Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
Marian Minar was shocked to see a cougar in his backyard in Port Hardy Thursday night.
He tells Global News that at about 7:30 p.m. he first saw the animal, who appeared to on the prowl for the neighbour’s cat. Minar started to capture the encounter on video.
The cat stayed on the fence, staring the cougar down. The larger animal stayed for about 10 minutes, hoping for its meal, but when Minar opened the window to get a better view the cougar took off.
Minar says this is a very unusual sight in his neighbourhood.
MV Klitsa on First Day of Service (Replaced MV Mill Bay) - Photo by Kiwibirdman on panoramio.com
Service between Mill Bay and Brentwood Bay will resume on Thursday, June 11. Ferry service was temporarily suspended while a nearly two-month long refit was conducted on the MV Klitsa.
During the refit, which occurs every four years, the following work was completed:
• Vessel dry-docking to renew coatings and conduct a full inspection
• Service main engines and propellers
• Survey the vessel
• Other general cleaning and maintenance
original release:
BC Ferries is reminding customers using the Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay route that service will be temporarily suspended April 13 to June 10, 2015 while the MV Klitsa undergoes a scheduled major refit. During this suspension of service, transportation between Mill Bay and Brentwood Bay is available via Highway #17 and Highway #1.
As part of mandatory safety and regulatory requirements, the MV Klitsa is removed from service every four years for a major refit and is expected to resume service on Thursday, June 11, 2015.
Under contract to the Province of British Columbia, BC Ferries is the service provider responsible for the delivery of safe, efficient and dependable ferry service along coastal British Columbia.
We had a chat today with Andrew Briggs, well-known for his intimate Victoria House Concert B sessions about one of his other loves, his charitable work with Angels Chopper Bike Club. Featured on People of Victoria, here is the remainder of the interview:
“I went to an Awolnation concert down at Legends, when it was still called that and I met this man, his name was Mike Harrington. He started Angels Chopper Bike Club Association or ACBC. And I was talking to him about it and he was interested in my House Concerts. I asked him what he did and he said “I’m sort of starting up this little bike club with my family.” So afterwards he came to one of my House Concerts, and we started talking about the costs. So I said “How about I give you all my bottles?” coz I had a whole bunch of bottles from the concerts, “And let’s earn money that way.” And that’s how I initially got involved.”
“I was interested because basically he took kids off the street. It was a very small club, he just knew a couple kids that were on the street and what they would do is they would take their bicycles and they would make them better than bikes – so chopper bikes.”
“The kids, they would ride down to the arena when say Gene Simmons was playing and they’d make a little picnic out of it. They’d stay in the parking lot until the roadie would come out or the band member and they’d say, “Hey, can we get your autograph?” And then the roadie would say “Wow, that’s such a cool bike!” And they’d let him ride it and they would tell the musician and the musician would come out and ride it and they’d take the kids in and ride around in the stadium, inside or wherever. And have them in their dressing room and stuff. So it kind of morphed into us now telling the musicians we’re coming and we bring a bunch of kids there.”
“Now we make chopper bikes for musicians, for free. Most of them that we’ve done Gene Simmons, Ice Cube, Ozzy Osborne, Chris Cornell, Sarah McLachlan, Van Halen and more, we let them know that we’ve made them. For example one of the big ones, Gene Simmons, he was overwhelmed with it. He took it in, he had the whole family sign it – and it kind of makes the life of the kids who make the bike.”
“So the mission was to take the kids off the street, to teach them to socialize, how to do technical things with their hands with the help of people like Harley Davidson and other companies in town. All these business out there that are really giving us lots. Coz it’s non-profit, we have no funds. We get ours from our bottles. I just did a bottle run and I got $550, one huge truck, it’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Not only does it take kids off the street, but it also brings the parents in, because they find it really cool saying “I used to have a bike like that!” and they start bonding.”
Traffic is up on BC Ferries over the same period last year, with March showing increases of over 5 per cent for vehicles and nearly 4 per cent for passengers. In March 2015, BC Ferries welcomed an additional 51,937 passengers and 29,861 vehicles compared to March 2014. February was even better with increases of over 10 per cent for passengers and nearly 11 per cent for vehicles.
“These numbers are very positive and we are optimistic we’ll have an outstanding summer for traffic on BC Ferries this year,” said Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ President & CEO. “Indications are that lower gas prices and a weaker Canadian dollar will combine to increase traffic this summer. We are also optimistic for the future with annual preliminary price caps set at or below inflation at 1.9 per cent from 2016 to 2020.”
Tourism is rebounding from the economic downturn and it is expected to be a busy tourist season in B.C. Travel and accommodation are experiencing increases, and BC Ferries is predicting this upward trend in passenger and vehicle traffic will remain strong for the tourist season.
Under contract to the Province of British Columbia, BC Ferries is the service provider responsible for the delivery of safe, efficient and dependable ferry service along coastal British Columbia.
The Province is helping low-income adults and children access urgent dental care with a $120,000 one-time grant to support dental programs throughout B.C.
Twenty not-for-profit dental clinics will receive $4,000 each. The majority of the $80,000 distributed to the clinics will be used to deliver services at reduced rates for low-income families and individuals. The funds will assist with operating and capital costs such as replacement equipment.
Another $40,000 will go directly to the British Columbia Dental Association’s Save a Smile program, which supports urgent dental care to children of families without public or private dental-plan coverage throughout B.C. The association works directly with public-health dental staff who screen families for clinical and financial eligibility, as well as with the University of British Columbia, which administers program funds.
Quotes:
Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –
“Good dental health is key to overall heath and along with the British Columbia Dental Association we are working to make sure that dental services are available to everyone, regardless of income. This funding and these 20 dental clinics will help low-income families and individuals access the dental care they need at a reduced rate.”
Dr. David Baird, president, British Columbia Dental Association –
“Thank you to the ministry for recognizing the valuable services offered by the 20 not-for-profit dental clinics in B.C. and the British Columbia Dental Association’s Save a Smile program. These funds will be directed to these programs to support patients in need of urgent dental care in communities throughout the province.”
Quick Facts:
Last year government provided dental services to about 137,000 people receiving income and disability assistance and children in low-income families at a total cost of $58 million.
Since 2006, the ministry has provided $1.4 million through numerous grants and contribution agreements in support of the British Columbia Dental Association’s charitable programs and not-for-profit dental clinics.
Evil Acres presents their first Annual Halfway to Halloween Masquerade Ball. Headlining the entertainment is The Monsters of Schlock, comedy sideshow act. In addition to their show, they will be attempting to beat a Guinness World Record! ( sure to be a spectacle ) There will be music, food and bar available.
Come dressed in your best costume as there are many categories each with a cash prize, and the best overall winning a trip for two to Las Vegas! Many many door prizes and give-a-ways!!!
For those with the dark side and Halloween running through your veins, this event is for you!
BONUS:These tickets will also get you into this years Haunted Houses by Evil Acres.
