staff Sgt. Horsley has confirmed that as this time, police may have located their vehicle with assistance from Victoria Police.
“We’re reiterating that if you do see suspicious activity on your property, certainly contact police immediately. Be a good witness and don’t attempt to intervene,” he said.
Any witnesses to the event are asked to contact Saanich Police at 250-475-4321.
On Monday,November 11th, buses in Greater Victoria will be commemorating Remembrance Day by offering free rides to active and retired military personnel.
The gesture is organized by BC Transit and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission every year, and will apply to military personnel in uniform — including cadets— and to all riders with Army, Navy or Air Force Association cards.
Complimentary rides will be provided to any member, past or present, who is in uniform or presents their Canadian Forces identification and applies to both traditional and handyDART services.
BC Transit bus routes serve or stop close to major Remembrance Day ceremonies around Greater Victoria, including:
Victoria (the Legislature Cenotaph and Ross Bay Cemetery)
Esquimalt (Memorial Park)
Oak Bay (Uplands Park)
West Shore (Veterans’ Memorial Park)
Sidney (Town Hall)
Sooke (Royal Canadian Legion)
Transit drivers who choose to do so are encouraged to stop the bus at 11:11 a.m. to observe a moment of silence for those who gave their lives in times of war.
Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule on Monday, November 12th. For more information on routes and schedules, visit the BC Transit website.
Between 7:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., small and medium sized dogs are asked to jump in, while large and medium sized dogs can make a bigger splash between 8:15 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Only one dog per handler is permitted, and admission is by donation at the door.
While humans can’t join their canine companions in the water, lifeguards will be on duty to ensure everything goes smoothly, and you can bring a life jacket for your pet if you’re unsure of their swimming abilities.
All dogs are required to be neutered or spayed, and must be fully vaccinated. They must also be well socialized, as dangerous, aggressive, or unruly dogs will be asked to leave right away.
Humans will not be allowed to swim after the dogs have had their chance, until after West Shore Parks and Recreation has fully closed, drained, cleaned, and maintained the pool.
Space is limited, so all pet owners must register in advance either online or by calling 250-478-8384.
Back for its third year in a row, Victoria Buzz night is happening today at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre and it promises to be a roaring good time!
The Victoria Royals are set to face their division rivals the Kelowna Rockets, and puck drop for the contest is at 7:05 p.m. – but doors open at 6 p.m., so you’ll have a chance to come to hang out with us beforehand.
When: Puck drop at 7:05 p.m. – doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
This special Speakeasy night will be Halloween themed so wear a costume! There will be a beginner swing dance lesson [8 pm], live swing jazz with Blackstick, guest performance with Rotten Apple Ruckus, silent film clips, and of course some great cocktails and ambience! Bring your friends for a jolly good time.
Tickets are $10 at the door and include a free drink ticket.
Enjoy a spooky showing of the 1992 Bram Stoker’s Dracula! Gary Oldman plays Dracula against Winona Ryder and Keeanu Reeves’ Mina and Jonathan Harker in a colourful, provocative retelling of the iconic Victorian horror. Also, Anthony Hopkins gives a wild performance as Van Helsing, complete with accent and a wooden stake. And, there will be Free Pizza and Pop–as well as Halloween treats!
n 1991 bassist and vocalist Chris Murphy and drummer Andrew Scott met while studying at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and with the addition of Patrick Pentland on guitar and vocals and Jay Ferguson on guitar, formed Sloan. A year later the band made their recording debut on the Halifax, Canada CD compilation “Hear & Now” before releasing their debut EP “Peppermint” (1991) on their own label Murderecords. In 1992 Sloan signed with Geffen Records and released their full-length debut “Smeared”.
Lila is a black police officer who shot a young unarmed black man. She’s been on leave from the police force, moved back in with her mother, Karen, and is drinking beer for breakfast. Tim is a white playwright who used Lila’s incident as a “jumping-off point” for his hit play. Now that play is being made into a Hollywood movie — without Lila’s knowledge.
Saanich Police are investigating three 13-year-old boys for sexually harassing and inappropriately touching a 16-year-old girl while inside the Galey Farms corn maze.
According to the mother of the victim – who have both asked to remain anonymous – the incident took place at around 9:20 p.m. on Friday, October 25th.
She says the three boys were running around the maze together, yelling “You’re hot” to girls as they passed them.
One of the boys was behind the victim when he asked her if he could grab her butt, and without waiting for a response, allegedly proceeded to do so without consent.
“I turned and could not do much as they were just kids. Security helped me locate them after discussing the situation, they continued to supervise the kids as they called the police on my behalf,” the victim’s mother tells Victoria Buzz.
“My daughter refused to go back in the maze and is emotionally hurt. This is our one [favourite] thing that we do together every year and it’s been ruined by young boys who think it’s ok to talk to and touch girls without permission.”
Seeking witnesses and possible victims
Saanich Police media spokesperson Detective Staff Sergeant Chris Horsley confirmed the incident, stating that all three boys were detained by police in the aftermath of the incident, and their investigation is currently ongoing.
“The nature of the actual assault involved inappropriate behaviour and touching on the part of one or potentially more of the three males, and police are attempting to determine which of the parties was responsible,” says Det. Staff Sgt. Horsley.
“It’s behaviour that’s absolutely unacceptable.”
Officers believe there may be one or more parties that have yet to step forward with information, or that new witnesses may come to light. Any such witnesses are asked to contact Saanich Police at 250-475-4321.
The mother of the victim who reported the incident with her daughter is left wondering if the boys assaulted any other girls in the same way.
“The saddest part was what the father of the boy that assaulted my daughter [supposedly] said to the police. They claimed his first comment after hearing the story was ‘She can’t prove anything’.”
Back for its third year in a row, Victoria Buzz night is happening tomorrow, October 29th, and it promises to be a roaring good time!
The Victoria Royals are set to face their division rivals the Kelowna Rockets, and puck drop for the contest is at 7:05 p.m. – but doors open at 6 p.m., so you’ll have a chance to come hang out with us beforehand.
