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British Columbia’s premier may not be the most popular figure in other parts of Canada (cough cough… Alberta), but at home, West Coasters appear to approve of the job he’s done so far.
A new poll from the Angus Reid Institute gave Premier John Horgan a 52% approval rating, tying him with Scott Moe, the new premier of Saskatchewan, for the highest in the country.
Pipeline Conflict Did Little to Affect Approval
Horgan, in office since July 2017, has spent the last few months embroiled in inter-provincial trade conflict with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley stemming from a dispute over pipelines.
But the battle between western neighbours appears to have done no harm to either provincial leader: Horgan received a three-point bump in approval, tying him for the distinction of Canada’s most popular premier, while Notley’s approval stayed the same, with the approval of one-in-three Albertans (33%).
Check out the full graph of Premier Approval Ratings below.
Recreational marijuana legalization is just around the corner, and the federal government has been hard at work coming up with regulatory measures in preparation for this summer.
Health Canada has just released a proposed regulation report after receiving feedback from a 60-day consultation. The discussion about cannabis included the voices of more than 3,200 Canadians and 450 stakeholders, existing licensed producers and prospective producers, provinces and territories, and Indigenous organizations.
One of the main outcomes of the consultation was a proposed packaging design. Here’s how Health Canada wants companies to package and label cannabis products:
The objective is to make marijuana (and its products) unappealing to young people, as well as warn consumers of potential risks and dangers. This regulation would go hand in hand with a campaign to raise cannabis health and safety awareness.
If the proposed measures were to be implemented, labeling rules would be strict for manufacturers who would only be allowed to put one brand element besides their name on the package.
In addition to cannabis packaging measures, the definitions of micro-scale licences were also discussed.
When it comes to companions, none are more loyal or loving than our four-legged canine friends, regardless of what breed they are.
However, Canadians are partial to some breeds over others, as evidenced by an annual study conducted by Canadian Kennel Club, and this year’s list features a new addition: the Australian Shepherd.
Yet no one can compete with the Labrador Retriever – this trusty compatriot has been Canada’s top choice of dog breed since 1995.
Other notable breeds include the Bulldog that took the spot of the Miniature Schnauzer, and the Bernese Mountain dog that has been featured in this list for a decade.
“Large or small breeds, it’s clear that Canadians love their dogs no matter the size,” said Lance Novak, CKC Executive Director.
“Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, it’s important that you’re able to choose a dog that really suits your home, family and lifestyle. We’re here to help.”
These are Canada’s top 10 most popular dog breeds:
One of the world’s biggest news stories right now has a surprisingly local angle.
Chris Wylie, who is at the centre of Cambridge Analytica’s Facebook data-mining scandal, was once just a “brilliant” kid in Victoria.
Now, after blowing the whistle on a story that involves the Trump campaign, Brexit, and the dark side of social media, Wylie has quickly become a familiar face across the world’s news networks.
Check out this video from Channel 4 to learn more about the scandal
Cambridge Analytica, which has close ties to Steve Bannon and GOP megadonor Robert Mercer, allegedly improperly procured data from 50 million Facebook profiles, which it then used to influence voters.
But before all the international headlines, (according to the Times Colonist) Wylie was an honour roll student and scholarship winner at Glenlyon Norfolk School, as well as a member of the City of Victoria Youth Council
In a moment of foreshadowing, Wylie was also involved in a survey distributed by the Youth Council which attempted to find out how young locals felt about their home city.
“If we can create a survey, we can at least get a sample of what young people think,” said Wylie in a 2005 Times Colonist interview.
Ethics and Legality Called Into Question
Valerie Chatterton, Wylie’s former debating coach, told the Times Colonist that Wylie had a reputation for being brilliant and also had a keen interest in ethics.
Wylie’s ethics, though questionable during the last few years while the Facebook data-mining was happening, appear to have spurred him to speak out.
As a result, Facebook has seen a swift backlash, with calls to delete accounts and for Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s Chief Executive, to appear before the UK parliament and the US Senate Judiciary Committee.
The implications for the Trump Campaign, which hired Cambridge Analytica in 2016, could also be groundbreaking. The company has reportedly been under scrutiny as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election.
A new secret menu drink is rumoured to be in Starbucks’ future, and if it’s anything like last year’s unicorn frappuccinos, you just know it’s going to fill up your Instagram feed.
Several social media posts from Starbucks baristas appear to confirm the release of a new Crystal Ball frappuccino on Thursday, March 22nd, and it’s already creating quite a buzz.
Starbucks to debut new over-the-top Crystal Ball Frappuccino Thursday, to be on the menu only four days. Baristas everywhere begin jumping off bridges. pic.twitter.com/F3dscwS6X3
Although Starbucks Canada has yet to confirm (or deny) its existence, rumour has it that like its colorful predecessor, the Crystal Ball will only be available at select locations from March 22 to 26, or as supplies last.
Clover Point windstorm. ( Kevin Lintern Photography)
Don’t be alarmed when you hear this sound coming from your TVs and radios this afternoon:
(CBC)
Your devices aren’t broken!
Starting at 1:55 PM, this noise will indicate the start of B.C. testing its new province-wide emergency alert system, in conjunction with the national Alert Ready system which allows the government to issue large-scale public safety alerts.
Today’s test will not include wireless cell phones, and those tests are scheduled to begin on May 9th.
In case the alarm bells sound for real and you need to evacuate right away, it’s important to have an emergency kit handy so you don’t lose precious time scrambling for necessities.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Victoria has confirmed a disturbing truth.
Along Canada’s Pacific Coast, fewer types of fish thrive in areas where there are higher levels of human disturbance of seagrass meadows.
The research team was led by UVic post-doctoral fellow Josie Iacarella and biology professor Julia Baum, and involved studying 89 seagrass meadows including those in Saanich Inlet, Victoria Harbour, and Sooke Harbour.
The findings
“We discovered that the number of different fish species that thrive across disturbed areas is reduced,” says Iacarella. “Understanding how human disturbance affects fish communities will inform our conservation efforts of seagrass meadows.”
A human disturbance includes over-water structures like ferry terminals, shoreline modifications, and the number of people who live in a particular watershed.
Tougher fish species like the threespine stickleback are more popular in areas with higher levels of human disturbance, while sensitive rockfish species and slow-swimming egg-guarders, such as pipefish and gunnel fish stay away from these places.
You’re halfway through the week, the sun is shining and spring is here! To make this day even better, we compiled a list of 5 things happening throughout greater Victoria today! Don’t forget to check out our free events calendar!
What: The lessons are instructed by our awesome member and yoga teacher Carly. It is a yoga session for all levels and specially designed for all those busy offices workers, spending most of their time sitting behind a desk. She focuses on shoulders and necks, but also tight hamstrings. Where: The Dock Victoria – Coworking Centre for Social Impact
722 Cormorant Street, Suite 300 When: 12 pm Cost: By Donation
What: Come for a night of networking and mingling with YES. Drinks are provided by Twist of Fate Craft Cocktails with a special guest appearance by Nic Bini! Where: 1208 Wharf St When: 5 pm – 7 pm Cost: Free!
