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.
The march of the undead is upon us once more.
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.
See also: 16 gruesome images from the 2018 Zombie Walk in Victoria (PHOTOS)
To join them, rip up some clothes, bathe in some blood (preferably fake), and show off your most treacherous, horrifying face possible.
All humans are welcome to partake in the Zombie Walk, which is one of Victoria’s most notorious and largest public flash mobs.
General rules for participants include the following:
And spectators have been warned to keep your wits about you as you watch the procession go by – or else they might just be able to smell your fear!
It’s that time of the year again!
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.
See also: Feds announce $100M investment to research Indigenous health at UVic
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.
See also: Police release sketch of Sooke sexual assault suspect
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.
14 years of our favourite furry friend!
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).
See also: We are giving away FREE Victoria Royals tickets this Monday
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!
Party time!
Victoria’s tech hub just gained one more major company.
Seattle-based NetMotion, a mobile software provider, just opened a brand new office in downtown Victoria at 730 View Street.
The company has multiple offices around the world, but the new Victoria workplace is their largest presence outside the USA.
See also: This Victoria tech firm is #20 in new ranking of Canada’s top 400 growing companies
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.
“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.
Starbucks is offering you an additional afternoon jolt for free today!
From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 24th, Starbucks Canada is hosting their popular Happy Hour deals.
See also: Starbucks launches new delivery service across Canada today
This time, patrons can grab either hot or iced beverages as long as they’re a size grande or larger to qualify for the promotion.
As usual, their Happy Hour can be availed while ordering in-store with your Starbucks Rewards Card or through your Starbucks app.
Happy caffeinating!
Air Canada has just unveiled their list of Canada’s Top 10 Best New Restaurants for 2019, and two of them may look familiar to Vancouver Islanders!
Ucluelet’s Pluvio placed number 4 in the rankings, while Nowhere *a restaurant in Victoria earned the number 5 spot on their list.
See also: 3 Vancouver Island eateries listed among contenders for top 10 best new restaurants in Canada
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.
UPDATE: Giles Bixler was located safe and sound in Esquimalt on Thursday afternoon, one day after he went missing.
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.
https://twitter.com/SaanichPDPatrol/status/1187213698319839234?s=20
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.
Happy Thursday, Victoria!
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria today:
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.
Dress up, dance and party to Vikes Rugby Team biggest fundraiser of the year with DJ Shrew.
Oak Bay police officers attended the site of an impending overdose and were able to save a life today.
At around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, a passerby called police after witnessing a man at risk of overdosing in his car.
See also: Drug overdose deaths continue to decrease in Victoria: BC Coroners Service
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.
See also: Victoria kids set up Iced Tea booth to raise money for family of deceased friend
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.
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.
Facebook | Instagram | Foundry Victoria
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.
See also: Hilarious Bingo card makes fun of construction-laden Victoria streets
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.
See also: Saanich School District support staff issue strike notice
“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.
“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.
See also: BC Ferries delays alcohol sale on vessels pending liquor license approval
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.
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’s got you covered this weekend!
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.
Don’t forget to bring a smile!
For a chance to WIN a $50 Purdy’s gift card from Westshore Town Centre, complete one or more of the following:
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!
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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.
See also: 109 new movies and shows coming to Netflix Canada this October
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:
Vancouver Island’s first tall wood building is being constructed in Langford as of this afternoon.
The 12-storey mixed-use complex will be an addition to the municipality’s growing housing and business infrastructure, located at 2840 Peatt Road.
See also: Construction of new senior living facility for veterans in Esquimalt has begun
According to developers, Design Build Services, the advantages of a wood building is include a reduction in timeline for construction, and sustainable forest management.
A groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction will take place on Wednesday afternoon, attended by City of Langford Mayor Stewart Young, and representatives from Design Build Services and Colliers International.
In the meantime, here are some photo renderings of what the project is expected to look like:
It seems like a no-brainer – good mental health and well-being help us enjoy our life and the people in it, right?
But individuals struggling with mental health issues can experience fear, rejection, and stigma that severely impacts their quality of life. Many of these people have even been denied adequate housing, loans, health insurance, and jobs.
Too often stigma gets in the way of asking for help, and there are many who struggle with mental health challenges, but find it difficult to talk about it with family, friends, or coworkers.
For people like AJ, there was a time where mental health challenges controlled his life.
“I should have been successful, but I wasn’t.”
When AJ was nine or ten, he was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – this also led to other diagnoses, including generalized anxiety and depression.
Growing up, he was in the gifted program at school but was getting into shouting matches with his teachers. By the time he was in grade 10, he had dropped out.
His illness made it difficult to get along with his family; his depression got to the point where it was so bad, it manifested as suicidal thoughts. By the time he was 18, he ended up leaving home and had no money, no education, and very little social life.
Mental health is one of our most critical community needs – while Island Health and its first responders are there to provide urgent medical responses to mental health issues, it’s United Way that works with partner agencies on community-based initiatives focused on mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention.
United Way is creating a more inclusive community and ensuring those impacted by #UNIGNORABLE mental health issues can easily access the services they need before these issues become deep-rooted.
Click here to donate today and and help ensure people like AJ thrive!
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A Victoria Police officer was the subject of an Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC) investigation after she used her police cruiser for a personal issue.
According to the report, in September 2018 the officer in question strapped her two children together in the front seat of her police cruiser, using one seatbelt.
She then turned on the lights and siren on her cruiser in order to rush them to school on time.
See also: Former Victoria police chief Frank Elsner has been dismissed from policing
The emergency lights, used against protocol, caused several motorists to pull over in order to let her pass.
At the time of the incident, the officer was also assigned to an investigation and left it, and her jurisdiction, to conduct a non-police related activity without informing a police supervisor.
The OPCC therefore charged her with two misconducts: discreditable conduct, and neglect of duty.
For her actions, she was given “advice to future conduct” and a “verbal reprimand”. She also received a violation ticket for strapping two children together with one seatbelt.
According to the report, this behaviour is not likely to be repeated as the officer in question was in the process of retiring.
This investigation into police conduct is one of 79 conducted by the OPCC in the past year, one of which resulted in the dismissal of former Victoria police chief, Frank Elsner.
On Tuesday evening, 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg took to Twitter and Instagram to clarify that she did not decline a visit to Victoria.
