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Another year, another fantastic celebration of music!
On Sunday, over 40,000 visitors made their way to the Inner Harbour to take in the sights and sounds of the 30th annual Victoria Symphony Splash.
It’s safe to say the massive musical event was a resounding success, from the Victoria Symphony’s main performance, to this year’s young soloist, Carey Wang, to the classic finale fireworks, and more.
In case you missed the concert, or just want to see the day from a different angle, here is a photo and video recap of this year’s Victoria Symphony Splash:
💜🇨🇦Geeshhh, LOL!! Because I was out all day and so engrossed @ my gym time, I forgot that it’s Symphony Splash Orchestra today!! As soon as I got off timmies after the gym, the FIREWORKS EXPLODED LOLZ !! VERY WELL CAPTURED MAN!! PERFECT PLACE @ the PERFECT TIME 😀😀😀
In a video that has been viewed over 152,900 times, a pod of transient orcas can be seen swimming right by a dock in Brentwood Bay, much to the surprise and wonder of locals in the area.
The encounter happened on Saturday, August 3rd and was shared on Twitter by Olympic rower Silken Laumann.
In the video, Laumann can be heard remarking that she had never seen something like this in the 10 years that she’s lived in the Saanich Inlet.
Don your boots and dust off your cowboy hat, because Sunfest Country Music Festival is back at Lake Cowichan this August long weekend, and it’s gearing up for its best year ever!
Let’s celebrate the Latin culture with live music, dancing, sports and performances. Viva Victoria Latin Fest brings together Latin artists and dance performers from different Latin American countries. The festival recreates the atmosphere of a vibrant city plaza in Latin America.
The arts showcased during this one day event includes live musical bands, traditional Latin dances, kids activities, Zumba classes, international and local foods.
The Sooke music and Arts festival is a free, family friendly, Music and arts festival: held in the heart of Sooke over the August long weekend each summer.
When:
Saturday 11 a.n. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: John Phillips Memorial Park, 2197 Otter Point Road
Every summer since 1977, Butchart Gardens have put on a brilliant weekly fireworks display, and this year is no different.
Butchart Gardens summer hours are 8:45 am to 10:00 pm, but the gardens remain open for an hour after the admissions gate closes.
Access to the fireworks and subsequent events are included in general admission. So you can explore the Gardens to your heart’s content before settling in for the show.
Rick Miller’s multimedia masterpiece BOOM struck a chord with Belfry audiences in the summer of 2015. Picking up where BOOM left off – at Woodstock in 1969 – BOOM X tackles the music, culture and politics of Generation X. Surrounded by stunning visuals, Rick plays more than 100 famous people – musicians, celebrities, politicians – in his own story of growing up and trying to navigate the tangled legacy of the Baby Boom.
Gordy Dodd’s Walk-for-Peace will be followed by a delicious Free Lunch for all to enjoy at the Beacon Hill Park Bandshell Stage. All proceeds support Victoria Hospice.
Tens of thousands of people will take to Victoria’s Inner Harbour for the 30th annual Victoria Symphony Splash. From a floating stage in the Inner Harbour, the VS orchestra and special guests will perform, ending with a grand finale performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture – with fireworks of course!
Some of the best comedians in Victoria will take the stage to melt your face off with laughter. You will leave as happy as a piglet on national vegan day.
When: Sunday, doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy an evening for the entire family and celebrate Jamaica’s 57th Independence Day. The event is by donation with lot’s of entertainment and Jamaican food to purchase.
When: Monday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Oaklands Community Centre & Association, 2827 Belmont Avenue
No plans for Monday night? Its a perfect time to capture the sights of summer in this peaceful pine lake painting at the Fernwood Inn! Join Alex as he guides you step by step through the painting – no experience necessary! Use code ILOVEPAINT at checkout for a discount and take home a summer keepsake!
Now that August is in full gear, things are about to start heating up across Victoria!
After a tumultuous July — with the city seeing sun, rain, rainbows, and more — Victorians can expect a long stretch of hot and mostly sunny days.
According to Environment Canada, Friday’s clouds will break by this Sunday, with four straight days of sunshine beginning during the BC Day long weekend.
Most days this week will hover around the 24-25°C, with the exception of Sunday, which is predicted to be a sizzling 27°C.
Besides Friday and Saturday night, the evenings are all expected to be a clear and comfortable 14°C, the perfect temperature for some stargazing or long weekend camping.
(Image / Environment Canada)
Meanwhile, Victoria’s summer so far has broken a series of weather records, both for heat and rain.
In May, the city broke the record for the hottest May 9th in over 40 years, with a temperature of 24.3°C.
Then in June, 6 weather records were broken across Vancouver Island in just one day.
On June 12th, Victoria saw an unseasonably high 29.6°C, which broke the city’s previous record of 28.9°C that was set all the way back in 1932.
Most recently, on June 27th, BC’s capital broke a rainfall record that had held for the past 64 years.
In total, the late-June day received 20.2 millimetres of rain, more than doubling the previous record of 9.7 millimetres set in 1955, and accounting for over two thirds of the city’s total rainfall for the month.
Recycle BC is reminding residents to be mindful and cautious of what they put into their recycling after seven fires broke out in facilities this year, including some that endangered lives and closed facilities.
According to the province-wide organization, over two thirds of all recycling container loads had hazardous materials inside them, a dramatic 47% increase over the past 5 years.
The most commonly found hazardous items include lithium-ion batteries and propane or butane canisters.
However, stranger and even more dangerous items have wound up in British Columbian recycling sites.
“Hazardous materials present a very real danger for workers in BC’s recycling industry,” said David Lefebvre, Director of Public Affairs for Recycle BC.
“Earlier this month a resident put 58 rounds of live ammunition into their recycling. We need people to think before they put something that is potentially explosive and deadly into a recycling bin.”
A list of the most common hazardous items found at Recycle BC facilities — which should be not be placed in residential recycling bins — include:
Butane and propane canisters
Batteries (especially lithium-ion batteries)
Compressed gases
Ammunition
Knives
Sharps
Bear spray.
While knives and ammunition present obvious dangers to staff, the most significant hazards for recycling facilities are items that can cause fires or explode.
While Recycle BC has teams that are specifically trained to respond to fires quickly, materials that can easily smolder or spark can quickly spread through recycling facilities, as the areas tend to have large amounts of paper and easily flammable material.
Meanwhile, if compressed gas containers or explosive materials are triggered, the rest of the items processed at recycling sites can turn into shrapnel and pose a serious danger to employees.
“Hazardous materials have a significant impact on our staff,” said Alisa Murray, Health and Safety Coordinator at Cascades Recovery, a recycling centre located in Victoria.
“We are concerned about their safety and the potential for someone to be injured or worse.”
According to Recycle BC, hazardous materials should not be disposed of in the regular recycling or waste system. For information on where to dispose of dangerous items, residents can contact the Recycling Council of British Columbia at 1-800-667-4321 (toll-free) or 604-732-9253 (Lower Mainland)
Visitors of downtown Victoria may notice a few new additions to iconic streets and intersections.
On Thursday, the city launched its first ever pedestrian “scramble crosswalk” and a new stretch of protected bike lane along downtown’s Wharf Street.
The scramble crosswalk at the intersection of intersection of Humboldt street and Government street, and will allow for pedestrians to cross in either direction or diagonally on a walk signal.
The new pedestrian crosswalk is the first of its kind in Victoria and was designed to increase efficiency for walkers in the area.
“The focus of the design was really to optimize pedestrian flow of the zone,” Victoria’s Director of Engineering and Planning, Fraser Work, told Victoria Buzz back in January.
According to the city, the intersection — which sits in front of the Fairmont Empress hotel and the Victoria Visitor Centre — needed improvements to accommodate the high volume of pedestrians, especially for the summer season when the area becomes crowded with tourists and residents.
Besides the scramble crosswalk, Victoria’s newest section of protected bike lane launched Thursday and can be located on Wharf Street between the Johnson Street Bridge and Fort Street.
The remainder of the Wharf Street bike lane will then open for public use in two more sections later this month, with the Fort Street to Government Street stretch opening on August 8th, and the final Government Street to Douglas Street section opening on August 15th.
A number of intersections that connect with Wharf Street have been impacted and redesigned following the launch of the new bike lane.
Diagrams of the affected intersections are pictured below:
That perfect food and beer pairing – there’s really nothing like it!
If you’re looking for some delicious local fare to accompany your favourite brews, look no further than Category 12’s revamped taproom – which has been elevated to a higher status with a brand new kitchen, serving up Red-Seal chef approved dishes seven days a week.
Category 12’s new ‘Food Lab’ prides itself on serving up beer-inspired, local dishes – from in-house charcuterie goodies to the freshest Saltspring Island Mussels, there’s the kind of delectable fare to suit everyone’s tastes.
You’re in luck, because they’re giving away lunch for two PLUS a $100 gift card!
