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Two young Vancouver Island entrepreneurs are hoping to bring robotics to B.C.’s forest industry. Kylie Stanton gives us a look at their prototype.
Like a tree seedling, an idea hatched by two University of Victoria students started small and has grown into something big. Nick Birch and Tyler Rhodes have developed a tree planting robot that has the potential to be commercially viable.
The project, which was developed during an entrepreneurial co-op term, started with a Fisher Price scooter with a tree-planting arm attached and evolved to the point where a prototype is ready.
A recent picture of Hailey-Ann - always a smile on her face
18 month old Hailey-Ann looks like a typical toddler, when in fact she isn’t.
Hailey-Ann has autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a life-threatening, genetic disease that causes multiple cysts to form on the kidneys, resulting in massive enlargement of the kidneys (up to three to four times their normal size). ADPKD can also lead to deterioration of kidney function and in some cases, kidney failure.
Hailey-Ann was found to have ADPKD when her mother Kristina went for her 21 week ultrasound. By the time she was born at 37 weeks, her kidneys were severely enlarged and covered in cysts.
While her kidneys are currently functioning, without treatment to help slow the progression of the disease, Hailey-Ann’s doctors say that she will eventually be in need of a life-saving kidney transplant. Hailey-Ann is among the 35,000 to 66,000 Canadians who have ADPKD.
From Kristina, Hailey-Ann’s mother, “PKD Awareness Day for my family is an opportunity to raise awareness about this disease that people outside of the medical community have rarely heard of. PKD is honestly the most terrifying part of our lives today, and I dread the day that I hear from Hailey-Ann’s doctors that she needs to be put on the transplant list.”
PKD affects thousands in Canada and millions worldwide, yet many people have never heard of it. On September 4th, using the hashtag #PKDAwarenessDay is one way to raise awareness about this disease and the devastating impact it has on multiple generations.
You can learn more about Hailey-Ann’s journey here.
UPDATE| Sachitha Attawar has been located by a VicPD staff member on her lunch.
Thank you for your help in sharing her information. It was the sharing that led to her being located.
From VicPD: VicPD Missing Persons Unit Detectives, Patrol Officers and members of our Focused Enforcement Team need your help as we search for missing 75-year-old woman Sachitha Attawar.
Sachitha Attawar is described as an East Indian woman, 75-years-old with shoulder length, curly to frizzy black hair. Sachitha stands 4’9” tall. She has a medium build. She was last seen wearing black pants, black walking shoes and black shoes. She was also wearing a dark pink top with a white cross-pattern stripe on the left front shoulder.
Sachitha was last seen leaving the Days Inn in the 400-block of Belleville Street at 6:20pm last night. She has not been seen since.Investigators have reason to believe that Sachitha may be suffering from a medical condition and that she may need urgent medical care. If you see her, or know where she is, please call 911.
For most of us, that question can be hard to tackle simply because of overwhelming choice. Do we stay in, or go out? Leftovers or delivery? Of course all those questions are moot if the McRib is in town.
But for some, the question is difficult for the exact opposite reason. Do I have enough food to put on the table? Can I afford to feed my family a nutritious meal? Will I have to go without so my kids can have lunch tomorrow? Food security is a major issue in the CRD and it affects 50,000 of us.
The idea for this post came from something amazing I saw. Thrifty Foods, the Rotary Club of Victoria and The Victoria Foundation are partnering with Food Share Victoria to create the Food Rescue Project. In essence, the project will see fresh produce and dairy products that are near or at their best before date donated to food insecure families in the CRD.
My mind raced with questions. How much food was being thrown out in the first place? When will this be set up? Why haven’t we done this before? Seriously, when is the McRib coming back?
I found answers (except McRib related ones) from Rudi Wallace, director of Food Security at the Mustard Seed. But more so than answers, I discovered why promoting food security is not only morally important, but has a massive economic benefit at the same time.
It’s a complicated issue so I broke the piece into three segments: the problem, the solution and, finally, why it makes sense.
Let me repeat the last statistic Rudi said: 50,000 people in the CRD face food insecurity and one in five children live in poverty in BC. That means that if you know 20 people, three of them are either going hungry tonight, or won’t have the ability to find something with nutritional value. Why is this such a big problem? Rudi tells me it’s a matter of cost. Wages have not kept up to the rising price of fresh food causing more and more families to search out cheaply produced and less nutritious options. So how do we fix it? Slowly, with patience and an idea that’s time has come.
Rudi will be the first one to tell you the system is not fully in place. It’s a logistical nightmare at best and will cost upwards of $400,000 per year to maintain. So why? It might matter to the altruistic among us, but what’s in it for everyone? Simple: it’s going to save us a ton of money.
This is the report Rudi wants you to read. For every 10 dollars Canadians spend on food security, 21 comes back to us. And it makes sense. Obesity alone costs Canadians almost 7 Billion a year. Factor in other improper eating-related illnesses and that number skyrockets. If it costs a population of the CRD $400,000 per year to get this system set up, then for a national population of 35 million it should come in around $40 million to run. Of course that’s just me extrapolating the numbers and if my junior high report card tells you anything, it’s that my math skills are more questionable than a van selling “fresh” lobster on an Alberta highway.
But even if that number is off, it’s still economically viable. Even if it’s WAY off… even if it costs ten times that amount it still doesn’t even come close to what we are spending in health-related illnesses that have direct links to food security. If this idea is sustainable, effective or financially achievable remains to be seen, but at least trying is a much better option than letting 50,000 of us worry about what’s for dinner.
Here is a video of the Japanese fisherman Kou Sasaki being reunited with his fishing boat that was swept away by the 2011 Tsunami. It was discovered in Klemtu BC, near Spirit Bay Lodge. He visited BC last week for the reunion. We will hear how he was welcomed by the local First Nations community on the show today.
Map shows a preliminary route that has not been finalized and is subject to stakeholder input.
Press Release:
Steelhead LNG announced earlier today a pre-construction agreement with pipeline developer Williams to commence with the design and regulatory approvals for the Island Gas Connector Project (Project), a proposed natural gas pipeline which will transport natural gas to Vancouver Island where Steelhead LNG is exploring the development of two liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities.
With the Malahat Nation, Steelhead LNG is pursuing the development of the proposed Malahat LNG Project, a floating natural gas liquefaction and export facility located on the shoreline of Malahat Nation-owned land approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Mill Bay, BC, on the east coast of Vancouver Island. On the west coast of Vancouver Island, Steelhead LNG is exploring the development of a proposed LNG facility with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations at Sarita Bay, BC, 46.5 miles (75 kilometers) southwest of Port Alberni.
The Project would be an independent pipeline that would transport natural gas 33 miles (52.8 kilometers) from Williams’ Northwest Pipeline’s interconnect with Spectra Energy’s BC Pipeline system at Sumas, Washington to Cherry Point, Washington. From there, it would travel 47 miles (75.2 kilometers) subsea, landing directly at the proposed Malahat LNG Project. While, the first phase of the Project would be constructed to supply the Malahat LNG facility, the Project would be designed to meet the potential capacity requirements of both proposed LNG facilities, thus offering potential shared infrastructure benefits. Delivering supply to the proposed LNG Project at Sarita Bay would require an additional independent pipeline from the east coast of Vancouver Island to Sarita Bay, designed, owned and operated by a separate Canadian entity and subject to its own regulatory approval process.
“Our partnership with one of the world’s leading builders and operators of natural gas pipelines is a significant step forward for both of our proposed projects,” said Nigel Kuzemko, CEO, Steelhead LNG. “Williams shares our commitment to environmental and social responsibility and we look forward to working with them to develop a natural gas pipeline whose design, route, construction and operation meets the needs and standards of potentially affected Aboriginal groups, communities, governments, regulators, our Projects, and partners. Steelhead looks forward to working with potentially affected Aboriginal groups in Canada to explore opportunities for them to share in the economic benefits of the Canadian portion of the Project.”
Williams will design, construct and operate the Project. As an international pipeline, the Project will be subject to the approval of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in the United States and the National Energy Board in Canada.
The proposed Project will undergo rigorous regulatory, environmental and technical assessments. As part of the proposed Project, Steelhead LNG and Williams will also undertake an extensive consultation and engagement process with potentially affected Canadian Aboriginal groups, United States Tribes, landowners, local stakeholders and communities.
"Imagine this thing running at you through a Cemetery, while waving a knife…. Less than magical." ~ VicPD
Just when they thought they had seen it all.
Victoria Police had no idea of what to expect when they received a call of a man with a knife chasing another person around Ross Bay cemetery while wearing a unicorn mask.
While a couple were walking along the Dallas Road waterfront, it appeared trouble was brewing in Ross Bay Cemetery.