What: Calling all songwriters and lyricists! Local songwriters gather to share new songs and ideas and develop their craft together. Acoustic instruments (or a keyboard with a low-volume amp) are welcome. Bring a few copies of songs you are working on, and they will listen and workshop them in small groups. Where: Greater Victoria Public Library – Central branch
735 Broughton St When: 5 pm – 8:30 pm Cost: Free!
What: Want to learn how to identify edible plants on Vancouver Island? Ever thought about foraging while on a multi-day trip to supplement your supplies? Come and learn about identifying edible plants with Jay Rastogi and cultivate a new passion. Who knows a year from now you could be living off the land and hiking on the weekends Where: Ocean River Sports
1630 Store St When: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Cost: Free!
What: The funniest night of the week is this Wednesday at The Mint! Each week Morgan Cranny and Drew Farrance bring the most hilarious comedians in the city together for a wonderful evening of fun at the best venue for stand up comedy in Victoria. Where: The Mint
1414 Douglas St When: 7 pm – 9:30 pm Cost: $7 in advanced | $10 at the door
# 11 Matthew Phillips - Victoria Royals VS Kamloops Blazers - September 30 2017. (Jay Wallace)
With 72 games and 6 months of regular season WHL hockey in the books, it’s time to get down to business.
The Victoria Royals will once again participate in post-season action, having qualified for their seventh consecutive season, and making the playoffs every year since relocation in 2011.
And now Royals fans will be treated to the increased intensity of playoff hockey and the lovely experience of sharing the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre with 7,006 fans who can’t keep their eyes off of that little black disc.
Here are 5 reasons to watch the Royals in the 2018 playoffs!
A lot of WHL championships are won with great timing.
Due to the age structure of the WHL, where the league is primarily comprised of 16-20 year olds, teams often find themselves in three to five-year cycles. You draft a core of players, you raise a core of players, and if they’ve got what it takes when they’re 19, you go for glory.
This is precisely where the Victoria Royals find themselves. The core of Royals that this city now knows best were drafted in 2012 and 2013 and have been grown by the organization, now occupying key roles.
In 2012, the Royals drafted both Tyler Soy and Chaz Reddekopp in the first round. In 2013, the team selected Dante Hannoun in the first round and captain Matthew Phillips in the second round. In 2014, Scott Walford was added to the organization in the first round.
Well, those eggs have now hatched (pardon the Easter pun). Phillips is a superstar, Soy holds the franchise record in just about every major offensive category, and Hannoun and Reddekopp have been playing key roles for several years now.
It will be time to say goodbye to this core very soon – such is the limited lifespan of the WHL. The time is now for these guys, and it’s up to us to support them.
Which bring us to our next point.
2 – The Royals went all in at the trade deadline
The Victoria Royals went all in at the trade deadline, bringing in a half-dozen new players and increasing the veteran presence on the roster. Royals General Manager Cam Hope wants to give this group a shot at glory.
Hope sacrificed raw offensive output (players like Regan Nagy and Jared Legien) for players with a two-way understanding of hockey, banking that his star trio of Phillips, Hannoun, and Soy could still produce offense.
Tanner Kaspick and Lane Zablocki were both added at the deadline, while Noah Gregor and Jeff de Wit joined the black and blue a few weeks prior.
All four of those players are physical, defensively responsible players, and all four can also contribute on offense.
3 – This is the best offense Victoria has ever seen
The Victoria Royals came out of the gates flying this season, scoring 31 goals in their first 5 games. No, they didn’t maintain a 6-goal-per-game pace, but this offense is as deep, dazzling, and as entertaining as it gets.
They did manage to score 287 goals on the season – the most in franchise history. That put the Royals at a sizzling rate of 3.98 goals per game.
Matthew Phillips scored 48 goals and 112 points in a historic season; Tyler Soy sniped 36 goals and 92 points, Dante Hannoun scored 25 goals and 79 points, while Noah Gregor and Tanner Kaspick have both hovered at a point per game rate since becoming Royals.
Safe to say, the Royals are looking primed to do some damage.
4 – The Vancouver Giants are back!
In the six most recent playoff appearances the Royals have made, the Vancouver Giants have only qualified once, making the Victoria-Vancouver rivalry purely a geographical one.
Perhaps no longer.
After facing each other 10 times in each of the past 7 regular seasons, the Victoria-Vancouver match up finally gets its dose of playoff intensity.
Watch the Royals’ dynamic duo of Matthew Phillips and Tyler Soy go head-to-head against the Giants’ deadly combination of Ty Ronning and Tyler Benson.
5 – There’s nothing like playoff hockey
The buzz in an arena during the playoffs is unlike any other hockey you’ve watched.
The pulse of the crowd is easily detected with every movement of the puck, every shot on target is a chance to score a crucial goal, and each penalty kill feels like those four players have the entire audience willing them to a successful kill.
There is indeed nothing quite like it. And if you haven’t seen a Royals playoff game, this is the year to do it.
Victoria Royals vs. Vancouver Giants round one schedule:
Friday, March 23rd – Vancouver @ Victoria – 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 24th – Vancouver @ Victoria – 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 27th – Victoria @ Vancouver – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 29th – Victoria @ Vancouver – 7:00 p.m. (Televised on Sportsnet)
Saturday, March 31st – Vancouver @ Victoria – 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)
Monday, April 2nd – Victoria @ Vancouver – 2:00 p.m. (if necessary)
Tuesday, April 3rd – Vancouver @ Victoria – 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)
Single game tickets are on sale now at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, or over the phone at 250-220-7777 or online at www.selectyourtickets.com. Tickets for Royals’ playoff games start at $19.
Royals’ 2018 Playoff Ticket Packages are also available. A $75 per-seat deposit not only locks in your favourite seat location at all home playoff games, it also provides a discount off standard ticket rates.
Early Saturday morning, one man suffered stab wounds to his upper body after a verbal argument outside the Langford Lanes bowling alley leads to a fight.
The suspect fled the area after the stabbing.
Austin Bonner, 20, was arrested on Monday and charged with aggravated assault. He was held overnight and made his first appearance in at the Western Communities provincial court today.
Police say Bonner and the victim were known to each other. The man who was stabbed is still in hospital in stable but serious condition.
“West Shore investigators were able to identify the accused and gather evidence that led to the arrest. The West Shore Serious Crime Unit continues to follow up on leads and interview potential witnesses as the case moves forward,” says Cpl. Chris Dovell of the West Shore RCMP.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Longtime community advocate Janet Austin has been named British Columbia’s new Lieutenant Governor.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment on Tuesday morning.
“Ms. Austin is an outstanding leader who has dedicated her career to improving the lives of others,” said Trudeau in a statement.
He added that Austin’s advocacy work has helped “countless” Canadians and makes her an excellent choice for the position.
“I know she will work hard to represent the province, and its people, well.”
Austin replaces outgoing Lieutenant Governor, Judith Guichon, who has held the position since 2012.
She has been the CEO of the YWCA Metro Vancouver for the past 15 years. Before that, she was the Executive Director of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland and worked for BC Housing.
Austin will be the province’s 30th lieutenant governor.
Nanaimo RCMP are looking for the suspect in an attempted robbery who was chased from a gas station by a baseball bat-wielding store owner.
Police said they were called to the Super Save gas station at 450 Wakesiah Ave on Saturday afternoon when a passerby reported seeing a man being chased by another man who had a baseball bat.
