The Town of Sidney is moving forward with lowering speed limits on several neighbourhood streets after residents voiced concerns about safety in specific areas.
On Monday, Sidney council approved targeted reductions to 30 km/h on a number of local roads, particularly near Sidney Elementary School and along neighbourhood corridors, following a public engagement process that began in 2025.
Town officials say the approach focuses on problem areas rather than implementing a blanket reduction across all local streets.
During a public survey conducted by the Town, most respondents opposed lowering speed limits town-wide from the current 50 km/h on local roads. However, many residents pointed to particular streets where slower speeds would improve safety.
“Council is now implementing targeted speed limit reductions,” the Town said in a release, noting the changes build on existing reduced-speed zones such as downtown Sidney.
Several residential streets surrounding Sidney Elementary School will now have formalized 30 km/h limits, some of which were already posted but not officially included in the Town’s bylaw.
The affected streets include Brethour Avenue, Seventh Street and Henry Avenue in the vicinity of the school.
In a report, Town staff said expanding the lower speed zone will help improve safety for children and families while creating a more consistent driving environment around the school.
According to the report prepared for council, the change also aligns with nearby areas that already have reduced speeds and supports pedestrian-friendly design around the school and adjacent neighbourhood streets.
Council also approved 30 km/h limits on several other residential roads, including:
Chicory Place
Simkin Place
Buddleia Place
Mills Road East
Judson Place
Cottoneaster Place
Northbrook Drive between Westbrook and Eastbrook Drive will also be formally designated as a 30 km/h road, as will Teale Place and Natasha Place.
Meanwhile, roads classified as lanes will see 20 km/h speed limits introduced.
Town staff say these lower limits better reflect how those narrow access routes are used, often shared by vehicles and pedestrians.
The Town of Sidney is also planning a traffic and cycling study this spring to better understand how the Bowerbank Bikeway corridor is being used and how traffic patterns have shifted in the surrounding area.
Depending on the findings, council may consider reducing speeds on that corridor to 30 km/h and lowering the limit on Resthaven Drive between Mills Road and McDonald Park Road to 40 km/h.
The Town will also consult with the Victoria Airport Authority about potentially increasing the speed limit on Stirling Way to 50 km/h while adding caution signage near a curve.
Town staff say the speed reductions are part of a broader effort to improve road safety in areas with pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
Victoria will host some of the world’s top curling talent this fall as the Grand Slam of Curling (GSOC) makes its return to BC.
Organizers announced Tuesday that the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre will host the GSOC Invitational from October 13th to 18th, marking the opening event of the competition’s 2026 season.
The event will feature 16 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams from around the world, including Olympic medalists, world champions and some of Canada’s top curling favourites.
Early-bird, full-event and weekend passes went on sale Tuesday, March 10th, with further details on participating teams and the full schedule expected in the coming months.
According to organizers, the tournament comes at a time when interest in the sport is surging following the recent Winter Olympics.
“The Grand Slam of Curling is making its long-overdue return to British Columbia,” said Nic Sulsky, CEO of The Curling Group.
“On the heels of a captivating Winter Olympic Games, global interest in curling has never been higher. This event will give fans throughout the region a rare opportunity to see the sport’s biggest stars from around the world.”
Provincial officials say the tournament is also expected to bring visitors to the region and showcase Victoria as a destination for major sporting events.
“The Province is thrilled to be partnering with Destination Victoria to bring the 2026 Grand Slam of Curling to BC’s beautiful capital city,” said Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Minister Anne Kang.
“We look forward to welcoming fans, athletes, families and friends from around the world to not only enjoy high-level competition, but also to experience BC’s renowned hospitality and vibrant community spirit.”
The event will be supported locally by the Esquimalt Curling Club, which will lead the volunteer committee helping to run the tournament.
Keith Wells, executive director of the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission, said the region has a long history of hosting major curling events.
“Greater Victoria has a strong tradition of hosting major curling events, and having the Grand Slam of Curling in the region is a great opportunity for local fans,” Wells said.
“We are proud to support the event and hope it will lead to more top-tier curling competitions in Victoria in the years ahead.”
The last Grand Slam of Curling event held in BC took place in March 2016 in Colwood.