To enter, do at least one of the following:
1. Tweet the following on Twitter: (1 entry)
Win 2 tickets to see @evilacres Masquerade Ball in #yyj on May 1 at @English_Inn – @victoriabuzzes http://bit.ly/1IJYZR9 RT to enter!
2. Follow @victoria_buzz on Instagram. Leave a comment below letting us know once you have. (1 entry)
3. Like Evil Acres on Facebook. Leave a comment below letting us know once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m. PST on April 20, 2015. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter by.
Good luck everyone!
Advertorial. If you are interested in sponsored content, please contact us.
VicPD is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Delmer Esau, a 39-year-old Victoria man, who was last seen on March 28th.
Officers have been looking for Mr. Esau since his disappearance and are now looking for the public’s help. Mr. Esau was last seen at 8 a.m. on the morning of the 26th in the 400-block of Swift Street. Mr. Esau requires medications to assist his mental health and officers are concerned for his well-being.
Mr. Easu is described as Caucasian man, standing 5-foot-5 and weighing approximately 150 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes.
West Shore RCMP are happy to let you know they have retraced the owner of the money, reported lost yesterday at a West Shore restaurant. A Good Samaritan had originally turned in the money to the West Shore RCMP Detachment after finding it in a restaurant.
The owner was notified by her husband after seeing this report on the news. She was able to describe every detail of where, when and how she lost her money. The sum was $50.
We are very happy the public came together to help us return the money to its rightful owner”, says Cst. Alex BERUBE, spokesperson of the West Shore RCMP. It doesn’t matter what the total worth was, if this does not represent much for some, for others it might be a week’s worth of groceries. After all, we are here to assist in returning found properties, no matter what it is.
West Shore RCMP would like to thank the public for its assistance in this matter.
Original story:
West Shore RCMP are praising the selfless act of a Good Samaritan by bringing an undisclosed amount of money to West Shore RCMP after finding it today at a West Shore restaurant. It can be challenging to prove ownership of the money that was found; therefore police are not divulging the location or amount of money found, which would only be known to its rightful owner.
We really appreciate the dedication of the woman who turned in the money to us in effort to retrace its owner, says Cst. Alex BERUBE, spokesperson of the West Shore RCMP.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”19882″ background=”1″ stretch=”1″]Now in its fourth year, Rock The Shores is returning to a two-day format, guaranteeing an amazing weekend for all! On July 18 and 19, you can expect a world-class, premium festival experience, right here on Vancouver Island!
The site layout, which has been optimized to allow for maximum grass space, will feature expanded amenities and large scale video screens. Rock the Shore promises food and beverage will again be of the highest quality and local wherever possible! And, most importantly, you, the festival audience will be truly awesome!
Rock the Shores Two Day GA and VIP Passes go on sale this Friday, April 3rd at 10am PT. Get yours online at Rocktheshores.com or in person at Lyle’s Place and West Shore Parks & Recreation.
We compiled a playlist from artist that will be performing at this years Rock The Shores Have a song suggestion for the playlist? Comment below and we will get that added.
Atomique officially launched as a company back in 1999, but it all started a long time before that. Nick Blasko and Dimitri Demers met here on the Island at Sundance Elementary School, as kids in the ’80s. They first bonded over cartoons and Lego, and later, skateboarding and the awesome local bands playing in downtown Victoria.
By the time they were in their early 20s, between the two of them they’d booked bands, started bands, managed bands, launched club nights, DJed from the gulf islands to Washington, and had helped throw some of the biggest events Victoria had ever seen.
When they formed Atomique they began company that would become known across the country for its commitment to supporting bands early in their careers, and for their dedication to tracking
down some of the biggest national and international names for Victoria’s venues. In an industry dominated by corporate promoters, Atomique has maintained a ferocious independence. They are committed to working with other local companies, and to developing Vancouver Island’s arts culture.
These days there are more festivals than ever vying to book bands and Rock the Shores is definitely one of the little guys in that landscape, but the plan is that with a lot of hard work, learning experiences, and help from Island friends, Rock the Shores will grow to become a flawlessly executed, homegrown Rock Festival featuring some of the best bands in the world. A party that is easy to afford, easy to get to, and that makes it easy to have the best weekend of your summer with a few thousand of your closest friend
Imagine being homeless and every time you see a vacancy for an apartment, the landlord takes one look and says, “We’re full.” But this isn’t the Christmas story, it’s real life for so many Family members — especially the 30-per-cent of the Our Place community who identify as Aboriginal.
Recently, Our Place Society were contacted by two Camosun College students interested in creating a short video on some of the programs and services that Our Place offers. They decided to highlight a relatively new program at Our Place with the arrival of our Aboriginal Housing Support workers.
On Sunday, April 5, in the late afternoon hours, the body of a deceased female was located in a secluded beach area along the coastline of Mount Douglas park.
It is with sadness that we advise that the body has been identified as that of Nancy BAYES, a 54 year old Saanich resident, that was reported missing on Wednesday April 1st.
“The Police and the BC Coroner’s service continue to investigate this death, however, at this time, we can advise that there are no apparent signs of foul play, and no apparent risk to the public” said Sgt. Steve Eassie.
The BAYES family, as well as the Saanich Police, would like to thank everyone that assisted in getting the message out about Nancy’s disappearance.
The BAYES family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Original story:
The Saanich Police Department are asking for assistance from the public to locate 54 year old Nancy BAYES.
Nancy was last known to be at her residence in the area of Cook Street and Quadra Street, and is believed to have walked away from her residence at some time between 5:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening.
Nancy’s family, as well as Police, are concerned for her well being. All efforts to locate her have so far yeilded no results.
Nancy is described as a Caucasian female, 54 years of age, approximately 5’5″ tall, slender build, with brown hair.
It is believed that Nancy would be wearing a black “The North Face” rain coat and blue corduroy pants.
While the location of Nancy is not known, family have advised that Nancy has been drawn to beach like settings in the past, including the Cordova Bay area and along the Gorge Waterway.
Anyone who may have information about the location of Nancy BAYES, or who may have seen Nancy since yesterday afternoon, are asked to contact Detective Sergeant Paul Lamoureux of the Saanich Police General Investigation Section at 778-677-3948.
VicPD officers are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Nicole Jones, a 16-year-old Victoria girl who was reported missing on Thursday, March 26th.
Nicole was reported missing by an associate who last saw her at 9:00 a.m. on the 26th in the 800-block of Langham Court. Nicole’s lifestyle has been described as ‘high-risk’ and officers have been looking for her since her reported disappearance.
Nicole stands 5-foot-1, weighs approximately 100 lbs. and has an average build. She also has long brown hair. It is not known what clothing she was wearing at the time of her disappearance but usually travels with a black backpack and a brown purse.
If you have any information on Nicole’s whereabouts, please call VicPD on the non-emergency line at 250-995-7654. If you see Nicole, call 911.