When officers arrived, the owner of the gas station told them the suspect was armed with a knife and trying to steal a display case of Zippo lighters. That’s when he decided to grab a bat.
The suspect darted out the door and was chased by the owner along Wakesiah Avenue.
“We do not condone the actions taken by the owner as it could have lead to him being seriously injured. The best course of action is to comply and call 911,” said Const. Gary O’Brien.
The male suspect is described as about 6 feet tall with dark skin. He was last seen wearing a dark coat, sunglasses, hat, blue shirt, blue jeans and gloves. A scarf concealed his face.
The suspect was last seen running northbound along Wakesiah Ave.
Police are appealing for tips after a speed reader board went missing from Interurban Road in Saanich.
The speed read board was installed in the 4700 block of Interurban Rd on March 10th after police received complaints from the public regarding speeding vehicles.
The boards are used by the Saanich Police to gather data on speeding. Police then use that date to allocate their resources to specific areas better to reduce the number of crashes in Saanich.
Officers returned to the location four days later to move the speed reader board to a different area. However, officers discovered it had been stolen.
All Traffic Solutions, the maker of the speed reader board, told police the GPS unit had been disabled and was last known to be in the area of Vanalman Ave/Glanford Ave.
The speed reader board is valued at approximately $5300 and is described as an electronic black sign that measures 24”X17” and weighs about 20 pounds.
“The theft of this speed reader board will greatly impact service delivery to our community,” said Sgt. Jereme Leslie. “We rely on this type of technology to help us distribute our resources and keep over 600kms of Saanich roads safe.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saanich Police at 250-
475-4321 or to remain anonymous call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
Sooke Lake Reservoir as seen from the summit of Mount Empress (Ben Puszka Instagram)
This island has some fantastic Instagram accounts. So each week we compile a selection of some of the best photos, which used the hashtag #victoriabuzz. Check out all these great photos around our beautiful city and island!
Every week we’ll make a new list, so if you want to get featured upload your photo on Instagram and use the hashtag #victoriabuzz. The best pictures will be shared in our next photo gallery.
A man in his 30s is dead after a single-vehicle crash on Mount Washington Monday night.
Just before midnight, emergency crews were called to the Strathcona Parkway at Nordic Drive, after reports a pickup had missed a turn, hit a snowbank and flipped.
There were two female passengers also in the vehicle who were both taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Police believe speed and not wearing a seatbelt were factors.
”It was a single-vehicle rollover around 11:53 p.m. It appears the driver wasn’t wearing his seatbelt, missed a turn, hit a snowbank and flipped. We are also investigating if alcohol was involved.”
What: A warming and energizing flow class (vinyasa) to clear your mind and free your body. You will begin with grounding meditation, balancing breathing practices (pranayama) and move through a full body opening and strengthening sequence. The class will close with a relaxing and cooling sequence to prepare you for a productive and peaceful day. Where: Club Kwench
843 Fort St When: 8 am – 9 am Cost: Get your ticket here!
What: Come cheer on your local Victoria Grizzlies as they play away from home! Show your hometown pride as you watch the game on the Island’s biggest sport’s screen! Where: City Centre Grill and Sports Bar 1089 Langford Parkway When: 7 pm – 9 pm
What: Canada’s legendary musical comedy act, The Arrogant Worms are doing their first ever farewell tour. Find out whether carrot juice is murder, meet the last Saskatchewan pirate and risk the wrath of Rippy the Gator. Where: Dave Dunnet Theatre
2121 Cadboro Bay Rd When: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Cost: Tickets are $30 in advanced | $35 at the door
Get your tickets here!
What: Blending sound art, theatre, and science fiction, Tomorrow’s Child invites audiences into the realm of internal spectacle. This is a one-of-a-kind sensory experience where audience members will be blindfolded and individually guided into swivel chairs, the story unfolding in the sonic landscape that surrounds them.
Brand new parents, Polly and Peter, in the imagined retro-future of 1988, confront the reality that their child has been born into another dimension. Will they accept the interstellar divide between parent and child? Or is there another spacetime solution? Where: Belfry Theatre
1291 Gladstone Ave When: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Cost: Get your tickets here!
What: Brett Kissel has stopped in Victoria to play a couple shows during his three month cross-Canada tour! Last month he premiered his new single “We Were That Song” with a show-stopping performance. Expect that kind of energy and fun during his shows! Where: Mary Winspear Centre
2243 Beacon Avenue When: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Cost: Tickets are $60.90
For more things to do, check out our events calendar.
The Victoria Fire department will soon have a new location after an agreement was reached with local developer Dalmatian Developments Limited Partnership.
The proposed 41,700 square-foot state-of-the-art mixed-use facilities will be located on Johnson Street as part of a new mixed-use development adjacent to Pacific Mazda.
The new facility will house fire and rescue services and Victoria’s first purpose-built Emergency Operations Centre.
Also, BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) will lease 3,200-square-feet of space from to operate a stand-alone facility for paramedics and four ambulances under a 20-year agreement.
The total estimated cost of the project is $35.9 million and will also include off-site servicing, sidewalk improvements and equipment and project management.
A rezoning application to the city is planned within the next six months. Construction is expected to take 28 months.
The current 26,700 square-foot fire hall at 1234 Yates Street has served the citizens of Victoria since 1959 and will remain in operation while the new facility is constructed.
Victoria firefighters are responding to a residential blaze on McClure street in Victoria.
According to witnesses, about a half-dozen fire trucks are on scene battling the fire.
According to witnesses, a teenager living at the home managed to get his younger brother and grandparents out of the home safely. The boys also alerted the tenants living downstairs.
One man was taken to hospital with severe injuries on Saint Patrick’s Day after a stabbing near the Langford Lanes Bowling alley.
According to the West Shore RCMP, the victim suffered stab wounds to his upper body after two men had a verbal argument outside which lead to a fight.
The suspect fled the area before police arrived. A police dog was called to locate the suspect but was unsuccessful.
Police said there is no threat to the general public.
The West Shore RCMP Major Crime Unit is spearheading this investigation with the assistance of Island District RCMP Forensic Services. We continue to follow up on leads and interview potential witnesses. Although we have identified a suspect and are actively looking for him, the investigation is ongoing and are looking for the public’s assistance with any information they have, says Cst. Matt Baker of the West Shore RCMP.
The victim was transported to hospital in stable but serious condition.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
If you happened to be near downtown Victoria over the weekend, you may have noticed an unusual number of costume-clad revelers.
From Friday to Sunday, Comicon took over the Victoria Conference Centre and Crystal Garden, giving anime, comic book, horror, fantasy, and superhero fans a space to show support for their favourite characters.
This year’s inaugural event featured celebrity panels, autograph sessions, over 100 exhibitors, photo-ops, and of course, plenty of costumed fun.
From classic Anime, to Marvel and DC, to franchises like Star Wars – you likely spotted more than a few Victorians decked out in your favourite characters.
Take a look at some of this weekend’s most memorable costumes and moments below.