This clarification was necessary because earlier today, several media outlets reported that according to mayor Lisa Helps, Thunberg rebuffed the city’s invitation to visit because BC Ferries vessels use fossil fuels.
See also: Thousands of protestors will rally for climate action in Victoria today
“PS. I don’t know anything about an invitation to Victoria, and I have definitely not declined it because of ’emissions’ from the public transport ferry. Just so you know:),” reads her tweet.
“I try to visit as many places as I can, but there’s unfortunately not enough time to visit everywhere.”
PS. I don’t know anything about an invitation to Victoria, and I have definitely not declined it because of “emissions” from the public transport ferry. Just so you know:)
I try to visit as many places as I can, but there’s unfortunately not enough time to visit everywhere.— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) October 23, 2019
In response, Victoria mayor Lisa Helps posted a photo of the open invitation extended to Thunberg from herself, Saanich mayor Fred Haynes, and local teenage climate activists Emma-Jane Burian and Rebecca Wolf Gage.
The letter invites her to both Victoria and Saanich, and states that its authors would arrange public engagements for her if she wishes.
Yes. And I just posted letter we sent last week to Twitter so she'd have it first hand! RT @tessvanstraaten: Clarification from Greta on all the stories swirling today @CHEK_News @BCFerries #ClimateStrike #ClimateEmergency #yyj @AJWVictoriaBC #environment https://t.co/T62T9yLN17 pic.twitter.com/4f6Nej5fwY
— Lisa Helps – Victoria Mayor (@lisahelps) October 23, 2019
There is, however, no indication of if, when, or why Thunberg declined this invite.
The teenage climate activist will be in Vancouver on October 28th to join the #FridaysForFuture climate strike outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.
More to come.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 36-year-old man.
Vincent Olsen was last heard from on October 21st, and are very concerned for his health and well being.
According to police, 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″ 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.
From the Rocky Horror Show to ScreamFest, here are 5 events happening in and around Victoria to get you through hump day:
Experience the show at a whole new level of intensity: live! This is Atomic Vaudeville’s fourth production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in Victoria.
With over a dozen showtimes, there’s bound to be one that works for you and your fellow freaks. Let’s all do the Time Warp again!
Note: Audience members are not permitted to bring their own props. However, prop bags will be available for purchase at every show or in advance.
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.
Get your I-just-don’t-wear-it-anymore clothing, accessories, and old costume items ready folks because Surfrider UVic is hosting a clothing exchange! (This is also a great opportunity to get random pieces for Halloween costumes!)
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries worldwide, so instead of buying new clothes, organizers of this event is trying to support the re-use of clothing.
A School Sponsored Event for ALL ages. Proceeds benefiting Local Saanich Schools. $10 per person / $30 for Elementary School Family of 4. Included: Entrance, 1 Haunt and 1 Midway game. Additional Coupon Packages Available for Purchase.
Tickets Available at your Neighbourhood School or at Claremont – 250-658-5221.
Stop by Vertigo between for a pumpkin carving contest, popcorn and music! All supplies will be provided, just bring yourself and a donation to participate. All proceeds will be donated to the UVic Little Big House Build.
Yesterday, Canadians made their voices heard in the polls. With everything counted, the night ended with Justin Trudeau and the Liberals winning power again, but this time with a minority government.
Meanwhile, winning the popular vote and claiming all Alberta ridings but one, Scheer and the Conservatives maintain that they will be back next election to claim power.
See also: Liberals form minority government after 43rd Canadian federal elections
With Trudeau now heading a minority government, he will need the support of another party to pass bills. This is because 170 votes are needed to pass a bill and the Liberals only managed to secure 157 seats.
Elizabeth May and the Green Party did not experience the voting surge they may have initially expected, but they did see some moderate gains, tripling their seat count from 2015 and doubling their vote count from last election. May also won her riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands for the third election in a row.
The NDP party, led by Jagmeet Singh, came up shorter than previously expected. In the weeks leading up to the election, Singh was polling at an increased approval rating of 18%. Despite Singh winning his riding of Burnaby South, the NDPs ended the evening with a mere 24 seats in the House.
See also:
As the dust settled on the 43rd Canadian Federal Election, Victoria Buzz headed to social media to gauge the reactions of Canadians.
Well done @DavidMerner for taking the #GreenParty up a notch in Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke with a strong second place and being an important part of green vote growth right across the country. Under #ProportionalRepresentation we would have 25 seats – that's how good it was!
— MBinColwood (@MBinColwood) October 22, 2019
I was led to believe that BC was the most environmentally conscious province in Cda. Last nights result prove that to be incorrect. The majority of BCrs voted #cpc/#ndp, both whom support fossil fuel expansion and environmental and human sacrifice zones in B.C.
— albertarabbit 🌎 (@albertarabbit) October 22, 2019
#ScheerlessTuesday So glad that Canadians have shown that extremism, hate, and dishonesty have no place in our politics.
— Dave’s not here (@13Wendigos) October 22, 2019
So delighted to see 🇨🇦Canada choose, by an overwhelming majority, to set a progressive agenda for itself, kicking to the curb all that Scheer, Trumpist, Harperite ideology of selfishness and regression.#cdnpoli #ChooseForward
— David Hamer (@DavidHamer_1951) October 22, 2019
I can't believe Alberta's reaction after four years of anger is now to be angrier. That didn't work the last time, should we maybe not try a different plan? #elxn43
— Mike Morrison 🏳️🌈 (@mikesbloggity) October 22, 2019
Dear conservative western Canadians:
I understand you’re upset by the #elxn43 results. I even understand your rage.
However, #wexit is *precisely* why the rest of Canada mocks us. First, the name is silly & derivative. Second, it won’t happen.
Thanks,
Everyone Else. #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/XnohkSRKWJ
— Jay Guevara (née Gamble) (@DrJayDrNo) October 22, 2019
Electoral reform immediately.
That needs to be the takeaway from #elxn43.
