RCMP are issuing a warning to pet owners after a family cat was shot in the Deep Cove area of North Saanich Monday evening.

In a release, Sidney/North Saanich RCMP said the cats owner, Karen Halkett, let her Burmese cat Frankie outside at approximately 4 p.m. on August 12.

See also:  SPCA launches investigation after cat shot 5 times with pellet gun in Nanaimo

At 8 p.m., when Frankie hadn’t come in, Halkett went looking for the cat and found her hiding and injured in a van. After visiting the veterinarian it was discovered that Frankie had been shot by what is believed to be a .22 calibre firearm.

The cat underwent surgery today which involved amputating one of her legs due to the severity of damage cause by the shot.

The shooting shooting occurred in the area of Baxendale Road.

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Halkett wishes for people to know about what happened in order to protect their own pets.

“This is a concerning report and one that we take very seriously,” said Cst. Meighan de Pass, media relations officer for the Sidney North Saanich RCMP. “Causing suffering to an animal and the careless use of a firearm are serious offences, both of which we are investigating fully.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sidney North Saanich RCMP (250) 656-3931.

Tomorrow is the last day for visitors to peruse the shelves at Books on View, a fixture of View Street in downtown Victoria.

For years, Books on View has served as a secondary location for Russell Books on Fort Street, but its owners will be closing the store to the public after its last day on Thursday, August 15th.

See also: Russell Books is moving to a bigger location in downtown Victoria

Co-owner Andrea Minter tells Victoria Buzz that the company plans to keep the space occupied by Books on View and use it as a warehouse to store inventory.

There’s still time to say goodbye, however.

For its last day, the View St bookstore is having a major buy-one-get-one-free sale valid on everything in-store.

New location for Russell Books

Earlier this summer, Russell Books announced that it would be moving to a new location just across the street at 747 Fort Street.

While the owners had originally planned to complete the transition by the end of the summer, they now expect to finish moving everything over by October.

“We have lots of things in the works for the new space, as well as lots of new products, titles, and brands coming in,” Minter tells Victoria Buzz.

“We’ve already started moving a lot of our product, and the vintage section is having a blowout sale as well.”

This transition is a massive expansion for the business, as the new store measures18,000 sq. ft. – that’s 6,000 sq. ft more space than their current location.

The staff at Russell Books plan to execute the move without shutting down the business, and Minter adds that more sales are on the way for the main store as well.

Russell Books first opened in downtown Victoria in 1991 when founder Reg Russell expanded his Montreal operation and brought it to the city.

Today, it is the single largest independent bookstore operator in downtown Victoria and offers a massive variety of literature, covering every inch of the store from floor to ceiling.

Anyone have a cool $1.9 million lying around?

Because this mansion in Courtenay comes with all the fixings to take you right back to your childhood – and then some!

According to a posting on international realty site, Sotheby’s, the 4.94 acre estate at 4158 Marsden Road features two treehouses connected to viewing platform by a suspension bridge, right next to a volleyball court and more.

See also:

• You could own this unique treehouse-style home in Langford for nearly $1.2 million (PHOTOS)
• Take a look inside the most expensive property on Vancouver Island (PHOTOS/VIDEO)

And of course, the treehouses come fully equipped with electricity and internet, so you don’t have to give up all your creature comforts while being surrounded by nature.

The 4,636 square foot house itself also boasts six bedrooms, four bathrooms, an open-concept kitchen, a games room, and a second floor outdoor walkway.

To top it all off, the property comes with an outdoor pool,  a self-contained pool house, an exterior theatre area and bar, two wooden cabins for guests, four recreational vehicle sites with full water and electricity services, a huge fire pit, and Viking barbecue.

Check it out:

West Shore RCMP have identified persons of interest in the course of their investigation of the murder of 60-year-old Martin Payne.

Payne was found deceased in his home on Friday, July 12th, and his death has been ruled suspicious.

See also:

• Police identify victim of suspicious death in Metchosin home
• Suspicious death of 60-year-old Metchosin man believed to be an isolated incident

In a recent update, RCMP shared that they have identified persons of interest in the case, and that there is no threat to the public in Greater Victoria.