Join us before the game in the concourse for a chance to win a sweet gift basket full of prizes including a Nautical Nellies gift card!
Great time for an ever greater cause
We will also be teaming up with the Mustard Seed Food Bank in taking donations of non-perishable food items, so clear out your cupboards for a good cause and join us in lending a helping hand to this fantastic charity.
On Monday, October 28th we held our annual food drive and ticket giveaway and saw an amazing turn out, so let’s keep the train going!
We are also still accepting food donations at our office in exchange for tickets to tomorrow’s game during Victoria Buzz night – every 3 food items will get you two tickets, and we will take donations until Tuesday afternoon.
It gets better
To celebrate the third annual Victoria Buzz night, we’re giving away TEN pairs tickets to tomorrow’s game versus the Kelowna Rockets! Simply comment on the article below (don’t forget to register, so we know you’re name!) with your favourite thing about attending Victoria Royals games, and we will draw a winner tomorrow!
(Marty the Marmot & Victoria Buzz’s Nicole Bentham)
CONTEST
To enter to win one of the 10 pairs of tickets we’re giving away for tomorrow night’s Victoria Royals game versus the Kelowna Rockets, simply comment below your favourite thing about Royals’ hockey games (don’t forget to register!)
We will draw a winner tomorrow, October 29th – good luck!
Over the past 15 years, this homemade haunted house has grown and developed at the hands of production master Keith Boschma, who has dedicated hours into the creation of props, including animatronics, pirate ship façade, cannon blasts, as well as programming behind the scenes.
The yard display is filled with a life-sized animated 3D skeleton crew that tells tales of murderous pirates, mutiny, and treasure.
The show runs between 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night until Halloween on Thursday and lasts roughly 12 to 15 minutes.
Entry is by donation with 100% of proceeds going towards supporting Victoria Hospice.
Boschma’s sister succumbed to a brain tumour 13 years ago, and his brother passed away a year later from colon cancer.
These tragic events hit the family hard, but they decided to redirect their grief and put all their efforts into this Halloween fundraiser.
This "Treasure Island" themed animatronic yard display at 4407 Chartwell dr. in the Gordon Head area of Victoria BC is…
After a gorgeous weekend full of sunshine and warm weather, Victoria is headed for another 7 straight days of sun.
According to Environment Canada forecasts, the capital city will see nothing but sun from Monday to Sunday this week.
Clear skies will be accompanied by daytime highs of up to 12°C, with nighttime temperatures dropping as low as 0ºC on Tuesday.
(Environment Canada)
Earlier this month, long-term winter weather forecasts for southern BC showed that Victoria is in for a drier and sunnier season than usual.
Overall, BC is in for a mild winter – a prediction that was corroborated by experts at The Weather Network – with central Canada receiving the brunt of the cold weather.
UPDATE: According to an update on Tuesday morning, Xena John has been located safe and sound.
Earlier: Nanaimo RCMP has issued a public appeal to locate a second missing teen this morning.
19-year-old Xena John has been missing since Sunday, October 27th after she failed to return to her north-end Nanaimo home, even though she was supposed to be back by 10 p.m. that night.
Several of John’s friends have contacted and spoken to her, but no one knows where she is.
Due to these failed attempts to ascertain her location, John’s family is extremely concerned for her well being.
She is described as an Indigenous woman who stands 5’2″ tall, weighs 130 lbs, and has long dark hair with blonde streaks.
Anyone who knows of John’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com or call 1-800-222-8477.
(Salt Spring Island Beeswax Wraps / Creative Craft Fair)
The most established fair on Vancouver Island is back next month for their 42nd consecutive year!
The Creative Craft Fair offers a true extravaganza of outstanding arts, crafts, and demonstrations at this popular 3-day event at Victoria’s Pearkes Arena, happening from November 8th to November 10th.
Attended by thousands of visitors each year, the fair offers over 125 exhibitors presenting crafts, gourmet food, fine art, photography, clothing, glass art, jewelry, bath and beauty products, woodwork, high-quality imports and much more.
Whether you’re looking for holiday entertainment ideas, gifts, crafts, demonstrations, food, prizes and something truly unique, this show provides it all!
There will be an abundance of sights, sounds and the familiar aromas of Christmas in the air.
Greek on The Streetwill be there providing snacks, light meals and beverages, there will be a Children’s Craft Area and daily draw prizes, as well as DJ Richard White playing a variety of music!
Special Guest Greg Joy will also be playing live Christmas, Celtic, Folk-baroque and original music on guitar and hammered dulcimer 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 9th and November 10th.
(Creative Craft Fair)
CONTEST CLOSED** Congratulations to Kelly Love!
For a chance to WIN a $75 gift card to use at the Creative Craft Fair, complete one or more of the following:
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 pm on November 7th, 2019. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
Update: 17-year-old Sean Robert-Carson who was reported missing has been located safe and sound.
Original:
Nanaimo RCMP is seeking public assistance in their search for missing 17-year-old Sean Robert-Carson.
He was reported missing since failing to return to his north-end Nanaimo home after he left on Thursday, October 24th.
Robert-Carson is described as a Caucasian male who stands 5’8″ tall, weighs 110 lbs, and has blonde hair and blue eyes.
He is believed to be in Nanaimo and known to frequent the city’s downtown core.
Robert-Carson’s family and friends are extremely concerned for his well-being.
Anyone who sees him is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 or message them through Facebook at @NanaimoRCMP, or Twitter @nanaimoRCMP or @NanaimoCS.
UPDATE: In a statement to Victoria Buzz, UVic media spokesperson clarified that there is no evidence to suggest that Dr. Crockford’s appointment was not renewed as a result of her talking to school children about polar bears.
“The University of Victoria, in both word and deed, supports academic freedom and free debate on academic issues,” he writes in an email.
Further, Marck states that adjunct professors are given reasons for their removal upon request and that Dr. Crockford would have been provided with the same opportunity.
However due to privacy legislation, he was not able to comment on whether or not Crockford actually requested a reason for her dismissal.
Earlier: The University of Victoria has declined to reappoint Dr. Susan J Crockford, an adjunct professor who has worked in the university’s Anthropology department for 15 years.