At around 7 p.m., the 911 Communications Centre received a call from a concerned citizen. The caller reported that a man was being chased through Ross Bay Cemetery and appeared terrified. The man was being chased by a seemingly mystical equine/human hybrid, armed with a knife. In other words, one man was chasing another through Ross Bay Cemetery wearing a unicorn mask and carrying a large hunting knife.
“Sometimes, unfortunately, we get calls that can be described as fanciful at best, erring on the side of caution, we always respond to the situations as though they are exactly what callers are reporting them to be.” police spokesman Bowen Osoko said in a statement.
“In this case, the call was exactly as described.”
Officers arrived to find one man, wielding a large, black, hunting knife over his head, wearing a unicorn mask, while another man was frantically attempting to avoid this first man, by getting into his vehicle. Officers approached with great caution and issued commands for the unicorn-masked male to drop his weapon.
Both men complied with officers commands and quickly revealed that they were, in fact, attempting to make a “funny video”.
Two Victoria men in their early 30s explained their intent to officers and were both understanding and apologetic for the unintended impacts of their actions.
With the unicorn unmasked, no charges were laid, no unicorn tears were collected and all was once again tranquil on the shores of Ross Bay.
There’s nothing quite like the joy of being a new parent. You spend those early months and years dreaming about who your baby will become. Will he have his father’s athletic skills? Will he be a social butterfly like his mother? But what if your baby doesn’t appear to be progressing like other children of the same age? You start to worry that there’s something wrong, and suddenly the future looks uncertain. How will your child be able to make friends? How will they succeed in school if they can’t communicate with others of the same age?
Early identification of developmental delays can transform a child’s developmental trajectory. The earlier a concern is identified, the better the child’s outcomes will be.
There are a number of early warning signs you can look for to help determine whether your child might have a developmental delay. If your child shows two or more of the below signs regularly, seek professional advice. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone; there are a number of programs and professionals in your community to support your child and family.
Difficulty with communication:
• Uses less words than other children of the same age
• Loss of words
• Does not understand simple instructions
• Uses few or no gestures (i.e., pointing)
Behaviour concerns:
• Easily upset when routine changes
• Often does repetitive movements with objects
• Often does repetitive movements with body parts (i.e., arms, hands)
• Has difficulty paying attention to an activity compared to other children of the same age
Difficulty with social/interaction skills:
• Avoids making eye contact
• Does not share interests/objects with others
• Does not listen when called by name
Self care delays:
• Bed time and sleeping patterns are not consistent
• Feeding issues (i.e., picky eater, doesn’t chew food)
• Difficulty with toilet training
• Dependent on others for dressing
Motor concerns:
• Avoids playing on playground equipment
• Seems to be more clumsy than other children
• Uses one side of the body much more often than the other
• Finds it hard to keep postural control (i.e. sitting)
Monarch House in Victoria offers a free of charge service for parents to get answers about their child’s development. Screenings are completed by professionals who will be available to provide brief consultation with your child. The results of the screening will be discussed with parents and are meant to indicate which areas are following typical development and areas that may require additional assessment.
Fotolia.com
Your child may benefit from speech therapy, occupational therapy or behaviour therapy if they struggle with any of the following:
• Difficulties with self-care routines (bathing, toilet training, dressing, feeding, sleeping)
• Self-regulation difficulties (i.e., emotional regulation)
• Compliance issues
• A lack of social understanding
• Your child uses less words than other children of the same age
• There is a sudden loss of speech or language skills
• Your child is difficult to understand by others
• Has difficulty following instructions
• Has difficulty playing with others and making friends
• Fine motor difficulties (printing, drawing, colouring, cutting)
• Gross motor difficulties (strength, balance, coordination)
• Difficulties with eye-hand coordination and motor planning
• Difficulties with attention and ability to sit and work at table top activities
• Under or over reaction to sensory input (light, temperature, texture, touch, or sounds)
There are strategies you can employ at home to encourage your child’s development. Be realistic in what you expect from your child and then be consistent in expecting this of them every time.
• Play can help a child develop independent skills such as dressing, bathing or feeding to practice, play with a doll together (feed baby, bathe baby and put baby to bed) and pretend kitchen (take turns ‘eating’ what each other has made).
• Books with simple pictures, colours or shapes can be a quiet activity that you can do with your child, providing shared enjoyment and the opportunity to practice turn-taking when flipping the pages.
• You can set your child up for success by keeping a strong, predictable routine; children thrive in a structured environment. Make routines for daily events such as meal times and bedtimes. This will help your child better understand what is expected of them (i.e. at meals I eat at the table and use utensils).
• Providing an environment free of distractions will help your child be more successful in completing tasks independently. By clearing toys and other distractions your child will be able to focus their attention more easily on your instructions and/or the task at hand.
• Look for the positive behaviours you see your child doing and let them know what a terrific job they are doing. It is useful to teach appropriate behaviour rather than saying “no”. For example, if your child reaches for your coffee cup provide information and turn this into a time to teach them the appropriate behaviour. Instead of saying “no” say something like “Your cup is over here, this one belongs to Mommy/Daddy”).
• Exposing your child to different environments is very important to their development. Allow them to practice on different equipment at the park or gym to work on strengthening gross motor skills.
• When teaching your child life skills (i.e. putting on shoes, using a spoon), find a time when you are not rushed that can allow you and your child extra time to practice.
If you have any concerns regarding your child’s development, seek professional advice. Remember, you are not alone; there are a number of programs and professionals in your community to support your child and family, including Monarch House.
Resources:
RCMP were called to another serious collision in the 4200 block of the Trans-Canada Highway shortly after 8 o’clock Sunday evening. The accident occurred just north of Aspen Rd. It was the third serious crash to close the Malahat in less than 48 hours.
In a statement released by the West Shore RCMP, it appears a blue Suzuki motorcycle heading north, crossed the center line and collided head-on with a southbound truck which was pulling a 30 foot trailer.
There were three occupants in the pick-up truck. They were transported to hospital to be assessed for unknown injuries. The 40 year old motorcyclist unfortunately died at the scene.
Just after midnight, Shauna-lynn Christine Pearson, one of the occupants of the truck, wrote the following message on the Victoria Buzz Facebook page: “Hey i was one of the passengers in the truck my mom and stepdad are okay. thank you to every one that helped us at the scene we all really appreciated it! every one is fine, just all cuddled up watching a movie thankful that we’re okay. R.I.P to the man on the motorcycle and i send my prayers out to his family and loved ones”
Several hours later, she commented again with “I’ve never been in a car accident before now. I cant even sleep, I just keep picturing the motorcyclist and the condition he was in. Every time some one you love leaves the door never ever forget to tell them you love them“
An RCMP Traffic Analyst/Reconstructionist and BC Coroners Service are also investigating the crash. Preliminary evidence recovered at the scene suggested that speed was a factor in the crash.
The Malahat was closed in both direction for several hours as a result. The road re-opened at approximately 1:00 am.
The family of the deceased motorcyclist has been notified. Victim Services has been assisting the people involved in this tragedy.
From 100.3 The Q! : For you folks stuck on the Malahat… Pat, owner of the Burger Shack by the gas station, is open! He…
Not everybody got the chance to get out in the storm yesterday.. Sooke Coastal Explorations went the extra effort to get a Destination British Columbia world travelling photographer on board to see Killer Whales…SUCCESS!
Luckily, Deanna Brett, from Love Sooke was also on the boat and loaded her video camera. Despite the choppy waters, Brett, managed to capture this great video…in such nautical seas…
Shortly after 12:00 am on August 29th, 2015, officers with the Salt Spring Island RCMP were conducting an impaired driving checkpoint in the 100 Block of Upper Ganges Road, when a man driving a Chevrolet Blazer attempted to avoid the checkpoint, nearly striking an officer who was on foot.
A police car, stationary on the roadway at the time, was then rammed head-on by the suspect vehicle. Officers approached the SUV, smashing out the driver’s side window in an attempt to gain control of the suspect. A second police vehicle attempted to box the suspect vehicle in and was also rammed as the suspect drove back and forth between the two police vehicles, causing significant damage to both. Despite their attempts to stop the man from driving away, he managed to manoeuver his vehicle out from between the two police cars, and flee northbound on Upper Ganges Road. A third police vehicle followed the suspect vehicle, locating it a short distance away, upside-down in the ditch.
As officers and local fire crews arrived at the crash scene, they attempted to render assistance to the suspect, who was seated upright on the interior roof of the vehicle (vehicle upside down). The man then armed himself with an axe from inside the SUV, and attempted to use a lighter to light the vehicle on fire. An on-scene firefighter familiar with the suspect was successful in persuading him to surrender the axe, but the man continued to physically resist attempts by first responders to assist him. After several hours, the suspect was forced from the vehicle and apprehended under the Mental Health Act. He was transported to the local hospital for medical assessment.