The doors to the kitchen officially opened in May, though Category 12 has been a staple in Victoria’s craft brewery scene for years, supplying beer-lovers with IPAs and sours alike from their taproom nestled within the Peninsula’s Keating area.
One of the brewery’s most delightful points of interest is that owner and head brewer Michael Kuzyk has a PhD in microbiology and biochemistry (from UVic!) and his beer names and labels generally have a scientific allusion or two.
Michael believes there is a fundamental basis of biology and chemistry that guides the fermentation process and enables the creation of consistently great beers – and Category 12’s latest kitchen venture in their ‘Food Lab’ promises the same kind of beer-inspired creativity, incorporating many of their delicious brews into their innovative dishes.
(Taproom / Category 12 Brewing)
CONTEST
For a chance to WIN a prize package from Category 12 including lunch for two AND a $100 gift card to the brewery, complete one or more of the following:
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on August 16th, 2019. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter by. Good luck!
A Vancouver Island man who was wanted on an outstanding warrant was arrested by RCMP Thursday for multipe counts of sexual assault on sex trade workers in Nanaimo.
According to police, 40-year-old Stephen Bradely Ewing of Port Alberni was taken into custody for three charges of sexual assault causing bodily harm, which are believed to have occurred between March and October, 2018.
The victims of Ewing’s crimes are all women involved in Nanaimo’s sex trade, say police, and investigators are hoping that members of the community who may have information on the incidents will step forward.
“We strongly believe there are people in our community and possibly throughout central Vancouver Island, that may have information which will further this investigation,” said Cst. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP in a statement.
“For that reason, we are releasing a picture of the accused in hope that it will lead to further tips.”
Ewing appeared before Nanaimo Provincial court on Thursday, and was since released on a recognizance with a $50,000 surety, with a number of strict conditions.
His next court date is set for Tuesday, September 10th, 2019.
Anyone with information on the alleged incidents, or on other unreported incidents, is asked to contact Cst. Mike Baylin of the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. Alternatively, people can anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
VicPD are seeking the public’s assistance following reports of a man being stabbed in the area of the Fort and Moss Street intersection last Sunday.
Just before 3 a.m. on July 28th, officers received a call to the Royal Jubilee Hospital for a report that a man had been stabbed and was seeking medical assistance – though there was a pair travelling together at the time of the incident, only one male victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The victim and his friend reported that they had become separated after travelling by skateboard eastbound on Fort Street that evening – it was close to the intersection of Fort and Moss Streets that a man unknown to the victim then attacked him, and the reported stabbing occurred.
It was reported that the victim then was able to push his attacker to the ground and flee to his friend’s nearby residence, located in the 1400-block of Fort Street – it was there that a couple unknown to him let him into the building, and he was transported to hospital.
The suspect is described as a Filipino male.
VicPD is currently investigating and are looking to speak with not only the couple who let the victim into the building, but also any other witnesses that may have been in the area at the time.
Officers are also requesting any surveillance photos or video between midnight and 3 a.m. on the morning of Sunday, July 28th from the Fort and Moss Street areas that may have been active at the time of the incident.
If you have information please call (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477
One of television’s longest-running and top-rated game shows Family Feud has announced it will be hitting Canadian screens soon, in the very first season of Family Feud Canada – the new CBC game show hosted by actor and stand-up comedian Gerry Dee based on the iconic international format.
Better yet, applications are now open for Canadian families hoping to compete in the show, with auditions being held right here in Victoria this September!
If you think your family can duke it out for fun in front of a live audience, families of five who are permanent residents of Canada can apply online by submitting a 3-5 minute video; successful families will then be invited to audition in-person in Victoria where producers will be looking for families who are enthusiastic to play the game.
All participants must be 18 years or older as of September 1st, 2019 to apply.
Family Feud Canada will be taped in front of a studio audience at the Canadian Broadcasting Centre and will premiere in December.
Each episode of the iconic game show will feature two Canadian families competing head-to-head by guessing the most popular answers to fun, family-friendly survey questions based on responses from a sample of Canadians – with the chance to win some great prizes!
First introduced in the U.S. in 1976, the much-loved game show has been picked up in 71 international markets to date including the United Kingdom, Australia, France, India, Indonesia, and the United States.
Back-beat, The Band is Canada’s most authentic musical tribute to the 60s. The British Invasion from the Beatles to the Zombies and other great hits from the greatest musical decade. Back to Barge by popular demand again this season!
Cover charge is $5 with partial proceeds going to James Bay Community Project. All ages welcome, sorry no pets allowed.
This free weekly-weekend market features high-quality artist-made goods, delicious food trucks, and some of Victoria’s finest local musicians, located in the heart of the Victoria Inner Harbour.
Come on out and share your talent at Serious Coffee’s open mic nights. Amateur to professionals are welcome so come and try out their new stage or just come and enjoy the local talent.
When: 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Serious Coffee Millstream Village, 101-2401G Millstream Rd
Roller Skate Victoria and Esquimalt Parks and Recreation have teamed up to bring drop in roller skating to the Archie Browning Sports Centre curling rink on Friday nights.
It has been decades since public roller skating has graced the floors of the rec centre, and with the nostalgic resurgence of roller skating brought on by Roller Skate Victoria, the demand for a regular skating spot has become great enough for Esquimalt Parks and Recreation to step in and fill the void.
When: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Rd
All Trees Cannabis (Trees Island Grown) locations in Victoria are closed effective immediately following raids and seizures at two of its stores.
The company announced the closure after the province continued its crackdown on the popular unlicensed cannabis retailer in Victoria Thursday morning, shutting down a second Trees Cannabis store.
On Wednesday, the province’s Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General (PSSG) shutdown the Alpha Street location and seized all cannabis products.
Following the raid, Trees CEO Alex Robb released a statement announcing he would be suspending operations of all remaining locations on August 16, so he could give his roughly 150 staff adequate notice of termination.
This morning (Thursday), the company made announced on Facebook that all five locations were now closed after a provincial Community Safety Unit attended its Yates Street store and seized all cannabis products.
Before today’s provincial action, Trees had planned to suspend operations in September, 2019. The dispensary was aware of upcoming provincial enforcement, and hoped to voluntarily get ahead of the situation by suspending operations before CSU arrived.
With seven locations across the island, Trees had to first give all 92 of its employees at least eight weeks notice of the dispensaries’ temporary closure, as per labour policies when a mass termination of people occurs in an area, Robb said.
“We hope to reopen soon as licensed cannabis stores, and we do hope that we can hire all our employees back again when we are licensed,” said Robb.
While the CSU seized all of Trees’ Alpha Street location’s cannabis, no arrests were made no charges were laid.
Based on the timelines of when other retailers received provincial licensing, Trees anticipates that it will restart all of its operations in late October or early November, 2019.
“I hope the outcome of this is a larger discussion…”
The closure of Trees’ Alpha and Yates Street location is largely due to the store’s popularity and complaints from licensed Vancouver Island retailers, according to Robb.
“I believe the reason that they [CSU] targeted us is because that particular location is the busiest location that’s operated on Vancouver Island,” Robb told Victoria Buzz.
“I think that it was a very strong signal to us and other unlicensed operators that enforcement is coming, and this is how they felt they’d have the largest impact.”
“It’s important to give our employees time to prepare for suspension of operations and for our medical clients to have time to stock up on products that aren’t carried at other spaces.”
“Part of our operations is that we offer subsidy programs for those with terminal conditions and that unfortunately is another program that we are going to have to suspend.”
“I hope the outcome of this is a larger discussion in the public of the inadequacies of provincial licensing for people who use cannabis for medical purposes,” added Robb.
The two Trees stores in Nanaimo remain open for now.
(Festival ready with Modo! / Ly Vu, Modo Member & Ambassador
One of the best parts living on Vancouver Island is that so many iconic spots are just a road trip away – the ability to hit the highway and find yourself on a mountain (or in a forest, or on a beach) within hours is truly magical!
Of course, these kind of trips always take at least a little bit of planning (no matter how tempting it is to just get in the car and drive!), and luckily local carsharing co-operative Modo can help with the most important part of the best road trips – the perfect vehicle to get you there.
On top of their impressive and diverse fleet of vehicles, Modo has just introduced the ultimate in convenience and affordability – with their new Day Tripper, it’s easier than ever to hit the road and get trippin’ in style this summer!
Pick the perfect ride
(Surf-trip approved / Modo Co-operative)
Whether it’s an SUV for that surfing trip up to Tofino, a pick-up truck to fill with floaties for a day on Cowichan Lake, or even a convertible to hit up the cutest cafes along the coast, Modo’s got you covered with tons of choices under the sun – there’s something for everyone!
Take advantage of the all new Day Tripper
Starting at only $90 per day, with 250 kms per 24 hours included, the possibilities are endless!
With Modo’s Day Tripper, you can book the vehicle of your choice in advance or even on the fly – and all for one low bundled rate. Don’t wait on this one though, as it’s only available for trips between July 15th and September 30th. Even better, if the regular rate on any booking happens to be less, you’ll always get the lower price!