Adjunct professor appointments are renewed every three years, and when Crockford was up for renewal in May 2019, she was told that the Department of Anthropology’s Appointment/Reappointment/Promotion/Tenure (ARPT) board refused to renew her appointment by vote.
While she was not given a specific reason for the discontinuation of her adjunct professor status, Crockford believes that the university’s decision was informed by her views on climate change and her propagation of the claim that polar bears will easily adapt to changes in their Arctic ecosystems.
In her former role, Crockford was given official academic standing, the ability to apply for research grants, and access to university library services, in exchange for mentoring students, delivering lectures, and sitting on thesis committees.
According to Crockford’s own account in her blog entitled “Polar Bear Science”, her work and views were celebrated by the university’s Anthropology department until 2017.
This is when a video of her speaking at an event hosted by the Heartland Institute – a Canadian think tank known for denying climate change – was posted online.
In the talk, Crockford mentioned speaking to elementary school children about how climate change will not affect polar bears.
She believes that someone with political clout saw this video and contacted the university to complain about her presenting her views to school children.
Track record
Dr. Susan Crockford is associated with conservative think tanks like the Heartland Institute and the Global Warming Policy Foundation which describes her as “an expert on polar bear evolution”.
However, Crockford has not published any original research or written any peer-reviewed articles on the subject of polar bear evolution.
According to an article published in BioScience – a monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal – 80% of climate change denier blogs cite Susan Crockford as their primary source.
Leading scientists in the field contend that Crockford presents partial research outcomes to contradict the documented effects of climate change on sea ice or polar bears.
On social media, Crockford has been known to assert that there is no climate emergency and that top climate scientists all have political agendas.
In a tweet last month, the former adjunct professor states that “no climate emergency for polar bears means no climate emergency period”.
She goes on to argue that there is no scientific evidence showing the correlation between rising CO2 levels and natural calamities.
This assertion is in direct contradiction to the widely accepted UN IPCC report – and dozens of scholarly research papers – that states the world needs to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030 to avoid the worst consequences of global warming.
Crockford received a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology at the University of British Columbia, and completed her doctorate in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Victoria in 2004.
Head down to our Victoria Buzz office with non-perishable food items for The Mustard Seed Street Church to score yourself a pair of tickets to the upcoming October 29th Victoria Royals game versus the Kelowna Rockets.
For every three items donated, you’ll get two free tickets, up to a total of four tickets!
All you have to do is drive – or walk – into our parking lot (stay in your cars) and someone will grab your donation and hand you the tickets – easy peasy!
When: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m
Where: Victoria Buzz office – 2610 Douglas Street (wait for us by the parking lot)
If you are looking for some “spine-tingling fun” this Halloween season, be sure to visit The Gordon Head Haunted Manor! This haunting exhibit is a “Treasure Island”-themed animatronic yard display, that is sure to get kids of all ages into the Halloween spirit! This is a family-friendly event is by donation, in support of Victoria Hospice.
Victoria Costumes is closing at the end of the year and is currently selling all of their stock!
THOUSANDS of costumes will be on sale, just in case you don’t have yours yet, and their staff will be giving customers one-on-one service to perfect their costumes.
Bring new jokes you’re working on or old material you want to punch up, and you will split up into small writing groups and help each other improve your jokes.
Stop by Habit Coffee to experience wit, charm, craft, and heart—all valuable ingredients in creativity and building a rich experience. This is an exhibition honouring these things and the myth of a generation.
Changing leaves, drifting mist, picturesque waterfalls and of course streams of salmon! Autumn is the perfect time to visit the park. Spawning salmon usually appear mid-October and can be seen for about nine weeks, the dates varying from year to year. Stop by the visitor’s centre, grab a warm beverage and sit by the fire, as you learn about the incredible nature right on our doorstep.
2. Sip something warm at your favourite coffee shop
It’s getting chilly outside and the time for iced lattes is behind us. Hot tea and coffee really seem to taste better in the fall! So visit one of our great local coffee shops, order something warm, catch up with a friend or just watch the world go by.
Head to the Saanich Peninsula or toward Sooke; this multi-use trail network covers over 80km! Come fall, stretches are straight out of a pastoral paradise – wind your way through foggy fields, canopies of golden foliage and past seaside vistas.
Sunsets are beautiful in the summer, but they can be absolutely dazzling when fall arrives. Whether you park on top of Mt. Tolmie and see the city sparkle, or wander along the breakwater with someone you love, be sure to catch at least one stunner this season!
Summer blooms may have faded, but many of Victoria’s parks and gardens glow with autumnal colours, and without the high season crowds! We love the Japanese Gardens at these three locations: Gorge Park in Esquimalt, Hatley Gardens and Butchart Gardens.
From Pucks and Paws Night, to Marty the Marmot’s 14th birthday, to the Royals naming their 7th captain in franchise history.. they sure had a lot to celebrate this weekend!
Though there was much speculation leading up to Friday night’s game versus the Kamloops Blazers, the official announcement of the Victoria Royals’ new ‘C’ happened just prior to puck drop.
After 18 months of no captain, the club awarded forward Phillip Schultz with the honour, following in the footsteps of Hayden Rintoul, Tyler Stahl, Jordan Fransoo, Joe Hicketts, Ryan Gagnon and Matthew Phillips.
Schultz is a product of Rodovre, Denmark, and was chosen 38th overall by the Royals in the 2018 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.
He also brings previous captaincy experience to the Royals, having led Denmark’s Under-18 team during the 2017-18 season.
The forward tallied 36 points in 19 goals and 17 assists last 2018-19 regular season, including eight multi-point games and the first hat trick of his WHL career.
Schultz currently has one goal through five games during the 2019-20 Western Hockey League Regular Season.
This weekend saw back-to-back contests for the Royals against the visiting Kamloops Blazers – Friday night being Pucks and Paws night – including a ceremonial puck drop by VicPD K9 Jonny, though Victoria fell to Kamloops 2-1.