What: The purpose of the event is to directly benefit the Rural Children’s Conference in Zambia and affect the lives of many Zambian Children. The event will also raise awareness for VIDEA, as well as benefit local Victorian businesses through sponsorship opportunities. Each year’s funding from events organized by Camosun College students’ plays an important role in helping rural girls and boys to access education and career support in Zambia. Where: The Hawk and Hen
531 Yates St When: 7 pm – 9 pm Cost: Tickets are $45
What: Victoria’s best location to watch (or try) professional and amateur comedians from all over the island! Hecklers Comedy Club will get you laughing to start your week! Where: Hecklers Bar & Grill
123 Gorge Rd E When: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Cost: $5 cover charge
What: Celebrate the return of spring with Coast Collective’s 10th Annual BLOOM Exhibition! This show will feature over 70 pieces of bright, bold, floral-inspired artworks. Where: Coast Collective Gallery
103-318 Wale Road When: 11 am – 5 pm
What: San Remo is hosting an art show on Monday, put together by some of the staff and friends. Everyone is welcome to come and appreciate the art! Each ticket includes one drink. Where: San Remo
2709 Quadra St When: 8:30 pm – 11 pm Cost: $8 in advance / $10 at the door
What: Come to City Centre Grille & Sports Bar and cheer on the Victoria Grizzlies for their round 2 away games The fun begins at 7:00 PM on the Island’s largest sports screen! Where: City Centre Grill & Sports Bar
1089 Langford Parkway When: 7 pm – 9 pm
The winter winds have come and gone, and now we’ve got clear skies and Spring blossoms to look forward to. So what better way to celebrate than to go on a well-deserved shopping spree at one of the most premium outlet malls in the country!
At Tsawwassen Mills, you are in for more than just a shopping experience, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a quick getaway to Tsawwassen Mills Shopping Mall, and while you pick out your new summer ensemble, the kids can bowl at Uncle Bucks, skateboard at West 49 skate park, or browse the many sports and outdoor stores in Outdoor Life neighbourhood. With almost 200 stores on site, entertainment, food hall and restaurant options, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
This mainland destination offers special perks just for Vancouver Islanders, including a convenient complimentary Tsawwassen Mills shopping shuttle and perks and deals!
So without much further ado, here are 5 reasons why Tsawwassen Mills Shopping Mallneeds to be on your travel list this Spring Break:
Not living in Vancouver has its perks when you visit Tsawwassen Mills! Just head over to Guest Services by Entry 3 to pick up a copy of the ‘Love Everything About Savings‘ Booklet, which includes deals and discounts from over 50 retailers, just for out-of-towners. Take advantage of additional savings on these already low outlet prices, from your favourite brands that aren’t available on the island!
Plus if you spend more than $350 in one day, take all your receipts to Guest Services to redeem a Free Gift with Purchase! This is another offer exclusively for tourists, so make sure to take advantage of it.
2. Find new favourites at ridiculously low prices
We love Vancouver Island and all it has to offer, but the amount of variety at this mainland outlet mall takes retail therapy to a whole new level! From bikinis to ball gowns, legos to Star Wars, hot sauce to household goods – Tsawwassen Mills Shopping mall truly has something for everyone. Take advantage of brands like the Lululemon Outlet, Lucky Brand Outlet, Saje Natural Wellness, Michael Kors Outlet, Pro Hockey Life and Bass Pro Shops and various outlet stores all under one roof!
Peppa Pig and her brother George are coming to Tsawwassen Mills on Thursday, March 22nd, and Friday, March 23rd – and your little ones get to meet them for free! Time slots are available between 11 AM and 3 PM, so simply visit Guest Services by Entry 3 or call 604-948-9889 to register. Your kids won’t forget this day soon, because not only will they get to meet their favourite cartoon characters, but they’re also promised a fun-filled afternoon of face painting, colouring, mural wall painting, and other activities at the event!
Image: Tsawwassen Mills | Facebook
4. Complimentary ferry shuttle service
We brought this up earlier, but as one of the coolest, most convenient features of Tsawwassen Mills, it’s worth reiterating. Once you step off the ferry in Vancouver, just leave your car at the terminal and hop on their Ferry Shuttle for a free ride to the mall. And once you’ve shopped till you dropped, take the same shuttle back to the ferry terminal for your trip back home. The schedule coordinates with ferry times so you don’t even have to wait around!
Before you head back on the shuttle, include some time to enjoy one of the options along
Restaurant Row for dinner or Happy Hour, conveniently located adjacent to the Ferry
Shuttle stop.
Tsawwassen Mills Mall
5. A free gift just for being from Vancouver Island!
Make sure you save your ferry ticket and show it to Guest Services (Entry 3), because while you pick up your ‘Love Everything About Savings’ booklet, you’re also eligible to pick up a Surprise & Delight gift, as a thank you for making the trip. Between March 18th and April 1st, just show your ferry ticket and claim your free gift, courtesy of Tsawwassen Mills.
Two Jack Russell Terrier puppies were abducted from an East Sooke property earlier today.
Samantha Kotzer and her father Don Kotzer are heartbroken after a Caucasian male and female in their late 20s stole the two pups, after showing up to purchase one puppy.
According to Samantha, the pair drove in from the Crofton area (or so they said) in a black Jeep at around 2 PM on Sunday, March 18th to purchase one of the dogs.
They had a plan
While the woman was discussing the purchase of one puppy with Don, her partner snuck out of the house with two other puppies in hand.
As soon as he was outside, the woman quickly finished the monetary transaction and then fled the residence before completing any of the adoption paperwork.
There were no names mentioned or emails that could help track the couple’s whereabouts – the viewing was arranged over the phone.
Sooke RCMP has been notified of the incident and R.O.A.M. is also working to help the family locate their puppies.
If you have any information, please call ROAM at 778-977-6260/ 778-977-6265, or contact Sooke RCMP at 250-642-5241.
This summer, students and young people in Victoria will have the opportunity to get future-proofed at this two day event.
Canada’s first Youth Summit will feature 500 young people between the ages of 13 and 19, gathering at Royal Bay Secondary in Colwood to hear from educators, lawyers, business owners, policy makers, and many more successful professionals.
The event will be guided by Syilx master of ceremonies Warren Hooley (Okanagan nation) and facilitated by Jeff Hopkins, principal of the revolutionary Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry.
It’s the perfect opportunity for youth in Victoria to get a head start on finding their passions and achieving their goals, by meeting and collaborating with other Summit attendees.
Extra attention
The Summit will also address real world problems that schools often don’t have room for in their curriculum – like leadership, decision making, and communication.
But that’s not all. Each pass also includes 12 post-Summit group sessions that will help the kids stay in touch with what they’ve learned.
It won’t all be learning though. Food and entertainment – including improv theatre, interactive digital lighting, DJ live music, magic shows and more – will also be provided. Because everyone needs a break!
Where: Royal Bay Secondary School, 3500 Ryder Hesjedal Way
Admission: Tickets start at $75. Click here to purchase.
*If you’re an adult and are interested in volunteering for this event, click here for more information.
Among the calls they attended were reports of uncooperative patients, “indecent acts”, shoplifters, rash drivers and much more.
They closed out the night by shutting down a disruptive party at a local hotel, and sharing a hilarious Star Wars gif to go with it:
Just dealing with a loud party at a local hotel which is disturbing guests. They claim they're done partying for the night… time will tell #yyj#StPatricksDaypic.twitter.com/YireKMGz7U
While Victoria is full of flora and fauna of all sorts, this one bird of prey has burrowed its way into our hearts and minds.
