Online reports have confirmed that volunteer firefighter, Tony Jackson, lost his life in an accident while tubing down Cowichan River on Sunday, July 29th.

RCMP and BC Coroner’s service stated that they are investigating the death of a man in his 40s on the Cowichan River, but have not confirmed his identity.

However a GoFundMe account has been set up for the family of Tony Jackson, who used to be a volunteer with the Sahtlam fire department.

The campaign, created by Amanda Clarke Richardson, identifies Jackson as the victim of an accident on Cowichan River when he was separated from a group of friends and family while tubing.

“Tony was always there for us and was a key volunteer for Jeepapalooza ,as well as an amazing fireman,” reads Richardson’s description.

The account attempts to raise $15,000 to help Jackson’s wife, Belinda and their daughter.

“All funds will go to help Belinda with rent, bills, funeral and burial expenses as well as get her some time off work so she can try to heal”.

This is the first death on the Cowichan River recorded in 2018. Last year, in July 2017, a woman in her early 50s died in a tubing accident on the river.

Click here to access the GoFundMe account

The overwhelming majority of Canadians see poverty increasing in their communities and don’t believe the federal and provincial governments are doing enough about it, but they’re divided on the best course of action, according to a new study.

The findings were the focus of the second part of a recent Angus Reid Institute study into poverty in Canada. The first part dealt with definiing poverty based on the lived day-to-day economic struggles of Canadians, and found one-in-four Canadians are experiencing “notable financial hardship.”

According to part two, two-thirds of Canadians (65%) say the federal government isn’t doing enough to address poverty, and approximately 64 per cent feel the same way about the provincial government.

66 per cent of British Columbians, for example, don’t believe the provincial government is doing enough to address poverty in the region.

The study also looked at how Canadians perceived the poor, and found that seven-in-ten Canadians say poor people are poor because of circumstances outside their control.

Similarly, 65 per cent of Canadians say wealthy people are wealthy because they had more advantages in life, rather than because they worked harder than anyone else.

Furthermore, eight-in-ten agree that the growing gap in wealth equality between high- and low-income earners is “unacceptable. And three quarters disagree with the notion that poor people are poor because they’re lazy.

Canadians divided on how to address poverty

According to the Angus Reid Institute, “the belief that Canada’s federal and provincial governments are not doing enough to address poverty is at least the plurality—and more often the majority—view across all demographic and income groups.”

As such, the broad consensus among Canadians is that the government’s efforts to tackle poverty are insufficient.

To identify what Canadians saw as the best solution, the Angus Reid Institute asked respondents to choose between two opposing statements: should there be “more public support for the poor, the disadvantaged and those in economic trouble,” or “more emphasis on a system that rewards hard work and initiative?”

On that question, Canadians are split. 52 per cent choose the former option, while 48 per cent choose the latter.

When presented with four different methods of government intervention, 84 per cent of Canadians think a national infrastructure program to create more jobs is a good idea.

51 per cent, meanwhile, believe raising social assistance rates is a bad idea.

Raising the minimum wage to $15, something that has seen growing support across Canada and the U.S., was supported by 66 per cent of respondents.

Read the full second part of the study here.

See also:

• One-in-four Canadians are experiencing “notable financial hardship” (POLL)
• Over 1,500 people are experiencing homelessness in Greater Victoria

UPDATE: Unfortunately, the B-17 event was cancelled shortly after this article was published.

“Due to additional time necessary to complete repair work currently underway on the B-17 Bomber ‘Sentimental Journey,’ the stop in Victoria, BC 8/13 – 19 has been cancelled,” the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum wrote on Facebook on Thursday afternoon.

“All passengers who have booked rides will be refunded. For information on refunds, contact the Ride Program Manager at 480-462-2992.”

EARLIER: Aviation fanatics are in for a treat this month, as the Flying Legends of Victory Tour touches down in Victoria with a rare Boeing B-17 Bomber, the “Sentimental Journey.”

The Flying Legends of Victory Tour is made possible by the volunteers of the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, and visits 50 cities across the U.S. and Canada with three restored WWII combat aircraft, including the Sentimental Journey.