BC Ferries says rescue crews recovered a man unresponsive and unconscious from the waters near Bowen Island after several passengers witnessed him jump from the ship. The incident happened at 4:15 pm. The Queen of Oak Bay had left Horseshoe Bay and was scheduled to arrive in Departure Bay at 4:40 pm. The Captain immediately stopped the ship and launched rescue boats. The Queen of Oak Bay has docked in Nanaimo and its remaining sailings have been cancelled.
See more latest CHEK NEWS at: www.cheknews.ca/top-stories/
The report from the Privacy Commissioner slams Saanich’s use of spyware, and says, among other things, “During the course of this investigation my staff found that District employees and officers were almost entirely unaware of the District’s obligations under Part 3 of FIPPA, which governs the protection of individuals’ privacy and places limits on the District’s ability to collect, use or disclose personal information. To the extent that the District had processes in place to meet the requirements of that Act, those processes were limited only to those which are needed to comply with the access to information obligations in Part 2 of FIPPA. With respect to the FIPPA obligations that are the subject of this investigation, the District has not taken any steps to meet the requirements of Part 3.
The District’s submissions to my office demonstrate a deep lack of understanding about the most basic tenets of the Act, such as what constitutes the collection of personal information by the District. The District of Saanich must implement a privacy management program to ensure that all personal information in its custody or under its control is adequately protected and that any collection, use, or disclosure is compliant with FIPPA.
The skateboard ban in downtown Victoria is one step closer to being lifted. A city council committee passed the motion this afternoon to amend the bylaw. Currently, skateboards are welcome in parks but not in the downtown core, called the “red zone”. The bylaw was introduced over 20 years ago and advocates say it is antiquated. If council approves the amendment in May, skateboarders will follow the same rules of the road as cyclists, except they won’t be required to wear a helmet. Skateboards and any other human powered device will not be allowed on city sidewalks.
Victoria firefighters were called to a home at 1251 Rudlin St. about 10:30 p.m. A man and his three children escaped a fire Tuesday night that destroyed their home and all their possessions.
The displaced family is staying with relatives and receiving help from the Victoria evacuee assistance as everything inside the house was destroyed. The occupants also did not have insurance.
Knight said neighbours passed a hat as a collection for the family, amassing $600 in just a few minutes.
If you would like to help the Weston family out, please visit: http://www.gofundme.com/pwk6qc
It’s a police chase like one you’ve likely never seen before. Two escapees on the run tied up traffic for hours on the busy Trans Canada Highway. But police weren’t after criminals, they were trying to round up two brazen bovines. Tess van Straaten has more on the cow caper.
If you work in the public sector, consider yourself lucky. A new report says public sector workers make up to $8,500 a year more than people doing the same jobs in the private sector, despite working less. Tess van Straaten has the details.
Drivers who won’t move over can impede traffic and contribute to crashes. This new rule makes it clear who should travel in the left lane, and when, promoting safety on our highways, says Minister of Transportation, Todd Stone.
Drivers should think twice about hogging the left lane on high-speed highways when new rules come into effect. Legislation introduced today will make it easier for police to ticket drivers who don’t move over.
The Rural Highway Safety and Speed Review found there was significant public concern with slow drivers travelling in the left lane on high-speed highways, leading to driver frustration and aggressive driving behaviours. The Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2015 clarifies that drivers are to travel in the right lane, unless they are:
overtaking and passing another vehicle,
moving left to allow traffic to merge,
preparing for a left hand turn,
moving left to pass an official vehicle displaying a flashing light.
Drivers will be permitted to use the left-most lane if it is unsafe to use the right lane – for example, if the right lane is not yet ploughed or there is debris in the lane. As well, during periods of traffic congestion when the actual travel speed drops to 50 km/h or less, drivers can use all lanes.
In addition, this legislation will allow the ministry to define winter tires as those with a mountain/snowflake symbol or the M+S (mud and snow) symbol by regulation, and to more easily update the definition as tire technology changes. Updated requirements for studded tires and traction devices such as chains can also be defined in regulation.
Another change will permit local governments to permit motorcycle parking within six meters of intersections with stop signs or signals, as long as drivers’ views are not impeded. This will allow more efficient use of space that is not large enough for a car.
Chief Neil Dubord says, drivers who block the left lane increase the risk caused by aggressive drivers who will pass on the right or tailgate. This change provides clarity to police officers who will enforce the requirement for vehicles to travel in the right lane.
Quick Facts:
The legislation means drivers cannot use the left-most lane of a highway with two or more lanes of traffic in the same direction and having a posted speed limit 80 km/h or greater, unless they are performing a specified action set out by the Act.
The left-most lane does not include bus lanes or HOV lanes. On Highway 1 through Burnaby, for example, the left-most lane is the one next to the HOV lane.
When there is little traffic, and no one is approaching from behind, a driver can travel in the left-most lane. This allows drivers on four-lane highways in rural areas to keep a greater distance from the road sides where there may be wildlife.
This legislation allows for drivers to move to the left lane if they are passing a stopped official vehicle displaying red, blue or yellow flashing lights, such as police cars, ambulances, tow trucks and highway maintenance and construction vehicles.
Today is the 24th anniversary of the disappearance of Michael Dunahee. I was living in Petawawa Ontario at the time; I was 10. I recall seeing Michael Dunahee’s missing posters; they were everywhere, posted on every single store front, telephone pole. The impact it had on me was powerful. Every where I went, it was on the back of my mind to be watching for him and until this day, it still is.
Michael’s disappearance spawned one of the largest police investigations in Canadian history, and today the case remains an active investigation.
Michael went missing from Blanshard Elementary School on March 24th, 1991. He was last seen around 12:30 p.m. in the area of the school playground. He was 4-years-old at the time.
If anyone has information about Michael Dunahee’s disappearance they can contact VicPD at 250-995-7261 or, to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Officers remain committed to this investigation and will continue to investigate the disappearance of Michael.
Date of Birth: May 12, 1986 Missing Since: Mar 24, 1991 Missing from: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Characteristics: Michael was starting to show freckles when he disappeared. Eyes: Blue Hair: Blond At the time of disappearance: height: 3’0″; weight: 51 lbs
Hannah no longer has to go to Vancouver for regular hospital visits, nor do they have to ask what Hannah can eat and drink. The family says they are incredibly relieved and proud of their little girl who fought two cancers and won in her young life
All local, wild, BC seafood! Fish n chips, fish burgers, tacos and more! We use only 100% sustainable seafood we catch with our own fleet of commercial fishing vesels!
A fire has claimed the life of a 73-year-old woman. It happened early Monday morning at a Boys Road trailer park, a place where the woman had been living less than a month. Kendall Hanson from CHEK News reports.
Hockey fans are going wild in North Saanich, as the town is now among 10 finalists for the Kraft Hockeyville competition. The winning town will receive $100,000 for arena upgrades, and the right to host an NHL pre-season game, which in North Saanich’s case could mean a homecoming for local hockey heroes.
A white caravan ran a red light at the intersection and was tboned by an astrovan. The astrovan flipped over on its side . A black car was also hit trapping the driver inside.