Thousands of BC Hydro customers across Greater Victoria woke up without electricity Thursday morning after a strong windstorm swept through southern Vancouver Island overnight.
Just before midnight Wednesday, more than 24,000 BC Hydro customers in the region were without power as strong winds knocked down trees and damaged power lines.
By 7 a.m. Thursday, that number had dropped to just over 6,000 customers still in the dark in Greater Victoria as crews worked through the night to restore service.
In an update posted late Wednesday evening, BC Hydro said a windstorm impacting southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands had caused widespread outages.
“A windstorm is currently affecting Southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, leading to widespread power outages,” BC Hydro said in its notice.
“Crews will be working through the night and into tomorrow morning to complete repairs and restore service. We’ll continue to provide updates on individual outages as they become available.”
The utility company also issued a reminer that the public should stay well clear of any downed power lines.
“Remember, if you encounter a downed or low hanging power line, stay at least 10 metres back and report it to 911 immediately,” BC Hydro said.
While the southern part of the island saw significant impacts, northern Vancouver Island was largely spared the worst of the storm.
The strong winds also disrupted travel, with BC Ferries cancelling sailings between Victoria and Vancouver on Wednesday due to high winds in the Strait of Georgia.
Environment Canada had warned that the most intense winds would hit Wednesday, though gusty conditions were expected to continue into Thursday morning.
The weather agency has since lifted wind warnings for the region.
BC Hydro crews continue working to restore power throughout the region.
A great white shark has recently been confirmed to be in Canadian waters, just off the coast of Vancouver Island.
According to the Marine Conservation Science Institute (MCSI), this great white is the first to delve into Canada’s waters.
MCSI recently launched an app that allows anyone to track the great whites that have been tagged.
This has allowed not only shark researchers, but all shark enthusiasts to follow and track sharks’ movements.
The great white that was recently off the coast of the island has been dubbed Kara.
“If you are following MCSI’s tagged white sharks on the app Expedition White Shark, you will have noticed that female shark Kara has moved up as far north as Vancouver Island Canada,” wrote MCSI in a social media post.
“This mature female white shark was tagged off Southern California last October. This is the farthest north we have tracked one of our tagged sharks”
MCS researchers noted that this trip north was most likely food motivated, as Kara may have been following a seal colony or a whale migration across the invisible border.
“Although this movement pattern is not typical, if she is successful in finding food she will repeat this pattern again [two] years from now. Very interesting,” MCSI concluded.
Public feedback is being sought on a proposed environmental process for major projects which has become highly controversial.
This matter stems primarily from Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, which would effectively bypass several steps in environmental assessment when seeking approval for any infrastructure deemed to be a “major project.”
Numerous First Nations organizations in BC have called this proposed act an erosion of Indigenous rights, arguing it will essentially “steamroll” any Indigenous rights, bypassing early engagement and consensus-seeking phases of assessment.
“If passed into law, Bill 15 would give greater powers to Cabinet to expedite the approval of projects it deems to be ‘provincially significant,'” wrote the First Nations Leadership Council and Union of BC Municipalities in a media release.
“First Nations and local governments have expressed concern with the lack of consultation prior to the legislation being drafted.”
Some critics even allege that the act would be in violation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), which the BC government is currently also trying to tweak in order to bypass intervention from the courts.
Despite First Nations speaking out that critical Indigenous rights will be trampled on by this, the Province has said that they will continue to maintain high environmental standards and their obligations to consult with First Nations.
The BC Green Party and environmental groups like West Coast Environmental Law have also come out and said that Bill 15 would reduce oversight and transparency, give too much discretion to the Province and avoid regulations that have been put in place for a reason.
BC’s justification for Bill 15 is that it will help build infrastructure faster, citing schools, hospitals and clean energy projects as examples rather than LNG plants, mining operations and pipelines.
They noted that timelines for the construction of these major projects could be reduced by 60% with the bypassing of some environmental assessment steps.
Now people will be able to provide their own feedback on the proposed Bill 15.
Wondering what’s happening around Victoria this Thursday?
From the return of the beloved Beacon Hill Children’s Farm to live jazz performances, community film screenings and inspiring poetry, Thursday is filled with things to do.
Without further ado, here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria on Thursday, March 12th.