The B-17 Bomber was known for its ability to carry out long-range missions and return home safely even after taking a beating, which earned it the nickname “Flying Fortress.”

The Sentimental Journey is one of 13,000 bombers produced from 1936 to 1945, and was manufactured for war service in 1944, carrying out several missions in the Pacific Theatre.

8,000 of the bombers were lost in combat, and there are only eight left that are still airworthy today.

The public is invited to hit the runway and take a tour of the aircraft while hearing the stories of its brave pilots. There are also limited spots available for rides.

Tour dates and times are as follows:

• Tours: Monday, Friday–Sunday: 2 p.m – 6 p.m; Tuesday–Thursday: 9 a.m – 6 p.m
• Rides: Friday–Sunday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Flying Legends of Victory Tour featuring the B-17 Bomber “Sentimental Journey”

Where: Victoria Flying Club, #101-1852 Canso Road, Sidney

When: Monday, August 13 – Sunday, August 19, 2018

Admission: Standard plane tour: $10/person and $20/family of four | Rides: $425 USD waist gunner/radio operator seats, $850 USD bombardier/navigator seats in nose | Reserve online or call 1-480-462-2992 (press 2)

To ensure that residents of Vancouver Island find the healthcare information they need online in an efficient and accessible manner, Island Health has launched a brand new website.

islandhealth.ca was designed to be “patient-focused, mobile-friendly, location-aware, and accessible,” the organization said on Wednesday.

“We know every patient, client, and resident is unique and we are excited that they can now customize their Island Health website experience too,” said Leah Hollins, Island Health board chair.

So what’s new? For one, Island Health says the site is easier to navigate as information has been organized by user priority; a series of easy-to-understand links will direct users to the services they require.

The new website is also responsive to mobile devices such as cell phones or tablets, which should make it easier to find information while on the go.

Users will also be able to auto-filter certain content, showing services that are closest to their location. Hollins says that “having a platform that recognizes visitors by their community will streamline services and help us better deliver on our commitment to excellence in health and care.”

On top of that, the website includes a region-wide territorial acknowledgment in an effort to integrate Indigenous perspectives, and will be accessible to people who are visually impaired and require screen or braille readers.

The Oak Bay Police department have released a statement stating that a body has been located 11-kilometres from the spot where a missing Oak Bay senior’s vehicle was found.

The Cowichan Search and Rescue team discovered the body Tuesday after resuming their search for missing 82-year-old Gladys Barman.

Barman’s vehicle was located on a remote logging road behind Lake Cowichan on July 22. The search had been suspended days ago, but as temperatures cooled, they re-engaged with their search dogs and continued their efforts.

The Lake Cowichan RCMP, RCMP Forensic Identification Services, and a coroner attended the scene. Efforts are now underway to determine the identity of the deceased person.

Barman went missing over four weeks ago and was last seen fuelling her 2002 dark green Honda Civic at the Petro-Canada on West Saanich Road at 10 a.m. on July 5.

Oak Bay Police said they have updated the next of kin of Barman.

RCMP have confirmed the discovery of a body of another missing person is not connected to the deceased person found near Barman’s vehicle.

An update will be provided once the individual has been identified.

Firefighters are on scene after a brush fire started on Skirt Mountain just off Bear Mountain Parkway in Langford.

The fire started sometime Wednesday afternoon, but there has been no confirmation yet on the size or cause.

Langford Fire Rescue said the fire perimeter is 100 per cent contained and that they are extinguishing hot spots with BC Wildfire Service.

Langford Fire Department confirmed to Victoria Buzz that at least 14 firefighters are currently at the scene.

More to come.

The local tourism industry flexed its muscles in June, as 25 out of 40 Victoria hotels saw occupancy rates of over 90 per cent, compared to 11 during the same period last year.

According to Chemistry Consulting’s monthly tourism bulletin, the average occupancy in June was 89.76 per cent, a seven per cent jump from a year ago.

The average daily room rate in June was $223.26, an increase of $26.35 from the same period last year.