BC Jobs Minister Shirley Bond announces the minimum wage will be raised to $10.45 in September. BC’s current minimum wage is $10.25 per hour.
It will be increased every September, indexed to the inflation rate. Liquor servers minimum wage will rise from $9.00 to $9.20. According to the Jobs Minister there are 110,000 people in the province who currently make minimum wage.
BC Federation of Labour was pushing for $15 an hour. The last minimum wage increase was in 2012.
If you’re a staunch Tragically Hip fan you’re likely to know the band’s beginnings were bar gigs in Kingston, Ontario, over 30 years ago. You’ll know the band recorded 14 studio albums, nine of which reached the peak of the Canadian charts and two of which sold over a million copies. And you’ll know they claimed over a dozen Juno Awards.
If you’re a casual fan — as most Canadians are — you’ll probably know the band is Canadian and you’ll certainly hum along to a few of the Hip’s most popular classics like Fifty Mission Cap, Courage, and Blow at High Dough. But you’ll definitely know the face of the band’s charismatic, if somewhat quirky front-man, Gord Downie.
As the Tragically Hip kicked off the Canadian leg of their Fully and Completely Tour at Victoria’s Save On Foods Memorial Centre on February 4th, it didn’t matter whether you fell into one group of fans or the other, the crowd, and what a crowd it was (with at best 750 empty seats in an arena that holds approximately 6,000 for a full concert set-up), to put it mildly, rocked.
As the title of the show indicates, the plan behind the tour is to showcase the band’s critically acclaimed Fully Completely studio album, released in 1992, and play it in its entirety between opening and closing sets of favourites.
As the clock struck 9pm, the show began, with the Hip wasting no time getting into the band’s collection. Downie is not known for small talk, in fact the only time he had gone off the song script was when he slipped “Victoria” into the lyrics of an early number, which was met with approval from the crowd. No slick set is required for a Hip show, in fact the stage seemed almost a bit sparse, with drummer Johnny Fay’s kit being one of the more modest seen of any rock show at the arena. Video screens left and right of the stage helped for those at the back. The lighting was adequate, if slightly underused, and additional screens behind and in front of the stage worked well for mostly black and white film footage when required for accent, including a hockey game backdrop during Fifty Mission Cap. How Canadian.
CENTRAL SAANICH LIONS CLUB
Date: January 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 17 & 18
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: 1703 Keating Cross Road (opposite the municipal works yard)
Details: By donation. Funds raised go towards supporting local organizations such as the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation, Shawnigan Lake Kids Camp, Mount Newton Centre, Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association, Sidney Food Bank and local sports Teams. Chipping donated by Dogwood Tree services.
ESQUIMALT
ESQUIMALT KIWANIS CLUB
Date: January 1, 2, 3, 4, 10 & 11
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Road
Details: Trees will be chipped for a donation to Esquimalt Kiwanis Club. Proceeds go to local charities.
NORTH SAANICH
North Saanich Volunteer Firefighters
Date: January 3rd
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: McTavish Fire Hall: 1665 Mc Tavish Road and Wain Road Fire Hall: 986 Wain Road
Details: By donation. Half of the funds go to CFAX Santa’s Anonymous and half to local families in need. This event is also an open house at the Wain Road Fire Hall – 986 Wain Road. Phone in, pick up requests will require a minimum $10 donation. Call:
OAK BAY
Oak Bay Firefighters
Date: January 3 &4
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Oak Bay Fireman’s Park at 1703 Monterey Avenue
Details: Trees will be collected in exchange for a donation to the Oak Bay Fire Fighter’s Charitable
Foundation. Bartlett Tree Services is donating tree chipping services.
SAANICH
Pacific Christian School
Date: January 3
Time: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Pacific Christian School, 654 Agnes Street,
Details: By donation.
Santa’s Forest Tree Sales and Recycling
Date: January 1 & 2
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Braefoot Community Association, 1359 McKenzie Avenue
Details: By donation, proceeds go to Braefoot Community Association
Claremont Secondary School KEY Club
Date: January 10 & 11
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Claremont lower parking lot, 4980 Wesley Road
Details: By donation, proceeds go to local charities.
The Lions Society of BC
Date: January 3 & 4
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Locations: Broadmead Village Shopping Centre, Tillicum Shopping Centre, University Heights Shopping CentreDetails: Trees will be chipped for a donation to Easter Seals Services on Vancouver Island. Chipped by Davey Tree Services. Residents can also register for pickup on January 3th contact Lions Society at or info@forthekidsbc.org
UVic Vikes Track Team
Date: January 3 & 4
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: UVic Centennial Stadium parking lot
Details: Trees will be chipped by Competition Tree Services, in exchange for a donation to the UVic Vikes
Track Team Reynolds Music Christmas Tree Chipping
Date: January 2, 3, & 4 2014
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Reynolds High School at corner of McKenzie and Borden, 3963 Borden Street
Details: By donation – proceeds to support the Reynolds Music Program. Tree chipping by hand by music program members
Strawberry Vale Elementary School PAC
Date: January 3
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Strawberry Vale Elementary School, 4109 Rosedale Avenue
Details: By donation. Tree chipping provided by Bartlett Tree Experts. There is also a bottle drive and confidential document shredding event at the same time.
Knights of Columbus
Date: January 3 & 10
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: St Joseph the Worker 753 Burnside Road
Details: By donation
SIDNEY
Sidney Lions Club
Date: January 3
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Overflow parking lot on Ocean Avenue (north end of Iroquois Park)
Details: Donations gratefully accepted and appreciated. Event sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts,
Peninsula Signs and the Town of Sidney Parks and Works
676 Kittyhawk Air Cadet Squadron
Date: January 3 & 4
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 1979 DeHavilland Way, Sidney (near Airport)
Details: By donation – all proceeds support the 676 RC Air Cadet Squadron. Chipping provided by Island View Tree Service.
Bring your empty bottles, cans and juice containers for the 676 Kittyhawk Recycling Program.
SOOKE
The Lions Society of BC
Date: January 3 & 4
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Sooke Home Hardware 6626 Sooke Road
Details: Trees will be chipped for a donation to Easter Seals Services on Vancouver Island. Trees chipped by Western Island Tree Service. Residents can also register for pickup on January 3rd. Contact Lions Society at or info@forthekidsbc.org
VICTORIA
The Lions Society of BC
Date: January 3 & 4
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Locations: Safeway parking lot at the corner of Fort and Foul Bay
Details: Trees will be chipped for a donation to Easter Seals Services on Vancouver Island. Trees chipped by Davey Tree Services.
Residents can also register for pickup on January 3rd. Contact Lions Society at or info@forthekidsbc.org
Central Middle School
Date: January 3 & 4
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: 1280 Fort Street
Details: Fundraiser for the Central Middle School Music Program
Victoria High School R&B and Concert Bands
Date: January 3, 4, 10 & 11
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Fernwood Auto at 2320 Fernwood Road
Details: By donation. Proceeds are going to Victoria High School bands for career preparation trips.