Thank you to the @victoriaroyals for having PSD Jonny drop the puck last night. Here’s a few highlights of the puck drop and PSD Maverick getting lots of love from the Royals fans during the 1st intermission. pic.twitter.com/gSVnV30LmN
The second of the two bouts were more successful, Victoria this time securing the win with their own score of 2-1 against the Blazers – and plenty of hugs, cake and birthday love for mascot Marty the Marmot to make it even better!
The Royals will be back at it again on Tuesday, October 29th versus the Kelowna Rockets for Victoria Buzz night – puck drop is at 7:05 p.m., and you can stop by and say hi after doors open at 6 p.m.!
Learn about the haunted history of the CFB Esquimalt while also trick or treating with local Dockyard residents. All ages are welcome, but space is limited so make sure to register early!
When: Saturday, October 26th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Are you looking for work, or want to make some extra cash for the holidays?
Maybe you love working with people and want a job that lets you interact with as many as possible? Westshore Town Centre is hosting a Job Expo and all are welcome to apply! All you need to do is bring your resume and be prepared to fill out application forms – and possibly even be interviewed on the spot.
When: Saturday, October 26th, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Westshore Town Centre (near the play area between Out of Bounds Sports and Suzanne’s ), 2945 Jacklin Road
Come watch the Victoria Royals take on the Kamloops Blazers and celebrate their mascot Marty the Marmot’s birthday while you’re there!
All his furry mascot friends will be there, and you can grab a free slice of birthday cake at Gate 1 at the conclusion of the game (limited quantities available).
When: Saturday, October 26th – puck drop at 7:05 p.m.
Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
Dress up and join Indigo for a Halloween parade! Make your own colour changing slime and hunt for treasure in a Foam Alive demo. A perfect Halloween event for children 5 and up!
When: Saturday, October 26th
Doors open at 10:50 a.m., Event begins at 11:00 a.m
Didn’t make it to Nevada to storm the gates? It’s okay, Upstairs Cabaret and Wax Candy have you covered. A night filled with drink specials, music, aliens, and spooky government experiments.
Groove Kitchen will be performing funky, soulful, and latin hits for a Hallowe’en shindig that will be hard to match. You can expect lively reinventions of songs by Earth, Wind, and Fire, James Brown, Boz Scaggs, Bruno Mars, and more.
When: Saturday, October 26th, 7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
What:An 80s themed Halloween party with cash prizes for Best Costume and live music from BiPolar Bear Cover Band. Dress Hopper, 11, Dustin, Erica, or come as your own creation.
Along with the over 90 local handmade and vintage exhibitors, you can enjoy delicious eats from a selection of Victoria’s finest food trucks such as Taco Revolution, sweet treats from places like the famed Sidney Scones, and Hoyne Brewing will even be there to provide beer on tap!
When: Saturday, October 26th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
The annual pumpkin carving event is happening at Millstream Village! From noon until 2 p.m. children 12 and under will receive a free pumpkin to carve. Bbq by donation, warm beverages from Serious coffee, free facepainting and so much more!
When: Saturday, October 26th, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Millstream Village Shopping Centre, 2401 Millstream Road
Come join hundreds of talented tattoo artists from across the globe in a weekend full of entertainment and inspiration. Featuring TV’s Inkmasters, live shows, shopping, contests and so much more!
They creep, they crawl, and may even give you the willies! Meet a variety of 6 legged, 8 legged and even no legged creatures and find out about their amazing adaptations and how many of them help us out. You might even meet Aunt Nancy the tarantula! Admission by donation.
When: Sunday, October 27th, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society, 3873 Swan Lake Road
Ghosts, goblins, princesses, fairies, astronauts, and other Halloween favourites are all welcome. Take a spin on the ice in your costume at this Halloween themed skating event. Don’t forget to bring your bag to trick or treat!
Join over 3000 non-profit organizations in Greater Victoria to do some shopping in the “Harvest Market” or wander through the “Too Cute To Spook Wicked Kid Zone” while listening to Halloween tunes to get you in the spirit.
Horror, gore, tassels, heels, and rhythm all merge together for an epic burlesque showdown. Featuring the burlesque talents of Devaiya Ra, Gala Vega, Keith Williams, Kibble ‘n’ Bits, Hazel Nuez, and more. There will also be featuring a special performance by musical duo Zonnis.
This year’s challenge features a “Smart City” theme that focuses on how technology affects every city in this digital age.
The best part? It only takes 15-30 minutes per day and you can do it from your couch!
Besides teaching people how to code, Lighthouse Labs is also offering various prizes as incentives for people to sign up, including a trip for two to Austin, Texas, Playstation 4 Pro, Apple Watch Series 4, and an LG Ultra Widescreen Monitor.
More about Lighthouse Labs
According to CEO Jeremy Shaki, Lighthouse Labs runs intensive ‘bootcamps’ of varying lengths that teach people several different coding languages in a classroom environment.
“Our concept is to prepare the next generation of developers, and help people who don’t necessarily have a background in coding, because it’s such a new development,” said Shaki.
They also offer a 12-week bootcamp worth $9,000 that covers everything you need to know to become a web developer.
But the 21-day coding challenge is FREE
You can register on their website, after which you’ll be sent an introductory email with optional study material.
Then starting November 1st, you’ll receive daily coding challenges with instructions, all in a fun game format.
And if this is too intimidating to take on by yourself, they’ve also got the option for you to sign up as a team – perfect for offices, study groups, etc.
“Our goal is to help people leave their intimidation about coding at home and do it in a social and fun way,” Shaki told Victoria Buzz in a statement about the same challenge hosted last year.
So now it’s time for the big question, Victoria: do you accept this challenge?
Sidney’s town council has directed staff to look into the steps that would be involved in banning smoking or vaping in the municipality’s downtown core.
Interest in making downtown Sidney smoke-free was sparked by loopholes in the CRD Clean Air Bylaw that allowed smoking in certain large sections of downtown, including during events like the Sidney Street Market.
In the absence of cigarette disposal containers, the township has received requests to explore ways of managing cigarette butt disposal and, other than installing receptacles similar to those in Victoria, they are also exploring the option of banning smoking altogether.