In fact, tourism numbers in June were up nearly across the board compared to 2017: BC Ferries vehicle traffic increased by 3.28%, Victoria International Airport numbers increased by 8.55%, and despite there being one less cruise ship this June, passenger numbers increased by 5.01%.

Speaking to hotel occupancy numbers, Tourism Victoria president and CEO Paul Nursey, pointed to a nearly 65% increase in Victoria Conference Centre visitors from last year to now.

Nursey says the numbers reflect a push from Tourism Victoria to bring more conferences to Victoria. “We’ve been more aggressive in attracting conferences the last few years,” he says. “We’re now bidding on conferences taking place in 2021 … into 2024.”

June’s numbers come after “five solid years of growth” in Victoria’s tourism industry, Nursey says, and are promising to see considering the month’s tricky history.

“There’s not much rhyme or reason to it,” Nursey says about June’s numbers year to year. “Some years it’s great, some years it’s not.”

Moving forward, Nursey says Tourism Victoria will continue to actively court more conferences to Victoria. They’ll also be developing a new sports tourism strategy for the city—an area in which Nursey says they’ve been more reactive than proactive in the past.

It’s all part of the work in making Victoria appealing to those who want to travel and explore. As Nursey says, “tourism doesn’t just happen.”

West Shore RCMP are investigating shots fired between two vehicles Tuesday night.

According to a media release, investigators responded to a report of gunshots being exchanged between two vehicles around 10 p.m., near the Ronald Rd and Chan Pl intersection in Langford.

Witnesses told investigators they saw two vehicles, a dark colour truck and a white SUV or van exchange gunfire before speeding away toward Sooke Rd.

Police said they located several shell casings at the scene and the Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate.

“Our investigators are canvassing the area and talking with witnesses to determine what happened. We`re asking anyone with information to come forward to the West Shore RCMP or Victoria Crime Stoppers” says Cst. Matt Baker, spokesman for the West Shore RCMP.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

After 35 years waving the banner for video on physical formats in Cook Street Village, Pic-A-Flic Video is moving to a new location.

Victoria’s longest operating video rental store announced on Monday that it will relocate to the Stadacona Centre at 1519 Pandora Ave this October.

With their little corner of Cook Street slated for condo development, owner Kent Bendall says he’s been looking for a new location since he bought the store two and a half years ago. “I knew development was a certainty, plus rent in the Cook St Village is astronomical!” he tells Victoria Buzz via email.

The new location at Stadacona Centre will house Pic-A-Flic’s entire collection of 30,000 titles, as well as a wide selection of movie and pop culture merchandise.

“I’ve looked at a lot of potential locations and the Stadacona location checked off the most boxes!” Bendall says. “The fact that it’s located right at the hub of Fernwood, Oak Bay, Fairfield, and downtown is perfect for our customer base, as they come from all over the Greater Victoria area (and beyond!)”

Despite the growing popularity of online video streaming like Netflix, Bendall says his store fills an important role for people that want a more robust movie-watching experience.

“There’s a common misconception that ‘everything is available online’—it’s not,” he says. “I find once people break the hold of the convenience of streaming, and see what’s *actually* available, they become video store converts pretty quick!”

Bendall also says there’s a social and communal aspect to visiting a neighbourhood store that’s lost when you’re sitting at home scrolling through an endless feed of content.

“Taking a walk, talking to people, supporting the local economy—[these are] things that are far too easy to forget about when you’re at home on your couch pushing a button,” he says.

Victoria police are investigating after a man was killed in an accident near Moxie’s Grill & Bar on Yates and Vancouver just after 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

Police were called to the 1300-block of Vancouver where they discovered a man suffering life-threatening injuries.

The man was sleeping in a dumpster, which was then emptied into a Waste Connections Canada garbage truck.

Officers remained on scene with the man until BC Emergency Health Services and Victoria Fire Department took over.

The man was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the vehicle was unharmed, and is being offered support.

The incident does not appear to be criminal at this time. If you have any other information, call Victoria police at 250-995-7654.