The end must come for "strategic voting" and for entirely unrepresentative results. #cdnpoli
— Arün Smith (@arun_smith) October 22, 2019
We really are a country who doesnt care about a prime minister who wears Blackface, bailed out a private pipeline for 4.5 billion dollars, lied about electoral reform, and wanted to keep hush on massive SNC corruption scandal. What even ?!? #cdnpoli #ElectionsCanada #elxn2019
— Harsha Walia (@HarshaWalia) October 22, 2019
Shout-out to the (so far) 68 people who've voted for the Rhino party's OTHER Maxime Bernier in Beauce. Fantastic stuff. #elxn43 pic.twitter.com/BHOEi1DSts
— David (P) Leonard (@davidpleonard) October 22, 2019
achieving the best possible outcome never felt so shitty. #elxn43
— Derrick O'Keefe 🌹🌱 (@derrickokeefe) October 22, 2019
I don’t want to go all political scientist on you folks, but this election was, as we say in the biz, fucked up. #elxn43
— David Pumpkin Spice Moscrop ☕️🎃 (@David_Moscrop) October 22, 2019
#wexit #WEXITALBERTA #quebexit #westernseparation #BlocQuebecois #elxn43 pic.twitter.com/mo41toXPnB
— Eric Pharand (@sepiriz101) October 22, 2019
Phew. #elxn43 pic.twitter.com/D1tjc2vuym
— Amanda Jette Knox (@MavenOfMayhem) October 22, 2019
Scheer: Now that the campaign is over, I would like to talk to you about life insurance #cdnpoli #elxn43
— The Beaverton (@TheBeaverton) October 22, 2019
Congratulations to @JustinTrudeau on a wonderful and hard fought victory. Canada is well served. I look forward to working with you toward the betterment of both of our countries!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 22, 2019
Congratulations @JustinTrudeau!
India and Canada are connected by shared values and a strong commitment to democracy as well as plurality.
Looking forward to working together to further strengthen bilateral relations. pic.twitter.com/8zYvyuixCw
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2019
In the end, it seems that Canadians are less than surprised with these results. After all, power has been shifting back and forth between Conservatives to Liberals for the past 150 years.
While there may not have been a momentous shift in power or stance, this remains an important moment in Canadian politics.
Previously, the average amount of time for a minority government to last is one year. The Liberals will have to regain trust and momentum if they want to survive in power any longer than that.
Fire crews and police are responding to a structure fire at the Four Mile Pub in View Royal.
The fire was reported at around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22nd at the establishment located at 199 Island Highway.
Sources say that it may have started on the second floor of the 161 year old building, but that it quickly spread to all floors.
Island Highway in the area surrounding the pub has been closed to traffic and motorists are advised to reroute to Admirals or Helmcken Rd.
Unconfirmed sources say there have been no injuries reported as of publication.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to Colwood and View Royal Fire departments for more information.
The historic establishment was once previously damaged by an accidental fire in 2011.
More to come.
Victoria Police have arrested Sebastian Normandin who was charged with trying to run over his ex-girlfriend and her partner with his car in Victoria.
Normandin was originally arrested in Victoria on December 27th, 2016, but was released on bail in May 2017.
The terms of his bail allowed him to live in Montreal on a promise to appear at a parole centre twice a week, along with several other conditions.
See also: Fugitive charged with attempted murder in Victoria sought by Interpol
However, as of October 2017, he fled the country and hid out in France, leading to a search by Canadian authorities as well as Interpol.
Victoria Police and partner agencies including the Regional Domestic Violence Unit then used warrants and tracking software to find out Normandin’s exact whereabouts in France.
Once he was located, there followed a lengthy, 12-month long extradition process involving Interpol, the Canadian Department of Justice and an RCMP officer stationed in France to request Normandin’s extradition back to Canada to stand trial.
Once court proceedings in France concluded and authorization from the French Prime Minister was granted, VicPD detectives flew to France on Friday, October 18th and returned Normandin to Victoria.
“This has been a very lengthy process and I’m really proud of our entire team for being dedicated to this file to ensure our community knows that we take these files very seriously,” said Detective Sergeant Shawn Robson.
“Without the amazing efforts from our community partners here on Vancouver Island as well as in France, Mr. Normandin would still be at large.”
He is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Boo Boulevard is coming back to town for the fifth year in a row!
On Sunday, October 27th, kick off your Halloween celebrations with this fun, free, family-friendly event in the heart of downtown Victoria.
See also: This Central Saanich corn maze will be full of evil clowns and zombies this Halloween season
For their 5th annual event, Wicked Victoria will be shortening their route to encompass Courtney Street along Government up to Yates Street, mainly due to the construction of the Customs House.
But they’re packing in the same amount of exciting events, music, and vendors as every other year!
Besides providing an excuse to wear your costume more than once, this event features fun festivities, like live performances, a kid’s zone with pumpkin decorating and games, a kid’s costume parade, and tons of local vendors to visit!
This year, their list vendors include some spooktastic businesses and activities like Axe & Grind, Horror Escape, Escape Room, Inflatable obstacle course, twister and Giant Soccer Kick games.
See also: This FREE Bates Motel-inspired haunted house in Saanich is a Halloween must-see
Speaking of vendors, there are still a few spots for businesses and non profits to set up at the event, so contact the Greater Victoria Festival Society if you want to get in on this spell-binding local tradition.
For all visitors, make sure to dress your scariest, and take a fun-filled walk through one of the city’s most coveted festivals of the year.
What’s better than the warm, sultry music of Sinatra on a cold Autumn’s day?
The chance to experience it at Victoria’s own Royal Theatre!
On November 2nd and 3rd, the Victoria Symphony is presenting two days filled with some of Sinatra’s greatest hits, sung by entertainer Tony DeSare alongside conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia.
The New York Times calls DeSare “two parts young Sinatra to one part Billy Joel”, and he will join the Victoria Symphony to sing tunes from legendary Old Blue Eyes himself!
A part of the Symphony’s series of POP concerts, at Old Blue Eyes you’ll get to revel in the sounds of classics like Luck Be A Lady, Come Fly With Me and My Way – just to name a few of Sinatra’s hits this famed crooner and his grooving band will perform.
Tickets are available online, but grab them fast! This is one soulful event you will not want to miss out on.
Even better, we’re giving away a pair of tickets to Old Blue Eyes, so you can have the chance to win yourself the majesty of this concert for yourself!