After closing for the winter season, Beacon Hill Children’s Farm is reopening on Thursday, March 12th, welcoming visitors back for another spring and summer season of family fun.
Today, the farm is home to a variety of friendly residents with the goats always being a favourite among visitors, as they’re one of the few animals guests can step into the pen and pet. Plus, with spring in the air, the farm has teased that there may be some new arrivals—baby goats!
Situated along Circle Drive, the farm now welcomes visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—weather permitting. Admission is a suggested donation of $6 per child and $7 per adult.
In addition to the farm’s reopening, guests can once again enjoy the beloved goat stampedes at 10:10 a.m. and 4:10 p.m.
Come join the Fernwood Community and Arts Association for a special community film screening of Somewhere to Go: Punk Victoria at Paul Phillips Hall!
This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow neighbours and enjoy a thought-provoking film together, plus there will be a fireside chat afterwards.
This young group of Juilliard Jazz students is touring Canada in celebration of Oscar Peterson, including his Canadiana Suite.
The performance features Allison Lee, a bassist from Vancouver, BC, Gustavo Cruz, a saxophonist, woodwind doubler and composer from Cornelius, North Carolina, Jackson Petty, a jazz guitarist and composer from Los Angeles, California and Beckett Miles, a drummer and percussionist from Jacksonville, Florida.
If you enjoy uplifting and inspiring poetry then you’ll feel right at home at this event!
Facilitated by Barry Hunt, you’ll reflect on poetry from authors like Mary Oliver, John O’Donohue, Fred LaMotte,Barbara Crooker, Mark Nepo, Marg Piercy, Juniper Klatt and any others who uplift and inspire with their poems.
Everyone is welcome. No set charge, but donations are welcome.
Sirāt thrusts you into a haunting desert odyssey as a father and son chase hope across Morocco’s ravaged landscapes.
Nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound at the upcoming Academy Awards, it’s a must-see on the big screen and heard on the Vic Theatre’s 7.1 surround sound system.
The BC Coroners Service (BCCS) has launched an inquest into the death of a man who passed away while detained by the Comox Valley RCMP.
BCCS were informed of the death of 31-year-old Joshua Colton Beek on April 24, 2022.
According to a report from the Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO), Beek was taken into custody by police for “acting strangely” while holding a stick and standing in someone else’s yard.
Police attended the scene and believed that Beek was under the influence of drugs because he was talking “a mile a minute.”
Beek reportedly cooperated fully with police who took him into custody with the intent to release him once he had sobered up.
While in his cell, Beek fell and was not checked on for approximately 25 minutes, and was ultimately unresponsive.
He died in the hospital the next day.
Chief civilian officer Ronald MacDonald’s conclusion to the IIO investigation was that he wants to see changes made at the provincial level to reduce the number of people dying while in police custody.
Because Beek died while detained by police, an official coroner’s inquest was also triggered, as per the BC Coroner’s Act.
According to BCCS, this inquest is meant not to identify where the fault lies in Beek’s death, but does serve three primary functions.
First, the inquest will attempt to determine all of the facts related to a death, including how and by what means Beek came to his death
Second, the inquest will seek to make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.
Lastly, BCCS says this process is meant to boost public confidence that the circumstances surrounding Beek’s death will not be overlooked, concealed or ignored.
Beek’s coroner’s inquest will begin on Monday, March 16th, at the Burnaby Coroners’ Court
Presiding over the inquest will be an appointed coroner and a five-person jury who will hear evidence from witnesses to determine the facts surrounding this death.
The jury will then have the opportunity to make recommendations, though they will not be tasked with making any finding of legal responsibility.
Beek was born in Port McNeill and was known to be stubborn, sassy, with a quick wit and a love for sports, shoes and hoodies.
“Josh could flat out drive anything big or small,” reads his obituary, “he loved his family and gave the best hugs ever!”
When he died, he left behind a son who was just 5-years-old at the time.
Travellers heading between Vancouver Island and the mainland this afternoon and evening may want to check their plans before leaving home.
BC Ferries has cancelled several sailings between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen on Wednesday, March 11 due to strong winds expected in the Strait of Georgia.
The cancellations come as Environment Canada warns of gale-force winds across the South Coast marine areas, with winds expected to increase to 30 to 40 knots later today.