This is not the first time such a case has occurred. In Edmonton, a man was found dead at a recycling centre after suffering from crush injuries.

Ashley Mollison, an organizer with the Alliance Against Displacement, said the death on Wednesday is evidence that more should to done to ensure people aren’t forced to live on the streets where such accidents can occur.

More to come.

Victoria’s skyline just got a new addition, and it’s looking pretty hot!

Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. unveiled its brand new neon sign adorning the entrance to its tasting room last week.

The sign is made to resemble Phillips’ Phoenix Gold Lager logo, and was designed by local artist Shawn O’Keefe, who also designs the brewery’s beer labels, along with John Shields. The fabrication and neon work were handled by Triad Signs.

Phillips opened its tasting room, located next to its former retail store on the corner of Government Street and Discovery Street, in May.

Patrons can try one of 16 rotating signature beers, enjoy some snacks, and fill up a growler to save for later.

So the next time you’re out on the town, just follow the light; a good beer won’t be hard to find.

After a year and change since the last provincial election, the governing BC NDP and opposing BC Liberal Party are in a dead heat with regards to their popularity among voters in British Columbia.

According to Mainstreet Research’s latest UltraPoll—a conglomeration of ten provincial polls—only 0.7% separates John Horgan’s NDP and Andrew Wilkinson’s Liberal parties among decided and leaning voters.

Quito Maggi, Mainstreet Research president and CEO, said the poll “might be the narrowest gap between two parties that we have ever reported.”

When asked who they would vote for if an election were held today, 33.9% of decided and leaning votes said they would vote Liberal. 33.2% would vote NDP, and 16% said they would vote for the BC Green Party, led by Andrew Weaver.

“Besides how close the two parties are, what is interesting about these numbers is that the BC Liberals take the lead over the NDP thanks to those who are currently undecided but are leaning towards voting Liberal if an election were held today,” said Maggi. “This means that NDP vote is firmer than the Liberals, but the Liberals have a wider base to build from.”

Geographically, the Liberals maintain a slight lead in the Greater Vancouver area and a more substantial lead in the interior of B.C.

On Vancouver Island, however, the BC NDP hold a 13 point lead over the Liberals.

The poll also asked respondents’ favourability ratings for all four party leaders. (The fourth party, the BC Conservatives, are led by Scott Anderson.)

Wilkinson had the best highest rating with -4.2% net favourability, followed by Anderson at -5.3%, Weaver with -6.7%, and then Horgan with -9.5%. 

“It is unusual that Horgan, Wilkinson, and Weaver have net negative favourability ratings, but it is even more unusual that over 30% of British Columbians either are not sure or are not familiar with all of these leaders, especially with a sitting premier,” Maggi said.

“British Columbians are either not paying attention to provincial politics these days or they are not being inspired to support any of these parties at this stage.”

The poll was conducted between July 15 and 17, 2018, and sampled 933 voting age British Columbians using automated telephone interviews.

Read the full findings of the poll here.

Police are investigating after dozens of girls were allegedly touched inappropriately during an event at the Cowichan 2018 BC Summer Games in Cowichan Valley last week.

The games took place between July 19 and 22. The alleged incidents occurred during a dance for athletes at the Cowichan Exhibition Centre on the evening of July 21.

Several female athletes reported being touched inappropriately by some of the male athletes, according to North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.

Police became aware of the allegations the following morning, and are working to confirm the events that took place, as well as the victims and alleged suspects.

Many of the allegations involve people under the age of 18.

“While we have initiated an investigation into these allegations, it is imperative that anyone who may have been a victim or witnessed the incident contact police so the matter can be thoroughly investigated,” said B.C. RCMP media relations officer S/Sgt. Annie Linteau.

In a statement released last Friday, the BC Games Society said it fully supports the investigation.

“Without question, the well-being of these young women is of paramount importance and we are continuing to gather information and communicate with the athletes and their families to support them,” the statement said. “We acknowledge the courage of these young women to report this incident.”

The organization said that “bad behaviour will not be tolerated,” and that everyone has a collective responsibility to ensure individuals are aware and act responsibly and respectfully.