For a chance to WIN a a pair of tickets to Old Blue Eyes from the Victoria Symphony, complete one or more of the following:
Win 2 tickets to see one of the @VicSymphony’s Old Blue Eyes performances via @victoriabuzzes RT to enter! #victoriabuzz
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 pm on October 31st, 2019. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
BC Ferries will be replacing the vessel that serves the Swartz Bay – Salt Spring Island route for upgrades.
The Skeena Queen will be out of commission for 5 months from October 28th til mid-March 2020 as it undergoes a mid-life upgrade.
Passengers will instead be using the Queen of Cumberland to get to and from Salt Spring Island.
See also: BC Ferries Commissioner approves annual fare-increase cap of 2.3% until 2024
This vessel has vehicle ramps with an upper level for loading, so some passengers will be loaded onto this upper level ramp.
Vehicles will be loaded differently with commercial traffic being separated from regular vehicles, but everyone will still get on the boat on a first come, first serve basis.
There is an elevator that goes to the second level lounge, and the vessel also features a Coast Café Express.
To help passengers adjust to the new vessel, BC Ferries will have additional staff and signage during at Fulford Harbour Terminal on Salt Spring Island during the first week the Queen of Cumberland is on route.
Despite the Conservative Party winning the popular vote, the Liberal Party has formed a minority government with 155 seats in the House of Commons.
In spite of their win, this still comes as a loss for the Liberals, who will now occupy far fewer seats than the 184 they secured in the 2015 elections. While in office, the Liberals will have to negotiate support from another party in order to pass any legislation.
See also:
Opposition Conservative party members have secured 122 seats, the Bloc Québécois has 32, the NDP has 25, the Green Party has 3, and there is one Independent MP.
At around 9:30 p.m., United States President Donald Trump tweeted his congratulations to Liberal Party leader and incumbent Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — with whom he has previously had a tense relationship.
“Canada is well served,” wrote President Trump. “I look forward to working with you toward the betterment of both of our countries!”
Congratulations to @JustinTrudeau on a wonderful and hard fought victory. Canada is well served. I look forward to working with you toward the betterment of both of our countries!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 22, 2019
Trudeau garnered a massive 50.8 per cent of the vote in his district, followed by NDP candidate Christine Paré with 19.2 per cent of the vote.
All federal party leaders secured seats in their ridings with the exception of People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier, who lost his seat in Beauce, Quebec with only 28.7 per cent of the vote.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May came out victorious in her riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands, and Andrew Scheer held on to his seat in Regina-Qu’Appelle with 64 per cent of the vote.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has also won his riding of Burnaby South with 37.3 per cent of the vote.
By over 2,000 votes, Victoria city councillor Laurel Collins has beat out the competition to become the next MP for Victoria for the New Democratic Party.
At time of publishing, Collins has won with 35.8 per cent of the vote with 81.5 per cent of polls reporting.
In the 2018 municipal elections, Collins successfully campaigned to become one of the councillors for the City of Victoria.
See also: Liberal party leader Justin Trudeau wins seat in Quebec
Her campaign to represent Victoria in the House of Commons will mean a byelection to fill her current position as city councillor, which is projected to cost $200,000.
Among other candidates in the district, Racelle Kooy of the Green Party secured 28.2 per cent of the vote, Liberal candidate Nikki Macdonald received 22.2 per cent, Richard Caron of the Conservative Party secured 11.6 per cent.
Collins echoes the NDP’s climate change policies and has shown her commitment to the cause as a member of the CRD Regional Water Supply Commission and a director on the board of the Green Municipal Fund.
She has also taught courses in Social Justice, Sociology, and Social Inequality at the University fo Victoria.
The NDP was heavily criticized after residents in Victoria received fliers falsely insinuating that the Green Party would oppose abortion rights in Canada.
Liberal party leader and incumbent Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been re-elected in his electoral district.
As of the time of publication, approximately 91.37 per cent of votes have been counted for the riding of Papineau, Quebec.
Trudeau has garnered a massive 50.8 per cent of the vote, followed by NDP candidate Christine Paré with 19.2 per cent of the vote.
See also: Green Party leader Elizabeth May wins seat in Saanich-Gulf Islands
While the overall votes have not been tallied yet, projections say the Liberals will be holding on to power in the form of a minority government.
Despite the win, it’s still quite a loss for the Liberals, as they had 184 seats after the 2015 elections and now will occupy far fewer seats.
Meanwhile Green Party leader Elizabeth May achieved a similar victory in her riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands, and Andrew Scheer held on to his seat in Regina-Qu’Appelle with 64 per cent of the vote.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is projected to win his riding of Burnaby South with 37.1 per cent of the vote after over three quarters of the ballots had been counted.
The only party leader to lose his riding is People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier in Beauce, Quebec, where the MP seat went to Conservative Party candidate Richard Lehoux.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May has secured her seat as MP of Saanich-Gulf Islands with 46.9% per cent of the vote. Around 61% per cent of votes are currently in for this riding.
This is the third time May has been elected to represent Saanich-Gulf Islands since 2011, and in 2015 received a whopping 55 per cent of the popular vote.
See also: People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier loses seat in Quebec
Among other candidates in the riding, NDP’s Sabina Singh received 15.2 per cent of the vote, David Busch of the Conservative Party received 19.3 per cent, Liberal candidate Ryan Windsor received 17.1 per cent, and Ron Broda for the People’s Party had 1.5 per cent.
With climate change at the forefront of the average Canadian voter’s psyche, the Green Party has seen a surge in popularity.
As of the time of publication, Elections Canada shows that overall, the Greens have 6.1% of popular vote.
In the 2015 elections, they finished with 3.5 per cent of the vote and May was the only Green MP in the House of Commons.
However, this time around she will be accompanied by party candidate Jenica Atwin who won the MP seat in her riding of Fredericton, New Brunswick. Atwin is the first Green Party candidate east of British Columbia to be elected into the House of Commons.
See also: These are the 5 major candidates running for election in Saanich-Gulf Islands
As Green Party leader, May has been campaigning across the country in this year’s elections, facing off against Liberal, Conservative, NDP, PPC, and Bloc Québécois leaders in several debates.
Her environmental priorities include forming a federal Internal Cabinet with all parties to focus on climate change and get everyone on the same page, and getting Canada to net zero emissions by 2050.
May also focuses on expanding the single player medicare model to include pharmacare for everyone, establishing free dental care for low income Canadians, and increasing the National Housing Co-Investment Fund by $750 million for new builds.