The option of installing cigarette receptacles would require staff to determine which areas are legal smoking locations, which type of canister to install, and where to recycle the material.
They would also need to figure out the volume of cigarette butts collected at each disposal canister in Sidney, and the upkeep on the receptacles would result in ongoing maintenance costs.
Another idea would be to require event organizers, who request Beacon Ave to be closed to traffic for their events, to ban smoking at said events.
The final proposal is to abolish smoking or vaping in the downtown core entirely with the imposition of a new bylaw and signage.
This ban could be enforced using a model similar to that employed by the CRD which employs the following steps:
targeted education and awareness
sufficient and proper signage
voluntary compliance and self-enforcement
ticketing in specific situations
Enforcement of the bylaw would primarily need to rely on voluntary compliance and self-enforcement due to strained resources for bylaw enforcement staff.
A report submitted by the township’s Director of Engineering states that there is no policy or guideline preventing the Town from creating a bylaw that makes the downtown core smoke-free.
This morning, Environment Canada issued wind warnings for Greater Victoria, the Southern Gulf Islands, and the Lower Mainland, as gusts are expected to reach up to 90 km/h.
High winds are expected to abate across Greater Victoria by this afternoon, but may prevail until the evening for the southern Gulf Islands and Lower Mainland.
Check the BC Ferries Twitter feed for instant updates on sailings, delays, and cancellations.
Portions of the Galloping Goose Trail will be closed to cyclists and pedestrians for over a month due to construction at the McKenzie interchange project site.
Partial closures of the trail will be put in place starting October 28th all the way until the end of November.
The first closure will be the section between where the pedestrian overpass over Highway 1 meets the trail and where the trail meets Burnside Road.
It includes the protected overpass over McKenzie Ave, and will be closed from October 28th to November 2nd.
Pedestrians and cyclists using the trail during the week will detour onto Burnside Road via Grange Road on the west, and where Burnside meets the trail on the east.
Signage and traffic personnel will also be on site to direct students who access schools in the area using the pedestrian overpass over Highway 1.
Traffic controllers will also be present to direct and ensure to safety of travellers and workers accessing the trail.
Saanich Police have issued a warning to members of the public, particularly the Chinese community, after an attempted “virtual kidnapping” took place earlier this week.
On October 23rd, while Saanich Police were assisting Vancouver Police in a related ongoing extortion scheme, the family of the victim in Saanich was contacted by the suspected fraudsters.
The scam, which police call “virtual kidnapping” followed a pattern that is common with similar extortion attempts that have been reported several times in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
“The victim typically receives a phone call and is convinced there is a warrant for their arrest in China, or that Chinese police need help with an investigation,” says S/Sgt Chris Horsley.
“The suspects then tell the victim to go into hiding and to make fake videos claiming they’ve been kidnapped. The scammers send the videos to the victim’s family and friends asking for money to pay for their release.”
Fortunately in this case, the family of the victim contacted local police to report the incident as soon as they received the extortion call.
“Police from outside Canada will never arrest you in this country, ask for photos
or videos of yourself pretending to be a victim of crime,” says S/Sgt Horsley. “Any contact from international authorities should be through your local police.
A similar incident was reported in Victoria last year when a woman was held against her will and her family was being extorted for money in a virtual kidnapping.
Things to remember
Saanich Police have released a list of legal facts for Chinese community members in Canada to keep in mind if they ever receive such a phone call:
The Chinese Police or government cannot arrest you in Canada.
All policing related contact from the Chinese government will be through local police.
Canadian or Chinese authorities will not ask you to destroy a phone or to take photos or videos of yourself pretending to be the victim of a crime.
If you are contacted by someone claiming to be the Chinese police and they ask you to aid an investigation by pretending to be the victim of a crime, call (250) 995-7654 for assistance (even if they tell you not to).
The Saanich Police Department is here to help you. If you feel unsafe or threatened, please call them either by dialling 911 or (250) 475-4321.
Stormy day at Ogden Point (Robby Benn / @bcrobby on Instagram)
Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for Greater Victoria and the southern Gulf Islands this morning.
Wind gusts ranging between 70 km/h and 90 km/h are expected to hit the capital city in the next few hours as a strong cold front crosses the south coast.
The authority predicts that the strongest gusts will be felt near the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
A similar advisory in place for the southern Gulf Islands states that an intense cold front is approaching BC’s south coast this morning.
Southerly winds will shift sharply to 50 km/h to 70 km/h with gusts of 90 km/h, and the strong winds are expected to ease up in the evening as the cold front makes its way east.
Environment Canada advises the public to be aware of damage caused to buildings, and loose objects tossed by wind that may cause injuries.
Held at the Mary Winspear Centre in beautiful Sidney by the sea, this event showcases the best of the best of modern and vintage goods from local-makers in Victoria.
Along with the over 90 local handmade and vintage exhibitors, you can enjoy delicious eats from a selection of Victoria’s finest food trucks such as Taco Revolution, sweet treats from places like the famed Sidney Scones, and Hoyne Brewing will even be there to provide beer on tap!
Victoria Buzz will be on location so stop by, say hi and get entered to win some sweet prizes!
This spooky season, cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show is returning to our very own Vic Theatre for five showings of kooky fun, from tonight until Halloween night.
This is a 19+ event. Two pieces of ID are required for entry. No outside props are allowed, as bags will be checked but prop bags will be available at the door for $5 cash. Stock is limited, so get there early!
In case you missed it, the union that represents support workers in the Saanich School District 63 have issued a 72-hour strike notice to the employer.
The union has been negotiating with the school district for several months for higher wages on par with their counterparts in Victoria and Sooke.
They used drone equipped with Forward-Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) – a device that can locate the heat signature of a person from an elevated position.
On Thursday morning, officers brought in Search and Rescue teams to assist with their search.
He was located at approximately 2:55 p.m. this afternoon.
“The Saanich Police would like to express their thanks to Search and Rescue volunteers that helped throughout, and the public for creating awareness,” police tweeted on Thursday afternoon.