This barred owl has been spotted several times hanging out in different places around downtown Victoria, and it’s time we officially gave him a name!
The most recent sighting was by Reddit user FrodoBoguesALOT, who posted a photo of our fine feathered friend in the Broughton Street Parkade.
Earlier this year, he was seen perched atop a U-bicycle near the Bay Centre. Similar barred owl photos from all over Victoria appeared online last year, but we’re not sure if it’s the same bird of prey.
The new U-bicycle’s GPS sure is a Hoot!Photo by Jessica Galpin
His instagram story showed a him in a bit of a struggle with the wetsuit, as he sarcastically proclaims it being “super comfortable” after finally getting it on right.
Don’t worry Chris, we’ve all been there!
Chris Hemsworth/InstagramChris Hemsworth/Instagram
The Australian actor also decided to blow off some steam by goofing around with a selfie stick.
Hemsworth landed in Vancouver earlier this month to film Bad Times at El Royale, and filming will continue until April. So if you missed him in Tofino, there’s still a chance for you to spot the Australian actor on the mainland!
As of Friday, March 16th, the investigators have been working to collect more evidence, but are officially treating the case as a homicide. Moving forward, they will be working with the BC Prosecution Service to determine criminal charges.
The investigation is in its early stages, but authorities do not believe there is any threat to the general public.
According to several sources, Gauthier was fatally stabbed before succumbing to his injuries.
If you have any information, please call the VIIMCU Information Line at 250-380-6211, or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).
Get ready for an epic, foot stomping, Irish inspired evening delivered by Celtic Thunder!
The Irish band, featuring Damian McGinty, Ryan Kelly, Michael O’Dwyer, Emmett Cahill, and Neil Byrne on vocals, are backed by the Celtic Thunder Band, and deliver inspiring originals and covers of popular songs with an Irish twist.
The multi-platinum group will be debuting their most recent studio album, Celtic Thunder X, and will be visiting Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on November 2nd, 2018 as part of their North American tour, in celebration of their 10-year anniversary.
These talented musicians offer more than just music, however, as their performances are made-for-TV and have become a top-5 television draw on PBS. The Ireland-based group is known for eccentric, theatrical live performances that incorporate symbols from ancient Celtic mythology.
The pieces are highly choreographed and beautifully harmonized, making for an upbeat show that you can’t take your eyes off of.
A weekend getaway took a sickening turn for one Victoria couple, after they received a shocking phone call from Animal Control Services.
Amie Tarkenter and her husband Tristan hired a professional dog sitter to take care of their pet Chihuahua, Chi Chi, last weekend while they took a two-day trip to Mount Washington.
However, while they were away, the dog sitter/walker allegedly took Chi Chi to Dallas Road beach and was spotted repeatedly throwing him into the ocean – the pup, who can’t swim, did his best to struggle back to shore each time.
Luckily, bystanders who observed the scene were able to step in and physically restrain the woman who was eventually taken into custody by Victoria Police officers.
The dog sitter, named in Tarkenter’s Facebook post as ‘Monica’, was reportedly having a mental breakdown that caused her actions.
Thankfully, Chi Chi was taken in by staff members at Victoria Animal Control Services, cuddled, bathed, wrapped in warm blankets – he is now safely with his family.
According to his owner’s comments, the family is planning to press charges against the dog-sitter
People who think that the City of Victoria is one of the safest places in Canada may be surprised.
An annual study by Macleans magazine has revealed that out 229 Canadian cities, Victoria is the 30th most dangerous place in the country, making it more unsafe than cities like Vancouver, Surrey, and Edmonton on a per capita basis.
The study uses Statistics Canada’s Crime Severity Index (CSI) to determine the rankings, based on both the volume and severity of the offences.
The specifics
Victoria’s rankings are based on statistics provided by the Victoria Police Department about the 104,777 people within their jurisdiction.
Here’s a breakdown of the types and numbers of each crime committed in the City of Victoria over the past year, per 100,000 population, as compared to the national average.
(Macleans)
How the others fared
On the other hand, several other Greater Victoria municipalities were placed much lower down in the list.
Sooke was ranked at #112, Langford #123, View Royal #162, Saanich #181, Sidney #184, Central Saanich #186, Colwood #191, Oak Bay #212, and North Saanich #225.
The title of “most dangerous place in Canada” goes to North Battleford, Saskatchewan, while the least dangerous place is Kennebecasis Region, New Brunswick.
Premier John Horgan announced today that British Columbia will be contributing $300,000 to a $1.2-million joint study with Washington State that will investigate the possibility of a high speed rail linking Vancouver and Seattle.
It would cut the travel time from three hours by car to just sixty minutes via rail.
“The convenience of a one-hour trip between Vancouver and Seattle would create countless opportunities for people in both B.C. and Washington, from sports or concert getaways for families, to untold economic growth potential for businesses,” said BC Premier John Horgan.
It is estimated the project could create up to 200,000 jobs for British Columbian and American workers.
Faster and cleaner
“The early study results show the corridor would help create jobs, generate affordable housing options, ease freeway traffic and clean our air.” Washington Governor Jay Inslee said, “It’s an exciting step for Washington and British Columbia.”
Depending on technology and route selection, the high speed rail could cost anywhere from US $24-$42-billion, and could be implemented by 2035.
The $1.2-million study is the next step from a smaller, $300,000 study concluded by the state of Washington in 2017. It’s all a part of the “Cascadia Innovation Corridor”, which according to Inslee, aims to “strengthen our economies and promote prosperity for the entire region through talent, transportation, and innovation.”
The Cascadia Innovation Corridor was first introduced in 2016 by then-Premier Christy Clark and Washington Governor Jay Inslee, when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
Surveillance video captures suspect after sexual assault occurred.
On January 27th, 2016, 43-year-old David Robert Hope broke into a Church Ave apartment, sexually assaulted the two University of Victoria students who lived there, then forcefully took them to a bank and robbed them.
Last month, Hope was found guilty of seven charges, including break and enter, unlawful confinement or imprisonment, two counts of sexual assault and two counts of robbery.
Yesterday, he was sentenced to eight years in jail, with credit for 2 years and 11 months of jail time already served – this means he has five years and one month left behind bars.
The whole story
After sexually assaulting the two women in their 20s, Hope forced them to go to a nearby bank machine, withdraw cash and give it to him. This is when the girls managed to escape to the Starbucks at Shelbourne Plaza, where staff contacted the police.
After two months of searching, Hope was arrested for his actions in Saskatoon and brought back to Victoria to be tried.
In February 2018, Jean Nadeau, an inmate at the Matsqui Institute in Abbotsford serving a sentence for sexual assault, claimed that he actually committed the crimes that Hope is accused of – but these claims were found to be baseless.
Hope was found guilty of his crimes at a trial late last month.
This weekend, Victoria is home to several fantastical beings.
If you’ve seen more than one Batman walking around, it’s because Capital City Comic Conis in town.
From classic Anime, to Marvel and DC, to franchises like Star Wars – you’re sure to spot more than a few of your favourite characters heading downtown to take part in this event.
But if they happen to elude your gaze, here are some photos instead!
The sun has arrived, Daylight Saving has returned, and hoodies are slowly replacing jackets as the outerwear of choice.
Which means it’s time to tally up the results from the Victoria Flower Count, a celebration of Victoria’s ‘City of Gardens’ status, and a light-hearted reminder that we boast Canada’s mildest climate.