VIEWROYAL
Shrine Clown Unit
Date: January 3 & 4
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Canadian Tire at Admirals and Craigflower
Details: By donation, tree chipping by Bartlett Tree Experts
WESTERNCOMMUNITIES
The Lions Society of BC
Date: January 3 & 4
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Westshore Town Centre
Details: Trees will be chipped in exchange for a donation to Easter Seals services Vancouver Island. Trees chipped by Davey Tree Services.
Residents can also register for pickup on January 3rd. Contact Lions Society at or info@forthekidsbc.org
Colwood Volunteer Firefighters
Date: January 3 & 4
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Colwood Fire Station, 3215 Metchosin Road
Details: By donation, proceeds to local families in need for next Christmas.
VicPD officers have arrested one man, and continue to investigate, after an assault last weekend involving bear spray.
The officers were on patrol at approximately 2:40 a.m. last Saturday in the 1600-block of Quadra Street, when they noticed a man, well known to them for violence, attempt to spray a couple with what appeared to be bear spray.
The officers ran over and arrested the man, but by the time they had him in custody, the victims of the assault had fled the area.
Officers are hoping to recommend charges of assault with a weapon, but still need to talk to the victims in order to further the investigation.
If you, or anyone you know, was in the area, or was a victim of this assault, please contact VicPD on the non-emergency line at 250-995-7654 or report it anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/181825987″ params=”color=ff5500″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Please helps us collect food donations for the Mustard Seed! Shatterbox Coffee has teamed up with Victoria Buzz to help raise food donations for the Mustard Seed Food Bank, during the Island Equipment Owners Association’s Lighted Truck Parade on Saturday, December 6th.
Victoria Buzz volunteers will be under a tent adjacent to Shatterbox, from 6pm onwards. The parade is scheduled to pass by right in front of Shatterbox at about 6:35pm. Shatterbox Coffee will be open all day and into the night, and serving from their amazing menu.
We please ask you to bring a donation of a non-perishable food item. Drop it at the tent, and for each donation received, we’ll serve you up a 8oz. or 12oz. warm spiced apple cider (non-alcoholic) – for just $1.
We’ll see you on Saturday, December 6th. Shatterbox Coffee is at 950 Yates St., opposite the London Drugs Plaza. Parking can be found nearby on Yates, Johnson, View and Vancouver Streets.
The 2014 IEOA Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 – Trucks leave the parking lot at Ogden Point at 5:45PM .
This event supports the Mustard Seed Food Bank, Westshore Christmas Hamper Fund Society and the Sidney Lions Food Bank.
Route and scheduled times they will be in the area:
5:45PM Trucks leave the parking lot at Ogden Point. For safety reasons, access to this parking lot is restricted to parade participants only 6:30PM Trucks arrive at Oak Bay Village 7:00PM Trucks arrive at Yates and Blanshard (Please note route change on map above) The trucks will turn back into Victoria on Blanshard and not Douglas 7:30PM Trucks arrive at Helmcken and Trans Canada overpass 8:00PM Trucks arrive at Goldstream and Veterans Memorial Parkway 8:30PMTrucks arrive at Western Speedway SANTA ARRIVES BY TRUCK
Timing in respect to the Truck Light Convoy is approximate
In order to keep the trucks moving the police escorted convoy travels at a varied rate of speed, it does not travel as slow as a parade does.
The convoy will travel slower along Dallas Road, through Oak Bay Village, downtown Victoria, behind VGH, and the intersection of Veterans Memorial Parkway and Goldstream Road.
Traffic may be congested along the event route . Please consider an alternate route.
Get in the Holiday Spirit – Christmas in Victoria is the most wonderful time of the year as the tree-lined streets of downtown and around town become adorned in lights and other festive displays.
Keep checking back on this list, we will be adding more. Have something to add to this? info@victoriabuzz.com
7th Annual Centennial Square Light-Up
Lighting the trees in Centennial Square, with musical entertainment, roving entertainers, the DVBA Ferris wheel and free treats from Downtown Restaurants!
When: Saturday, November 29th from 4:00-5:30 p.m. (lights go on at 5 p.m. and Ferris wheel operation will continue until 9 p.m.) Who: Everyone is invited to this free public event coordinated by the DVBA and the City of Victoria (rain or shine). Afterward, head over to Government Street and take in the Island Farms Santa Light Parade!
Government Street (from Belleville to Chatham Streets)
Bring the family to this festive, annual parade to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy an array of dazzling floats and marching bands that travel along the magically lit Government Street from Victoria’s Inner Harbour to Chatham Street. Meet up at the Capital Iron parking lot for delicious free treats courtesy of Island Farms.
The DVBA Ferris wheel is back in Centennial Square for 4 weekends this holiday season!! Enjoy a ride 20m above the sparkling lights of the Square. While you’re there enjoy live music and pop-up vendors, and don’t forget to take a photo at the Ferris wheel backdrop.
Where: Centennial Square, beside the McPherson Playhouse Who: Rides are $2 per person. Riders must be over 2 years old and at least 36 inches to ride.
The annual winter wonderland at The Fairmont Empress is expanding this year with the addition of a skating rink on the hotel’s iconic front lawn overlooking the festively lit Victoria Harbour. The cost is $10 per person, $5 for children aged 10 and under and rentals are available at $5 per pair.
Monday, November 24th, 2014 – Wednesday, December 24th, 2014 5pm – 9pm weekdays and 1pm to 9pm weekends.
Bear Wear is a beloved holiday tradition — a festive display of cuddly teddy bears dressed up in fabulous costumes by local sponsors, businesses, organizations, and individuals. Since its inception in 2001, Bear Wear has raised over $350,000 for kids with special needs on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands!
The event is open to the public seven days a week. Pick up a hot chocolate and walk through the luxurious lobby of the Hotel Grand Pacific, elegantly decorated for the holiday season, and behold 40 bears in masquerade.
When: November 25, 2014 through January 4, 2015 Where: Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation Festival of Trees
November 19, 2014 – January 6, 2015 – The Fairmont Empress – 721 Government St. Victoria, BC
Every year, Victoria Festival of Trees transforms The Fairmont Empress into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Sponsors, local businesses, organizations and individuals of this event come together and decorate trees – in a sometimes wacky, often irreverent and always beautiful fashion.
The event is open to the public seven days a week until 11:00pm every night from the end of November to the beginning of January.
Butchart Gardens Magic of Christmas Season starts on Monday, December 1st with their Light-Up Ceremony at 5pm at the Rose Carousel when the switch will be thrown to light up The Gardens. Experience Traditional Carollers and Festive Brass, all day free rides on The Rose Carousel, and of course our light displays – don’t forget your camera! And kids (12 and under), remember to bring your hand-crafted snowflake and trade it at the coffee shop for a free hot chocolate!Starting at 5pm on December 1st – Carousel rides are free for the night and there are Christmas carolers nightly for the season.