Check out what one happy Day Tripper had to say:
“It’s festival season! The Kia Sedona was the perfect Large & Loadable for our four-day trip, with loads of hauling capacity for all our stuff and five humans. Even better, the Day Tripper package, with 250kms per day bundled in, saved us a ton of money. With four Modo members on board, it was also easy to switch drivers anytime we needed a break on the road. We’re already planning our next Day Tripper adventure!” – Ly Vu, Modo Member & Ambassador
Get festival (or camping!) ready
(Camping in style / Modo Co-operative)
Whether you’ve got a ton of stuff or you’re just hitting the road on a whim with the clothes on your back and your best pals, you’ve got the option to size-up or size-down on your vehicle choice with Modo.
You can fit your camping gear, best outfits and your whole festival crew in the back of one of Modo’s minivans, or the entire family in a roomy sedan on the way to beach!
Have the time of your life without breaking the bank
(Family road-trip / Modo Co-operative)
Owning your own vehicle can get expensive, which is why carsharing is such a fantastic alternative – not only do you not have to worry about all of the expenses that come with car ownership, with Modo your insurance, gas and 24-hour customer support are completely covered. So save your change for that cute little roadside fruit stand you just spotted!
You can also make your off-island travel plans that much easier and cheaper with Modo vehicles at Departure Bay Ferry terminal, Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, Swartz Bay Terminal, Horseshoe Bay and Langdale Ferry Terminal. With their “ferry fleet of eight”, you can walk on and walk off, save the big ferry cost, and grab your Modo on the other side.
Get day trippin’ with Modo! Book your next trip today. Not a member? Use the promo code VICTRIPPER to get $50 in free drive time when you join online.
Victoria Police are currently working with international authorities to ascertain the whereabouts of a man who allegedly abducted his daughter and took her to Indonesia.
On July 8th, police responded to a child custody case in which they learned that the father, Brent Erskine, had taken his 4-year-old daughter Samantha to Vancouver on June 30th.
This vacation had been arranged between Erskine and the child’s mother, Agustina Wulandar, who are no longer together.
Samantha was supposed to be returned to Wulandar in Victoria a week later, but when communications between Wulandar and Erskine changed, she grew concerned and called police.
This prompted a VicPD investigation in which officers determined that Erskine travelled with Samantha to Jakarta, Indonesia.
Through the efforts of family and the police, Samantha has since been dropped off with maternal family members in Indonesia. The details of this drop off are unclear at this time.
Unknown whereabouts
(Samantha Erskine/VicPD)
After leaving Samantha with her maternal family members, Erskine travelled to Singapore to obtain a Visa.
His current whereabouts are unknown and detectives continue to work with partners, both in Canada and abroad, to get Samantha safely returned to Canada.
On July 24th, Crown Counsel approved criminal charges against Erskine for Abduction and Disobeying a Court Order.
He is currently wanted on an outstanding unendorsed warrant of arrest for those charges.
At this time, VicPD Major Crimes Unit is urging Brent Erskine to turn himself in at a Canadian embassy.
Aisha Strange was on her way to work on her scooter when she was suddenly struck by a blue Dodge Caravan just before 7 a.m at the corner of McKenzie Avenue and Shelbourne Street.
After the collision between the two vehicles, the 25-year-old male driver of the minivan continued to drive east on McKenzie Avenue, when he then struck a telephone pole near the intersection at Larchwood Drive.
After hitting the pole, the driver then abandoned his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot which is when police located and arrested him a short time later.
According to a statement released by the family today, Strange suffered multiple broken bones and a traumatic brain injury in the incident.
A GoFundMe page has been setup to assist the family during this difficult time. The full statement from the family is below.
Statement from Family of Aisha Strange
On July 15th at 7:00 am, on her way to work, Aisha Strange was the victim of a hit and run on McKenzie and Shelbourne in Victoria. She was struck by a van while sitting on her moped. The driver who hit her attempted to flee the scene but was arrested a short distance away.
He is now being investigated for impaired driving offences. Aisha suffered multiple broken bones and a traumatic brain injury that will impact her short and long-term future in unknowable ways. This bright, vibrant and innocent young lady has been in a coma since the time of the accident and it remains uncertain when she will regain consciousness.
The tragedy happened while Aisha was on her way to her summer job, where she adored her role working with a diverse and special group of kids. She is a student at the University of Victoria studying political science and anthropology, both subjects for which she has a huge passion. She has plans of one day going to law school or further pursuing her love of teaching.
Aisha is a kind and generous person, who delights in adding humour and joy to the people around her. She’s a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend to so many people that love her dearly. The community of people that Aisha touches in such positive ways are all suffering from this senseless act.
The results of this senseless act have been a nightmare for her family and friends. Aisha’s parents, who live in Calgary, have dropped everything to move their lives to Victoria and be with her. Doctors say recovery from her injuries will be a very long journey, with unpredictable outcomes.
If you want to help and are able to contribute, funds raised will be used to support transportation, adaptive living, and a host of other supports for this amazing family during this devastating time and for their uncertain future.
As British Columbia moves to eliminate MSP premiums for all residents by 2020, one group of people will continue to contribute to the province’s health care system.
An updated payment system will ensure that international students in BC will pay $75 per month for health care coverage starting January 1st, 2020, when MSP premiums will be eliminated for all other residents.
To phase in this new system, all international K-12 and post-secondary students will begin paying a monthly health-care coverage fee of $37.50.
“For almost 30 years, B.C. has provided international students with provincial health coverage, while asking them to contribute a reasonable amount to help cover those costs. This updated payment method for international students continues that commitment,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.
“We have an exceptional health-care system in B.C., and we want to ensure it remains a fair system for everyone,” said Dix.
“In eliminating MSP premiums for British Columbians and through the health services fee for post-secondary and K-12 international students, we’re ensuring that we all continue to contribute to and benefit from public health care in B.C.”
Employer Health Tax
To replace the MSP premium model, the Employer Health Tax (EHT) was introduced on January 1st, 2019.
The move shifts the majority of healthcare costs from individuals to businesses, which has been met with mixed reception.
In October 2018, the Ministry of Finance assured business owners that less than 5% of BC businesses will pay the full EHT rate of 1.95%, with the majority of small business being bolstered by a $500,000 exemption amount.
British Columbia is the only province in Canada to still charge a monthly health-care premium.
Then, the driver continues travelling as they normally would. For one year, the device and smartphone will record data on things like distance, speed, and braking.
As an incentive participants will receive rewards in the form of gift cards to popular retailers and restaurants.
In a press release, ICBC explains that drivers’ performance will not affect insurance premiums, and that the purpose of this project is to determine how ICBC might use telematics technology in the future.
According to the crown corporation, new drivers in BC are 3.5 times more likely to be involved in a serious crash.
Click here to participate in the Techpilot project.
With Sunfest Country Music Festival on the horizon, Lake Cowichan’s Country Grocer is your one stop shop for all of your festival needs along the way… and then some!
Join the Royal BC Museum for food, music and games at this prohibition-era garden party to celebrate BC Day and the 125th anniversary of the BC Archives.
What’s a flying buttress? What styles influenced the design of Christ Church Cathedral? Hear about the building of this great cathedral during a special tour.
Every Thursday afternoon, the Downtown Community Centre is offering participants the opportunity to visit the Interactivity Board Game Cafe and take part in a group game.
These outings are offered for free by the Downtown Community Centre. Registration is required.
A GoFundMe has been created to support the recovery costs of an 89-year-old man who was the victim of a vicious, unprovoked attack in Courtenay.
89-year-old Robert Plumb was inside his vehicle, delivering newspapers – as he did for 15 years with his late wife – at around 4:15 a.m in the 400-block of 5th Street on Wednesday, July 31st.
That is when he was approached by a man on a bicycle who asked him for a cigarette.
When Plumb told the man that he did not have any cigarettes, the suspect allegedly assaulted him with what appeared to be a machete.
Plumb then drove himself to the Comox Valley RCMP detachment to report the attack. He
suffered multiple wounds to his facial area and was taken to hospital.
“It’s absolutely unreal…”
The description in the GoFundMe created by his family states that Plumb is undergoing surgery as doctors attempt to salvage his eye after it was badly damaged in the attack.
“He has multiple other wounds from fighting off his attacker. It’s absolutely unreal that a human being could do this to another,” writes granddaughter Janelle Karatsiki in the GoFundMe.
“The outcome is still unknown at this time but we have had an overwhelming response with people wanting to help so this is where you can do that.”
The goal of the fundraiser is $10,000 and as of the time of publication has received approximately $5,900.
Karatsiki states that all funds raised will go towards supporting Plumb in his medical recovery both physically and mentally. Any extra funds will be donated to a charity of his choice. Click here to donate.
Comox Valley RCMP are also seeking public assistance in locating the suspect.