Kelly Mann, president and CEO of the BC Games Society, told CBC News that they are in communication with the victims’ families to keep them aware of what the organization is doing.

“It’s important for us to take care of the steps that we need to do over these next several days, but more importantly make sure that this type of behaviour is clearly understood to not be acceptable, and that it won’t be tolerated,” he said.

Anyone who has any information about these allegations or may have been a victim, regardless of their place of residence, is asked to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.

Health Canada is warning Canadians to prepare for an EpiPen shortage at pharmacies during the month of August.

According to Health Canada, while some pharmacies may currently have some supply on-hand, it will likely be depleted in the coming days or weeks. Pfizer Canada, which manufactures the injectors, does not expect to be able to provide new supply until the end of August.

The shortage will include both EpiPen (0.3 mg) and EpiPen Jur (0.15 mg) auto-injectors. Both are used to deliver an emergency treatment of adrenaline (epinephrine) to patients who are at risk or have a history of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

There are currently no alternatives to the auto-injector on the market in Canada.

The company says that they will still be able to supply EpiPen Jr, but the supply is limited and is being carefully managed at the national level.

Health Canada also reminded Canadians that EpiPen products expire on the last day of the month indicated on the package. For example, products with an August expiry date won’t expire until August 31.

In the case of an anaphylactic reaction, Health Canada advises to use expired product if there is nothing else available, and get to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.

According to Pfizer Canada, the current shortage is due to a manufacturing issue with the EpiPen 0.3 mg format.

“We understand the stress that a shortage of a necessary medication can place on patients, families, and the health system,” Health Canada stated. “We are exploring every option available to the Department with the goal of resolving the situation as soon as possible.”

A councillor for the District of Metchosin has been identified as the woman killed in a fatal crash Surrey on Saturday.

The incident happened around 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of 184th Street and 40th Avenue.

Moralea Milne, 68, and her 73-year-old male passenger were travelling northbound on 184th Street when they were struck by a vehicle travelling eastbound on 40th Avenue.

According to police, evidence suggests the car heading east failed to stop at a stop sign.

The driver 37-year-old male driver of the eastbound vehicle and the passenger of the car that got hit have been taken to the hospital and will likely survive their injuries.

“Today is a very sad day for everyone who knew and worked with Moralea, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family now,”  Metchosin Mayor John Ranns said in a statement.

“Moralea made many thoughtful contributions to important policy decisions on Council and her voice will be missed. She cared deeply about Metchosin and the environment and in addition to being an outstanding Councillor, served her community well in many other ways.”

Moralea was first elected to the District of Metchosin in 2008. During her tenure she served on many important committees and Boards including, Finance and Administration Committee Chair, Finance and Environment Committee Chair, Environmental Advisory Committee, West Shore Parks and Recreation Society Board Member, CRD Regional Housing Trust Fund, Greater Victoria Public Library Board among others.

The date and details of a celebration of life have yet to be finalized. Donations in lieu of flowers to the Metchosin Foundation are appreciated.

The flag was lowered at the Municipal Hall in recognition and honour of Moralea.

In all its 40 years, Star Wars fandom has proven itself to be as dedicated as they come. But one fan’s piece of art might take things to a whole other level.

A handmade bust of protocol droid C-3PO was listed for sale on Victoria Craiglist about a month ago at the reasonably affordable price of $3,800. Take one look at the sculpture, though, and you’ll see what makes it one of a kind.

That’s because this C-3PO is stacked with a pair of lovingly sculpted human breasts.

According to the Craigslist ad, the life-sized sculpture was produced for a Star Wars art show that took place prior to the premiere of Star Wars: The Last Jedi in December 2017.

“For the show, I first started sculpting my clay into a bust of C-3PO, and as I carved him out I soon realized that he was starting to become more and more feminine,” the seller writes.

“Clearly, she was hiding inside and wanted out, so I gave her what she wanted and named her C-3PFEM!”