The extent of the suspect’s physical injuries are unknown at this time, but not believed to be serious in nature. As per notification protocols, the Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO BC) has been notified of this incident. The IIO BC has reserved their decision on asserting jurisdiction at this time, pending a determination of the extent of the man’s injuries. They will continue to monitor this case.
The officer seated in the first police car sustained neck and back injuries. The Constable, with eight years of service, has been treated and released from medical care. He is expected to be off duty for a period of time. There were multiple witnesses in the area at the time, but thankfully none were injured.
While this investigation is in its early stages, officers have determined that the truck driven by the suspect was stolen. The motive behind the suspect’s actions are not yet known, however mental health factors may have played a role. Charges have not yet been laid, but are expected as this investigation progresses.
Police ask anyone who witnessed this incident, or captured video of it, to contact the Salt Spring Island RCMP at 250-537-5555.
Malahat is opened and after several hours of traffic backlog, we hear it is mostly cleared up now.
West Shore RCMP Press Release:
At approximately 8:48 am this morning (August 29th, 2015), the Westshore RCMP were dispatched to a two vehicle crash on the Trans Canada Highway near Goldstream Park (Malahat Drive). BC Ambulance Service and fire crews also attended.
The collision involved two passenger cars, a southbound Honda Accord and a northbound Volkswagen sedan. There were two occupants in each vehicle. All four occupants involved were transported to hospital to be assessed by medical staff for varying degrees of injury. An RCMP Traffic Analyst/Reconstructionist attended as a result of the potential seriousness of the injuries and has completed a thorough scene examination.
Investigators are examining the possibility that alcohol and driving pattern on the part of the driver of the southbound Honda may be factors in this crash. A criminal investigation is now underway.
The Highway was closed as a result of this crash and subsequent investigation. It was re-opened at 1:00 pm.
We thank delayed motorists for their patience as we conducted a detailed investigation into this crash.
As this is an ongoing investigation, no further details will be released at this time.
Beat those back-to-school blues with Cineplex this coming week, with 50% off all movie tickets!
From Monday, August 31 until Friday, September 4, Cineplex will offer Tuesday pricing all day, every day, under the title of “Tuesday Everyday.” This includes regular films as well as: 3D, IMAX, UltraAVX™, D-BOX and VIP Cinemas.
SCENE members will get an additional 10% discount.
Campfires are once again permitted throughout Vancouver Island. The Coastal Fire Centre is rescinding its campfire ban due to forecasted cooler and wetter conditions, resulting in a decrease in wildfire risk in the region.
The following activities will now be allowed:
• Campfires, as defined by the wildfire regulation
• Open fires in an outdoor stove
Campfires cannot be larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide. Anyone who lights a campfire must have a hand tool (such as a shovel) or at least eight litres of water available to fully extinguish it. Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure that the ashes are completely cold to the touch before leaving the area.
The following ban still remains in effect: backyard burning, fireworks, sky lanterns and burning barrels.
Anyone found in violation of open-burning prohibition may be issued a ticket of up to $345 or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
The Coastal Fire Centre covers all of the area west of the height of land on the Coast Mountain Range north of the U.S.-Canada border at Manning Park, including Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park in the north, the Sunshine Coast, the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Haida Gwaii.
The Fog Zone is two kilometre strip on the outer coast of Vancouver Island, from Owen Point near Port Renfrew, and stretching north to the tip of Vancouver Island wrapping back to the boundary of the District of Port Hardy. The strip stretched inland two kilometres from the high tide point.
The Coastal Fire Centre covers all BC Parks, Crown and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by fire departments. Please check with local governments for any other restrictions before lighting a fire.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or non-compliant open burning, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or dial *5555 on a cellphone.
This afternoon, Victoria Police received calls of a barge that had tipped near the Gorge/Selkirk waterfront. The barge was being loaded with scrap cars when it tipped, dumping some of the cars into the Selkirk Waterway near the Bay Street Bridge.
Victoria Police say all workers have been accounted for and there are no injuries. Victoria Fire deployed their boats to to search around the barge.
The Seaspan barge was being loaded at Schnitzer Steel adjacent to Jutland Road. Several Victoria Buzz fans sent in photos of the barge taken earlier in the day, including one photo that was taken one hour prior to it tipping. It showed the barge already tilting to one side.
Witnesses tell CHEK News they heard a large crash, followed by a splash, as dozens of cars went overboard. Ministry of Environment says approx. 20 vehicles are believed to have fallen off the barge
Police closed the Selkirk wooden walkway alongside the area of the barge collapse as a precaution. They have been advised by Seaspan that the risk is if any more cars fall off, the barge could be displaced by the momentum and come onto the walkway.
A boom has been laid in the water to collect fuel and debris. Transport Canada is on scene investigating.
There was a crane operator on top of the barge when it tipped but he was able to avoid falling in the water. We are hearing he isn’t cooperating with police.
If you have any info to add to this story, please send to tips@victoriabuzz.com
The BCGEU and Bryce Casavant learned this week that he is being transferred out of the Conservation Officer Service.
Casavant was originally suspended in July when he followed Conservation Officer Service procedures and policies and determined the two cubs near Port Hardy should not be killed.
The officer had been ordered to kill the cubs by his superiors after they received information the cubs had, like their mother, eaten the food on the property and become habituated to human food.
But when the homeowner told Casavant that the 8-week-old bears had not been seen eating any food at the property he decided to go against his orders, according to Chek News.
Robin Campbell, manager of the recovery centre, said Casavant was right to save the cubs – since they have not become habituated to human food, they can still be reintroduced to the wild, he told CBC News.
“Our union has filed a grievance over Bryce Casavant’s original suspension. We are now in the process of filing a second grievance concerning his disciplinary transfer from the Conservation Officer Service,” says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith.
“Bryce Casavant was following clear procedures when he decided to save these young bears. We will pursue these issues to an arbitration hearing and ask an independent decision maker to find there was no just cause for the employer’s actions.”
“Casavant should not have been suspended, and he should not be transferred from his job as a Conservation Officer,” says Smith. “He has a distinguished record of public service in law enforcement. Bryce Casavant did the right thing when he decided these young bears should be assessed for rehabilitation.”
“The BCGEU has worked in good faith to negotiate a reasonable settlement that was satisfactory to Bryce Casavant and the Conservation Officer Service. We are surprised and disappointed by this punishment that removes him from his career. Our union remains committed to negotiating a fair and reasonable settlement,” says Smith. “We believe Bryce Casavant was working to the highest ideals of the Conservation Officer Service whose motto is Integrity, Service and Protection.”
The BCGEU will schedule an arbitration hearing as soon as possible.
A Vancouver Island festival tradition for nearly thirty years, Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival takes over downtown Victoria, B.C. each summer for a 12-day celebration of live performance from around the world, featuring an eclectic mixture of spoken word, drama, musicals, dance, comedy, magic, theatre for young audiences and more.
Victoria’s Fringe is one of the oldest on the Canadian Fringe Festival circuit, and is a founding member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF)®.
Tickets at ticketrocket.org. Details and full schedule of performances at intrepidtheatre.com.
2Greek Fest 2015.
OPA! This event takes place over two weekends, with traditional Greek food, music and dance. Today through Sunday and Sept. 4-7 at 4648 Elk Lake Dr., beside Commonwealth Place; greekfest.ca.
3Integrate Arts Festival
Celebrating the diverse arts and culture community in Victoria. Opening in the Bay Centre, 7-10 tonight, an art crawl, 6-9 p.m. on Saturday and a guided bike tour, noon-4 p.m. on Sunday; integratearts.ca.
4Eats & Beats at the Beach in Colwood
Colwood beach party is tonight on Friday, August 28, 2015 from 4-8pm. Bring your family and friends down for a bite to eat and some great music. Find details about the musicians and local food trucks that will be featured at the event at www.colwood.ca/eatsnbeats.
5Free-B Film Festival by the Victoria Film Festival
Free films tonight and Saturday at 9. Bring a blanket, flashlights and snacks.
Tonight (Aug 28): Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park, screening of Wild Wild West.
Tomorrow night (Aug 29): Broadmead Village, MURDER IS NEWS
6Bountiful Berries
Join a CRD Regional Parks interpreter on a walk to see just how plentiful the late summer woods can be. Explore for blackberries, Oregon grape berries, salal berries and more. There will also be an opportunity to taste jams made from some of these natural delights. Meet at the Nature Centre at Beaver Beach. From 1-2:30 p.m.