According to BC Ferries, the following sailings have been cancelled for safety reasons:
3 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
5 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
7 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
9 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
Sailings at risk of cancellation:
3 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
4 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
5 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
6 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
7 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
9 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
Additional sailings added:
8 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
10 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
Customers with reservations on cancelled sailings will be contacted by the company’s customer service team to arrange alternate travel or provide refunds if necessary.
#ServiceNotice To ensure the safety of our customers & crew, the following sailings between #SwartzBay – #Tsawwassen must be cancelled for today, as a result of Environment Canada’s severe weather forecast for high winds in the Strait of Georgia.
For those needing to travel between the Island and mainland, BC Ferries says alternate service is available via the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay route. However, vehicle travel departing Horseshoe Bay must currently be booked and paid in advance due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades at the terminal.
Environment Canada says winds could reach up to 90 km/h across Greater Victoria, the southern Gulf Islands and the Malahat, with the strongest gusts expected Wednesday evening before easing Thursday.
Marine forecasts for the Strait of Georgia are also calling for seas to build between 9 and 16 feet this evening, which could make sailing conditions difficult.
Travellers are encouraged to check BC Ferries’ Current Conditions page or call 1-888-223-3779 for the latest sailing updates before heading to the terminal.
Firefighters from across Greater Victoria, Nanaimo and Salt Spring Island have joined forces to raise $42,357 in support of the Tumbler Ridge community.
On February 21st, firefighters from Central Saanich, Colwood, CFB Esquimalt, Esquimalt, Langford, Nanaimo, North Saanich, Oak Bay, Saanich, Salt Spring Island, Sidney, Sooke, View Royal and Victoria partnered with local sports teams to raise the funds in just six hours.
The Victoria-based sports teams involved included the Victoria Shamrocks, Victoria Royals, Victoria HarbourCats, Victoria Golden Tide and UVic Vikes Hockey.
The money raised went directly to the Tumbler Ridge Parent Advisory Council with 25% being set aside to support the community’s first responders.
“The communities we serve showed an incredible amount of kindness and generosity” said Josh Montgomery, President of Victoria Firefighters Association.
“We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support and for the trust placed in us to help make a difference.”
On March 8th, the firefighters and sports teams gathered on the back steps of the BC Parliament Buildings where they were presented a cheque and took a group photo to celebrate the fundraiser’s success.
Even though this fundraiser has concluded, residents are encouraged to continue supporting the Tumbler Ridge community in the Kraft Hockeyville competition.
If selected, the community could receive $250,000 in arena upgrades along with the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game.
Mortgage experts are predicting that the Bank of Canada (BoC) will hold the overnight lending interest rate in their upcoming announcement.
This interest rate is also often called the policy interest rate, key interest rate or target rate.
Essentially, it acts as the benchmark cost of borrowing set by the central bank.
When the rate is updated—either dropped or increased—it influences the interest rate that lenders use for variable loans, lines of credit and mortgages. This means that potential homebuyers may get a cheaper loan if this rate is lower.
Since April 2024, this rate has been slowly cut by the Bank of Canada, from 4.75% to the 2.25% it is today.
In the BoC’s last announcement in December, the rate was held because inflation had plateaued in Canada.
The next announcement is scheduled for March 18th, where mortgage experts are predicting it will be held once again.
“Once again, the Bank of Canada is facing fresh geopolitical upheaval while it makes its monetary policy decision,” said Penelope Graham, mortgage expert at Ratehub.ca.
Graham noted that with the onset of the war in the Middle East, Canada’s economy may soon deal with rising oil prices that could potentially cause inflation growth.
She believes this will compel the BoC to hold off on future rate cuts, despite increased struggles for Canadians as living costs increase and ongoing trade becomes more uncertain.
“Given the situation is evolving quickly, the Bank is most likely to keep a hold on rates in its March announcement, with little to no rate relief on the horizon for the remainder of this year,” Graham continued.
The rate being held at 2.25% may have an impact on Canada’s housing market in the coming months, if this is what the BoC decides to do.
Currently, variable mortgage rates are the lowest-priced borrowing option, with a five-year variable term being as low as 3.35% in some markets.
“This will remain the case as long as the Bank holds its trend-setting rate,” Graham explained.