People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier has lost his seat in Beauce, Quebec.
The leader of the newly formed party received 28.7% of the vote in his riding, losing the MP seat to Conservative party candidate Richard Lehoux.
No other candidate from the People’s Party is projected to win a seat in the House of Commons either.
Maxime Bernier formed the PPC when he lost Conservative party leadership to Andrew Scheer in 2017.
The election is over and so is Monday, now that we made it through the toughest part of the week, here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria today:
Don’t miss out on Canadian indie rocker and former lead singer of Matt Mays & El Torpedo one night performance for an intimate crowd for his “Howl at the Night” Tour!
Hungry for some local cuisine? Enjoy this 2-hour tour that starts at Victoria Public Market with stops along the way at The Harmonious Gates of Interest, Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, Bastion Square, Trounce Alley, and more!
Another round of mind testing trivia with drink specials, grilled cheeses, and prizes! First time? Head over and try your hand at questions that will push you to your cerebral limits.
Spend a night swing dancing to live jazz and sipping classic cocktails at this throwback to the 1920s styled party!
Interested in learning how to draw? Host Meghan Krauss will take you through this weekly course that starts at the basics and will teach you skills to move your abilities on to the next level!
With 145 seats, the Liberal Party is just 25 seats away from a majority win less than an hour after polls closed in B.C.
At 7:10, CBC News predicted a Liberal government. Just minutes later, they amended this statement to clarify that they anticipated a Liberal minority government.
UPDATE: CBC News is projecting a Liberal minority government.
— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) October 22, 2019
At time of writing, Liberals currently have 34.8 per cent of the vote, with the Conservatives (with 116 seats) close behind at 33 per cent.
The Bloc Québécois have 32 seats so far with 6.2 per cent of the vote, the NDP has 14.6 per cent of the vote and 19 seats, while the Green Party has 1 seat at 8.1 per cent of the votes.
So far, just 25.59 per cent of the vote has been counted.
More to come.
Get ready Victoria, if the weatherman is right, we should be in for a whole lot of sunshine this week.
This week’s forecast from Environment Canada is calling starting tomorrow and into the weekend (minus Friday), meaning you can bust out the sunglasses (though maybe not the shorts and sandals).
Meteorologists are predicting a brief end to our rainy days as clear skies are expected to be above Victoria for the next 3 days straight.
Temperatures will hover around highs of 11° to 14° Celsius, while the nights will range from 5° (like tonight) to 2°.
The streak of rainless days will begin tomorrow Tuesday, October 22nd and continue Thursday, October 24th, which for those looking to get outside is a thankful reprieve.
However, if you’re a pluviophile, there will be another possible rainy day and night on Friday, October 25th before some further continued clear skies into the weekend.
With Halloween festivities kicking off over the next ten days, the escape from the rain is good news to those looking to break out their best spookiest costumes.
Are we doing enough to tackle the culinary industry’s impact on the environment?
That’s the question a group of chefs in Victoria have a response to, and they’re looking for a way to pay it forward.
On Monday, October 28th EAT Magazine and Boom + Batten Restaurant/Café are co-hosting Eat The Future, a unique event to celebrate just how committed they are to making a difference and changing the future in the culinary world.
Though the event itself is sold out, there’s still a way for everyone and anyone to participate! Boom + Batten and EAT Magazine are co-hosting an online auction, with some truly unique west coast prizes available to bid on.
On top of incredible packages such as a three night stay at the Pacific Sands Resort in their Oceanside Suite paired with a $100 gift certificate at the Wolf in the Fog donated by Hoyne Brewing, there will also be biddable items such as travel excursions, art, unique experiences, luxury perks and of course – fabulous dining adventures!
Also up for bid will be a unique series of eight original paintings of working chefs titled: Tattoo Series 1, donated by Mary Ploegsma, a respected artist who splits her time between Victoria and Houston.
Money raised at this event and through the auction will be shared equally between the BC Hospitality Foundation and the Gary Hynes Foundation – specifically for students heading into their final year of a culinary program.
Are you looking to avoid the cold Fall weather this week?
Later this week, you can enjoy a pint, carve a pumpkin, and wait for this all to blow over.
On Thursday, October 24th, the Mint will be showing the film ‘Shaun of the Dead’, as well, they will be providing pumpkins to carve, popcorn to eat, and a featured Halloween inspired beer to drink.
See Also: Here is how to cast your Federal Elections vote in Greater Victoria
They’ll be serving a 12oz P49 Schadenfreude Pumpkin Ale to pair with the festive night and keep you fully in the mood for the undead quotable comedy.
Shaun of the Dead is a 2004 film famously known for being the first of the Cornetto Trilogy starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost teaming with director Edgar Wright, it was followed by 2007’s Hot Fuzz, and concluded by 2013’s World’s End.
With Halloween only 10 days away, the events gearing up during the spooky season are now in full swing and this one is expected to sell fast, so make sure you get tickets while supplies last.
Oak Bay police are on the lookout for a possible arsonist after they were contacted by the local Parks Department regarding an incident at a public washroom.
At about 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16th Oak Bay police were alerted of a possible arson in the Quimper Street Park washrooms.
Police believe the fire was started inside a garbage can which spread to the paper towel dispenser above.
The fire was already doused when police and fire arrived, but the damage left behind was evident to the small washroom’s equipment.
There are currently no witnesses or suspects to the crime or the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oak Bay Police department at 250-592-2424 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.
Several residents in the Oaklands neighbourhood of Victoria woke up this morning to find their vehicle tires slashed.
Victoria Police are now searching for a suspect or multiple suspects that slashed the tires of at least 30 vehicles in the neighbourhood overnight.
The area targeted by the tire slashers includes Shakespeare Street, Scott Street, Victor Street, Lionel Street, Haultain Street, and Kings Road, among others.
Investigators believe there may be more victims of this crime, and are seeking witnesses who saw suspicious behaviour in the area last night.
Anyone with dash cam or security footage is also asked to come forward.
If you have information about these incidents, contact VicPD at (250) 995-7654 or Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
It was a busy Monday morning for Oak Bay police.
According to a tweet from the department, a happy reunion took place at the police station between when a lost dog, who had been found and kept overnight by a resident, was brought back to her owner.