7Kamloops Broncos @ Westshore Rebels
Bring your family down to Westhills Stadium on a Saturday to enjoy some exciting football and family fun. We have made ticket purchasing easy and affordable. Westhills stadium overlooks mountains, lakes and is is located at 1089 Langford Parkway in Langford. A full concession is available, on site parking, trolly service from major malls, special needs accommodating, amazing sight lines from any seat and much more.
8SummerFest Saturday
Rain or shine, SummerFest is happening Sat Aug 29 at Millstream Village. Rotary Club Chili Cook-Off…emergency vehicles in Salute To Emergency Services…Bouncy Castle…Victoria Humane Society…Taekwondo…Hot Dog BBQ…Rotary Club Silent Auction… Music…Most activities run from 11 AM – 2 PM. Millstream Rd @ McCallum Road across from Home Depot. www.millstreamvillage.com
9Saturday Night Fireworks at Butchart Gardens
Two shows remain got this summer. Take in a jaw-dropping, dazzling fireworks show with both aerial and ground displays choreographed to show tunes. Fireworks start times vary. Bring your blanket and arrive early! Read our recent Butchart Gardens Fireworks article.
The driest and warmest summer on record is about to receive a decent shower as a major change in the weather pattern is developing. The high pressure system that has trapped wildfire smoke over Southern B.C. will finally shift east thanks to a pair of incoming storms. The storms will merge two jet streams into a single river of sub-tropical moisture that will bathe the South Coast with the first significant rainfall in months.
UPDATE: WIND WARNING ADDED TO THE MIX.
Environment Canada is warning of strong winds for Greater Victoria on Saturday.
A rapidly intensifying storm will move across the South Coast this morning. Winds will increase to southeast 70 km/h ahead of the front this morning. Winds will gust up to 90 km/h after the frontal passage early this afternoon. Winds will diminish later this afternoon as the low moves inland.
Wind warnings are issued when there is a significant risk of damaging winds.
Environment Canada are saying we will likely receive 80 to 120 mm of rain over the South Coast between Friday night and Monday morning.
“We can see this huge system developing off the coast of B.C. and that is going to stream all this moisture from the tropics right at the south coast. So for Victoria is looking at about 60 maybe 70 mm of rain over the weekend,” Environment Canada Meteorologist Matt McDonald tells CHEK News.
Due to the drought conditions over these regions, the soil has a reduced capacity to absorb water. Heavy rainfall thus increases the risk of flash flooding. Additionally, given the recent prolonged dry period, road surfaces may become slippery resulting in poor driving conditions.
To mitigate the risk of flash flooding, make sure drain spouts and sewer covers are free of debris, so water can freely drain. During heavy rains, avoid roadway underpasses, drainage ditches, low lying areas and water collection areas. They can unexpectedly flood or overflow. Do not try to drive across a flooded road. You cannot tell the condition of the road under the water.
This past Wednesday, Ayesha Asad and her son got more than they paid for while eating their Filet-O-Fish sandwich, bought from a Hillside Avenue McDonald’s.
“My 8 year old son was eating it and almost halfway done he said I feel some spiky stuff in my burger. I asked him to spit it out right away and found two very sharp plastic pieces in it.” Said the very upset mom.
“Then I checked the burger, and it had more of them coming right from the middle of burger patty.” Approximately 5 sharp, what appeared to be plastic, pieces were found in the patty.
More sharp plastic pieces found in the filet.
Ayesha returned to the McDonald’s location and showed them the objects. She was given a refund and an apology. However, when she asked to make a former complaint, she was apparently told that although they were sorry, ultimately they were not at fault, as they do not make the patties themselves, but buy them from an undisclosed manufacturer.
The refund Ayesha received.
“Despite the fact that I repeatedly asked to have a complaint logged, they said that there is no way of doing it as it is NOT THEIR FAULT.” Reported Ayesha, “I don’t want to settle it for a refund, as a lot of Canadian kids eat McDonald’s, and these plastic pieces would be dangerous for any adults too. I hope my son didn’t swallow any!”
Frustrated with the response, Ayesha made a complaint to the Vancouver Island Health Authority, who are now investigating the matter.
Victoria Buzz contacted the store, however was advised nobody was available to comment at the time.
McDonald’s Canada contacted Victoria Buzz shortly after, with the following statement:
“Food safety is a top priority and we take all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the food served to our guests.
An initial review of the photograph by our Quality Systems team suspects the object appears to be fish bone fragments. However, without the sample, we are unable to determine the exact nature of the object.
We understand the restaurant team did apologize to the guest and we are thankful our young guest was unharmed. We would also like to speak directly with the guest to again express our apologies and to make arrangements to obtain the sample so we can have our supplier analyze the object and look at what actions could be taken to refine their quality control systems in the future. We are eager to resolve this matter for everyone concerned.”
Local teacher, Lia Michalski’s video, GIVE THE GIFT, has been named one of the top three in Canada by the David Foster Foundation. The only BC finalist. Michalski, a former Cowichan Valley resident now lives in Victoria and teaches at Claremont Secondary.
“I heard about the contest from a friend of mine here in Victoria. I teach the film and television program here so I have my hand in it that way but this whole contest came about because I am very passionate about the cause.
“Then away I went and sent it off without thinking that anything would come of it. This is exciting. David Foster is amazing. The foundation is incredible, they are always promoting organ transplants and awareness and things like that. To be a part of this is more than I’d ever hoped, to get this message out on such a big scale.”
Of the other two finalists, one is ex-CFL player and the other is a group of Ryerson University students, all media people.
Now she needs your support by voting for her video. The winner is determined by Facebook vote.
“I have been a registered organ donor for 10 years. I wanted this video to show that an organ recipient could be anyone. I believe that the gift of another day is the most previous thing we could ever hope to pass on to an individual,” says top three finalist, Lia Michalski.
OPERATION: Registration is a challenge created by the David Foster Foundation and has been designed to inspire Canadians to become registered organ donors. Canada is lacking in organ donor registration rates at less than 20%! The need for more registered organ donors has been on the David Foster Foundation radar and they hope that OPERATION: Registration can achieve a national increase in organ donor registration rates.
There are three very creative and inspiring videos encouraging others to register as organ donors. Voting polls are open Monday, August 24, 2015 – Sunday, August, 30, 2015.
Michalski, hopes you will consider watching her video and “Liking” it for this important cause an some good karma!
To vote, go to the David Foster Foundation Facebook page. Michalski’s video, “GIVE THE GIFT” is the second one down. At the very bottom of the page, click the “like” button beside the video.
“I feel like I’m the small-town underdog here,” Michalski said.
Timothy Chu is a 27-year-old British national who works as a police officer with the Metropolitan Police in London. He went missing while diving near Victoria on July 5, while on vacation.
The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who was found deceased near Race Rocks on Aug. 23.
He was Man (Timothy) Chu, aged 28, from London, England.
Chu, a police officer in Britain, was vacationing in the Victoria-area. On July 5, 2015, he went on a charter dive at Race Rocks, a marine ecological reserve near the eastern end of Juan de Fuca Strait. He became separated from the divemaster just before noon, and failed to surface. A massive search at the time failed to find any trace of Mr. Chu.
On Aug. 23, 2015, a fisherman spotted a deceased male off a buoy at Race Rocks. The identity of that male has since been confirmed as being Mr. Chu.
The BC Coroners Service continues to investigate this death with the assistance of the RCMP. Foul play is not suspected in this case.
The family of Mr. Chu has been notified of his death.
On Tuesday, August 24, BC Transit started to roll out the automated voice annunciators on 25 of our buses in the Victoria Regional Transit System.
The installation on the first 25 buses will ensure that the devices are working effectively with the public address system and that the street locations are being accurately announced throughout the region before final installation on the remaining 255 buses.
Bus riders will hear the new system active on all buses in the Victoria Regional Transit System by the end of October.
“We are increasingly seeing visitors who want to experience the destination as a local does, and this includes taking public transportation. Day bus passes are one of the highest selling items at our Visitor Centre. This service will greatly assist visitors in knowing where they are in the region and help ensure they have the best possible experience in the destination,” says Paul Nursey, President and CEO of Tourism Victoria.
The devices will be installed in a special bracket on each bus and will be activated at the beginning of each day for each bus. After the device has been turned on, there is nothing else for the operator to do except adjust the volume. If for any reason there is a technical glitch with the system, BC Transit operators will call out stops verbally until the device can be serviced at the end of the shift.