(Meanwhile, the rest of Canada is out measuring their recent snowfall.)
Greater Victorians counted nearly 3.5 billion blooms in early March, a serious increase from 2017’s count, which tallied 138.8-million.
The “Bloomingest” 2018 community was Colwood, who counted roughly 2-billion blooms. That’s almost 58% of the Greater Victoria count!
Saanich was the runner up, accounting for just under 722-million blooms, while John Stubbs Elementary won the school challenge by counting 1.8-billion blooms.
Great job Victoria! That’s a lot of flowers.
After a busy day of counting, the results are in! The "Bloomingest" community of 2018 is the @cityofcolwood with a winning total of 2,029,598,802 blooms. We want to thank everyone for their participation. Collectively, Greater Victoria counted a total of 3.5 billion flowers. pic.twitter.com/LnIlUUPVh4
— Greater Victoria Flower Count (@FlowerCount) March 16, 2018
What: Time to break out your best leprechaun attire to do the Irish jig all night! Different venues around the city will be hosting a St. Patty’s Day party, so get ready to drink green beer all night!
What: Find garage sale treasures and help raise funds for the important community projects of the Colwood Women’s Institute. Where: Colwood Community Hall
2219 Sooke Rd When: 9 am – 1 pm
What: You will have the opportunity to meet some of the most gifted intuitive readers and vendors from Vancouver Island.
Among them will be:
Intuitive and psychic readers · mediums · spiritual channels spiritual energy healers · angel card readers · tarot readers , medical intuitive , spiritual jewelery & gifts and more Where: Mary Winspear Centre
2243 Beacon Ave When: 10 am – 5 pm Cost: $5 admission
What: They provide today’s intelligent consumers with the platform to investigate and inform themselves on today’s healthy choices for their family, pets, self and home. With over 100 exhibitors, you will see a wide variety of booths that are current with today’s trends and include up to date products, information and services. You’re invited to come and learn about mental health, fitness, weight loss, fashion, skincare, gluten-free products, pain relief, make-up, hair and more! Where: Pearkes Recreation Centre
3100 Tillicum Rd When: Saturday 10am– 5pm
Sunday 10am – 4pm Cost: Day Adult Pass $8
Day Seniors/Students Pass $6
Weekend Adult Pass $12
Weekend Senior/Student Pass $9
What: Come out and support your local Victoria Royals as they battle it out against the Everett Silvertips. This is the last game of the regular season, and to say thanks The Victoria Royals are throwing together a fan appreciation night! Where: Save of Foods Memorial Centre
1925 Blanshard St When: Puck drops at 7:05pm Cost: $14 – $28
What: The Comedy of Errors offers a hilarious, intricately-entangled farce of mistaken identity that was first told in Roman times. The Comedy of Errors tells the story of two sets of twins, separated at birth, who share a name with their sibling and happen to find themselves in the same city. As their two worlds collide, chaos ensues, resolving into a tale of family reunion, love, and self-reflection. Where: Phoenix Theatre
3800 Finnerty Rd When: Comedy of Errors is on everyday from March 15th – 24th
With the exception of Sunday March 18th Cost: Get ticket info here!
What: One of the most extravagant and colourful festivals that India has to offer, right here at UVic! Vibrant colours, delicious refreshments, heavy beats and the coolest party people on campus; sounds like an amazing Saturday afternoon, right?
As mythologies go, Holi signifies the triumph of good over evil. And what’s a greater evil than exam time stress? Where: UVic
3800 Finnerty Rd When: Starts at noon Cost: Free!
What: The best way to cure a hangover is to keep drinking!
Come Sunday Morning as we clean up from Paddy’s Day for pancakes. Enjoy $5 shafts, $6 Caesars, and $6.50 Robert Service Pints. Wear your PJ’s to win prizes. Your hangover will thank you. Where: Irish Times Pub 1200 Government Street When: 7 am Cost: Call 250-383-7775 to reserve your spot.
What: Hands-on craft activities, Sumi-e, Dance performance, Kamishibai(Japanese storytelling with pictures), Haiku workshop, Maccha, Kimono and more. A collaboration with the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society, City of Victoria – Local Government and Haiku Arbutus. With support from Silk Road, JagaSilk, Fujiya and Hitomi Harama Umesilk Kimono & Japanese Cultural Consultant. Where: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
1040 Moss Street When: 1 pm – 4 pm Cost: Admission by donation
What: Teddy truly deserves a proper funeral and remembrance, and we truly hope everyone can make a real effort to be there for any amount of time to show their love and respects for this amazing dog and soul. Where: BC Legislature Lawn
501 Belleville St When: 6 pm – 8 pm Cost: Free
What: They will have three rounds of trivia from one of the most popular movie trilogies in history!
*Questions will be from the movies only*
Come with a team of up to 6 people or even try it solo. Questions will range from easy to extremely tough for those who think they know it all. Cool prizes to be won! Where: Distrikt Nightclub
919 Douglas St When: 7 pm – 9:30 pm Cost: $10 -$15
The Victoria Royals will meet their coastal rival, the Vancouver Giants, in the first round of the WHL Playoffs in a best-of-seven series that begins on Friday, March 23rd at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
This series will mark the first time in the Royals’ seven-year history that these two teams have met in the WHL Playoffs.
The Royals, with one game remaining in the regular season, have clinched the second seed in the BC Division with 84 points (39-26-4-2) and will have home-ice advantage in the series as a result.
The Giants, who have 81 points (36-26-6-3) with one game remaining, will finish as the third seed in the BC Division. Victoria posted a 7-3-0-0 record versus Vancouver this season.
Series Schedule:
Friday, March 23rd – Vancouver @ Victoria – 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 24th – Vancouver @ Victoria – 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 27th – Victoria @ Vancouver – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 28th – Victoria @ Vancouver – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 31st – Vancouver @ Victoria – 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)
Monday, April 2nd – Victoria @ Vancouver – 2:00 p.m. (if necessary)
Tuesday, April 3rd – Vancouver @ Victoria – 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)
* Bold is home games
Royals’ 2018 Playoff Ticket Packages are available. A $75 per-seat deposit not only locks in your favourite seat location at all home playoff games, but it also provides a discount off standard ticket rates.
Single-game tickets for the 2018 WHL Playoffs are on sale now at the Select Your Ticket Box Office located at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, over the phone at 250-220-7777 or online at www.selectyourtickets.com. Tickets for Royals’ playoff games start at $19.
Victoria concludes the 2017-18 regular season tomorrow against the Everett Silvertips on Fan Appreciation Night with puck drop at 7:05 p.m. For ticket availability, call the Select Your Tickets Box Office at 250-220-7889 or visit www.selectyourtickets.com.
One of Victoria’s most iconic businesses is hiring! Could you be the newest employee of the Fairmont Empress?
On Wednesday, March 21, the hotel’s Crystal Ballroom will host a job fair. Both permanent positions and seasonal openings will be up for grabs, just make sure to bring a resume, references, and dress in professional attire.
The career fair ends promptly at 12:00 pm. If staff are unable to meet with you due to demand, they will accept your resume and follow up accordingly.
“Gateway to Vancouver Island”
Located in the centre of Victoria’s sparkling Inner Harbour, the 464-room luxury Empress hotel features beautiful turn of the century architecture.