From December 1st until Twelfth Night on January 6th, thousands of lights twinkle and glow throughout The Gardens. Started in 1987, the display is so large that our lighting crew is busy for a full two months installing it, and the accompanying massive amount of festive decorations.
Throughout the festive season the ice skating rink in Waterwheel Square, adds an extra experience to the lighting extravaganza. Each evening the Festive Brass and traditional carollers perform in the crisp night air. Hot chocolate and other Christmas treats are near at hand from the cosy, fire place warmed Coffee Shop and even nearer to the music in the Blue Poppy Restaurant. More formal dining is offered in The Dining Room Restaurant with a special Magic of Christmas Menu, with thoroughly Christmas atmosphere.
Get into the festive season and start your holidays with Sidney Sparkles. With events such as Breakfast with Santa, Santa’s Parade and the ever popular SailPast.
This year’s parade is scheduled for November 29. It’s a two-for-one treat in Sidney Nov. 29!
First, grab a hot chocolate or your favourite warm beverage, then line up along Beacon Avenue and Second Street to get a terrific view of the annual Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade starting at 5 p.m. Keep your eyes out for the Jolly Old Elf – Santa himself riding atop the Sidney Fire Department truck.
Then immediately following, head to the waterfront to view the parade of lighted in boats in the annual Sailpast of Lighted Boats that lights up the coastline from Port Sidney to Tulista Park!
Feast your eyes and nose on creative inspirations constructed from gingerbread. More than just houses, they are detailed sculptures and unique works of art created by professional and amateur chefs. Vote for your favorite, and make a donation to Habitat for Humanity Victoria. A spirit rousing experience, the gingerbread houses will leave your mouth watering, and your eyes wanting more.
When: Monday, November 24th, 2014 – Sunday, January 4th, 2015 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Where: Inn at Laurel Point (650 Montreal Street)
4th Annual Classy Brassy Christmas With the Pinnacle Brass Quintet
The sound of brass is the sound of the season! Get into the holiday spirit at the Pinnacle Brass Quintet’s 4th Annual Christmas Concert. Featuring members of the Victoria Symphony, the UVic School of Music and the Naden Band. Proceeds to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund.
For more information visit:www.pinnaclebrassquintet.com or phone: 250.686.9252 When: Dec 2 2014 – 7:30 PM – 9:45 PM Where: Church of St. John the Divine
When: Celebration of Lights Parade starts at 6pm – Visit with Santa, meet Happy the Penguin, Hot Food & Refreshments courtesy of Esquimalt Lions Club, Live Music performance by the Jason Buie Band, and so much more… Festive Family Fun with Live Music and Entertainment – 6-8pm – Archie Browning Sports Centre
The Esquimalt Recreation Centre will be transformed December 1st to 31st into a Live Christmas Tree Village. Public are invited to experience the holiday magic and vote for their favourite throughout the month. Draw prizes for all who vote as well as a $500 Esquimalt Recreation Grand Prize Package for the winning tree as selected by “People’s Choice” will be awarded.
Where: Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser Street When: December 1st to 31st, 2014 Cost: FREE
CANCELLED DUE TO HIGH WIND– Christmas Drive-in Movie Friday November 28th: Nightmare Before Christmas
Come and check out our huge outdoor theatre and celebrate the holiday season with us at our Christmas Drive-in Movies! Sound will be accessed through an FM transmitter. Don’t have a car? That’s okay! An area will be set up for those brave souls at the front without a vehicle. A concession will be available. This event is weather permitting: in the event of heavy rain, snow or strong winds, the event will be cancelled.
Where: Archie Browning Sports Centre, rear parking lot, 1151 Esquimalt Road When: Friday November 28th, starting at 6:30 p.m. Cost: Admission is free with a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Rainbow Kitchen.
Winspear Festival of Trees
A beautiful collection of decorated trees. Proceeds support the Mary Winspear Centre’s Capital Improvement fund!
Open to the public from November 21 – January 4 – Stop in and vote for your favourite tree!Once again we will be a drop off for Toys for Tots and the Sidney Lions Food Bank.
Royal BC Museum – Monday, November 24th, 2014 – Tuesday, December 30th, 2014 12:00 – 4:00 PM
The sights and sounds of Christmas long ago. Marvel at the 4.5 metre tall Christmas tree, visit the wood-cobbled streets laced with festive garlands and see the shops decked with seasonal finery
Drop by CFAX Santas Anonymous Society’s signature event, a 12-hour radiothon to raise funds for the Christmas Program. There’ll be lots of fun activities, local celebrities and entertainment.
When: December 12 | 6 am to 6 pm Where: 1420 Broad St.
The 16th Annual Caroling in the Village presented by the Cadboro Bay Village Business Association is Sunday Dec 7th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. This year’s musical line up includes: The Mount Douglas Secondary School Jazz Band and Choir, Louise Rose & the Open Door Choir, and local opera singer Julia Morgan, Mezzo Soprano. All your favourite holiday treats will be available by donation with proceeds going to support local music programs and the Our Place Society. Raffle tickets for gift baskets from the village shops or the Pepper’s Foods Turkey draw will be $2 each or 6 for $10.
Available from November 1, 2014 – January 31, 2015. Minimum party of 6 and maximum of 16 required.
The Menu
Whether it’s a close family gathering or a corporate team building event, our Executive Chef Dustin Setso will be able to build the perfect menu with you. Your choice of menu varies from Family style service to Table service. Sitting down with our executive chef will allow him to construct a perfect meal, paired with the right wine and a price point within your budget.
Our Chef
In 2013, Dustin completed his Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC), one of the highest rung designations in the career ladder for chefs in Canada. Dustin continues to keep up with the current trends and cooking methods in order to give everyone a new and exquisite experience. Let Dustin cook at your table for you, your family and friends this winter.
Young man in handcuffs outside Belmont high school. Photo by Louise Hartland of CTV News Vancouver Island
On Tuesday November 18, 2014, at just before 11:00 am, West Shore RCMP received information about a possible fight involving a knife and gun. At the same time that police received this information, School Officials from School District 62 received the same information. School District 62 decided that it would be appropriate to implement a lock out, keeping students inside Belmont High School and Pacific Secondary School, out of an abundance of caution. Resources from the West Shore RCMP Patrol Section, Major Crime Unit and School Liaison assisted in this investigation, to determine the validity of the information.
The lock out of Belmont High School was lifted just after 1:00 pm. It has been determined that there was to be a planned fight between 3 males, off the grounds of the school, with an allegation that a weapon was going to be used. No weapons have been located and the fight itself did not occur. Two of the male youth involved are students in School District 62.
West Shore RCMP continues to liaise with the administrators at Belmont High School and continues to investigate the allegations around the possible fight.
West Shore RCMP, Cpl. Kathy Rochlitz, we would like to thank the staff, students and parents for their patience as we worked to understand the information received and the situation itself.