“Members of the Canadian Federation of the Blind are very pleased that BC Transit is taking concrete steps to equip our buses with automated GPS stop annunciation devices. Five of us had an opportunity to test drive a demonstration bus that worked very well and with some fine tuning the new system will definitely make public transit more accessible for blind riders and many others.” -Oriano Belusic, CFB representative
Take a listen to what you can expect when you ride a bus equipped with the automated voice annunciators:
An article in the Times Colonist this week focused on a marijuana dispensary who promised just that… well, in the same way you get a free bag of bits n’ bites with every purchase of an airline ticket.
West Shore RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing View Royal resident.
James MacDonald DUFFUS was last seen August 16, 2015.
Description:
Caucasian male
52 years old
5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
170 lbs (77 kg)
Dark brown/greyish hair
hazel eyes
has a scar under his right cheek bone
James DUFFUS usually wears a baseball cap, plaid or brown jacket and black or blue jeans and is known to travel on the Vancouver Island, including the Gulf Islands.
His sudden absence is out of character and worrisome, states Cst. Alex Bérubé, spokesperson of the West Shore RCMP.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of James DUFFUS is urged to contact their local police, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
The 148th Saanich Fair is around the corner and Victoria Buzz will be giving away three day passes all week. We will announce the first winner tomorrow.
The BC Coroners Service has identified the human remains discovered near Norway Island on August 19, 2015, as those of 19 year old Delores Brown from Penelakut Island. The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) notified the Brown family earlier today.
Delores Brown was last seen on July 27th, 2015 and was first reported missing to police on July 29th, 2015 by concerned family and friends. An exhaustive search which included Ground Search and Rescue, Marine Search and Rescue, RCMP Tactical Troop, helicopters, boats, and community searchers, was conducted in the days following her disappearance.
The BC Coroners Service is continuing their work to determine a cause of death. Pending the results of this key finding, investigators continue to pursue a criminal investigation into Delores’ death, as foul play is suspected.
Police ask anyone who may have information on Delores Brown’s disappearance or death to contact the Ladysmith RCMP at 250-245-2215 or Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Photo Lizard lake fire on August 20th when it was 20% contained. Credit: Twitter/@malahatdrive
Pacific Marine Drive has been reopened to vehicle traffic between Lake Cowichan and Port Renfrew after crews removed dangerous trees and cleared away debris related to the Spring Road/Lizard Lake fire along this route.
The fire has been burning for about two weeks and Pacific Marine Drive has been closed since the start of the wildfire.
The opening of the well-used connector route was effective as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, said Coastal Fire Centre fire information officer Marg Drysdale.
Public access restriction for areas surrounding Pacific Marine Drive is still in place. Multiple potential hazards remain in those areas, including wildfire activity, danger trees and the operation of heavy equipment.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has posted “No Stopping” signs from the seven-kilometre mark to the three-kilometre mark along this road.
The regular posted speed of 60 kilometres per hour will remain in effect.
In areas where debris has fallen, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has erected barriers to help protect members of the public travelling on this road.
The Coastal Fire Centre thanks the public for its ongoing assistance reporting forest fires.
Anyone who sees a column of smoke is encouraged to report it by calling 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone.
Set in the Cowichan Valley, and opening in spring, 2016, Vancouver Island Motorsport Resort (VIMR) will be an exciting year-round motorsport facility. The resort will offer enthusiasts 350 driving days per year to experience the full potential of their performance cars.
Novices will be able to improve their skills, while accomplished drivers will be challenged by the internationally designed track. Tilke GmbH & Co are the creative design team behind the project.
According to the VIMR press release, “Phase One is comprised of 19 corners and elevation changes of over 25 metres. When Phase Two is completed, a total of 4.21 kilometres of track will be available. Speeds of up to 200 km/h will be reached on the high-speed sectors of the circuit in the first phase.”
Tire barriers and guard rails in reserve, will ensure the protection of both car and driver, while state-of-the-art run-off areas will provide an opportunity to make a correction.
VIMR members travelling to Vancouver Island will have the option of leaving their car at the resort in a secure and temperature-controlled storage facility. Cars stored at the resort can be maintained in track-ready condition by specialists. Membership details will be presented in the next few weeks and can be found on the website.
VIMR will offer, “Factory trained technicians representing Alfa Romeo, Audi S-Line, BMW M, Mercedes-Benz AMG, MINI JCW, and Porsche will be available to provide the expertise in keeping modern track cars in perfect running condition. Repairs and maintenance will be completed in the time between member visits to maximize their time driving.”
VIMR clubhouse rendering
A 14,500 square foot clubhouse, with a complete range of services to its members, will provide a comfortable atmosphere for relaxing between driving sessions. Working in partnership with ten performance automotive brands GAIN represents, their dealer networks, respective dedicated driving programs, and a partner hotel and spa, the VIMR will welcome enthusiasts from all over North America.
Pacific Coastal Airlines has added a new route to its network of more than sixty-five destinations in British Columbia effective Tuesday, October 27, 2015.
The new Victoria (YYJ) to Kelowna (YLW) flights will operate seven days a week using Saab 340 aircraft. The Saab 340A and 340B offer; stand up cabins, comfortable seating from thirty to thirty four passengers, a flight attendant, on board service, and washroom. There will be two flights a day Monday through Friday and one flight a day on Saturday and Sunday. Pricing for the one hour and five minute flight will start from as low as $147.23.
“We believe there is significant market opportunity for this new route and that these new non-stop flights will be well received in both communities and the surrounding areas,” says V.P. of Commercial Services, Spencer Smith.
“We expect to see a healthy mix of both business and leisure travellers on this scheduled service.”
Pacific Coastal began non-stop service between Victoria and Prince George in January of this year.
Pacific Coastal Airlines’ seaplane base operates out of Port Hardy on Vancouver Island and from there provides service to a large number of destinations along the coast.
One of the many Boston terrier puppies at the Cowichan SPCA poses for a picture after being surrendered by a registered breeder over the weekend. Aug. 24, 2015. (Facebook)
There’s a cuteness overload at the Cowichan SPCA right now.
16 puppies and 11 adult Boston terriers were surrendered to the branch on Sunday, staff, volunteers and foster families are busy caring for their adorable four-legged guests. The puppies are all four weeks old, and the adults range in age from one to three years old.
A registered breeder could no longer care for the 16 puppies and 11 adults, all in healthy condition, because of personal problems, branch manager Sandi Trent tells CTV
“They are so cute! They’re very sweet and so endearing,” says Cowichan & District BC SPCA Branch manager Sandi Trent, noting the nursing moms and their puppies are in foster care while the rest are settling in at the shelter.
“They’ve upped the adorable factor here big time! We’re hoping to eventually, find them all loving, forever homes.”
The canine cuties must be spayed and neutered, and a couple of them might be long-term residents at the branch due to mange and potential neurological problems, but they’re already proving to be popular.
“We received 12 (pet adoption) applications for seven of the dogs just this morning,” Trent says. “They’re easy to fall in love with.”
5 of the 27 Boston terriers surrendered to the Cowichan SPCA because – Aug. 24, 2015. (Courtesy BC SPCA)
Priority for puppy adoptions will be given to families that can spend a fair amount of time with the animals because the first year of training is “make or break” for the breed.
Anyone interested in applying to adopt can visit the branch at 7550 Bell McKinnon Rd. in Duncan. If you can help the Boston terriers and other animals like them at the Cowichan SPCA, you can donate online or in person at 7550 Bell McKinnon Rd., Duncan.
While the situation is under control, extra monetary help is always welcome, says Trent.
In April 2015, Panorama Recreation was announced the grand prize winner of Kraft Hockeyville 2015 and received $100,000 to fund arena improvements as well as hosting an NHL pre-season game between the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks on September 21, 2015
The game will be played on Monday, September 21st at 7:30pm between the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks hosted at The Q Centre.
Just under 1200 tickets are up for grabs. Two thirds (788 tickets) will be reserved for Saanich Peninsula residents in a special draw. One third (376 tickets) will go to the general public.
Tickets will be distributed by way of a supervised public lottery which will take place at Panorama Recreation Centre. The public are invited to come in person to place fill out a ballot for a chance to win two tickets to the game.
When: Saturday, August 29, 2015, 10am – 4pm Saturday, September 5, 2015, 10am – 4pm Sunday, September 6, 2015, 12pm – 6pm
How:
You must be 19 years of age of over and provide photo ID proof of age. Everyone is welcome to enter. However, residents of the Saanich Peninsula will be required to provide proof of residence to enter a ballot in the residents’ draw.
Draw date: Wednesday, September 9 with winners posted Thursday, September 10 on the North Saanich Kraft Hockeyville Facebook page and in the Panorama Recreation Centre Arena lobby.