He has been described as being young, possibly in his 20s, with a dark complexion, and was wearing something on his head at the time of the incident.
“At this point in the investigation, the attack appears to be completely unprovoked,” said Const. Monika Terragni, media relations officer for the Comox Valley RCMP.
“Investigators have been scouring the area for evidence but we are looking for anyone who may have seen the suspect or for anyone with surveillance or dashcam footage during the early morning hours downtown,” she added.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321 and refer to file 2019-11772. Additionally, you can send video footage directly to the Comox Valley RCMP at comoxvalleyrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca and an investigator will follow up.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
An elderly Vancouver Island driver had their license suspended by Saanich Police on Wednesday for accumulating numerous electronics-related distracted driving tickets.
According to Saanich Police, the 72-year-old driver was issued a whopping 4 month long driving prohibition as a penalty for repeated offenses of “use electronic device while driving”.
Besides the suspension, the driver is facing hundreds of dollars in fines, and multiple penalty points on their license.
While details on the driver’s traffic record have not been released, the fine for a person’s first distracted driving violation ticket costs $368, along with 4 penalty points added to their driving record.
For two or more distracted driving convictions in a three-year period, the vehicle operator is then charged an additional Driver Risk Premium (DRP) which is billed annually and separately from any other insurance premiums they may already have, and is increased for each additional conviction recorded in that period.
For this driver to have their license suspended, they must have made the same driving infraction at least twice within a 12 month period, according to ICBC’s policies.
Fortunately for the driver, police issued them a relatively low penalty, as repeated distracted driving offenses are considered a “high risk driving infraction” and punishable by a maximum 12 month driving prohibition.
Just served a 72 year old driver a 4 month driving prohibition as they had too many "use electronic device while driving tickets"#yyjtrafficpic.twitter.com/oXuwlDLsMe
— Saanich Police Traffic Safety Unit (@SPD_Traffic) July 31, 2019
July has been a busy month for Saanich Police’s traffic team.
Last week, one driver was fined by Saanich PD for speeding in a playground zone and tossing a lit joint out of their car window.
Meanwhile, two weeks ago, a drunk driver had their car impounded by police after speeding through a playground zone in Saanich.
Welcome news is on the horizon for healthcare on Vancouver Island as construction has begun on a new MRI scanner at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
The machine is designed to help diagnose a number of medical conditions, like brain abnormalities, tumors, cysts, and soft-tissue injuries, and is expected to reduce wait times for exams across central Vancouver Island.
According to the province, 11,264 MRI scans were performed at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital last year, nearly 2,000 more than in 2017.
The 11,264 scans cut down the wait time for over many patients from 70 days in 2017 to 34 days in 2018, and from 177 days to 76 days over the same time period.
The newly announced MRI, which is expected to be operational in spring 2020, will cut these wait times down even more, according to the province.
“People in Nanaimo are already benefiting from the B.C. Surgical and Diagnostic Imaging Strategy launched last year by government,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health in a statement.
“Through this strategy, Island Health performed 28% more MRI exams in 2018-19 compared to the previous year, including 11,264 scans at NRGH. This $5.5 million investment to add a second MRI at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital will make it easier for people to access to this important diagnostic tool when they need it.”
Total construction costs for the new MRI suite are approximately $5.5 million, with $3.4 million being provided by the province and $2.4 million coming from the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District.
A new, state-of-the-art 3T MRI magnet is also expected to come to Victoria this year at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, says the health ministry. The new equipment is scheduled to be installed in October, 2019.
Residents of Vancouver Island should prepare for heavy rainfall across most of the island on Thursday.
In a statement released Wednesday, Environment Canada issued a special weather warning for West, Inland, and East Vancouver Island warning of heavy rainfall in the area.
“An unseasonably strong Pacific front is poised to drench Vancouver Island and parts of the south coast beginning on Thursday,” said the weather agency.
According to the weather agency, the rainfall is expected to start over west and inland Vancouver Island tonight, before spreading to east Vancouver Island “from Nanaimo to the Comox Valley” on Thursday morning.
The rain is then predicted to intensify by Thursday afternoon before leaving the island Thursday night as the weather pattern moves eastward.
On Friday, in the wake of the rain front, Environment Canada says there will be showers and a risk of thunderstorms and gusty winds in the affected areas.
“There remains some uncertainty with respect to the location of where the heaviest precipitation amounts will occur,” said the weather agency.
For updates on alerts and forecasts, you can check Environment Canada’s BC coverage here.
Searchers have found the body of a North Saanich man who was reported missing Monday, July 29th.
RCMP say volunteer searchers from the Island Search and Rescue teams located the body of 64-year-old Paul Hare in Horth Hill Regional Park.
“At this time the police have no indication that his death is suspicious,” said Cst. Meighan de Pass in a release.
Hare was last seen at his home Sunday morning, July 28th. RCMP are asking that if anyone saw Hare or his vehicle that day to contact them.
His vehicle is described as a 2003 black Ford Ranger with British Columbia license plate JA5-391. The vehicle was located in the parking lot of Horth Hill Regional Park on Tuesday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sidney North Saanich RCMP immediately at 250-656-3931.
Vancouver Island’s first government-run BC Cannabis Store (BCCS) opened its doors in Campbell River Wednesday morning.
The store is located at the Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre at 1416 Island Highway, and is amongst the first of 15 locations that BC’s Liquor Distribution Branch plans to open by the end of 2019.
“We are very excited to be opening two more BC Cannabis Stores today,” said Kevin Satterfield, Director of Retail Operations, Cannabis Operations, in a statement.
“We are committed to being good neighbours and integrating into the communities of Cranbrook and Campbell River.”
The Campbell River store will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Mondays to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.
The location will offer a range of products, like dried cannabis flower, pre-rolled joints, capsules, and oils, all approved by Health Canada.
According to the Liquor Distribution Branch, the BC Cannabis Store will be run by 16 employees, with a special focus on staff checking the ID of anyone who appears to be under 30 years of age while ensuring that customers are above the age of 19 when they enter the store.
While no exact dates have been announced yet, the province plans to open more government-run cannabis stores on the island with locations in Port Alberni, Courtenay, and Parksville.
Check out photos Vancouver Island’s first government-run cannabis store below:
(Image / BC Liquor Distribution Branch)(Image / BC Liquor Distribution Branch)(Image / BC Liquor Distribution Branch)(Image / BC Liquor Distribution Branch)(Image / BC Liquor Distribution Branch)
After years of on-again off-again production, the popular 90s cereal brand, Trix, is returning to Canadian shelves permanently.
First launched in 1994, Trix established itself in 90s pop culture for its fruity flavours,iconic rabbit mascot, and their catchy slogan ‘Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!’
After a decade of sugary glory, the cereal was discontinued in 2005, except for a few runs of limited-time production with the most recent run occurring in 2016.
“Over the years, Trix has had a dedicated following with fans longing for their favourite cereal to return to their bowls. We heard them and are excited to bring back the iconic fruity shapes to add some joy to their breakfast,” said Fawad Farrukh, Associate Marketing Director for General Mills Cereal Canada in a statement.
“People loved Trix cereal in the ‘90s, and today we’re delighted to not only bring it back to them, but also introduce it to a whole new generation of Canadians.”
While no exact return date was given by General Mills, the cereal giant said that Canadians can expect to see the nostalgic breakfast item on the shelves of all major retailers by the end of summer 2019.
Check out a commercial of the cereal from 1996 below:
A popular Victoria cannabis dispensary, Trees Island Grown, had one of their locations shut down by the BC government Wednesday morning.
Very few details have been released at this time, but VicPD told Victoria Buzz that their officers were at the Trees location on 695 Alpha Street to assist the province’s Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General (PSSG).
According to the PSSG, the closure is a Community Safety Unit (CSU) operation.
“We can’t discuss any action regarding unlicensed retailers,” a PSSG spokesperson told Victoria Buzz.
The government organization did say that the CSU was conducting an “educational campaign” and is “visiting unlicensed retailers across the province,” however.
According to the BC government, the CSU is responsible for compliance and enforcement of dispensaries under the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act.
“CSU investigators carry out compliance and enforcement activities against unlicensed cannabis retailers and other illegal sellers across the province,” reads the provincial website. “The CSU has the authority to enter premises where cannabis is being sold without a provincial retail store licence and take enforcement action, including making seizures of cannabis.”
Victoria residents who visited the Alpha Street Trees location today told Victoria Buzz that officers at the dispensary were redirecting people to two legal cannabis retailers, Clarity Cannabis and The Original FARM.
“I just went there this morning, like lots of people do, and there was a whole whack of cops out front,” a resident told Victoria Buzz.
“I asked one cop what was going on and what she essentially said was that they were operating illegally.”
At the time of publication, only the Trees Island Grown dispensary on Alpha Street had been ordered to shut down. The retailers’ other six locations remain open, but are set to suspend all operations on Friday, August 16th.