(Photo by Paul Pudwell, Sooke Coastal Exploration/Facebook)
The rare grey-white orca calf that belongs to a pod of T46B Bigg’s transient killer whale family was spotted recently near Sooke.
The highly recognizable calf, named Tl’uk (T046B1B), made an appearance with its family on Wednesday south east of Sooke, and was captured on camera by Paul Pudwell and shared by Sooke Coastal Exploration.
Tl’uk, which means ‘moon’ in Coast Salish, is about a year old and was first spotted in November 2018 near Nanaimo.
He is not an albino calf as he has a distinct grey-white colour. Researches say he either has leucism which causes loss of pigmentation in any cell or suffers from Chediak-Higashi Syndrome.
While the former has no association with serious health risks, Chediak-Higashi Syndrome may signal several serious health conditions and a short lifespan.
Transient / Biggs Killer Whale family T046B1's & Grey "Tl`uk" T046B1B South East of Sooke Today…Always great to sea…
Comox Valley RCMP are investigating after a woman was found dead in a house fire in Cumberland.
On October 23rd, RCMP assisted fire crews in responding to a house fire in the 3200-block of Sutton Road in Cumberland, a village municipality in Comox Valley.
The body of an 85-year-old woman was found by fire crews during an initial search of the residence.
Authorities say the fire was not criminal in nature.
This Saturday, October 26th, the zombie apocalypse is coming to downtown Victoria as some of the city’s goriest creatures come out of hiding in search of some delicious brains.
For the third year in a row, we’re giving away a stellar gift in exchange for a small donation!
Here at Victoria Buzz, we’ll have 600 tickets to the Victoria Royals game versus division rivals the Kelowna Rockets happening Tuesday, October 29th, just waiting to be gifted to you.
How do you get them?
All we ask is for you to donate your non-perishable food item donations to us, that we will then deliver to The Mustard Seed Street Church & Food Bank.
Simply drive (or walk, or bus, or bike) to the parking lot by our office, on Monday, October 28th and one of our staff members will hand you your tickets.
Since its inception, this event has collected over 2000 pounds in food donations for the Mustard Seed – all thanks to the community’s help!
“This time of year, there are a lot of people are struggling and the food banks are empty, especially The Mustard Seed – so we thought this would be a great opportunity to help stock their shelves,” says Victoria Buzz founder Mike Kelly.
“It’s a win-win for hockey fans and families in need!”
For every three items donated, you’ll get two free tickets, up to a total of four tickets.
But remember, we only have 600 tickets to give away, so you’ll have to be quick! Here are the details:
The BC provincial government has introduced a new legislation that, if passed, could make it the first province to align its laws with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The legislation, titled the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, was developed in collaboration with the First Nations Leadership Council at the direction of First Nations, and aims to create a framework of reconciliation that is in keeping with the aims of the UN Declaration.
Originally passed in 2007, the UNDRIP grants Indigenous Peoples the right to compensation for lands that were taken or used without their consent.
“The provincial government has a long history of denying the very existence and rights of Indigenous peoples,” said Cheryl Casimer, First Nations Summit political executive.
“We are pleased that this changes today, and the Province of British Columbia is working with us in turning the page in our collective history and embarking on a new era and path for building a respectful and modern government-to-government relationship – a relationship built on recognition, respect, co-operation and partnership with a goal to improve the lives of our citizens and bring reconciliation to the forefront of society.”
No timeline has been established for when provincial laws would be amended to align with UNDRIP objectives.
The UN Declaration is a universal human rights instrument that includes 46 articles outlining the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples throughout the world. It has the support of 148 countries.
West Shore RCMP are investigating reports of a sexual assault that occurred after a man allegedly broke into a house in Colwood.
At around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23rd, police responded to reports of a break and enter and sexual assault at a residence near the intersection of Sooke Rd and Metchosin Rd in Colwood.
The victim was a woman who reported the incident to police, who then brought in Major Crime Units and K9 police services to assist in the investigation.
“The suspect is unknown to police and when we have more information to share with the public we will be sure to provide an update,” said Cst. Nancy Saggar.
No description of the suspect is available at this time, but officers say the perpetrator is still at large which has left residents in the area on high alert.
“Many young families on this road and around the corner. Young teenage girls. The police did go door to door and told everyone to lock their doors and close their blinds. Ours are still closed and fear that I can’t even walk my dog today,” one local resident tells Victoria Buzz.
In their statement to the public, police advise everyone to make sure their doors are locked and to report suspicious activity immediately.
This Saturday, October 26th you can join the Victoria Royals when they take on the visiting Kamloops Blazers for a night full of birthday fun – Marty the Marmot is turning fourteen!
Not only will fans have the opportunity to sign Marty’s birthday card before the game, you can also enjoy a slice of cake after the contest.
Marty will even be joined by his mascot friends including: Ace (Saanich PD), Slider (Panorama Recreation), Rocky (Victoria Shamrocks), Sally Ann (Salvation Army), Crunchy (Active Communities), Bauer (Saanich Minor Hockey) and Terry the Trader (Sports Traders).
There will also be an autographed game-worn Joe Hicketts Team Canada jersey from the 2015 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships available by auction in the concourse during the game! This is a sealed bid jersey auction, ending December 13th with proceeds going to the Victoria Royals Education and Scholarship Fund.
A selection of Royals’ vintage game-worn jersey’s from Turn Back the Clock Night will available via auction by donation to the Victoria Royals Education & Scholarship Fund via silent auction during the game as well.
This will be the second contest of the Royals’ back-to-back stint against the Blazers, as they also play Friday, October 25th for Pucks and Paws Night!
NetMotion has an existing partnership with Vancouver-based carrier TELUS, and recently also entered agreements with Rogers Wireless, Shared Services Canada, and Samsung Canada.
Their decision to open an office in Victoria is based on the city’s superior quality of life compared to other tech cities, and its proximity to talented computer science and engineering students at the University of Victoria.
NetMotion office
“Our Victoria team has been instrumental in developing Mobile IQ, an incredibly complex piece of software that turns network data into powerful insights,” said Joel Windels, NetMotion CMO, in a statement.