The family dog named Lily got lost late last night, and in the dark fall night, was unable to be reunited with her owner until this morning
A video shows the ecstatic family greeting their beloved pet and was posted on Twitter by Oak Bay PD.
A happy reunion between a lost dog (who had been found & kept overnight by a very caring resident) and its concerned owner. Video best played in slo-mo to "Reunited and it Feels So Good". pic.twitter.com/Cf6rgBcfu1
— Oak Bay Police (@OakBayPolice) October 21, 2019
Moments after the reunion, Oak Bay police found themselves back to work in their very own parking lot assisting a stranded motorist whose vehicle was not starting.
Though helping a broken down car is usually a job set aside for a local mechanic or BCAA, the Oak Bay PD were able to help get the car up and running again with some quick, efficient thinking and jumper cables.
“If we had scout badges for our sleeves, this would be a good morning. Hoping to plant a tree and read to some children by noon,” reads their jubilant tweet.
Immediately after the safe return of the dog, we deployed to our parking lot to help get this car started. #NoCalltoSmall If we had scout badges for our sleeves, this would be a good morning. Hoping to plant a tree and read to some children by noon!😃 pic.twitter.com/ZIHmh0dr1a
— Oak Bay Police (@OakBayPolice) October 21, 2019
Good work, Oak Bay PD!
Are you into antiques, fine art, collectibles, even vintage gaming equipment?
If so, this one’s for you!
Steptoe Services is presenting their first ever LIVE auction, happening Thursday, November 7th at the Prospect Lake Community Hall.
Happening from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. that evening, not only will there be an abundance of art, antiques and collectibles you can peruse and bid on, this event is FREE to attend and will also host live music throughout, featuring varying bluegrass musicians each day as well as a special guest auctioneer.
There will also be auction preview days happening from November 4th-6th from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., and November 7th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
All of the items have been consigned for sale by members of the general public, and in true auction fashion, will be sold to the highest bidder.
Have you tried Mosi Bakery’s tasty treats?
They will be onsite selling their delicious sandwiches and baked goods to snack on while you browse and bid, and they’re also giving away a $50 Mosi Bakery gift card to one lucky winner – enter below!
Even better?
They will have a 1980s ATARI 2600 gaming system set up for your gaming enjoyment during the preview days, so head on down for some vintage gaming fun!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqiZu-xh7ou/
For a chance to WIN a $50 gift card to Mosi Bakery, please complete one or more the following:
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on October 29th, 2019. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter by. Good luck!
After several weeks of campaigning, debates, and a smattering of scandals, the 2019 Canadian federal elections is nearly at an end.
Starting at 7 a.m. PST on Monday, October 21st, voters across BC have 12 hours to cast their ballot and help decide who will lead the country for the next four years.
See also:
All registered voters must bring either one piece of government-issued ID, or two pieces of ID that both have their name and at least one with a current address, or declare their identity and address in writing and have a witness to vouch for their identity at the polling station.
Here’s how to find out where to go to cast your ballot:
These are all the major local candidates running for election in Greater Victoria:
Laurel Collins – NDP
Richard Caron – Conservative Party
Racelle Kooy – Green Party
Nikki Macdonald – Liberal Party
Alyson Culbert – People’s Party
Randall Garrison – NDP
Randall Pewarchuk – Conservative Party
David Merner – Green Party
Jamie Hammond – Liberal Party
Jeremy Gustafson – People’s Party
Sabina Singh – NDP
David Busch – Conservative Party
Elizabeth May – Green Party
Ryan Windsor – Liberal Party
Ron Broda – People’s Party
It’s Election Night across the country and if you were able to vote in the upcoming democratic process, we have some great events to celebrate afterwards!
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria today:
Looking for an after Election party? Well, look no further! Entry to this by donation event is provided to anyone who shows proof of voting such as selfie, sticker, or just a good faith pinkie swear will also be accepted.
Hot wings enthusiasts prepare yourself for this challenge that may torch your taste buds and also fill your stomach with wings!
Experience a night of live music with composer Linda Bouchard and the trio of Vancouver musical improvisers including Gordon Grdina, Francois Houle, and Kenton Louwen.
Ah hoy! You can now bring the kids down to this family-friendly by donation Treasure Island-themed haunted house that will have age-appropriate scares that will dive them right into the spooky season!
Always wanted to sing? Now you have a chance! Come down and join this drop-in choir hosted by director Marc Jenkins who is accepting all comers regardless of experience or musical reading abilities!
Hit Canadian comedy series Letterkenny is coming back to Victoria with a live performance at the Royal Theatre in 2020.
Regular tickets for the show officially go on sale on Saturday, October 26th but for those of you who can’t wait to get your hands on them, there’s another option.
See also: Check meme Victoria municipalities Simpson Characters
According to the Letterkenny Facebook page, fans can grab tickets 5 days early to reserve their spot by using the early pre-sale code PUPPERS on Monday, October 21st.
The Toronto-based television show, available for streaming on CraveTV, follows a group of friends in the fictional small town of Letterkenny, Ontario.
It has won several awards throughout its 41-episode run including 3 Canadian Screen Awards and 2 Bell Media Awards.
Their live performance combines stand-up comedy and sketches centered around the main characters of the show. It also provides the audience with an interactive experience of being part of the sets.
If you’re a fan of the show or are just looking for some Canadian comedy with authentic small-town sensibilities, make sure to get your tickets while supplies last!
Letterkenny Live @ Royal Theatre
The 43rd Canadian federal elections are just days away, which means it’s the last chance to cast your ballots.
This Monday, Saanich-Gulf Islands residents will be heading to their nearest polling stations to take part in the democratic process and elect an MP to represent the electoral district in Ottawa.
See also:
Here’s a breakdown of the five major candidates running for election in Saanich-Gulf Islands:
The New Democratic Party nominated Sabina Singh as their representative candidate for Saanich-Gulf Islands.
Singh originally attempted to run as representative for the Victoria riding, but was defeated in a vote by city councillor Laurel Collins after incumbent MP Murray Rankin announced that he would not be seeking a third term.