“We cannot discuss Mr. Payne’s murder in detail as this is an active investigation. The investigative team continues to work hard at gathering evidence to support charges against those responsible for his homicide,” stated Staff Sergeant Raj Sandhu, Operations NCO at the West Shore RCMP.

Although no further details about suspects have been disclosed, police are seeking public assistance in identifying the owner of a backpack that was recovered by investigators on July 9th.

It is a navy blue backpack with large beige lettering on the front identifying the brand as Journeys by Jerry Van Dyke. Pictured below:

Anyone with information regarding the murder of Martin Payne or the owner of this backpack is asked to contact the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit information line at 250-380-6211.

UPDATE: Sooke Road has been reopened as of 10:36 a.m.

Earlier: A section of Sooke Road is closed in both directions following an early morning crash in Colwood Wednesday morning.

The crash occurred just before 4 a.m. on Sooke Road just west of Goldstream Avenue.

The stretch of road is completely shut down from Jerome Road to Goldstream Avenue, and traffic is being diverted at Kelly Road.

According to the West Shore RCMP, the crash involved only one vehicle. Both occupants were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

Speed and impairment are believed be factors in the crash.

West Shore RCMP along with the South Island Traffic Services Collision Re-constructionist remain on scene.

Police are asking drivers to avoid the area.

“As we continue to investigate the cause of the collision, Sooke Rd is completely shut down from Jerome Rd to Goldstream Ave, and traffic is being diverted at Kelly Rd. Traffic will be slow in this area until police are done processing the scene,”  said Cst. Nancy Saggar.

“We will update the public when the roadway is clear. We ask that motorists slow down when coming into this area and expect delays.”

Victoria police are asking for your help as they work to locate missing man, Orville Memnook.

Orville is described as a 40-year-old Indigenous man who was last seen wearing a short sleeve plaid (white, red, blue) button up shirt and mustard brown shorts.

He was reported missing earlier this evening after last being seen at 5:30 p.m. in the area of Quadra Street and Hillside Avenue.

Orville has a medical condition that requires medication and is visiting from out of town.

His family is worried for his well-being.

Call 911 if you seen him.

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Calling all burger lovers and discount lovers!

From today until Monday, August 19th, McDonald’s is selling their newly designed Big Mac burgers for just $3 across Canada.

The discount is being offered to celebrate the company’s revamped line of classic beef burgers, like their Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, and Cheeseburger.

See also: McDonalds has started serving fish & chips across Canada

According to an announcement made by the fast food giant last week, Mcdonald’s burgers made in Canada will now use fresher ingredients and feature a different cooking procedure.

Some of the most significant cooking process changes include using 100% Canadian beef patties – that will now be grilled in smaller batches – and adding onions directly to the patties during cooking for increased flavour, as well as using new buns that will be heated to order.

“We’re making a number of small changes to our burgers that add up to one big taste difference for our guests,” said Nicola Pitman, Director of Menu Innovation and Management, McDonald’s Canada in a statement.

“These improvements will not only result in hotter, juicier and tastier burgers that are cooked to perfection, but also showcase our ongoing commitment to ensuring Canadians get the best burger every time they visit McDonald’s.”

See also: Domino’s Pizza is offering 50% off pizzas all week across Canada

Customers can pick up a $3 Big Mac from any McDonald’s location on Vancouver Island, and across Canada, starting today.

“From August 13-19, 2019, McDonald’s is offering a $3 Big Mac at restaurants nationally, to encourage Canadians to taste the difference in this remastered classic beef burger,” said the company in a statement.

A brand new state-of-the-art MRI machine was just installed in Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital this weekend.

The new 3T MRI scanner — which features a 17,000-pound magnet and is double the magnetic strength of current MRI machines — was lifted by crane into the Royal Jubilee on Saturday.

MRI’s (magnetic resonance imaging) are machines that help diagnose a range of medical conditions, like brain abnormalities, tumors, cysts, soft-tissue injuries, and more.

See also:

• A new MRI scanner set to open in Nanaimo will reduce wait times on the island
• Vancouver Island’s first ever state-of-the-art cancer screening facility to open in Victoria

“Royal Jubilee Hospital has just received a new 3T MRI scanner!” said Island Health on Facebook.