“Going variable can offer borrowers great value, as long as they have the risk tolerance and room in their budget to absorb future increases, or a plan to lock into a fixed-rate option should the Bank revert to a hiking cycle.”
Comparatively, fixed mortgage rates are still relatively competitive, with the lowest five-year term in Canada being 3.69%.
However, Graham expects this pricing will not last as upward pressure builds.
“The same geopolitical uncertainty and inflation pressures have raised doubts that the US Federal Reserve will cut American interest rates,” she said.
“This has pushed up the 10-year Treasury yield—considered the global benchmark—back above the 4.1% range.”
This has reportedly influenced the Government of Canada’s five-year bond yield, which is used by lenders when pricing their fixed mortgage rates.
According to Graham, lenders are already increasing their fixed rates, and more hikes are likely to come in the short term.
She concluded by predicting that given current pressures, home buyers will likely not be returning to the market in droves this spring.
It may be cold outside, but it’s never a bad day to score a free ice cream cone!
Mark your calendars and celebrate the arrival of spring with the return of Dairy Queen’s Free Cone Day on Thursday, March 19th for DQ Rewards Members.
Members can redeem this deal through the DQ Mobile App and receive one free small vanilla cone—the perfect way to welcome warmer weather and enjoy DQ’s iconic soft-serve.
Plus, participating stores will also allow customers to opt into “Dip it for Kids” by adding any dip to their cone for $1.
All proceeds will support local children’s hospitals, offering customers the opportunity to enjoy a sweet treat while giving back to their community.
Don’t miss out on Free Cone Day—grab your friends and family and add a little extra sweetness to your day.
This offer is available on March 19th only and is limited to one cone per person at participating locations.
A Prince Rupert man has been charged with the murder of a Port Hardy resident back in 2024.
The homicide took place on October 6th, 2024, at around 4:33 p.m. Port Hardy RCMP received a call reporting an injured person on a path near Rupert Street.
The injured individual, 84-year-old Real Menard, was transported to hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.
Following Menard’s death, the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) were deployed to Port Hardy and assumed control of the investigation.
In the latest update on the matter from Port Hardy RCMP, VIIMCU has arrested a man located in Prince Rupert for the alleged murder.
On Friday, March 6th, VIIMCU investigators and Prince Rupert RCMP arrested 54-year-old John Jensen without incident.
Jensen now faces a second-degree murder charge and will remain in custody pending his next court appearance.
Just when it looked like winter weather might finally be behind us, Mother Nature appears to have other plans.
Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for Greater Victoria, the Gulf Islands and the Malahat, along with a special weather statement warning of possible low-elevation snowfall across parts of Vancouver Island.
According to the federal weather agency, a sharp cold front moving across Vancouver Island will bring strong westerly winds beginning Wednesday evening.
Wind gusts up to 90 km/h are expected in Greater Victoria, the southern Gulf Islands, and along the Malahat corridor, with the strongest winds anticipated Wednesday evening before gradually easing into Thursday.
Environment Canada says the winds could be strong enough to cause minor damage and localized power outages.
“Very strong wind gusts are expected as a sharp cold front crosses southern Vancouver Island,” the agency said in its warning.
At the same time, another storm system making landfall Wednesday is expected to bring a mix of rain and wet snow, particularly in higher elevations and inland areas.
Environment Canada says most low-lying areas may only see a trace amount of snow, but up to 5 cm is possible in higher terrain, while high-elevation roads inland could receive between 5 and 10 cm before precipitation turns to rain later in the day.
There is also a slight chance that brief heavier bursts of precipitation could temporarily bring wet snow down to sea level, though significant accumulation in areas such as Victoria are not expected.
Drivers are being warned that the combination of wet snow and low freezing levels could make travel difficult, particularly during the morning commute or on elevated routes.
Conditions may be especially challenging on higher elevation roadways and inland routes across Vancouver Island, including mountain passes.
Weather alerts and forecasts can be monitored through Environment Canada, while current road conditions are available through DriveBC.
Looking to add something fun to your midweek plans, Victoria?
From live jazz and theatre to creative gatherings and a cinematic concert experience, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your Wednesday evening in the city.