The political scientist was an instructor at the University of Victoria and has worked with the community to push for electoral reform, and seek justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Like most candidates, Singh is focusing on tackling climate change while trying to make life affordable and fair for the average Canadian by advocating for universal pharmacare, free mental health and dental care, ending interest on student loans, and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
David Busch is the Conservative Party candidate hoping to represent Saanich-Gulf Islands in the House of Commons in the upcoming elections.
As a practicing lawyer, he spent several years working as a civil litigator for a major law firm in BC, and over the past decade, has volunteered for the Conservative Party in a number of capacities.
He aims to unseat the riding’s current representative, Elizabeth May, by pushing a platform that addresses several different issues while still keeping climate change in mind.
Busch prioritizes implementing policies to tackle the housing crisis, provide more access to health care, and combat climate change, all while balancing the budget.
Earlier this month, he also announced the party’s plans to change the Volunteer Firefighter and Search and Rescue Tax Credit in order to give volunteers a $450 rebate for donating 150 hours per year.
Incumbent MP and party leader, Elizabeth May, is the Green Party candidate for the Saanich-Gulf Islands electoral district.
May has been elected to represent her riding twice, and in 2015 received a whopping 55% of the popular vote.
Some of her measures as MP have included sponsoring the Lyme Disease Act, preventing the closure of the Centre for Plant Health in Sidney when its shutdown was imminent under the Harper administration, and created a bill (that became the law in 2019) to ban keeping cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in captivity in Canada.
As Green Party leader, May has been campaigning across the country in this year’s elections, facing off against Liberal, Conservative, NDP, PPC, and Bloc Québécois leaders in several debates.
With climate change at the forefront of the average Canadian voter’s psyche, the Green Party has seen a surge in popularity. Current polls show that the Greens have 8.2% of popular vote, while in the 2015 elections they finished with 3.5% of the vote and May was the only Green MP in the House of Commons.
May’s environmental priorities include forming a federal Internal Cabinet with all parties to focus on climate change and get everyone on the same page, and getting Canada to net zero emissions by 2050.
She also focuses on expanding the single player medicare model to include pharmacare for everyone, establishing free dental care for low income Canadians, and increasing the National Housing Co-Investment Fund by $750 million for new builds.
The last few days have been incredible. Touring through Vancouver Island, I've felt the incredible Green momentum we have here on the island. Rain or shine, we've had hundreds of amazing supporters and volunteers cheering us on. @CanadianGreens are about to make history! #GPC pic.twitter.com/lsUovRCrGZ
— Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) October 19, 2019
The Liberal Party candidate for Saanich-Gulf Islands, Ryan Windsor is also the current mayor of Central Saanich. He has taken an unpaid leave of absence in order to run for the federal position.
Windsor was elected mayor of Central Saanich in 2014 and since then, has implemented the municipality’s climate leadership plan to reduce greenhouse gases, especially from transportation and municipal buildings.
Another sign of his dedication to mitigating climate change is his volunteer work to restore the ecosystem in local streams and creeks and help educate children about farming and the food we eat.
Like his opposition, incumbent MP Elizabeth May, Windsor champions his party’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, among other climate change initiatives like cutting corporate taxes for small clean tech businesses by 50%, and having all federal buildings run on clean electricity by 2022.
His platform also focuses on implementing universal pharmacare, similar to both Green and NDP policies, establish national standards for mental health care, and make sure everyone has access to a family doctor.
Ron Broda is the People’s Party candidate representing Saanich-Gulf Islands in the 2019 elections.
Broda moved to Central Saanich from the mainland in 1991 and has worked as a police officer for the Vancouver Police Department, Saanich Police Department, and was an officer with the Canada Border Services Agency.
For Broda, the main issue in Canadian politics today is trust, and he denounces the “paralyzing degree of political correctness that is stifling our free speech and rational discussion of major issues.”
He joined the PPC after Maxime Bernier’s slogan of ‘Freedom, Personal Responsibility, Fairness and Respect’ resonated with him.
Like his PPC counterparts in Victoria and Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, Broda has also experienced hostility to his platform in the form of people vandalizing his campaign signs.
In a tweet, Broda calls for the public to help him identify a woman who was caught on camera removing his campaign signs in Saanich.
Another sign vandal in Saanich. Someone knows her. #yyj#victoriapolice #victoriabuzz@SaanichPolice @ElizabethMay @timescolonist @CTVNewsVI @BlackPressMedia pic.twitter.com/vaWwEZAqhz
— RonBroda.PPC2019 (@RonBrodaPPC2019) October 17, 2019
The PPC is the only party without any policies pertaining to climate change in this year’s elections. They have issued a blanket statement saying that the “uncertainties over the scientific basis of global warming, and the certainties about the huge costs of measures designed to fight it” justify their desire to withhold from government intervention.
The 43rd Canadian federal elections are just days away, which means it’s the last chance to cast your ballots.
On October 21st, residents in the Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke riding will be heading to their nearest polling stations to take part in the democratic process and elect an MP to represent the electoral district in Ottawa.
See also: These are the 5 major candidates running for election in Victoria
Here’s a breakdown of the five major candidates running for election in Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke:
Randall Garrison, the National Democratic Party’s candidate for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, is the incumbent MP for the electoral district for the past eight years.
He is the party’s LGBTQ2+ spokesperson and sponsored the bill that added transgender rights to the human rights section of the Criminal Code and the Canadian Human Rights Code.
Garrison is also the NDP’s critic on national defence, advocating for strong training, equipment, and support for Canadian Forces.
He fought against the Trans Mountain Pipeline in an effort to stop the Liberal government from purchasing it from Kinder Morgan and pushing the project through.
His platform echoes leader Jagmeet Singh’s policies, with particular emphasis on housing, health care, employment, and climate change action.
“As Canadians we can choose to ask those who are doing so very well in our society, the super-rich and profitable corporations, to pay a little more, something closer to their fair share,” writes Garrison.
“If we do, then we can afford head-to-toe health care for all Canadians and secure housing for everyone.”
https://twitter.com/r_garrison/status/1184631214214266882
Randall Pewarchuk is the Conservative Party candidate hoping to represent Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke in the House of Commons after Monday’s elections.
Pewarchuk was a dental practitioner for several decades before deciding to run as the CPC candidate for his riding.
His priorities focus on lower taxation, in line with the party’s plans to introduce a Universal Tax Cut, abolish the carbon tax, and remove the GST from utility bills.