Update:
“We hope they reopen soon as licences cannabis stores…”
Trees’ Alpha Street location is just the first of the entire chain to close, according to the retailer’s Director and General Manager, Alex Robb.
The popular cannabis dispensary chain will suspend operation at all of their locations by Friday, August 16th, to abide by the CSU’s request.
Before today’s provincial action, Trees had planned to suspend operations in September, 2019. The dispensary was aware of upcoming provincial enforcement, and hoped to voluntarily get ahead of the situation by suspending operations before CSU arrived.
With seven locations across the island, Trees had to first give all 92 of its employees at least eight weeks notice of the dispensaries’ temporary closure, as per labour policies when a mass termination of people occurs in an area, Robb said.
“We hope to reopen soon as licensed cannabis stores, and we do hope that we can hire all our employees back again when we are licensed,” said Robb.
While the CSU seized all of Trees’ Alpha Street location’s cannabis, no arrests were made no charges were laid.
Based on the timelines of when other retailers received provincial licensing, Trees anticipates that it will restart all of its operations in late October or early November, 2019.
“I hope the outcome of this is a larger discussion…”
The closure of Trees’ Alpha Street location is largely due to the store’s popularity and complaints from licensed Vancouver Island retailers, according to Robb.
“I believe the reason that they [CSU] targeted us is because that particular location is the busiest location that’s operated on Vancouver Island,” Robb told Victoria Buzz.
“I think that it was a very strong signal to us and other unlicensed operators that enforcement is coming, and this is how they felt they’d have the largest impact.”
Trees’ other locations remain open to help give employees and clients time to prepare.
“It’s important to give our employees time to prepare for suspension of operations and for our medical clients to have time to stock up on products that aren’t carried at other spaces.”
“Part of our operations is that we offer subsidy programs for those with terminal conditions and that unfortunately is another program that we are going to have to suspend.”
“I hope the outcome of this is a larger discussion in the public of the inadequacies of provincial licensing for people who use cannabis for medical purposes,” added Robb.
The Comox Valley RCMP is asking for the public’s help to locate a suspect after a 89-year-old man was attacked with machete in downtown Courtenay.
The attack occurred Wednesday morning at around 4:15 a.m in the 400-block of 5th Street. The victim was inside his vehicle when he was approached by a man on a bicycle who asked him for a cigarette.
The victim told the man that he did not have any cigarettes before the man assaulted him with what appeared to be a machete.
The victim drove himself to the Comox Valley RCMP detachment to report the attack. He
suffered multiple wounds to his facial area and was taken to hospital.
The suspect has been described as being young, possibly in his 20s with a dark complexion, wearing something on his head.
“At this point in the investigation, the attack appears to be completely unprovoked,” said Const. Monika Terragni, media relations officer for the Comox Valley RCMP.
“Investigators have been scouring the area for evidence but we are looking for anyone who may have seen the suspect or for anyone with surveillance or dashcam footage during the early morning hours downtown,” she added.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321 and refer to file 2019-11772. Additionally, you can send video footage directly to the Comox Valley RCMP at comoxvalleyrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca and an investigator will follow up.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
The annual Cadboro Bay Festival is returning to Saanich in early August, and visitors can expect the usual spread of live music, fun activities, delicious food, and incredible hand-made sand castle sculptures, all for free!
On Sunday, August 11th, head down to Cadboro-Gyro Park to vote on your favourite massive sand sculpture, or take part in some exciting hands-on activities, like bouncy castles, arts and crafts stations, information displays, a Youth Craft Market, a SKAM theatre production, and more.
Hungry visitors can also find a variety of tasty dishes to try from food vendors like Greek on the Street, Mama Rosies, Country Crepes, Softies Ice Cream, Mini Donuts, or classic snacks like burgers, hotdogs, cotton candy, and SnoCones from charitable groups like the Lions Club and Rotary Club.
This year, festival attendees can expect six world-class sculptures during the main sand-sculpting event!
Visitors will get to watch six local artists – who have travelled the world to compete in sand sculpting events – built giant works of art before their eyes. Guests can then vote on their favourite sculpture to help determine the winner of the Pepper’s people’s Choice Award.
(Saanich Parks & Recreation)
“Cadboro-Gyro Park is one of the most picturesque locations in Saanich,” said Acting Senior Parks Manager Nathalie Dechaine.
“We welcome all families to join us at the festival to enjoy the beautiful waterfront views while participating in the fun activities we have planned.”
Throughout the entire afternoon, visitors can also enjoy the melodies of three live local bands, Freeze Frame, Pulse Radio, and Soul Shakers.
The District of Saanich is reminding festival attendees that parking at Cadboro-Gyro Park tends to fill up quickly. To help accommodate everyone, a large grass area of the park will be opened up to vehicles for additional parking.
Traffic on Blanshard Street near Uptown Shopping Centre was stalled Wednesday morning following a collision at the intersection of Blanshard Street and Ravine Way.
According to KiSS 103.1, the crash involved a vehicle with an elderly driver and a child.
Come out side and experience a nature walk along a beautiful trail while stopping to enjoy pages of your favourite children’s books. FREE fun for all ages. Today’s feature: The Gruffalo.
When: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: West Shore Parks & Recreation Garry Oak Loop, 1767 Island Highway
Roller Sweat will — as the name suggests — get you rolling and sweating! This fun fitness class on a combo of shoes and wheels is led by certified skating instructor Coach Beaver and certified personal trainer Coach Rage.
An entertaining and rather silly live quiz shows for teams of thinkers and drinkers. The top team each week wins $100 to Northern Quarter. Optimum teams sizes 4 or 5.
Love it or hate it, Beyond Meat vegan products have taken the country by storm.
For those who enjoy the plant-based substitute or those who are just looking to try it out, the food producer has launched an online map of where to find their products close to home.
Currently, there are 30 locations where you can pick up Beyond Meat products near the downtown core, which range from grocery stores like Thrifty Foods, to fast food chains like Tim Hortons, to fully seated restaurants like the Old Spaghetti Factory.
The Beyond Meat map, including exactly which product is available at each location, can be found online here.
A full list of each location that carries Beyond Meat products can be found below:
The Old Spaghetti Factory
– 703 Douglas Street
Real Canadian Superstore
– 835 Langford Parkway
Quesada
– 576 Yates Street
Country Grocer
– 1153 Esquimalt Road
White Spot
– 710 Caledonia Avenue
– 1871 Fort Street
Thrifty Foods
– 475 Simcoe Street
– 1590 Fairfield Road
– 1580 Hillside Avenue
– 3475 Quadra Street
A&W
– 1150 Douglas Street
– 3147 Douglas Street
– 3335 Douglas Street
– 860 Esquimalt Road
– 1644 Hillside Avenue
– 3667 Shelbourne Street
Tim Hortons
– 1410 Blanshard Street
– 2680 Blanshard Street
– 2950 Douglas Street
– 3253 Douglas Street
– 754 Fort Street
– 456a Gorge Road East
– 880 Esquimalt Road
– 1258 Esquimalt Road
– 1952 Bay Street
– 1700 Hillside Avenue
– 1950 Foul Bay Road
– 3501 Ravine Way
UPDATE: The body of 64-year-old Paul Hare has been found during a search of Horth Hill Regional Park. RCMP say at this time there is no indication the death is suspicious. Read more.
— original:
The Sidney North Saanich RCMP are asking for help in locating a missing 64-year-old North Saanich resident.
Paul Hare was reported missing Monday, July 29th. He was last seen at his home on Sunday morning, July 28th.
He is described as being a white male, standing 5’10, with a slim build, weighing about 150 pounds with blue eyes, and short grey hair that is balding at the back.
Police said he may be driving a 2003 black Ford Ranger with British Columbia license plate JA5-391.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sidney North Saanich RCMP immediately at 250-656-3931.
(Screenshot / Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure)
Prepare yourself for a road trip back through time!
While dashcams are a relatively new invention, the BC Ministry of Transportation has just released footage of a driver from 1966 travelling from Victoria to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.
The footage was captured by rigging a camera onto the dash of a car that took still images every 80 feet. The images were then strung together into a single roll of film.
Besides the vintage speedometer and dashboard, Victorians may recognize familiar areas in the video.
The footage starts on Blanshard Street (at the time called East Saanich Road) then transitions onto more rural streets near the Swan Lake/Christmas Hill area. The car then travels along Quadra Street, crossing McKenzie Avenue towards Royal Oak before moving onto the highway, where the Quadra Street overpass currently stands.
Around the 0:36 mark, the video shows the junction of Highway 17 and 17A (also known as West Saanich Road) which leads towards Butchart Gardens.
Then, at roughly the 1:47 mark, viewers can see an uninhabited section of the Patricia Bay highway at the Island View intersection.
In 1966, the area was simply empty fields; fast forward to 2019, and the intersection is marked by Michell’s Farm and the popular Lochside Drive biking trail.
The video then continues past the exit to Sidney all the way up to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, where construction of the road at the time was not yet complete.