Lockdown at Belmont School ended after social media threat of a fight which may have involved weapons, non-students arrested #yyj#cfax
Beginning Monday morning, new traffic signals will be in place at the intersection of Esquimalt and Harbour Roads.
Changes include new traffic lights at the new four-way intersection and new pedestrian crossings. Cyclists on Harbour Road will be able to activate the lights by positioning their bikes over a new bike detector (bike loop) at the intersection. New pavement markings will be in place to guide cyclists into position to activate the bike loop. New crosswalks and accessible sidewalks are also being added as well as a new extension of Harbour Road, connecting to the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort and future waterfront green space.
The existing Harbour Road, north of Esquimalt Road, will remain closed to vehicles as construction continues on the west side of the bridge. Cyclist and pedestrian access remains open.
A new posted speed limit of 20km/h is in place as the area remains a construction zone. Drivers can expect minor delays as the timing of traffic signals are adjusted to reflect new traffic patterns. Some sidewalk construction will continue over the coming weeks, so pedestrians should refer to signage advising of any detours.
The next phase of noticeable work will be seen on the downtown side, as the construction of the bascule pier and relocation of hydro utilities gets underway in January. The bascule pier is the part of the bridge that contains the mechanical and electrical systems that open and close the bridge for marine traffic.
Once complete, more than 50 per cent of the new bridge will be dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. The new bridge will include on-road bike lanes, a multi-use trail for pedestrians and cyclists, and a dedicated pedestrian pathway in addition to maintaining three lanes for vehicles. Three new plaza areas for the public to sit and view the harbour and a new waterfront park are also planned enhancements to the area as a result of the new bridge.
As the BC Coroners and the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) continue to investigate the police shooting in James Bay. The BC Coroners confirms Rhett Patrick Victor Mutch, aged 20, of Victoria was shot following an encounter with Victoria Police which happened in a residence in the 200 block Dallas Road shortly after 11 a.m on Nov 1st.
Mr. Mutch was moved from the scene to an ambulance but died before he could be transported to hospital. The family of Mr. Mutch have requested for privacy at this difficult time.
Salish Sea Vending are pleased to announce the official unveiling of their bitcoin ATM at 4 pm this Friday, November 7th in association with the wonderful Cavity Curiosity Shop at 556 Pandora Ave.
Our bitcoin exchange services will be available Wednesday to Sunday every week at this location from 12 am to 6 pm. We are here to provide the community with a new, well priced, secure and convenient exchange. We offer free personal merchant consultation, set up and advice.
After the 6 pm closing time this Friday, we will be screening the acclaimed new documentary “The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin” in the store absolutely free.
We look forward to serving the open-source community in Victoria. For more information visit www.salishseavending.com
Ryan, a man who has been living on the street for 30 years plays the piano outside in downtown Edmonton, in Churchill Square, no one taught him to play, he just could.
Read More on Ryan at Global News: http://globalnews.ca/news/1645325/watch-video-of-homeless-piano-man-in-edmonton-goes-viral/
Here are some photos of Cpl. Cirillo’s journey home. Thank you for all you’ve done. Canadians have gathered along the Highway of Heroes to honour the sacrifice made by Cpl. Nathan Cirillo.
Drivers are advised to put their hand-held electronic devices away, as the Province’s new distracted driving penalties hit British Columbia roads and highways today. Now, anyone caught talking on a hand-held electronic device while driving is subject to three penalty points in addition to a $167 fine. This is the same penalty that was already in place for drivers caught texting or emailing.
The new penalty for using a hand-held electronic device covers infractions such as talking on, holding or dialing a cellular phone, operating a hand-held audio player (such as an iPod or mp3 player), or programming a GPS. Penalty points remain on a person’s driving record for five years and can result in further sanctions, including prohibitions from driving. Of note, B.C.’s distracted driving legislation also prohibits drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program from using any hands-free device.
The fall season is also a time to be aware that distraction is a top contributing factor for drivers in vehicle collisions that involve pedestrians. This is especially important to keep in mind as it becomes more difficult to see pedestrians in dark and poor weather conditions.
Distracted driving is the second leading contributing factor of vehicle fatalities in B.C. The Province continues to look at increased fines for distracted driving as part of an overall fine structure review and work is underway to determine what an appropriate amount would be.
Key Facts:
Drivers that accrue more than three points must pay an ICBC driver penalty point premium that starts at $175 and will escalate if they receive more points.
A driver who receives two distracted driving tickets in a year would pay $634, which is the cost of two fines and a $300 penalty for six points.
As points build on a person’s driving record, the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles may also identify a driver as high-risk and monitor or prohibit them under the Driver Improvement Program.
High-risk drivers can receive administrative interventions ranging from warning letters, which say their driving record is being monitored, to prohibitions from driving.
Alien invasion prank : A couple roommates teamed up to scare a friend and it worked very well. They used a fog machine and spotlight to make the best out their alien costumes.
VicPD Traffic officers are continuing their investigation into a major collision on Quadra Street and Summit Avenue yesterday that sent one person to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Officers were called to the intersection at approximately 1:30 p.m., after witnesses reported a serious collision between a black 2014 Corvette and a Bluebird Cab. The preliminary investigation showed that the cab had been ‘T-boned’, causing the driver of the cab to be trapped in the vehicle and receive non-life threatening injuries.
Speed is being investigated as a contributing factor in this collision.
As part of the investigation, officers are hoping to speak to any witnesses who may have either of these cars being driven before the collision.
If you have any information that may aide the investigation, please contact VicPD on the non-emergency line at or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (8477).
The Province is taking a first step in what will be a two-part approach to protect British Columbians from distracted drivers on roads and highways.
First, effective Oct. 20, 2014, amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) regulations will increase the driver penalty points from zero to three for drivers who are caught talking on a handheld device while driving. This new penalty, which also covers infractions like watching a DVD, programming a phone’s GPS, and operating hand-held audio players, is being combined with the $167 fine already in place and is now consistent with the three points and $167 fine currently given to drivers for texting.
Penalty points remain on a person’s driving record for five years and can result in further penalties, including prohibitions from driving. Specifically, any driver with more than three points has to pay a penalty premium on their insurance, starting at $175, and escalating if they receive more penalty points. The penalty for anyone who receives more than one distracted driving ticket in a year is at least $634 – the equivalent of two fines and a $300 penalty premium for six points. As points accrue, the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles may also identify a driver as high risk and monitor or prohibit them under the Driver Improvement Program (DIP).
For the second part of B.C.’s approach, the Province continues to look at increased fines for distracted driving and work is underway to determine what an appropriate amount would be. B.C. will continue to monitor the effectiveness of similar legislation in other jurisdictions and their fine amounts. Going forward, the government will also be reviewing and looking to adjust the overall fine structure in the MVA, including specifically those fines for distracted driving and other risk-based offences.