C-3PFEM, the seller says, is a “MAJOR collector’s item,” and since she doesn’t exist in the canon of the series itself, she’s “even more incredible to hardcore SW collectors who are looking for something that no one will ever have.”

That said, the seller hopes that C-3PFEM will make her way into a Star Wars movie someday as “C-3PO’s little fem-bot sidekick.”

While initially hesitant to part with the sculpture, the seller says they’re finally ready to let C-3PFEM go. “I’ve had my time to bond with and appreciate her, and I know that she’ll be hugely loved (even more than me) by a super fan/collector.”

“So, if you’re looking for something insanely unique that nobody else has ever seen and will definitely never own, she’s your girl and once she’s gone, she’s gone,” the seller writes.

We’ve reached out to the artist in the hopes of learning what went into the creation of C-3PFEM.

In the meantime, we’ll just be over here pondering the logistics of droids with human breasts in a galaxy far, far away…

Paramedics in B.C. responded to a record 130 suspected overdose calls last Friday, equalling a record-setting day in April 2017.

No fatalities were reported, according to BC Emergency Health Services.

The 130 calls came two days after income assistance was distributed. The B.C. Coroner’s Service says most fatal overdoses occur during the days after income assistance payment.

Linda Lupini, an BC Emergency Health Services executive vice-president, told CBC News that the service often sees an average of 50 calls on payment days, with a spike from 60 to 70 in the days afterwards, but 130 calls is “unusual.”

According to the most recent B.C. Coroner’s Service stats, there were 109 suspected drug overdose deaths in May—a decrease from 124 the month prior.

Island Health reminds anyone who uses drugs that they should always avoid using alone, and stagger their use when with a friend so that someone is able to respond if needed.

The health authority also recommends carrying a naloxone kit at all times. If someone you know suffers an overdose, call 911 immediately.

A Parksville family is hoping for the best after their two-year-old son contracted an E. coli infection, putting him in the B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver over the weekend.

Two-year-old Jaxon was first admitted to the Nanaimo General Hospital last Friday after showing several symptoms, including lethargy, lack of appetite, a fever, and eventually bloody stool, starting on Tuesday.

Hughes and his wife Jolene Secord were initially told over the phone that Jaxon might’ve been suffering from heatstroke, but were then told it could be a bacterial infection when they visited a walk-in clinic.

On Friday, after multiple different diagnoses being sent home twice, Jaxon was admitted to the Nanaimo General Hospital when a stool sample came back positive for E. coli O157:H7.

While many strains of E. coli are harmless to humans, E. Coli O157:H7 may lead to abdominal cramps and diarrhea. In children under the age of five, it can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can destroy red blood cells and cause kidney failure.

The family thinks Jaxon may have contracted the illness by coming in contact with deer feces.

Jaxon was soon transported to the B.C. Children’s Hospital, where he’s been moving in and out of intensive care since.

Hughes told Victoria Buzz that nothing is for certain when it comes to Jaxon’s treatment right now. Staff are currently doing tests, and think Jaxon may have a stomach infection, and he’s also on dialysis after his kidneys stopped functioning.

“It’s a pretty serious thing,” Hughes says. “He’s been going through a lot.”

A GoFundMe page has been started in support of the family, as Hughes is currently unable to work while he’s in Vancouver. At time of writing, it was about $500 short of its $3,000 goal.

“It’s great to see that support,” Hughes says. “I didn’t expect it … all I asked for were prayers.”

Hughes says the GoFundMe has become an opportunity for others to share stories about their diagnoses and treatments—a positive development in an otherwise tough situation—and hopes Jaxon’s case can be an example of why parents should be assertive and advocate for their child’s care, even if doctors say there may not be anything wrong.

“The more people who share stories, the more it gets out there,” Hughes says.

For now, the family is staying put in Vancouver and hoping the future holds more good news than bad.

“We’re all going through it right now,” Hughes says. “It’s a rollercoaster.”

B.C.’s environment ministry has issued a ‘Special air quality statement‘ for Vancouver Island.

The advisory is due to high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) due to wildfires outside of the region.