“It has two times the magnetic strength of current MRI scanners in operation, and will help diagnose complex conditions such as neurological disease, heart disease, and prostate cancer, enhancing the quality of care for our patients.”

The installation comes just two weeks after the province announced that construction of a new MRI had begun at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

The medical machine in Nanaimo is expected to dramatically reduce wait times for medical examinations throughout central Vancouver Island once it’s fully operational in Spring 2020.

Meanwhile, in mid-July, the province announced the construction of the first ever PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) scanner suite for cancer treatment on the island.

The state-of-the art $6.5 million facility will open in Victoria’s BC Cancer centre, and will help cancer patients receive care closer to home, rather than having to travel to Vancouver for scans.

RCMP confirmed Monday that the two bodies found near Gillam, Manitoba last week were those of Port Alberni teens and murder suspects Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky.

The Manitoba Medical Examiner says the pair died in an apparent “suicide by gunfire.”

Two firearms were located near their bodies, roughly 8 kilometres away from where the pair’s burnt RAV4 vehicle was discovered.

While police have not determined an exact time of death, investigators believe that they were deceased “for a number of days” before their remains were discovered.

That being said, officials believe the pair were likely alive for a number of days after the manhunt for them began near Gillam in late July.

McLeod, 19, and Schmegelsky, 18, were charged with second-degree murder in the death of Leonard Dyck. They were also wanted in the murder of a young tourist couple – Australian Lucas Fowler and American Chynna Deese.

Investigators are reviewing all of the evidence and information collected in order to determine what happened to the three victims.

Police say they will review all investigative findings to date, compile statements, timelines, physical and digital evidence, and more, with the support of BC RCMP.

“The BC RCMP commits that once we have completed that review within the next few weeks, we will be providing the families with an update with respect to the totality of the investigations and then releasing the information publicly.” the organization said in a statement.

West Shore RCMP were able to arrest a break and enter suspect in the early morning hours Saturday thanks to an alert resident.

In a release, the West Shore RCMP said they received a call from a resident at 2:20 a.m. stating they could hear “smashing and glass breaking” at the Modeste Smoke Shop located on Admirals Road in Songhees Nation.

The witness was able to provide a description of the suspect seen running away from that location.

West Shore RCMP officers along with the K9 unit attended and confirmed the shop had been broken into and items were stolen from inside.

The officers searched the area and located the suspect within half an hour of attending the call.

“One of our officers noticed a male matching the suspect description walking along the E&N Rail Trail near Maple Bank Rd and Admirals Rd,” said Cst. Nancy Saggar, Media Relations Officer for the West Shore RCMP. “We want to thank the member of the public who acted quickly and called police to report the business was being broken into.”

The suspect had stolen items from the shop at the time of his arrest. He is now bound by conditions and will appear in court at a later date.

It’s time for a pizza party!

From now until Sunday, August 18th, Domino’s Pizza is selling all menu-priced pizzas for 50% off across Canada!

See also:

• This tasty food truck event is happening in the West Shore this weekend (CONTEST)
• Victoria’s Japanese Village Restaurant is now selling their famous Sesame Sauce
• 3 Vancouver Island eateries listed among contenders for top 10 best new restaurants in Canada

To take part in the deal, all you have to do is order a carryout pizza online and the discount should automatically apply when you checkout.

If the discount doesn’t appear, you can manually input the offer code 8545 at checkout to receive the deal.

It’s time for some cheap eats!

Happy Monday, Victoria! Here are five things to do in and around town today.

Royal BC Museum Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises exhibition

A rare artifact crucial to determining hitherto unknown facts about the ancient Mayan civilization has just made its way to Victoria.

• When: May 17 – December 31, 2019
• Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street

Harry Potter Music Camp

Explore the magic and music of Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry! Each morning campers will learn about and play the music that sets the stage for the Harry Potter movies. In the afternoon, attend classes at Hogwarts, including Care of Magical Creatures, Potions, Dueling, and more.

Instruction will be given in voice, percussion, piano, violin and composition. Students must come with their own violin if they wish to participate in the violin lessons. Ages 7 to 12. Cost: $200

• When: August 12th to 16th from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
• Where: Taber Music School, 4089 Quadra Street

Open Mic at The Mint with Pete McMastar

Come showcase your talent, whether it’s music, comedy, dance, spoken word or poetry… you name it! Registration begins at 8:30pm with the showcase starting at 9pm and continuing til late, and Pete will have some instruments to get some jams going!