Planning is also underway to hold several Kraft Hockeyville events in and around the Saanich Peninsula community and at the Panorama Recreation Centre during the weekend leading up to this celebratory and fun event. Read more >>
This weekend, Victoria Buzz took part in a tour of Hatley Castle, located in the City of Colwood. Often recognized as the setting of the X-Men movie franchise, as well as dozens of other films and TV appearances, the edifice and its stunning Italian and Japanese gardens have a fascinating history of their own!
The castle was brought to life in 1908 by James Dunsmuir (who is also the man behind Craigdarroch Castle) and his socially ambitious wife Laura. From 1941 until 1943 it was a dormitory and mess hall for cadets and staff officers.
Today it is a living building, acting as the administrative centre of Royal Roads University.
The beautiful structure and grounds are a National Historic Site. You can visit the breathtaking gardens, castle, museum and gift shop daily from 10am-5pm.
The summer tour of the castle runs only until September 7. Our wonderful guide Vincent brought the history to life for us – be sure to listen carefully as he peppers his commentary with a carefully concealed dry wit!
Monday to Friday: Guided Walking Estate Tours
10:30am
11:45am
1:30pm
2:45pm
Saturday, Sunday and Statutory Holidays:
10:30am: Guided Walking Estate Tours
11:45am: Guided Hatley Castle Tour
1:30pm: Guided Walking Estate Tours
2:45pm: Guided Hatley Castle Tour
Admission rates
SELF-GUIDED GARDEN EXPLORATION
GUIDED TOUR
ADULT
$9.75
$18.50
SENIOR (60+)
$8.75
$15.75
STUDENT (6-17 YEARS)
$6.75
$10.75
CHILD (5 AND UNDER)
Free
Free
FAMILY *
$30.00
$51.00
* Family pass is valid for a maximum of 5 members; Maximum of 2 adults
Billy Joseph thanking Lizzy, the person whom found and turned in the walk stick.
Last week, we reported the theft of a one-of-a-kind First Nations walking stick from a Songhees elder. The walking stick was stolen last Monday from Billy Joseph’s parked car on Ned Williams Road, off Craigflower Road. It had been taken through an open window.
The walking stick holds sentimental value for the 64-year-old Songhees First Nation elder, as it had been given to him by his late cousin, Rudy Charlie, 33 years ago.
Mid-afternoon Monday, Victoria Buzz received a tweet message from West Shore RCMP telling us the cane had been turned over to them by a good Samaritan. The finder had discovered it in some bushes and turned in after hearing the news of the theft.
Victoria Buzz founder, Mike Kelly, was in constant communication throughout the week with Katie Joseph, daughter of Billy. When Mike received the tweet, he immediately informed Katie.
“From talking to Katie, I knew how much this cane meant to her and the family. It was designed by her late uncle Rudy, so it had tremendous sentimental value, and we wanted to do all we could to help get the cane back for them,” says Mike.
“I sent Katie a message on Facebook, and she had no idea the cane had been turned in yet, her response to me through Facebook messenger was:” “Really?? I’m calling him. Oh my gosh. I’m literally crying. I’m blowing up his cell with text messages lol. Thank you so much for all the help!”
“I could hear it in his voice, I could hear how happy he was,” his step-daughter Lisa Mallette told the Times Colonist, who talked to Billy Joseph Sr. as he was on his way to the police detachment to pick up the intricately carved and brightly painted walking stick. “It was one-of-a-kind,” Mallette said. “It was a huge sentimental value to him.”
The stick was originally used in the longhouse, but Joseph, who suffers from fibromyalgia, now uses it as a cane to help him walk.
With the help of the West Shore RCMP, Billy Joseph Sr, and the family, were able locate the lady who found the cane.
Lizy and her dog peanut were off on a walk in Cairn Park Monday afternoon. Peanut had taken off in the opposite direction of their usual route. Lizy found her dog poking her nose at the cane, she picked it up and went to her friend’s house explaining what had happen.
Her friend informed her that it was the same cane they had seen in the news.
“We met her today and she had no idea that there was even a reward until this morning, when the RCMP contacted her explaining we wished to meet with her,” Katie Joseph, Billy’s daughter tells Victoria buzz.
Great news! The West Shore RCMP have just informed us the stolen native designed walking stick has been turned in by a good samaritan!!For the original story: http://bit.ly/1ESn2ei
Have you seen this one of a kind native designed walking stick?
Katie Joseph tells Victoria Buzz it is very sentimental to the family. Her late uncle Rudy made it for her dad before he passed.
“I am so frustrated and disappointed right now… SOMEBODY STOLE my dad’s native-designed walking stick.. It is very sentimental, as it was made by my late uncle Rudy” Katie Joseph wrote on Facebook. “We want it back please. It’s one of a kind… No other like it.”
Joseph says her dad had left the walking stick in the back seat of his mustang and it was stolen on Monday while the car was parked outside their home, on Ned Williams Road in Esquimalt. Billy Joseph Sr didn’t notice the walking stick was missing until the next day when he went to go use it.
The family is offering a $400 cash reward for its return. No questions asked. If you know the whereabouts, you may email Victoria Buzz at tips@victoriabuzz.com or you can contact the West Shore RCMP at (250) 474-2264. The police file number is 2015-12502.
Description:
The top hand is a wolf head
A silver eagle bracket
And a green snake on the bottom
Gold studs on both sides going down
UPDATE: Stolen native-designed walking stick has been turned in by a good…
I have to admit, I was stymied this week. I wanted to write, but I just couldn’t find a subject to sink my teeth into. Not to say there aren’t issues that need exploring. Homelessness, food insecurity and rising housing costs are all on my list but I felt something lighthearted was needed.
I went for an afternoon walk in the Inner Harbour. There amid the tourists, vendors and pickle boats I saw him making his way over to the shade for a much needed break. It was Plasterman.
I was nervous to approach him. Like an older version of myself summoning up the courage to talk to Goofy at Disneyland, I didn’t know what to expect. Would he even speak to me? I mean, he’s a living statue and I don’t know how his rules on breaking character.
Sheepishly, I approached and asked if he would like to chat… a question I’m just now realizing could have multiple meanings to a man who has chosen a career in mime. Plasterman smiled, shook my hand, and as vendors popped their popcorn in the background, said yes.
I’ll be the first to admit, that interview is not my best. As I left Plasterman, my mind raced with dozens of further questions I had for him. What does he do in the off season? Is it a good living? Maybe get him to tell a crazy anecdote or two. I shrugged it off and resigned to be back tomorrow better prepared.
I returned to the harbour and found him setting up his podium. I approached with more confidence than the day before, waved and tried to engage. Except now I wasn’t on his time, I was on his audience’s. He didn’t afford me any acknowledgment. Not a word, not a gesture. And I understood why… this guy is a pro.
Victoria firefighters were called to a fire at Beacon Hill Park around 4:30pm, Wednesday. The fire was between the petting zoo and totem pole, near the Dallas Road border of the park.
The fire was about an acre in size when firefighters arrived, they were able to put it out in less than five minutes. Witnesses tell CHEK News, it could have scorched a much bigger area if not for the quick response of firefighters.
The City of Victoria have awarded Vancouver-based, mother and son Musqueam First Nation artist team, Susan Point and Thomas Cannell, for their Woven Together proposal to create contemporary First Nations artwork to enhance the exterior of the Johnson Street Parkade.
Susan Point and Thomas Cannell are professional artists with more than 40 years’ experience combined.
Woven Together was one of 110 proposals the City received in response to the national Call to Artists to create new public artwork to beautify Johnson Street Parkade. The artwork will be installed in April 2016.
The winners were selected using the national three-stage competition City’s Art in Public Places Policy and was juried by a selection committee of seven individuals, consisting of visual art instructors, an urban design professional, local artists, a business owner and a member of the Victoria Youth Council.
About “Woven Together”
Woven Together will consist of colourful, powder-coated aluminum circular forms that are often used in Coast Salish art to represent the cycle of life, but also the traditional weaving spindle whorl and transportation. Colour will play a significant role in symbolizing cultures and different beliefs around the world, all coming together to complete the circle.
The centre will be made up of four eye motifs that create four butterfly images symbolizing the ability to accept change, metamorphosis, and the beauty of nature. The number four is important within First Nations culture as it represents the four winds, seasons, directions, elements, moons and peoples.
The artwork will be approximately six metres wide by eight metres high.
The budget for the completed artwork is $125,000, which will cover the design, production, installation and administrative costs, and is funded by the City’s Art in Public Places Reserve Fund.
Flugel Horn, arose early on August 13, to capture the beautiful morning views around the Johnson Street bridge. The video captures the sunrise, to instances of ships passing through with the lift-span open.