According to his website, Pewarchuk wants citizens to vote for him if they don’t want to “risk losing [their] livelihood to over-aggressive, rushed and questionable green initiatives at the expense of a stable economy.”
https://www.facebook.com/randallpewarchukforesquimaltsaanichsooke/photos/a.292664511677967/392982508312833/?type=3&theater
David Merner is the Green Party candidate for the Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke electoral district.
Merner was a practicing lawyer for 28 years before running for the federal elections in 2015 as a member of the Liberal Party, and garnering 27.4% of the vote.
He switched to the Green Party in 2018 after deciding that he “could not support a party that serially breaks its promises”, particularly after the Trudeau government’s purchase of the Kinder Morgan pipeline.
On top of supporting the Green Party’s climate change policies, Merner’s platform focuses on combatting the inequality and exclusion of Indigenous people and those living in poverty; establishing pharmacare for all; abolishing student debt; creating good jobs, social supports, and affordable homes in a green economy; and bringing an end to tax havens, loopholes, and corporate handouts.
.@CanadianGreens are committed to bold, transformational #ClimateAction. We will ban #fracking, cut GHG emissions by 60% and invest in the transition to the new economy through free tuition at trade schools, colleges, and universities.#LNGisFracking #GPChttps://t.co/pw58GBTCcm pic.twitter.com/ObCJOKisJq
— David Merner (@DavidMerner) October 17, 2019
The Liberal Party candidate for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, Jamie Hammond, served in the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly 3 decades before turning to politics.
He went on to serve as Private Secretary to two Lieutenant Governors of B.C., and as a senior civil servant with the provincial government, focused on innovation and international trade.
If elected, Hammond pledges to create a dedicated military liaison in his community office to assist veterans and families of current members access government services.
He is a strong advocate for the Canada Child Benefit, and also plans to form a Local Environmental Advisory Panel to make sure local environmental needs and concerns are heard in Ottawa.
Hammond also pledges to convene a Transportation Action Team made up of local constituents, government representatives, and First Nations, to provide a voice for the region’s transportation needs in the federal government.
Jeremy Gustafson is the People’s Party candidate representing Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke in the 2019 elections.
Gustafson works in the film industry and is a resident of East Vancouver, but has been staying in his riding for the last two weeks of the election campaign.
His platform focuses on housing affordability, lowering the income tax, cutting immigration by more than 50%, and abolishing the carbon tax.
If elected, Gustafson plans to support policies that combat pollution in Canada’s waterways and providing clean drinking water to First Nations reserves.
Like the PPC’s candidate for Victoria, Alyson Culbert, Gustafson has also encountered issues with unknown people vandalizing or hiding his campaign signs.
This celebration of #FreedomOfSpeech brought to you by the tolerant Left. #Censorship #PPC2019 pic.twitter.com/TezarkAwGG
— Jeremy Gustafson (@604vanilla) October 18, 2019
The PPC is the only party without any policies pertaining to climate change in this year’s elections. They have issued a blanket statement saying that the “uncertainties over the scientific basis of global warming, and the certainties about the huge costs of measures designed to fight it” justify their desire to withhold from government intervention.
With the short week behind us, we can now dive headfirst into some weekend festivities that edge us closer to Halloween.
Prepare yourself for Art of the Cocktail, Oktoberfest events, a family-friendly haunted house, and more!
Here are 21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend:
The annual cocktail event returns! Enjoy samples and learn about drinks from artisans and distillers so you can make the perfect cocktail for your next party!
Can’t make it to Germany for Oktoberfest? Well, you’re in luck! Break out your lederhosen, play games like beer pong and giant Jenga, while also listening to some live accordion music at this German styled celebration!
Make your way down to this German-themed party with live music, Bavarian meals, Hoyne Brewing beer, and drinks from Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse!
If you haven’t made a soccer game this year make your way down to Westhills Stadium to watch Victoria’s Pacific FC face off against Manitoba’s Valour FC for their final game of the season.
Pumpkin hunters and Halloween enthusiasts, your time of the year has finally arrived. Get into the Halloween spirit with Hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a corn maze, petting farm, haunted house, and much more.
Make your way to the Metro Studio Theatre for a live performance of this 1975 cult classic directed by Atomic Vaudeville’s Britt Small.
Bring the kids down to this costume encouraged Halloween event and art show celebrating its second year! There will be treats, horror t-shirts, ghoulish art, and more!
Dance the night away to this late-night party featuring a collective of artists who have appeared at such festivals as Shambala, Bass Coast, Atmosphere Gathering, and Koksilah!
Get yourself down to this Fall hobby fair with over 200 vendors of retro and new toys for kids or the kids at heart.
Experience a night of worldly dance at this mashup of disco, funk, and house grooves that will have you shaking till the early morning.
Looking for a furry friend? Flirting with Fido makes it that much easier at this 4-hour adoption fair that will have dogs on site for you to meet and maybe even take home.
Beer lovers, prepare yourself for an evening of brewery specials at this tap takeover that will have specials and signature ales to try at this evening event!
If you’re looking for a night of live music with a rockabilly swagger, make your way down to Vinyl Envy for this party that features three different bands that will have you shaking your hips for hours!
Spend the night listening to the music of composer Richard Rogers at this tribute event dedicated to the man behind such scores as The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The King and I, and much more
Get a great Fall picture of your furry best friend taken at this Halloween photoshoot hosted by Eagle Creek Bosley’s, and as an added bonus, all proceeds from the event going to help rehabilitate rescue dogs.
Lovers of country and rock, make your way down to Capital Ballroom to hear the music of this British Columbia born artist who will be playing hits from “Me and the Mountain”, newest released album.
Are you in the market for a unique present or a hobby item? The Victoria Flea Market has you covered with another Sunday of bargains on creative gifts!
Enjoy an evening of East Coast food and beer at this party dedicated to fresh lobster, clams, sausages, potatoes, and traditional tunes from the other end of Canada.
Ah hoy! You can now bring the kids down to this family-friendly by donation Treasure Island-haunted house that will have age-appropriate scares that will dive them right into the spooky season!
If you’re looking for a chuckle this weekend, make your way down to Dylan’s pub for a featured night of comedy with local comedians breaking out a number of funny sets.
Love caesars? Make your way down to James Pub where they will be having them on special for the entire day!
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