Quotes:
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton –
“I’m very concerned that distraction in all forms is the second highest contributing factor in motor vehicle fatalities in B.C. It’s clear that the $167 fine is not enough on its own, so we’re starting by targeting those people who are talking on a handheld device while they’re driving with more severe penalties. Ticket volumes show us that more drivers are ticketed for talking on an electronic device than for texting and driving, and so that is where we decided to start with the new penalty points.”
“Adding these new penalty points to the ticket will quickly identify for us the drivers who see the fine simply as the cost of doing business. Some of them will have to pay a driver penalty point premium, while others will more quickly end up being monitored by the Superintendent and possibly even prohibited from driving, which will improve safety for all road users.”
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone –
“We’re focusing on penalties that will change people’s behaviour. Increasing penalty points is an important first step and increasing fines is something that remains on the table. By reviewing the entire fine structure of the Motor Vehicle Act, we’ll be able to make sure that the financial penalties for all traffic offenses are a sufficient deterrent to keep our roads safe.”
Chief Neil Dubord, BC Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee chair –
“We welcome this first step in B.C.’s latest efforts to stop distracted driving. Together, police and government are tackling this serious safety issue through education, enforcement and legislation. Police officers are often the first on the scene after serious collisions, many caused by driver distraction. We want people to understand that using an electronic device while driving can be a fatal choice, for you and the other road users whose lives you put in danger.”
Quick Facts:
Distracted driving is the second leading cause of vehicle fatalities in B.C. On average from 2009 to 2013, 88 people were killed due to inattention or distraction while driving each year, compared with 105 for speeding and 86 for driving affected by alcohol or drugs.
The provincial government, ICBC and police have partnered to remind British Columbians to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. The recently launched distracted driving awareness campaign included television, radio and theatre ads, and encourages drivers to put their electronic devices away especially as winter weather approaches and driving conditions require extra care and attention.
In 2013, police issued 51,200 violation tickets to drivers who were using an electronic device.
Under the definition of using an electronic device, there is a complete ban on a driver:
Holding, operating, communicating or watching the screen of a hand-held electronic communication device.
Sending or receiving text messages or email on any type of electronic device.
Holding, operating, communicating or watching the screen of a hand-held electronic computing device, one of the purposes of which is to process or compute data.
As well, B.C.’s distracted driving legislation prohibits drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) from using hands-free devices.
Police can also issue tickets for driving without due care and attention, or driving without consideration, to drivers who are noticeably distracted or inattentive while operating a motor vehicle and making the road unsafe for other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists.
Research shows five seconds of texting while driving at highway speeds is like driving blindfolded for almost the length of an entire football field.
Some drivers still do not understand that using an electronic device, such as talking on a cell phone or texting, while stopped at a red light is an offense under the MVA.
To avoid the temptation of using a cellphone, drivers can:
Make calls and send emails or texts before starting a vehicle.
Safely pull over and turn off the vehicle before using a personal electronic device.
During the duration of a trip, turn cellphones off or put them somewhere out of reach.
Let all calls go to voicemail.
Ask a passenger to make or receive calls or text messages.
VicPD Detectives are continuing the investigation into the disappearance of Richard Watson, a 62-year-old Victoria man whose boat was reported sunk in the Selkirk Waterway on Monday.
Watson was reported missing to police on Sunday, October 5th, but was last seen by friends on Thursday, October 2nd. Watson did have plans to travel to the lower mainland for a family gathering on the weekend.
When officers visited the boat later in the day on Sunday, it was still afloat, but vacant. The investigation into the disappearance continued.
Early in the morning on Monday, officers were called to the Selkirk Waterway where Watson’s boat was found submerged. An extensive search of the boat and area was carried out by VicPD, the Victoria Fire Department and the Integrated Police Dive Team.
Investigators are now hoping that members of the public, who may have information into Watson’s disappearance, or his current location, will come forward.
Watson is described as a Caucasian man, approximately 5-foot-6 and 150 lbs. He has dark hair and was last seen wearing a black hoodie. He also typically carries a black backpack.
If you have any information into Watson’s whereabouts, or information about his disappearance, please call VicPD on the non-emergency line at or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at
Evil Acres presents two terrifying haunted houses known as Slaughter House Extreme and The Darkness Maze! The gates to evil opens October 10th until November 1st. Trespassers only welcomed between 6:30pm to 11pm. It is so scary it is NOT recommended for children or cowards. Be prepared for intense graphic and gory scenes that will have you on the verge of peeing your pants!
Contest:
We’re giving away two pair of tickets, good for both houses. To enter to win:
1. Share this contest with your friends and family on Twitter or Facebook and leave a comment below telling us you’ve done so. (1 entry)
[easy-share buttons=”facebook,twitter” counters=0 native=”no”]
2. LIKE EVIL ACRES on Facebook and leave a comment below telling us you’ve done so. (1 entry)
2. Follow on @evilacres Twitter and leave a comment below telling us you’ve done so. (1 entry)
On Wednesday, October 8, a new road to the existing Johnson Street Bridge will open from the intersection of Esquimalt and Harbour Roads.
Opening the roadway now will minimize future impacts to motorists and create more usable space for the contractor during construction. The new road will eventually connect with the new bridge.
The new approach to the bridge includes a temporary sidewalk and an extension of the cycling lanes on Esquimalt Road. The road remains single lane traffic in both directions and the area is an active construction zone with a posted speed limit of 30 km.
The E&N Trail connection at Kimta Road will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists with the existing pathway to the south side of the bridge maintained. Harbour Road will remain closed to vehicles at Esquimalt Road as work continues at the intersection until mid-November. Pedestrian and cycling access will be maintained on Harbour Road.
In mid-November, a new two-way extension of Harbour Road south of Esquimalt Road will open, providing access to the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort and future waterfront green space. In 2016, public land on the south side of the bridge will be consolidated to create more than two acres of waterfront park space.
The new intersection will be complete by November and will include new traffic signals and improved accessibility for pedestrians with crosswalks along all four sides of the intersection. The existing Johnson Street Bridge will continue to remain open throughout construction.
Once complete, more than 50 per cent of the new bridge will be dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. The new bridge will include on-road bike lanes, a multi-use trail for pedestrians and cyclists, and a dedicated pedestrian pathway in addition to maintaining three lanes for vehicles. Three new plaza areas for the public to sit and view the harbour and a new waterfront park are also planned enhancements to the area as a result of the bridge project.
We had a chat today with Andrew Briggs, well-known for his intimate Victoria House Concert B sessions about one of his other loves, his charitable work with Angels Chopper Bike Club. Featured on 
7th Annual Centennial Square Light-Up
Island Farms Santa Light Parade
The 2014 IEOA Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive
Ferris Wheel in Centennial Square
Bear Wear
The Magic of Christmas: Light-Up
6th Annual Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase
4th Annual Classy Brassy Christmas With the Pinnacle Brass Quintet
8th Annual Official Langford Light Up
9th Annual Celebration of Lights in Esquimalt
The Province is taking a first step in what will be a two-part approach to protect British Columbians from distracted drivers on roads and highways.