Starting next month, after Labour Day weekend, all regular passenger fares will be 50% off during off-peak times. The BC Ferries statement also hints at more discounts for late fall and next spring that customers will enjoy.
From September 8 through October 15 (Monday to Thursday), at off-peak times on all major and minor routes, regular passenger fares will be discounted 50 per cent and for the month of October, regular passenger fares will be discounted by 50 per cent on all sailings on the northern routes.
“This promotion allows us an opportunity this fall to test variable pricing concepts in order to understand their impact on traffic trends, customer responses, and operations,” said Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ President and CEO.
“This will help us gather information as we prepare pricing strategies for our Fare Flexibility and Digital Experience Initiative in 2017, which will make variable pricing a permanent part of our service delivery model.”
The BC Ferries fare cut was announced at its annual general meeting in Vancouver on Friday along with first quarter results that show an increase in net earnings of $18.8 million, up from $13.9 million in the first quarter of last year. These positive earnings reflect the results of favourable traffic and increased retail sales, among other contributing factors.
“The fact that the positive trend in B.C. tourism and in our passenger traffic is going against the general trend in the Canadian economy makes it difficult to say exactly how long it will last, however we intend to leverage the resulting strong financial results to keep fare increases at approximately the rate of inflation, fund our $3 billion capital program to replace aging vessels, terminal and information technology infrastructure, as well as test variable pricing promotions for the remainder of this fiscal year,” said Corrigan.
Across the system, passenger traffic increased 5.0 per cent and vehicle traffic increased 4.7 per cent, as compared to the first quarter last year. During the three months ended June 30, 2015, BC Ferries provided over 41,000 sailings, carrying over five million passengers and two million vehicles.
The Breakdown:
• BC Ferries announced today a major fleet-wide pricing promotion of 50 per cent savings on all regular passenger fares coming soon.
• From September 8 through October 15 on the major and minor routes, the 50 per cent passenger fare discount will be in effect Monday through Thursday on select middle of the day sailings and on Saturday afternoon and evening sailings.
• From October 1 – 31 on the northern routes, the half-price discount for all passengers will apply on all sailings. • For example, adult passengers on the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route will save $8.45 during the promotion. This rate is similar to the fare from 1997.
• For example, adult passengers travelling on the Port Hardy – Prince Rupert Inside Passage route will save $72.75 during the promotion. This rate is similar to the fare 12 years ago.
• During the promotion, Monday through Thursday, BC Seniors travelling on the major and minor routes will receive a 50 per cent discount off the regular seniors’ fare during this promotion, so they’ll pay just 25 per cent of the regular adult passenger fare.
• During the promotion, Experience Card, Northern Resident and Group Discounts will be increased to match the promotional discounts of 50 per cent off the regular fare.
• This off-peak pricing promotion will not apply on Thanksgiving Monday (October 12) on the major and minor routes, as traditionally that day is always a busy day for ferry travel. • For the purpose of this promotion, the major routes are the Metro Vancouver – Vancouver Island and Horseshoe Bay – Langdale routes. The minor routes are the Southern and Northern Gulf Island routes and the Port McNeill – Alert Bay Sointula route. • For the purpose of this promotion, the northern routes are the Port Hardy – Prince Rupert, Prince Rupert – Haida Gwaii, Alliford Bay – Skidegate routes and the Discovery Coast connector.
Following nine successful shows in Calgary and Edmonton, the first Gem & Mineral Show show has made its way to Victoria.
The event will be held this weekend at Pearkes Field House.
This Show will highlight the wonderful mineral collections and jewelery of collectors and vendors from around Canada.
Pearkes Field House – 3100 Tillicum Rd
What will you find at the show: Unique Gems, Fine Minerals, Rare Fossils, Handmade Jewellery, Fancy Beads, Lapidary Art and more at first annual Gem & Mineral.
When:
Friday, August 21th 2015, 12:00-8pm
Saturday, August 22th 2015, 10am-6pm
Sunday, August 23th 2015, 10am-5pm
Cost:
Admission Fee at Show doors, cash only:
Adults: $7
Seniors 65 and up / Students: $5
Children 12 and under free (with adults)
Fall is just around the corner, and with the exciting new opening of DSW in Victoria this week, Victoria Buzz took the opportunity to speak to Director of Public Relations at Town Shoes Limited, and self-confessed shoeholic, Crissi Giamos, about what shoe fashion trends to look out for this season!
Boots
Boots Boots Boots!
This fall is all about boots – ankle boots, all-weather boots, fringed boots, motorcycle boots, anything with details such as studs and buckles. Definitely a must-have for every shoe lover this season!
Grey
Grey – fall’s neutral
Grey is THE fashion color for footwear this fall. Seen on all international runways, it is the new neutral. Wear it with anything where you would wear black or tan. Wear head-to-toe grey or use it to “pop” your outfit. As you transition into fall, throw on a little grey bootie with your pastel outfit, à la Prada.
Leopard print
Leopard print
Animal prints have been around for so long that they are not even a trend anymore. They are now part of our staple shoe wardrobe. It’s like having a black shoe – just wear leopard with anything! Don’t be afraid to mix prints with leopard, it will make your outfit more exciting!
Men’s inspired footwear
Brogue details on women’s flats
Borrow from the boys! These are practically the replacement for the ballet slipper. We all love the ballet slipper, we keep it in our bag for the commuter ride, but these brogue details add more fun. The best time to wear it, for a little shock reaction, contradict it with a pretty little girly dress. These also go fantastically with the season’s culottes.
Shoeties
Suede peep-toe shoeties
The shoetie is a hybrid between and ankle boot and a high or low-heel shoe. Sometimes you just wake up, you don’t know what to wear, “Do I wanna wear a shoe? Or do I wanna wear a bootie?” It gives attitude to any outfit you wear! You can have peep-toe shoeties, lacy details, add some suede, mix it with leather. The shoetie is always an awesome answer when you don’t know what to wear on your feet!
A rendering of what a floating LNG facility could look like in the Saanich Inlet . (Courtesy Steelhead LNG)
The Malahat First Nation and Steelhead LNG called a news conference this morning announcing their mutually beneficial agreement and long-term lease to explore a floating LNG facility in the Saanich Inlet. The floating structure would be moored at the shoreline with supporting land-based infrastructure on the 525-hectare Bamberton Industrial site, which the Malahat Nation purchased in July.
Steelhead LNG is exploring methods to bring a pipeline to the island. With an output of 600 million tons of LNG, in order to get the gas to the island would involve a pipeline and eventually 6 tankers entering the Saanich Inlet each month. For this to take place will require the passing of multiple pieces of legislation and remains a proposal at this stage. The plant will be 300 meters long, 50 meters wide, and the multi-billion dollar project is expected to generate 200 long-term job positions.
The LNG project will require a great deal of infrastructure, so Steelhead LNG is hoping to put the Port Alberni and Bamberton LNG projects together. Steelhead LNG CEO Nigel Kuzemko on Cfax1070 this morning, “In effect they pay for a bit of the pipeline each and by sharing that, not only do we use existing rights of way where possible, minimizing environmental impact, but it also makes it more economic.”
When asked about the location of a pipeline, Kozemko responded, “At the moment we are not talking about the potential pipeline route. The way we do business at Steelhead is we always talk to First Nations first. Obviously we want to do that with respect to a potential pipeline route and we will be doing that over the next couple of weeks.”
The land allocated for the proposed project is industrial-zoned and is currently a rock quarry, as well as a site for off-loading industrial equipment and materials and other industrial activities. The Malahat First Nation recently acquired the land, tripling the size of their Nation. The transaction is one of the largest Aboriginal land purchases in BC history.
“As a Nation committed to improving the quality of life for our people, we are excited about this opportunity with Steelhead LNG,” said Acting Chief Tommy Harry of the Malahat Nation. “In 2015, our Nation developed a Comprehensive Development Plan that reflects our people’s needs and their vision of how we want to develop our Nation. We recognized that to achieve that vision, we needed to look beyond our Nation to develop new business relationships and economic opportunities.”
Last night, Victoria Buzz had the pleasure of attending the pre-grand opening of the new DSW store at 805 Cloverdale (the old Michaels location). Over 22,000 square feet – it’s one of the largest shoe stores in the country! People are expected to be lining up well before 8am, as the first 250 through the doors will get a $25 gift card. A surprise charity donation will also be announced. Jessica Simpson, Nine West, Vans, Coach and so many more brands under the one roof!
VicPD, CRA, and many other local police agencies are all are urging the public to be vigilant after a sharp increase in the number of reports of the “Canada Revenue Agency” phone scam over the last few days.