The following areas are affected:

• Greater Victoria
• Vancouver Island
• Southern Gulf Islands

During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour.

Information about real-time air quality readings for Greater Victoria and the rest of Vancouver Island communities be found here.

According to B.C. Wildfire Service, two of three fires sparked by lightning in Strathcona Provincial Park are under control in central Vancouver Island.

The Coastal Fire Centre says one of those fires is still not under control, but suppression efforts are ongoing and the fire is estimated to be 0.4 hectares in size.

Tips

• Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties
• Find an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated.
• Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help.
• If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air.
• If your home isn’t air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.
• Avoid roads with heavy traffic
• Avoid areas with wood smoke
• Stay cool and drink plenty of water
• “Manage” any asthma, chronic respiratory disease or heart failure
• If symptoms continue to be bothersome, seek medical attention

And if you have chronic underlying medical conditions:

• Stay in a cool, air-conditioned environment
• Reduce indoor sources of pollution, such as smoking and vacuuming
• Run an air cleaner. HEPA filters can help reduce indoor particulate levels
• Take shelter in air-conditioned buildings

Heat Warning still in effect

Environment Canada has extended the heat advisory as a summertime ridge of high pressure remains anchored offshore.

This period of hot weather is likely to end on Tuesday as cooler marine air gradually pushes onto the coast.

Monday’s temperatures are forecast to reach 29℃, with Tuesday and Wednesday reaching 26℃ and 23℃, respectively.

A woman was arrested Sunday after sneaking onto the helipad at Camel Point Heliport and attempting to escape police by swimming to a cruise ship.

The heliport, located at Victoria Harbour on Dallas Road, is managed and operated by Pacific Heliport Services Ltd., which is in turn owned by Helijet International Inc.

According to Rick Hill, Helijet International vice-president, the woman scaled a barb wire fence that circles the helipad at around 9 p.m.

The woman then opened the door of a helicopter, looking into it twice, but did not enter the aircraft. Hill said the woman was under the watch of security while police made their way to the harbour.

Once police arrived, the woman ran down the docks, jumped into the water, and attempted to swim away towards a cruise ship that was docked at the time.

The woman thought better of it however, and returned to the dock where police took her into custody—but not before she armed herself with a small metal ladder.

Hill says there was no impact to any aircraft during the incident.

VicPD say the woman was transported to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, and has been held for treatment.

Saanich Police have issued a warning after they received a report of a cougar sighting Sunday night near Cordova Bay.

At around 7:30 pm, a cougar was spotted in the 4900 block of Lochside Drive by someone walking in the area.

Police officers attended the area to confirm the sighting, but were unable to locate the reportedly 150 pound cat.

Police believe it likely was a cougar and alerted nearby residents. 

Conservation officers were also alerted and a decision was made to take no further action at this point as the cat had not threatened any people or animals.

In a release, police said they wanted to “alert people in the area to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions especially with small children or animals who may be smaller than the cougar.” 

Here are a few tips to help protect yourself in the event you encounter a cougar:

Stay noisy – Talk among the group you are with, and consider carrying a bell;

Be big – It may seem obvious but avoid the cougar if at all possible. 

If you do come across one, don’t corner it – let it have an escape route. 

Stay calm, keep eye contact, back up and make yourself as large as possible.

See also:

This is what a screaming cougar on Vancouver Island sounds like (VIDEO)

UPDATE: Crash scene cleared. Road fully reopened. 

—original:

Sooke road is down to single-alternating traffic west of Veterans Memorial Pkwy, following a two vehicle crash.

Emergency crews are on scene.

There is currently no estimated time of when the road will fully reopen.

A witnesses told Victoria Buzz they spoke with both drivers and both suffered minor injuries.

“I was talking to both drivers, one was heading into town and one was heading out, the truck driver said he swerved to avoid an animal and the one driving the car got hit on the passengers side door,” Arielle Blair told Victoria Buzz.

“The driver of the truck did seen a little impaired, he had an iv hanging out of his hand like he had just ripped it out (I’m not sure of course, that was just was I saw),” Blair  added.

No other details are available at this time.