“As the team continues to grow, we needed to make sure we had a world-class environment for the team to work in – and with this move that’s exactly what we have.”
Outside of Canada and the US, the company also has offices in London, Tokyo, and Brisbane, and are actively hiring in those markets as well.
NetMotion’s clients in Canada include BC Ambulance, Victoria and Saanich Police Departments, Fortis BC, the Interior Health Authority, GCT Canada, CP Rail, Alberta Health Services, the cities of Ottawa and Vancouver, ATCO, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
They will also be working with several students from the University of Victoria’s co-op program or short-term computer science, engineering and marketing rotations taking place in 2020.
To come up with nominees for this prestigious annual ranking, Air Canada sent one writer on a month long cross-Canada anonymous dining expedition based on the recommendations of a diverse new panel of food experts.
“Air Canada is proud to champion Canada’s innovative food and drink scene for the 18th year running,” says Andy Shibata, Managing Director, Brand, Air Canada.
“By celebrating the diverse culinary creativity on display across Canada, we are sharing unique experiences with both Canadians and an international audience while helping them to explore the country.”
Here’s what the food critic had to say about the two new Vancouver Island finds:
Pluvio restaurant + rooms (Ucluelet): Glowing Douglas-fir tables made from the same tree, rock candles and rustic earthenware set the tone in this west-coast dining room.
Thanks to the chef’s Wickaninnish Inn pedigree, expect to see local ingredients elevated in dishes like fermented strawberries paired with miso-glazed foie gras and shortbread.
Nowhere * a restaurant (Victoria): Mind-boggling food is coming out of Nowhere, a spot hidden inside an urban mini-mall’s courtyard.
The menu is all about sustainable seafood and plant-forward dishes from rockfish with morels, sea asparagus and green garlic to eggplant- and cheese-stuffed mezzaluna pasta to a swoon-worthy pork ragù.
Back in August, Air Canada released a list of nominees for its annual ‘Best New Restaurant’ list. It featured a third island establishment – House of Boateng in Victoria – which didn’t make the cut for the final list.
Here’s the full list of top 10 Best New Restaurants in Canada:
Earlier: Saanich Police are asking for the public’s help as they are currently searching for an 84-year-old man suffering from dementia.
According to police, Giles Bixler appeared confused when last seen earlier this evening.
Police are currently searching for him along with the Victoria Fire Department who are using a drone equipped with Forward-Looking Infra-Red (FLIR). This device can locate the heat signature of a person from an elevated position.
As of 9:05 pm, police were searching the area of Mount Douglas Beach, Cormorant Point and Balmacarra Beach in Saanich.
Bixler is described as Caucasian, medium build, and was wearing a black down jacket.
The man was looking in backyards for the Vancouver Art Gallery. Due to the darkness and access to the water, police are very concerned for his well-being.
Police are asking for anyone who finds Bixler to remain with him and call 9-1-1.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saanich Police Department at (250) 475-4321.
The Quin twins, Tegan and Sara, are at it again, pumping out hit pop tunes and solving mysteries by the dozen. Everything is awesome when there is a conspiracy in the air? Who knows, it’s a mystery! Join Atomic Vaudeville for Cabaret numero 81 and get your Halloween on.
Want to go to a party? Well, have we got a party for you!
Mamma Mia! A glitzy, glamorous, rollicking, joyful party! Featuring twenty-two of Abba’s greatest hits, tied together with a story that is full of fun, pathos, passion and lots of laughs.
Galey Farm’s signature event features a Haunted House for kids, the much scarier 6000 square foot Carnevil Haunted House for adults, a haunted corn maze, Crazy Train and Seance. The Cornfield of Horror is fully animated and features The Haunted Mansion, Pirates Island, The Addams Graveyard and many more fabulous displays. Fun for all ages during the day, but gets much spookier after 6 pm.
Victoria is the most haunted city in British Columbia, if not all of Canada. Almost every building in the downtown core has a ghost story. Some say it’s a result of our Wild West beginnings during the Gold Rush, when the streets were full of fortune hunters, pleasure houses, saloons, public hangings, opium dens and vice was around every corner. The mystery around Haunted Victoria remains. So, Victoria Buzz has compiled some of the most famous and active locations of paranormal activity in the city.
The vehicle was parked roadside on McNeill Avenue in South Oak Bay, and when police arrived, they immediately administered naloxone.
Fortunately, they were able to revive the man and paramedics arrived soon after to take over his care. Police say he has fully recovered.
“We always encourage people to seek support but the reality is that very few go based on our intervention,” said Deputy Chief Ray Bernoties.
“Addiction is not something easily overcome and, at times, people will go and use again immediately after being revived.”
This is the third time in the last year that Oak Bay Police have used their naloxone kits to save people on the brink of overdosing to death.
According to a BC Coroners Service report released earlier this month, illicit drug overdose deaths are on the decline in southern Vancouver Island, by 33% compared to last year.
Jon Williams is the host of The Midday Zone in The Zone @ 91-3.
On top of his extensive music knowledge, Williams is also a passionate mental health advocate, openly sharing his story and removing stigma behind mental health for the past nine years.
He has spent hours speaking at mental health galas or high school events and participating in charity outreach programs.
Then Williams discovered Foundry Victoria through a friend and, in his own words, fell in love with the work that they do.
So he decided to set up his own fundraiser by creating T-shirts and hoodies that feature his signature sign-off, ‘Look after yourself. Have fun. & for goodness sake, smile.’
These clothes are then sold to anyone who wants them – so far, Williams’ radio listeners have purchased over 700 shirts and hoodies – and all profits are donated to Foundry Victoria.
“I understand that being told to smile can be grating to some, I was told it constantly growing up. But that’s because no one knew I was abused/near drowned,” Williams tells Victoria Buzz when asked about the inspiration behind his sign-off phrase.
“I detested the phrase, but I will not run or hide from someone/something that produces negativity within. I must see it, hear it, and own it. A phrase that used to drive me bonkers is now the last thing I say each show.”