As the car travels north up the highway, viewers may also notice a distinct lack of traffic lights at intersections along the Pat Bay.
Victoria sure has grown in the 53 years since the footage was recorded.
A Quadra Island man has become a legend after fighting off a grizzly bear with a knife in Ramsey Arm, an area 2.5 hours north of Powell River.
According to the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS), the man was biking and hiking in the remote backcountry of Ramsey Arm on Monday when he was attacked by a grizzly bear while on an empty logging road.
Fortunately, the man had a knife on him and was able to “stab the bear and end the attack,” says the BCCOS.
After surviving the bear attack, the injured man then mounted his bike and rode it until he found a nearby camp where environmental workers administered first aid.
He was then rushed to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The Conservation Officer Service says they are investigating the attack and will release further details when they are available.
The 30th annual Victoria Symphony Splash is returning to the inner harbour this Sunday, August 4th!
The musical event is one of the largest annual symphony performances in North America, and attracts over 40,000 spectators from all over the world each year.
“Victoria Symphony Splash is a marquee event in the Victoria summer,” said Victoria Symphony CEO Kathryn Laurin.
“We’re thrilled to see the continued support of the business community and government partners to help make the event a reality. Without their support, this event doesn’t happen. We’ve seen plenty of changes over the past thirty years, but the essence of Victoria Symphony Splash remains the same: sharing extraordinary live music with our own community.”
Before you grab your lawn chairs and head to lawns of the legislature, or hop on your kayaks to watch the symphony from the water, here are 6 things to know about this year’s Victoria Symphony Splash.
1 . The Concert Program
While the entire day will be filled with fun events, the Victoria Symphony’s performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.
This year’s concert will focus on rhythm, with the first half of the performance featuring Mediterranean and Spanish infused dance rhythms while the second half highlighting upbeat Cuban and Argentinian beats.
The symphony’s performance, of course, will close with its traditional 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky accompanied by fireworks, and lastly, Amazing Grace.
A variety of downtown roads will be closed on Sunday, August 4th, to accommodate the many visitors of the symphony.
Starting at 5:00 a.m., the north lane of Belleville Street between Government and Menzies Street will be closed.
At 12:00 p.m., both lanes of Belleville Street between Menzies and Douglas Streets for event set-up.
By 2:00 p.m., Government Street between Superior and Humbold street will be closed, though police may leave it open slightly longer depending on audience crowds.
Roads will reopen as soon as possible following the event, between 10:30 p.m. on Sunday and 1:00 a.m. Monday morning.
A passenger drop-off zone will also be available between 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Government Street across the road from the Fairmont Empress Hotel
3. Summary of Events – Sunday, August 4
Besides the Victoria Symphony’s headlining performance at 7:30 p.m., family-friendly events will run throughout the day starting at 12:00 p.m.
While the symphony performance on a floating barge on the inner harbour, the Albert Head Cadets will be the first performers of the day, and will hold a concert at noon on the steps of the Legislature.
Then, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., children can enjoy a bouncy castle, play musical instruments, and try Aztec-themed activities prepared by the Royal BC Museum at the Family Zone on the lawns of the legislature.
At 3:00 p.m., for adults that are 19+, a symphony Beverage Garden operated by the Lighthouse Brewery will be open for those looking for a refreshing brew. Meanwhile, the nearby Culinary Corner will be packed with food vendors offering a range of dishes like pizza, tacos, crepes, Greek food, ice cream, donuts, and more.
Then, at 4:00 p.m., the Royal Canadian Navy’s Naden Band will take to the symphony’s floating barge to kick-off music on the water.
4. This year’s young soloist
This year’s Symphony Splash young soloist is Carey Wang, a grade nine student at Oak Bay High school.
(Carey Wang / Victoria Symphony)
Carey is a pianist who has studied the instrument since he was four years old. He’s received a range of awards from organizations, like the Pacific International Youth Piano, Greater Victoria music festivals, the Don Chrysler Concerto Competition, and more.
Outside of his musical studies, he enjoys helping in numerous community musical programs, participating in extracurriculars at school, hanging out with his family, and oddly enough, doing homework.
5. Victoria Symphony Splash is a “by donation” event
The Symphony Splash is a free event hosted by the Victoria Symphony for the community. While the event receives support from sponsors and “heroes”, spectators are encouraged to donate $5 for attending the performance.
Every $5 donation will receive a Splash Button which you can wear proudly to show your support for the Symphony. Volunteers with donation buckets roam the crowds or you can track down one of their donation barrels, and all proceeds go to support the Victoria Symphony’s artistic and education programs.
6. Fireworks
As in years past, this year’s Symphony Splash will be capped off with an incredible fireworks display set to the bombast of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” between 9:15 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Victoria Symphony Splash fireworks 2018 (Brian Newham via Instagram)
The West Shore RCMP are seeking surveillance footage that could help them in their investigation of a break-and-enter at a residence while the residents were asleep.
The incident took place overnight on Monday, July 29th in the 1000-block of Goldstream Avenue in Langford.
The residents of the home woke up in the morning to find their place had been broken into and some personal items were missing.
“A cut screen and an unlocked window appears to be the point of entry for the suspect,” said Cst. Nancy Saggar in a release. “We want to remind residents to lock their doors and windows at night and report suspicious activity right away.”
No description of the suspect was available.
RCMP have canvassed the neighbourhood and are asking anyone who lives in the area and has a video surveillance system to check their cameras for suspicious activity.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
UPDATE: RCMP confirm that Madison Olebar has been found safe and sound as of Wednesday, July 31st.
Earlier: Nanaimo RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 14-year-old girl, Madison Olebar.
Olebar was last seen around 9:20 p.m., Monday, July 29th.
Her caregivers and family are extremely worried for her safety and well-being.
She is described as an Indigenous female youth standing 5’ 1” and weighing approximately 110 pounds. Olebar has long brown hair and was last seen wearing a white and burgundy sweater, black pants, and was carrying a blue and black backpack.
Police say the picture of her is recent and prior to her leaving her home in south Nanaimo.
(Madison Olebar / Nanaimo RCMP)
Anyone with information on Olebar’s whereabouts is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
An American hacker has been arrested after obtaining information of over 100 million people — including 6 million Canadians — from Capital One Financial Corporation.
According to Capital One, a financial group that offers Mastercard credit card services in Canada, the security breach occurred on July 19th, and the hacker was arrested ten days later on July 29th by the FBI.
In total, authorities believe that the hacker, 33-year-old Paige A. Thompson, managed to obtain the personal information of approximately 100 million Americans and roughly 6 million Canadians.
Capital One believes that Thompson was able to access the information on consumers and small businesses that applied for a credit card between 2005 to early 2019. The data collected includes information the Capital One routinely collects when they receive a credit card application, like names, addresses, zip/postal codes, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, and self-reported income.
The financial group also believes that Thompson obtained portions of customer data, including credit scores, credit limits, balances and payment history.
Lastly, the hacker gained access to the approximately 1 million Canadian Social Insurance Numbers, 140,000 American Social Security numbers, and 80,000 bank account numbers linked to credit card customers.
Accounts and log-in credentials safe
Capital One stresses that they do not believe that the information obtained was used for fraud or disseminated to others before Thompson was arrested, and that no credit card account numbers or log-in credentials were compromised. In total, 99% of the Social Security numbers recorded by the financial group were unaffected.
“While I am grateful that the perpetrator has been caught, I am deeply sorry for what has happened,” said Richard D. Fairbank, Chairman and CEO of Capital One in a statement.
“I sincerely apologize for the understandable worry this incident must be causing those affected and I am committed to making it right.”
Following the security breach, Capital One promised to notify every customer affected by the hack and will launch a free credit card monitoring and identity protection program.
Details released by the FBI
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the hacker was a former Seattle technology company software engineer who posted about her theft of information online.
Thompson allegedly boasted about her Capital One breach on the software website GitHub. Investigators say that another GitHub user alerted Capital One to Thompson’s posts, and after confirming that there was data theft the financial group contacted the FBI.
On Monday, July 29th, authorities arrested Thompson, who then appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle. She is now being held in custody until her next hearing on August 1st, 2019.
Investigators believe that Thompson was able to access Capital One data through a “misconfigured web application firewall”.
“Capital One quickly alerted law enforcement to the data theft — allowing the FBI to trace the intrusion,” said U.S. Attorney Moran in a statement.
“I commend our law enforcement partners who are doing all they can to determine the status of the data and secure it.”
Thompson is facing charges of Computer Fraud and Abuse, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine in the US.
(Frederick "Freddy" Seward / North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP)
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 25-year-old man from Ladysmith.
Frederick “Freddy” Seward was first reported missing on July 22nd, and was last seen on July 25th.
Seward was last seen in Duncan, and is still believed to be in the area.