Not a performer? Come down and support your faves while enjoying your favourite food and drinks at The Mint!

• When: 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street

Secrets of Nightfall

Spend this magical monday evening at the Fernwood Inn as Paint Nite presents the ‘Secrets of Nightfall’ event with Alex as your host and guide! Unlock your creative genius as you watch your masterpiece unfold. Checkout with code ILOVEPAINT for a 25% discount and secure your spot before they’re gone!

• When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Where: The Fernwood Inn, 1302 Gladstone Avenue

Pop-Up Farmers Market

The Campus Community Garden will be set up outside of McPherson Library at the University of Victoria to hand out fresh, free, student-grown veggies to students on campus! Check out what they’re are growing and how they are trying to combat student food insecurity.

• When: 11:30 a.m.
• Where University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road

People hoping to go swimming at Beaver Beach at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park this weekend may have to put the fun on hold as it has been closed to swimmers after a bloom of blue-green algae was detected in the water.

The CRD is closing the lake for swimming as a precaution until test results determining the presence of toxins are returned from the lab.

Visitors are advised to avoid swimming at Beaver Lake and to keep animals on a leash to prevent them from drinking or swimming in the lake.

The algae usually produce a visible blue-green sheen, which appears as surface scum. However, not all blooms are easy to see, and toxins can still be present in the water even if you cannot see the algal blooms.

Algal blooms are unpredictable and may occur at any time, although blooms most typically occur over the winter months from November to March. These algae are known toxin producers and these compounds have been detected previously at Elk and Beaver Lake.

Ingesting water containing the blue-green algae may cause a range of symptoms, including headaches and abdominal pain in humans, and can lead to lethal liver damage in dogs.

Victoria’s Japanese Village Restaurant has just begun selling take-home containers of their legendary Sesame Sauce.

The announcement was made by the teppanyaki restaurant’s Facebook page today, and warns customers that quantities of the sauce will be extremely limited.

“The sauce is available while quantities last each day, because they’re made fresh daily,” Japanese Village staff told Victoria Buzz.

As the Sesame Sauce is made from fresh ingredients, it must be refrigerated and used within three days of purchasing, according to the restaurant.

Hungry Victorians can pick up the sauce in 8 oz. containers for $9.50 from Japanese Village’s downtown location.

The restaurant notes that the sauce containers are fully compostable, so that the packaging has minimal environmental impact.

If the teppanyaki restaurant is already sold out of their secret sauce by the time you arrive, don’t worry, you can still pick up a to-go bowl of rice covered in Sesame Sauce for $3.33 before tax.

Decades-old local business, Dine In Victoria, announced on Thursday that it is shuttering its delivery service for good starting today.

First launched in 1999, the food delivery service grew to over 35 employees and a range of loyal customers across the city.

However, since a number of international competitors have expanded into Victoria ⁠— like Skip the Dishes and Uber Eats ⁠— the local business had difficulty keeping pace.

See also:

• Uber Eats officially launched in the Victoria area today (2018)
• McDonald’s to launch McDelivery in Victoria next week (2018)

“We’ve loved serving Victorians and it’s sad for a lot of us for sure,” Dine In Victoria owner Maggie Rideout told Victoria Buzz.

“But I think it’s just the way times are going with the big delivery services. They have a lot of financial backing to expand rapidly.”

When the food delivery service first started 20 years ago, the business model was “ahead of its time,” said Rideout.

“It was hard breaking into the market because people were just not really aware of what that delivery was.”

“I think people were used to free pizza delivery so they weren’t quite ready for a delivery fee. It was quite ahead of its time.”

See also: Popular Victoria food delivery service shuts down for good

Since 1999, however, personal food delivery has become mainstream, and Dine In Victoria is grateful for the customers and staff that supported them, since the last millennium until now.

“We’ve loved serving Victorians, they’re very kind people,” said Rideout.

“We’ve actually had some very dedicated customers who refused to use the other services. The outpouring today and last night was incredible.”