Through selling his sign-off merchandise, Williams has thus far raised a whopping $10,000 for Foundry Victoria, and doesn’t plan to stop there.
(Photo submitted by Jon Williams)
Getting personal
Finding a way to fund mental health resources for young people is a mission that hits close to home for Williams.
When growing up in the south of England, he was abused, raped, and nearly drowned at the age of 10, and had nowhere to turn to for guidance.
“There were no places as a youth to talk to a doctor back then,” Williams tells Victoria Buzz.
“It’s just a wonderful hub of connection down there [at Foundry Victoria] for youth, so it had to be the first charity I wanted to give money to when it comes to the sign off shirts. I would’ve appreciated a chance to connect to a place like Foundry when I was a young man.”
His T-shirts cost $25 while hoodies are $100 each, and every item is limited due to demand at the moment.
But Williams says he may order a fresh batch if more people are interested in helping him continue this fundraiser.
To order yours, send him an email at jonathan.williams@jpbg.ca, with the word ‘charity’ in the subject line, and specify how many items you’d like, what size(s), and where you’re located.
After five months of being closed to vehicle traffic in the eastbound direction, the Bay Street Bridge will reopen to two-way traffic on Monday.
The bridge will be open both ways during the daytime everyday and Friday and Saturday evenings, while final upgrades continue during evening periods Sunday – Thursday from 7 p.m. – 5 a.m.
The $6.1 million project includes repairs to the concrete deck, rust protection of the steel, resurfacing the bridge deck and stripping and painting the steel on the underside of the bridge.
As work continues, motorists and the general public are advised to be cautious while traveling near the construction zone.
Final touches to the bridge renovations will continue throughout November until completion.
Parents and guardians with kids in the Saanich School District are being urged to find alternate childcare arrangements beginning Monday after the union representing support staff workers issued a 72-hour strike notice.
In a release, CUPE 441 said strike action will begin at 5:45 a.m. on Monday, October 28th.
According to union President Dean Coates, workers in School District 63 are demanding comparable wages to their counterparts in Victoria and Sooke, who have received higher wages for decades.
“Our local is profoundly disappointed that we were unable to come to an agreement and we are available to meet with the employer any time, 24/7,” said Coates.
“Our goal was always to reach an agreement that addresses members’ needs without disrupting students and families in Saanich.”
After bargaining with the school district on six occasions and two sessions with a mediator in October, an overwhelming majority of CUPE 441 members have voted to take job action.
There are nearly 500 K-12 workers in CUPE 441 who fill a range of roles including Education Assistants, Technical Support staff, Library Techs, Youth and Family Counsellors, Clerical, Custodial, Grounds, Maintenance, Transportation, Trades, and District support staff.
School district responds
“We believe we’ve put a fair proposal on the table, one which distributes the maximum funding available in a manner which reduces the greatest differences between us and our neighbours,” said school Board Vice-Chair Elsie McMurphy, in response.
According to a statement from the school district, the maximum funding available has already been allocated in their proposal, which provides wage increases for support staff in excess of 6% over a three-year term.
Back in August, the union representing support staff in the Saanich School District voted to be able to issue a 72-hour strike notice, which they have now done.
Until the board and union reach a mutual agreement, the following schools will be a strike zone with picket lines:
BC Ferries will start their one-year pilot program of serving beer and wine aboard some vessels tomorrow.
After an initial delay due to their pending liquor license, the ferry company is adding alcoholic options to the Pacific Buffet menu, available on three vessels servicing the Vancouver – Victoria (Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay) route: The Spirit of Vancouver Island, the Spirit of British Columbia and the Coastal Celebration.
These drinks must be purchased with a meal, are limited to one drink per customer, and will start being served at 11 a.m. onwards.
“Many of our customers have said they would like to have a glass of wine or beer with
their meal while sailing with us,” said Melanie Lucia, Executive Director of Catering and
Terminal Operations, in a statement earlier this year.
“We look for ways to enhance the customer experience and are pleased to now offer these beverages in the Pacific Buffet.”
After a period of one year, the company will review customer and employee feedback and evaluate the pilot to determine its level of success.
The decision to roll out beer and wine on the Vancouver-Victoria route was initialliy made in April 2019, and the company expected to be able to start the project in June. However this was delayed as BC Ferries had not received their liquor license approval by June.
The former crown corporation already sells beer and wine on its Northern routes and now aims to test the “viability and scalability” of offering alcohol on all routes by implementing the pilot program for one major route.
On Saturday, October 26th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you’ll be able to stop by the shopping centre – near the play area between Out of Bounds Sports and Suzanne’s – and meet the hiring managers of more than 15 retailers.
A wide variety of positions are available, including customer service, sales, food service, health and beauty, stock handlers, management, cashiers and more – there are permanent and seasonal positions available, hiring for both part-time and full time.
All are welcome to apply, and all you need to do is bring your resume and be prepared to fill out application forms – and possibly even be interviewed on the spot.
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Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on October 25th, 2019. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter within 24 hours of the contest closing. Good luck!
It’s officially gotten cold enough to crank the heat up and snuggle up under the covers.
This November, grab your choice of hot beverage and, against the backdrop of a classic rainy Victoria day, get ready to binge-watch old favourites and discover new classics on Netflix Canada.
The streaming service is releasing a host of new Netflix Originals, Hollywood blockbusters, and more, including season 3 of Atypical, Zero Dark Thirty, Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj: Volume 5, season 3 of The Crown, and several Christmas specials for those already jonesing for some holiday spirit.
Without further ado, here are the 100 new movies and shows coming to Netflix Canada in November:
November 1
American Son
Atypical: Season 3
Drive
Fire in Paradise
Hache
Hello Ninja
Holiday in the Wild
The King
The Man Without Gravity
Queer Eye: We’re in Japan!
We are the Waves
A Christmas Special: Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
Apache Warrior
Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures: Go Team Roberts: Season 1
Christmas Break-In
Christmas With A View
Cleo & Cuquin: Season 1
Ferdinand
Holiday Joy
Lawrence of Arabia: Restored Version
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans: Seasons 1-2