“Friends and family are concerned about Freddy’s wellbeing and would like to know that he’s okay,” said Cst. Neil Fabbi, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
He is described as 25-year-old Indigenous man standing 5’ 6” and weighing 157 pounds. He has black hair, a goatee, and brown eyes. He also has a tattoo on the left side of his neck that spells “Maddy”.
Anyone who spots Seward or who may have information on his whereabouts is asked to call North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an older model BMW that struck two parked cars at a high speed early Saturday morning.
According to police, a witness saw the collision occurred around 1:45 a.m. in the 1700-block of Cowichan Bay Road.
The witness said the suspected BMW sedan was traveling at a high rate of speed down Cowichan Bay Road with an accompanying car following it when it approached a “slow right turn” in the road and lost control.
The car struck two parked cars, an Audi S5 and a Mazda CCX5, causing significant damage to both vehicles, police say.
The BMW and accompanying car then sped away from the area, according to the witness.
Police believe the force of the collision would have caused significant and noticeable damage to the BMW’s rear bumper area.
Additionally, RCMP say that parts of the suspected vehicle were broken off and left at the scene of the collision, which have been used to identify the BMW as a light grey or white sedan with a rear spoiler made between 1985 and 1993.
Anyone with information on the vehicle or its driver are asked to contact Cst. David Grey of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522. To remain anonymous, people can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
(Canadian Armed Forces assist with the search in Gillam/Manitoba RCMP)
Two teenage murder suspects from Port Alberni are still on the lam after RCMP in Manitoba say they were unable to substantiate a tip of them being spotted in York Landing, MB.
RCMP will now continue their search of Gillam and York Landing, and in the meantime ask that the community remain vigilant.
After a thorough & exhaustive search, #rcmpmb has not been able to substantiate the tip in York Landing. RCMP resources will continue to be in the York Landing & Gillam areas.
We thank the community for their patience & understanding & ask them to continue to be vigilant.
At approximately 5 p.m. on Sunday evening, police received a tip that two males matching the description of the wanted suspects were seen in York Landing.
Based on that information, RCMP deployed multiple resources to the community, including the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, Containment Team members, Major Crime Services and Air Services assets.
The teams conducted a search throughout the night and during the day but were unable to verify the tip.
Background
The two small communities of Gillam and York Landing, MB have been in the media spotlight over the past few days as the probable area in which 19-year-old Kam McLeod and 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky are hiding out.
McLeod and Schmegelsky have been charged with second degree murder in the death of 64-year-old University of British Columbia lecturer Leonard Dyck.
His body was found on July 19th at a pullout on Highway 37 in Northern BC.
The two teenagers are also suspects in the deaths of 25-year-old Chynna Deese and 23-year-old Lucas Robertson who were found shot and killed on the side of the highway near Liard Hot Springs on July 15th, approximately 470 kilometres away from where the boys’ car was found.
Kam McLeod is described as:
6 foot 4
Approximately 169 pounds
Dark brown hair and facial hair
Brown eyes
Bryer Schmegelsky is described as:
6 foot 4
Approximately 169 pounds
Sandy brown hair
While photos of the two teens have been released, police say that the pair may have altered their appearance.
(Bryer Schmegelsky (left) Kam McLeod (right) / BC RCMP)
All hands on deck
The search for the pair has been focused in and around Gillam, MB and RCMP say they have completed their canvass of Fox Lake Cree Nation.
“In the areas surrounding Gillam, officers are searching cottages, cabins, waterways, and along the rail line for any signs of the suspects. This search of remote areas is being conducted both on foot and in the air,” said RCMP in a statement on Sunday.
“The Royal Canadian Air Force began their assistance with the search on July 27 and will continue to provide assistance throughout the day.”
Police are also aware that many tips of sightings have been posted to social media in the last few days and not directly reported to police.
In their statement, RCMP explain that if these social media tips are valid, it can create a substantial delay in the response by police and be detrimental to the overall investigation.
Anyone who sees the pair is asked not to approach them and to call 911 immediately.
Otherwise, anyone with information on McLeod and Schmegelsky is asked to contact the RCMP Major Crime Tipline at 1-877-543-4822, or 778-290-5291.
The fashion event of the season is coming! The first 100 people in line will receive a $10 WINNERS gift card! Don’t miss out on all the latest #WINNERSFabFinds.
Are you interested in: current events? Discussing poetry or world politics? Or learning about society? Do you want to go to school but lack of money and other things are getting in the way?
University 101 at UVic might just be for you! No previous academic experience or high school diploma necessary…Just an interest in learning!
The Memorial Park Music Festival is a summertime concert series held at Memorial Park in the heart of Esquimalt. Dancing on the grass is highly encouraged, or just sit back and let the music entertain you.
Reminisce 1928 with a night of live swing jazz, classic cocktails, and swing dancing. They’ve got two great bands alternating every Tuesday night: The Capital City Syncopators / The Flying Saucers.
Beginner swing dance lesson every week at the band break.
People familiar with Dallas Road may soon lose a historic natural landmark, according to the City of Victoria.
A contorted and windswept chestnut tree which has stood on the 600-block of Dallas Road near Fonyo Beach for over a century will be removed this August to make way for the city’s Wastewater Treatment Project.
The tree’s removal is an unexpected shock for some local residents, like former city councillor Pamela Madoff, who had hoped the tree would be preserved during construction.
“I think [the tree’s] unusual and contorted form has created something of a landmark,” Madoff told Victoria Buzz.
“It’s reflective of its location and the gales coming off the sea. I think it’s something locals and visitors have really responded to.”
The tree has had many nicknames over the years, according to Madoff, with the most recent being the “Harry Potter Tree” which describes its strange and bewitching appearance.
Other names for the decades-old tree — which the city has archival photographs of dating back to the 1920s — include the “Duck Tree”, which children would call out while they ducked underneath its branches, says Madoff.
Photographs from the Victoria’s archives are below:
(Image / City of Victoria Archives)(Image / City of Victoria Archives)
Community input
The tree’s scheduled removal is surprising some community members, as residents had mentioned their concern over preserving the tree during public consultation meetings with the city.
“It’s importance was pointed out to CRD and city staff when the route was being determined down Dallas Road,” said Madoff.
“The big concern was parking lost along Dallas Road, but at the same time this tree was brought up in particular because of its importance. I remember city staff and CRD saying that they would try to accommodate it.”
“So it’s a real shock to see it coming down from a sign that is buried behind construction [equipment].”
“Trade off are required…”
While the city always tries to preserve as many trees as possible, some trade offs are required, a municipal spokesperson told Victoria Buzz.
While plans were being finalized for the Dallas Road portion of the CRD Wastewater Treatment Project, a series of arborists were hired to examine trees in the area.
During this examination, officials determined that the historic “Harry Potter Tree” was in poor health and that its removal would be the in the best interest of the community.
“Trade offs are required – in this case the option was to save the healthy mature elm or the windswept tree on the water side,” said the city.
“The ‘windswept tree’ has internal decay, damage from vehicle strikes, and is generally in poor condition.”
City officials also note that for every one tree removed by the CRD, two new ones are planted to replace it.
Background
Construction along Dallas Road is related to the CRD Wastewater Treatment Project, which first launched in October, 2018.
The project includes the installation of a wastewater pipe that will connect the new Clover Point Pump Station with the McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant underneath Victoria.
After construction is complete, the affected stretch of Dallas Road will be re-paved and redesigned to include new line painting, three new crosswalks, new pathway lighting, wayfinding signage, bike racks, plantings, fencing between several points of dog off-leash areas, and a bike dismount area.
Once the road has been re-paved, a new 2.8 km protected bike path will also be built along the street between Ogden Point and Clover Point.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to the City of Victoria for comment on the tree’s removal.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has released the cause of a BC Ferries accident that caused two crew members and a rescue boat to fall overboard during a training drill in 2018.
On August 31, 2018, multiple sailings between Swartz Bay and Tswassen were cancelled after two crew members were injured during a training exercise, one seriously.
According to the TSB, the accident was caused when a rescue boat hoist cable snapped, causing the rescue boat and two crew members to fall approximately 36 feet (11 metres) into the ocean below.
Investigators say that the hoist cable snapped because a secondonday hoist rope was not outfitted with enough working length, thus forcing too much pressure on one side of the hoist and on the rescue boat itself as the boat was being raised.
(Image / WorkSafeBC)
The BC Ferries vessel, the Queen of Cumberland, had insufficient rope length due to equipment changes during a mid-life service upgrade in 2016, found the TSB.
The short rope is believed to have been installed in 2016, when some equipment was changed during the mid-life upgrade.
Since then, investigators found that some maintenance and updates were not made to the Queen of Cumberland, causing the dangerously short rope length to be overlooked.
Additionally, the TSB found that crew on board did not have a full understanding of how the new divot hoist worked at the time, with some believing that the hoist operated the same as the equipment installed before the 2016 replacement.
“… although BC Ferries identified some of the missing updates, others went unidentified and unresolved,” reads the TSB report.