Photo courtesy of the Fairmont Empress Hotel
Through warm and engaging service, Empress staff strives to turn moments into memories for guests. All that is missing is you. Do you have Empress-ive talent? If so, they formally invite you to join their team!
Full-time and part-time colleague level positions available in the following areas:
Victoria Grizzlies phenom Alex Newhook might be the best thing that no one’s talking about.
Newhook was just rated as the second best prospect for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft behind American Jack Hughes by The Hockey News, and the young star is playing right here in our backyard. To put that into perspective, no British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) player has been selected in the top 5 of the NHL draft since Kyle Turris in 2007, when he played for the Burnaby Express.
Of course, there is still 15 months until the 2019 draft, and prospect rankings shift often. But the Grizzlies at worst, have something special on their hands.
The 5’11” native of St John’s, Newfoundland came over to the Grizzlies of the BCHL this past summer in search of the best Junior A hockey on the planet. By playing junior A instead of major junior, it will allow him to keep his college eligibility, where he plans to play for Boston College.
Safe to say, he’s been an incredible addition for the Grizzlies.
No 16-year old has done what he’s done in the BCHL
Before breaking his wrist in February, Newhook was a top-2 scorer in the league, setting a torrid pace of 66 points in 45 games (22 goals, 44 assists). Coming into the season, expectations were modest, given most players in the league are 18 or 19 years old, but it hasn’t stopped the 5’11” playmaker from excelling beyond his years.
Despite playing just 45 of the 58-game season, Newhook finished 8th in league scoring, and had the highest points per game average of the entire league, a staggering 1.47.
The BCHL has had its fair share of successful products, with the Victoria-born Benn brothers enjoying successful NHL careers. Former Penticton Vees teammates Tyson Jost and Dante Fabbro also starred in the BCHL, and were selected 10th and 17th respectively in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
All of those players were top-10 in scoring during their 17-year old seasons, but showed promise, not prodigy during their 16-year old campaigns.
Kyle Turris, for example, finished 17th in league scoring back in the 2005-06 season as a 16-year old. He, along with Newhook are the only players in the past 14 years to finish top 20 in BCHL scoring as 16-year olds. And if Newhook wouldn’t have broken his wrist, who knows, he may even have led the league in scoring, and almost assuredly finished top-3.
We have a phenom on our hands, Victoria, and barring a surprise he should wear the Victoria Grizzlies sweater again next season as he finishes his grade 12 year. After that, it’s expected he will go to Boston College to follow his hockey dreams and continue his pursuit of the National Hockey League.
You can see Newhook and the Grizzlies in action tonight at the Q Centre Arena!
Victoria Grizzlies second round playoff schedule:
Friday, March 16 in Victoria at the Q Centre Arena – 7pm
Saturday, March 17 in Victoria at the Q Centre Arena – 7pm
Monday, March 19 in Powell River 7pm
Tuesday, March 20 in Powell River 7pm
Friday, March 23 in Victoria at the Q Centre Arena – 7pm *
Saturday, March 24 in Powell River 7pm *
Monday, March 26 in Victoria at the Q Centre Arena – Victoria 7pm *
Photo rendering from inside Royal Bay Secondary School (School District 62)
Colwood’s Royal Bay Secondary will be undergoing a 600-seat expansion and a new gymnasium.
The Government of British Columbia is providing $23.2 million for the project, which will include 21 classrooms and a second smaller gymnasium. The new gym will also be available for community use.
The school, which opened in 2015, was built for 800 students but is already operating at 135 per cent capacity. It projected to be at 177% by 2026, without an expansion.
The three storey addition will bring the capacity to 1,400 and is expected to reduce the need for portables at both Royal Bay and Belmont secondary schools.
The Sooke School District will contribute $2 million to the project.
“We are so happy the government is on top of how quickly our school district is growing,” said Ravi Parmar, Sooke School District board chair. “We have a lot of families moving into our district because of our schools, and we are thrilled to be able to give even more students an opportunity to learn in such an inspiring and beautiful space like Royal Bay Secondary.”
Construction on the school will begin this September. The additional student spaces are expected to be ready for classes in fall 2020.
As required by the City of Colwood, an additional 120 parking stalls will be added at the school.
In December, the province provided the Sooke School District $23.3 million to buy land in Langford with the goal of building a new elementary and middle school.
Such a storm ususally coincides with occurances of the aurora borealis (i.e. the northern lights).
Although the geomagnetic storm was predicted to hit Earth on March 14 and 15, this weekend (March 17 and 18) will likely be the time to look up.
As it turns out, not all solar winds travel at the same speed. And when the faster winds catch up with slower winds, they “pile up”.
The result: a ribbon of particles with the potential for amazing natural nighttime beauty.
When coupled with the dark skies of Saturday’s New Moon, and the approach of the Spring Equinox, the timing is ripe for the northern lights to make an appearance.
Choose a location with little to no light pollution with the Dark Site Finder.
Use the Clear Sky Chart to ensure there’s no cloud cover where/when you plan to view
Look towards the Northern Horizon.
Dress warmly and be safe.
Light pollution will spoil any view of the Northern Lights. The best option is to head north until you can see a healthy number of stars above your head.
Also, even if you are in a good position to see the aurora, it may still be quite faint, requiring a camera that can capture long exposures and some post-processing to really pick out the vibrant colours.
If you do capture an amazing photo, make sure to hashtag it with #victoriabuzz, or email us at tips@victoriabuzz.com.
It was a homecoming unlike anything Mount Washington has seen before.
Cassie Sharpe, who won Olympic gold in women’s ski halfpipe, returned to Vancouver Island this past Saturday to kick off their spring season and celebrate her incredible achievements.
The event gave locals the chance to meet the ski halfpipe star, get autographs, and join her on a well-deserved victory lap.
Mount Washington also offered a tribute to Sharpe, renaming their run “Go for gold” to “Cassie’s gold”, cementing her legacy on the mountain that raised her.
Sharpe was born in Comox, and at 11 years old discovered her love for skiing, with Mount Washington as her playground. Nearly 15 years later in her Olympic debut, she became Canada’s first Olympic medalist in the ski halfpipe, capturing gold.
Check out the video below!
Video:
Mt. Washington kicked-off their spring event season with an Olympic-size homecoming for Cassie Sharpe! The day was filled with autographs, hugs and a victory lap that will go down in the Resort's history! Check out this week's Video Update for a recap of the day. pic.twitter.com/BQeb3zV7P4
A suspect has been arrested and released on conditions pending charges as VicPD’s investigation into a home invasion, vehicle theft and vehicle fire in the 2900-block of Washington Avenue continues.
Timeline of Events:
Officers were first called to Topaz Avenue at 8:50 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6th, for a report of a home invasion.
When they arrived they discovered that the two residents had suffered non-life threatening injuries and the suspects had fled.
A short time later at 10:20 a.m., officers were called to the 2900-block of Washington Avenue for the report of a car fire.
The vehicle, a Volkswagen Jetta with a distinctive reflective sticker on the bumper, had been stolen between 11:00 p.m. on February 3rd and 10:30 a.m. on February 6th and believed to be utilized in the home invasion and subsequently burned.