Calls have flooded the local 911 communications centres, VicPD say several citizens have stopped by the police headquarters, traumatized, and in some cases – in an attempt to turn themselves in for what they believed to be non-payment of their taxes.
The scam is typified by a telephone call by an angry caller claiming to represent the Canada Revenue Agency. These callers are particularly aggressive and threaten their unsuspecting victims with arrest and fines. Often, the callers will claim a warrant has been issued for the intended victim’s arrest.
That claim has led several, including some of Victoria and Esquimalt’s vulnerable elderly residents, down to our headquarters for “arrest”. “A reputable government agency will never threaten you with arrest for unpaid taxes over the phone,” VicPD Financial Crimes Detective Sergeant Derek Tolmie.
“If someone calls you claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency, you can call them at 1-800-959-8281 to verify.”
Example of a call:
The CRA is urging residents to hang up if they receive such a call. Examples of recent telephone scams involve threatening or coercive language to scare individuals into pre-paying fictitious debt to the CRA. These calls should be ignored and reported to the RCMP.
The Victoria Buzz office had the following message left on its voice message, yesterday: “The reason for this call is to inform you the CRA is filing a lawsuit against you. To get more information about this case file, please call immediately on our department number 1 (613) 927-9687.” The call then abruptly ends.
One Victoria resident, reeling from a phone call with the fraudsters, attended VicPD HQ to face what she believed to be an impending arrest. When our front desk officer approached her, the woman was visibly upset, crying and shaking. It took several minutes for our officer to help calm her down and learn what happened.
“It’s frankly heartbreaking to see, innocent, good people needlessly traumatized by these scammers,” Det. Sgt. Tolmie said.
“It’s frustrating and needless. The best thing people can do is learn to recognize these scams and to talk to their loved ones about them.”
Other examples of recent email scams include notifications to taxpayers that they are entitled to a refund of a specific amount, or informing taxpayers that their tax assessment has been verified and they are eligible to receive a tax refund. These emails often have CRA logos or internet links that appear official. Some contain obvious grammar or spelling mistakes.
The CRA says they would never request someone to pay a debt with prepaid credit cards, and would never ask for passport, health card, or driver’s licence numbers.
To better equip yourself to identify possible scams, the following guidelines should be used:
The CRA:
NEVER requests information from a taxpayer about a passport, health card, or driver’s license.
NEVER divulges taxpayer information to another person unless formal authorization is provided by the taxpayer.
NEVER leaves any personal information on an answering machine or asks taxpayers to leave a message with their personal information on an answering machine.
Whenin doubt, ask yourself the following:
Am I expecting additional money from the CRA?
Does this sound too good to be true?
Is the requester asking for information I would not include with my tax return?
Is the requester asking for information I know the CRA already has on file for me?
How did the requester get my email address or telephone number?
Am I confident I know who is asking for the information?
Is there a reason that the CRA may be calling? Do I have a tax balance outstanding?
Anyone who receives a suspicious communication should immediately report it to info@antifraudcentre.ca or to the institution that the communication appears to be from.
A Victoria man has received a 90-day driving prohibition; the ultimate result of a high-risk vehicle stop which saw the man held at gunpoint by officers.
Just after 4 a.m., on Sunday, August 9th, police were on routine patrol in the 300- block of Cook Street when they spotted a man riding a motorcycle with what appeared to be an assault rifle sticking out of his backpack. After calling for back-up, officers conducted a high-risk vehicle stop and took the man into custody.
“We had him prone on the ground at gun point until it was safe enough to get him in handcuffs and under control,” Cst. Hayley Swann said. “He had what looked to be an assault rifle on his back, sticking out of his bag.”
It was only after the man was in custody that officers discovered the weapon was a replica – one that was strikingly realistic.
“We have to treat these weapons as though they are real, and very, very dangerous until we know for certain they’re not,” Cst. Swann said.
“Until we know they’re a replica, this weapon poses a potential danger to everybody in the surrounding community, my partner and myself, and most of all the person in possession of it.”
When asked why he would transport the replica weapon in such a fashion, the man indicated that he did so late at night so that he wouldn’t scare anyone.
While questioning the man officers noted signs of alcohol impairment. They demanded a roadside breathalyzer test, which the man failed.
When the man failed a second test, he was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition, his vehicle towed and his replica assault rifle was seized.
Denise Diering didn’t expect to see a big black bear standing at the edge of her swimming pool when she looked out the back door of her North Vancouver home late on Monday afternoon.
She told CBC News she shouted to her husband, Tony Diering, who was nearby, to “Close the door!”
When she looked back, the bear slid into the pool, then climbed into the adjoining hot tub for a quick soak.
The swim lasted about 15 minutes, and was partly caught on video, before the bear scampered off through a hole it had knocked down in the Dierings’ fence.
Tony Diering said he thinks the bear was a male. He also noticed it had been tagged by wildlife officials. The mountainside city is often the site of bear activity.
“In the neighbourhood there are a lot of small kids and obviously it’s a safety concern for our neighbours,” he said.
“I just hope the bear can get the message and basically go somewhere else.”
A bear — possibly the same one — was in the Dierings’ backyard last month and licked their bird feeder clean, they said.
Hundreds of cheerful spectators lined Beacon Ave in Sidney, this past Saturday, for the 2nd annual Bed Races on Beacon. All in support of Palliative Care at Rest Haven Lodge.
This fun and exhilarating charity event seen Sidney’s main street become a race track for 15 teams of bed racers. Team were dressed up in wild and crazy costumes and raced down the street to become the winner of the coveted bed race trophy.
Congrats to Island Savings who took the trophy. TD Bank came in second place, but gave their rivals a run for their money.
It was a fun afternoon at the Bed Races on Beacon. Thank you to Brenda and the entire team at Rest Rest Haven Foundation for organizing such a fun event! Congrats to Island Savings who took the trophy. So proud of the BIA team who placed in the top 4!
Temperatures in vehicles can rise rapidly in warm, sunny weather and quickly become hot enough to seriously impair a dog’s or other pet’s health.
The current penalties for pet owners who leave their animals behind in hot vehicles are the toughest in Canada. However, these measures haven’t been enough to stop some from putting their pets at risk.
BC SPCA has received more than 1,200 calls about animals left in hot vehicles this summer, and that number is on the rise, and already higher than the approximately 1100 calls the SPCA responded to in 2014.
Careless owners who expose pets to excessive heat and/or deprive them of adequate ventilation can be charged with Animal Cruelty, which faces a maximum fine of $75,000 and two years in jail.
The province is now consulting BC SPCA, the B.C. College of Veterinarians, UBCM, local governments and police services to increase the options to rescue animals that have been left in cars and are suffering heat related distress.
Changes are expected to be implemented by Spring 2016.
“While many British Columbians are known to indulge their pets, the B.C. government expects every pet owner to be responsible, and not risk their dog’s lives by leaving them in hot cars,” said Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick.
“Despite awareness campaigns and Canada’s toughest penalties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, we need to do more in situations when pets are needlessly put at risk.”
Symptoms of heatstroke:
exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting)
rapid or erratic pulse
salivation
anxious or staring expression
weakness and muscle tremors
lack of coordination
tongue and lips red (which may eventually turn bluish in colour)
convulsions or vomiting
collapse, coma and death
If you see a dog in a car on a warm or humid day and you believe it may be in trouble, ask nearby stores to page customers. If the dog is in distress call the BC SPCA’S Animal Cruelty Hotline at 1-855-622-7722. The call centre is open seven days per week: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If it is an animal emergency outside of these hours, please contact your local police department, RCMP or animal control immediately.
Emergency treatment for dogs:
If the dog shows symptoms of heatstroke follow these instructions:
Immediately move the animal to a cool, shady place.
Wet the dog with cool water.
Fan vigorously to promote evaporation. This process will cool the blood, which reduces the dog’s core temperature.
Do not apply ice. This constricts blood flow which will inhibit cooling.
Allow the dog to drink some cool water.
Take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for further treatment.
Victoria Police are asking for your help in locating missing 56-year-old Victoria man, James Phillips. He was last seen on August 11th in the 2300-block of Trent Street. James suffers from mental health, and both VicPD members and his friends need to know that he’s OK.
Phillips is described as:
Caucasian man
5′ 10″
Medium build
Blue eyes
Long grey hair
He also has a distinctive mustache.
If you have any information on James Phillips whereabouts, you are asked to call the VicPD non-emergency number at (250) 995-7655.
The devices will be installed in a special bracket on each bus and will be activated at the beginning of each day for each bus. After the device has been turned on, there is nothing else for the operator to do except adjust the volume. If for any reason there is a technical glitch with the system, BC Transit operators will call out stops verbally until the device can be serviced at the end of the shift.