Since the 2018 accident, BC Ferries has changed policies to increase overall safety.
Personnel are now restricted from being on board a rescue boat while it is being raised or lowered, except for during an emergency, and updated training on the operation of rescue boats, davits, and ship maintenance has been undertaken.
One Vancouver Island driver was served a hefty fine Monday after Saanich Police caught them tossing a lit joint out of their car in Cordova Bay.
At approximately 9:53 a.m., police pulled over a vehicle in the 4900-block of Cordova Bay Road for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, the driver was spotted tossing a lit joint out of their car while moving and secondly they were found to have been speeding in a playground zone.
The driver was handed a hefty fine totalling $937; $575 for tossing the joint, $253 for speeding in a playground zone, and $109 for failing to change the address listed on their license.
According to Saanich Police, the driver was not charged with impaired driving as they were found not to be impaired.
The officer who pulled the driver was a drug recognition expert who determined, “with confidence”, that the driver was not legally impaired.
Police say that the motorist could have been issued another ticket for consuming cannabis while driving, but the officer used their discretion and ticketed him for what they felt was appropriate at the time.
Well you can't say we didn't warn you.SPD posted on both their FB and Twitter accounts about dropping lit cigarettes out of your car windows. This driver did not listen 🙄To make it worse they were smoking a marijuana cigarette while driving. Bad start to Monday! #yyjtrafficpic.twitter.com/LOqhmLLECh
— Saanich Police Traffic Safety Unit (@SPD_Traffic) July 29, 2019
The nearly $1000 fine comes a week after Saanich PD Traffic’s most recent tweet, which encouraged the community to report drivers who threw lit cigarettes out of their car windows.
Last month, another negligent Saanich driver was also in for a hefty fine after they through a lit cigarette out of their car directly in front of VicPD’s Chief of Police.
Do we really need to keep reminding people?Still getting calls about drivers throwing cigarettes out their car windows. SPD will be enforcing both the BC Wildfire Act (575$ fine) + Motor Vehicle Act (81$ fine) for anyone seen making this very poor choice #yyjtrafficpic.twitter.com/7drrkhcqx6
A popular undeveloped green space between Kings Road and Richmond Avenue has officially been purchased by the District of Saanich from the landowners, BC Hydro.
Sometimes referred to as the “Hydro Fields”, Saanich Council offered to purchase the unused natural space from BC Hydro for $5.5 million back in January.
BC Hydro has owned the property since 1958, but has considered the 5.5 acres “surplus to its needs” over the past 60 years.
While the District has officially taken ownership of the land, the municipality plans to launch a fundraising action plan to help cover the costs of the multi-million dollar purchase.
In January, the District was seeking $2.75 million in funding from other local governments, community associations, organizations, and residents to offset the debt.
If the council is unable to raise enough funds for the land, Saanich plans do dispose a portion of the property to recoup some of the cost.
The 2.23 hectare plot of land features grass, trees, shrubbery, and has Bowker Creek running along its southwest boundary. The area is uninhabited save for one single-family dwelling.
“Council heard from residents that this property is a crucial part of their community,” said Acting Mayor Karen Harper in a statement.
“We are thrilled to be able to respond to these needs. Work is now underway to develop a fundraising process to cover a portion of the purchase cost, in order to remain fiscally responsible.”
Five new intersection safety cameras have just been activated across the province, including one on Vancouver Island, according to the Ministry of Public Safety.
The automated cameras have been installed in “high risk” intersections and are used to catch speeders, or those who run red and potentially yellow lights.
According to the province, more than 900 car collisions occur each day in BC, with over half of them occurring at intersections.
“We have a record number of crashes happening – more than 900 a day in our province – and about 60% of the crashes on our roads are at intersections,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General back in May.
“We’ve taken time to systematically pinpoint the locations linked to crashes and dangerous speeds that are best suited to safely catching, ticketing and changing the behaviour of those who cause carnage on B.C. roads.”
The newly activated traffic camera on Vancouver Island is located at the intersection of Aulds Road and Island Highway in Nanaimo.
There are currently five other active safety cameras active on the island, with two in Victoria, one in Duncan, one other in Nanaimo, and one in the Courtenay area.
Besides the five newly activated camera that launched today, the province plans to install 30 more across BC by spring 2020.
A full list of all active traffic cameras in the province can be found online here.
Summer-wardrobe ready, summer bod in progress.. but what about your skin?
Your skin goes through a lot of change in the space of a few months when adjusting from winter’s cold to more summer-like temperatures – and that’s exactly why your skin deserves a little extra TLC right about now!
The Spa at Ocean Pointe Resort has everything you need to get your skin feeling in perfect summer shape, including a rejuvenating Signature Anti-Aging Facial with added mud treatment – for when you really want to pamper the skin you’re in.
Better yet, they’re giving away a package worth over $200 that includes the Anti-Aging Facial as well as Phytomer Even Skin Tone Refining Serum!
Signature Anti-Aging Facial
The Spa’s Phytomer Facial is designed to prevent and treat the effects of aging, while you indulge in the ultimate spa experience.
The facial starts off with a detoxifying, re-mineralizing, warming marine mud application to the spine and a soothing massage of the back.
Three steps to better skin
This skincare treatment uses high quality products, a unique procedure which optimizes their effects, and reduces the signs of aging while working in these three steps:
Resurfacing of the skin
Filling wrinkles
Restructuring the face
Following a facial, try pairing your freshly rejuvenated skin with the Phytomer Even Skin Tone Refining Serum, which promises to reduce skin imperfections within a month!
From massages, to facials, to nails and even men’s treatments, there’s a little (or a lot!) for everyone at the Spa at Ocean Pointe Resort – you check out a menu of their offered services and treatments here.
(The Spa at Ocean Pointe Resort / Entrance)
**CONTEST NOW CLOSED – Congratulations to Danielle Nelson**
CONTEST
For a chance to WIN a spa package including a Signature Anti-Aging Facialand Phytomer Even Skin Tone Refining Serum, complete one or more of the following:
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on August 12th, 2019. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter by. Good luck!
Camping and festival season is upon us, and it always pays to be prepared when you’re headed out into the great outdoors – glamping, or not!
With Sunfest Country Music Festival on the horizon, Lake Cowichan’s Country Grocer is your one stop shop for all of your festival needs along the way.. and then some!
The fact that beautiful Lake Cowichan is home to Sunfest’s Laketown Ranch as well as so many spectacular camping locations is no surprise, and the convenience of the local Country Grocer being nearby makes it easier than ever to gather all of your favourite supplies on the way.
Victoria Buzz will even be hanging out at Country Grocer’s Lake Cowichan location on Thursday, August 1st to celebrate their 35th anniversary – so stop by and say hi, maybe win some prizes while you’re grabbing your camping supplies!
Without further ado, here are 10 things you need to snag before hitting up your local festival or camping trip:
1. Get your float on
If you’re looking for the perfect vessel to float on the lake or down the river with, they’ve got a huge selection of tubes and other water toys to choose from, inflatable or not!
2. Protect yourself!
.. and your skin. Country Grocer is proud to offer a “Love Our Lake” initiative, which means the only sunscreens you’ll find in-store are ones that are safe for our rivers and lakes.
Whether it’s over the open fire or even for a picnic, the list of food products Country Grocer offers is extensive – you’ll be able to find a little bit of something for every occasion.
4. Be prepared
When you’re out in the wilderness, it’s always safe to expect the unexpected! From tarps to flashlights and even more, they’ve got you covered.
5. Stay hydrated
Especially at music festivals when you’re out dancing under the blazing sun all day, it’s so important to up your water intake! Whether you’re a traditional bottled water fan or go for the more fancy sparkling stuff, the list of options is endless.
6. S’more than s’mores
Although these are a camping staple (and you can find everything you need for them there!), Country Grocer has so many more dessert options in store. From tinfoil banana boats to the traditional marshmallow on a stick, there’s no shortage of yummy choices!
7. Get your grill on
From hot dogs to hamburgers to even vegan specialties, anything and everything you’d ever want to throw on the grill you can find in-store – as well as all of the accompaniments!
In need of a warm place to park yourself by the fire, or the perfect set-up to watch that headliner you’ve been waiting to see? Whether it’s lawn chairs or a cozy blanket to wrap yourself in to fight the night’s chill, you’ll find it there.
9. Just in case!
You won’t want to be stuck out in the wilderness without the proper supplies, especially when it comes to bumps and bruises. You can find everything you need for a makeshift camping/festival “first aid kit” at Country Grocer – band-aids included!
Don’t forget, Victoria Buzz will be on location at the Country Grocer Lake Cowichan store Thursday, August 1st, where we’ll be hanging out talking all things Sunfest and giving away some sweet prizes!
** Contest Closed. Congratulations to Bernice Edward. **
CONTEST
To enter for your chance to win the $50 gift card to Country Grocer, complete at least one of the following:
SHARE this post on Facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on August 12th, 2019. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter by. Good luck!