The Volkswagon Jetta that was stolen and set on fire – Photo via VicPD
Investigators from VicPD’s Major Crime Detective Division and Forensic Identification Unit worked to identify two suspects and were able to make an arrest. A second suspect is still outstanding.
Investigation Still Underway
Investigators are still looking for additional witnesses to come forward.
If you have any information about this incident, or observed the distinctive blue Volkswagen Jetta driving erratically on Finlayson Avenue or in the area of Blanshard and Finlayson streets between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m on Tuesday, February 6th, or in the days before the incident, you are asked to call Victoria Police’s non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654.
To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The Island Farms Victoria Day Parade and the Island Farms Santa’s Lights Parade will look a little different in 2018, at least to those of us watching on screens.
This coverage will be distributed digitally through several online channels including a web live stream.
All Rights Retained
As part of this action, the Festival Society will be retaining all digital/online production rights of their parade content including professional live streaming coverage on websites, mobile applications, or social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
The Festival Society will continue offering all traditional media organizations the opportunity to produce coverage of events and parades owned and produced by the Festival Society, provided they abide by certain conditions.
“As technology continues to evolve we are excited to embrace the opportunities that come with it,” the Society wrote.
“We believe that by doing so we can continue to produce enjoyable free entertainment for our local communities all while bringing that entertainment and joy to an even greater number of people for years to come.”
BC’s oldest high school is in for an upgrade, and according to the Greater Victoria School District, it will come in one of three forms: a seismic upgrade, a rebuilt interior, or a full-on demolition and rebuild.
The plans are necessitated by Victoria High’s H-1 seismic ranking, which puts the school at the highest level of priority need when it comes to protection against earthquakes.
Located at 1260 Grant Street, Vic High opened May 1, 1914, and currently has a capacity of 850 students. However, enrollment is projected to increase by over 1000 students over the next decade.
Already, there are around 300 students in the Vic High catchment area that the school can’t accommodate.
Open Houses and Online Survey for Public to Voice Opinions
Two open houses will be held in April to provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the options and provide input about what’s important to them when planning for the future.
Further consultation with community stakeholders and an online survey will also occur in April. All input will be presented to the Board of Education before considering options.
“Vic High has been an important institution in our community for over 100 years, and it’s essential that we hear from our community before we make decisions about how to best support student learning for the next 100 years,” noted School Board Chair Edith Loring-Kuhanga.
“The Board of Education will consider all of the input received from stakeholders and community later this Spring.”
Range of Possibilities
In a release, the Greater Victoria School District listed the following three options, as well as their estimated costs:
It’s like staring into a refreshing, delicious snow globe.
Glitter beer has been circulating the internet as of late, mesmerizing folks across the lands with its golden finish and swirling patterns.
Victoria’s own Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub has stamped its way into a few of those videos, representing BC’s capital and our love for craft beer.
Using edible glitter that is used primarily for extravagant cake making, breweries around the globe are now adding it to beer for a festive, celebratory feel. The fad is also creeping its way into St. Patrick’s Day traditions, with a few places offering glittery brews instead of the traditional green beer.
Though the Spinnakers beer featured in the video is actually from a few years ago, they will indeed have some glittery beer available for this St. Patty’s day. Their Skagit Pale Ale will be jazzed up and glittered, offering St. Patrick’s Day enthusiasts the opportunity to choose from the classic bright green brew, or a shiny, swirling pale ale.
What: It takes a community to raise a show. This spring, 180 students from all over the world will showcase their talents through One World — an inspiring cumulation of dance, song and international collaboration. This rare collaborative showcase brings the music, dance and stories of 80 different countries right to Victoria. Where: McPherson Playhouse
#3 Centennial Square When: 2 pm – 4 pm Cost: $10 – $16
What: The The Vic Theatre has invited Maker of Monsters: The Extraordinary Life of Beau Dick to come back for 3 days. Where: The Vic Theatre
808 Douglas St When: 5:30 pm – 7:15 pm
What: Been looking for love in Alderaan places?
We invite you to join us a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away with acclaimed fandom theatre troupe Geekenders, who are concentrating their usual pop culture theatre, comedy, and burlesque into a glittering, playfully sensual two-act reboot of a sci-fi classic.
Featuring a cast of seventeen of Geekenders all-star nerdlesque performers, the event and theatre troupe is pulling out all the stops to ensure a memorable, sexy, nerd-herding night for geeks of all types. Geekenders brings back the first installment of their epic burlesque adventure trilogy, as seen on Chris Hardwick’s @midnight, with a Vegas-style spectacular that combines striptease, comedy, dance, showgirls, vaudeville, nostalgia, and space. Where: Victoria Conference Centre
720 Douglas St When: 6 pm Cost: $26.25
What: This partnership just got a lot sweeter when Julie decided to contact Lighthouse Brewery for a collab! Where: Tudor House Liquor Store
533 Admirals Rd When: 7 pm – 8:30 pm Cost: Free
What: Join Geekenders as they revisit their popular nerdy cabaret ‘Full Frontal Nerdity’, combining the irreverence of the Muppets and the polish and showmanship of a Vegas showgirl revue with all of your favourite fandoms. Where: Victoria Conference Centre
720 Douglas St When: 9 pm – 11 pm Cost: Get your tickets here!
Victoria Police are warning the public of an increase in recent vehicle theft, particularly in parkades.
In 2016, 158 reported thefts were from vehicles in the downtown core, with 32 occurring in parkades. That means 20.2% of vehicle thefts were in parkades.
2017 statistics, however, tell a different tale. 441 reported vehicle thefts occurred in the downtown core, with 241 occurring in various parkades. Thus over half – 54.6% – of vehicle thefts were in a parkade in 2017, suggesting parkades are now being targeted by car thieves.
These trends present a stark contrast to 2016, as total thefts from vehicles has nearly tripled, while the percentage of theft from cars occuring in parkades has more than doubled.
Keep your valuables with you or out of sight
Officers, Reserve Constables, and volunteers have been proactively patrolling parkades as part of the Lock Out Auto Crime (LOAC) program.
Parkade patrollers regularly see valuable items such as money, laptops, smarthpones, and other electronics in plain view, and would like to remind folks that it puts a bulls-eye right on your vehicle for thiefs to target.
If you find a LOAC notice on your vehicle, it is a friendly reminder on how you can reduce the chance of theft from you vehicle.
A 27-year-old man is in custody after Comox Valley RCMP say he fired several rounds at a residence in Courtenay that sent another man to the hospital.
The shooting was reported at 1:25 am on March 14th at a residence at a residence in the 5700 block of Highway 19A North in Courtenay.
The 30-year-old resident told police there was a man on his property and that after a “brief interaction” he was shot. He was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
At about 5:50 Thursday morning, police arrested a suspect without incident at a residence in the 2200-block of Coleman Road with the assistance of the Island District Emergency Response Team.
Heavy police presence in Coleman Rd. area of north #Courtenay right now as search for suspect in this morning’s shooting has resumed. Police chopper circling. Motorists being told not to pick anyone up More details with @Ben_oharabyrne@CHEK_Newspic.twitter.com/8xhnu9SO1Q
A firearm was recovered as part of this investigation.
Police are asking anyone who may have more information on the incident,, or finds anything suspicious on their property, to call RCMP at 250-338-1321 or call Crime Stoppers.