Whether you’re in the mood for live music, storytelling inspired by nature or meeting fellow artists over drinks, we’ve got something on this list for you!
Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Wednesday, March 11th:
Fans old and new will experience the thrill of Back to the Future like never before!
Experience the movie on a big high-definition screen with the Victoria Symphony performing Alan Silvestri’s dazzling musical score live in sync with the movie at the Royal Theatre.
Audiences will also be in for an exclusive treat: approximately 20 minutes of music added by award-winning composer Silvestri to the film’s score especially for these unique live orchestral presentations.
Check out this weekly meetup of beginner-to-professional artists and beverage enthusiasts!
Every Wednesday, members meet up at a different pub with their own art supplies and doodle away, and this week it’s at The Bent Mast Restaurant and Lounge.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet fellow local artists!
Where: The Bent Mast Restaurant and Lounge, 512 Simcoe Street
Join the Royal BC Museum for their next installment of The Story Collection where community storytellers gather to share personal narratives inspired by the museum’s galleries.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, this evening explores the theme “What the Wild Taught Me,” inviting storytellers to reflect on the lessons, revelations, and transformations that have emerged from their encounters with nature.
Come ready to listen, connect, and perhaps see both the exhibition and your own relationship with the natural world through fresh eyes.
On an isolated Gulf Island, the bodies begin to fall.
Angela Benson inherits a fortune when her Aunt Maud is murdered. While Angela’s acting career flourishes, suspicion continues to cloud her life.
As Angela prepares for a career-highlight role, a young journalist uncovers new evidence about the three-year-old murder, and Angela finds herself embroiled in a sinister play beyond the footlights when the cast gathers at her island home.
Written by Elizabeth Elwood and directed by Jacqollyne Keath, this is a thrilling performance you won’t want to miss.
Foreign national, Reuben Velasquez, has been sentenced to four years in prison for allegedly trying to smuggle guns into Canada via Victoria’s Belleville Ferry Terminal.
Following a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) investigation, 44-year-old Velasquez was given his sentence on February 3rd in the Williams Lake Provincial Court.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred nearly three years ago.
According to CBSA, on September 1st, 2023, Velasquez tried to enter Canada through the Belleville Ferry Terminal, but was examined further by the CBSA after declaring multiple firearms.
Border services officers searched his vehicle and found six undeclared firearms.
“The CBSA protects our communities with firm and decisive enforcement actions at the border,” said Nina Patel, Regional Director General, Pacific Region CBSA.
“A sentence like this one serves as a reminder that violating Canada’s laws will have serious consequences. Anyone who attempts to smuggle illegal firearms will be held accountable.”
According to the CBSA, last year alone, border services officers made 2,640 seizures of firearms, weapons and prohibited devices in BC.
Three recreational fishermen have been handed a massive $11,600 fine for illegally harvesting sea cucumbers in Campbell River.
This fine was determined in three separate judgements by the Campbell River Provincial Court between November 2025 and this January.
The three fishers impacted by these fines are Sufeng Weng, Yuxuan Wang and Genjing Dai.
According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) these men were fishing together when it was discovered they were committing various offences.
Last May, DFO fishery officers were conducting inspections of recreational fishers on the Willow Point beach in Campbell River.
There, they found the three men who reportedly tried to dump items out of a bucket they were holding into the water upon the officers’ arrival.
The trio were ordered to cease what they were doing so that their licenses and catch could be inspected.
Officers discovered 43 giant red sea cucumbers and orange sea cucumbers. The daily limit is 12 per person, meaning the three men had taken seven over the limit.
Furthermore, during the interaction with DFO officers, Weng stated he had more sea cucumbers in his vehicle.
Containers with an undetermined amount of what appeared to be sea cucumbers and processed sea urchin were found in his vehicle, with the sea cucumbers frozen in blocks and the sea urchins having been processed for consumption.
The men were forced by officers to return all live sea cucumbers to the ocean.
According to the DFO, daily catch limits are in place for a reason, to ensure sustainable harvest opportunities, safeguard long‑term stock health and support First Nations communities that rely on the sea cucumber harvest.
“When individuals exceed harvest limits, they put this sensitive stock at risk,” said the DFO in a media release.
“Overharvesting can reduce sea cucumber densities to levels that hinder successful reproduction, threatening the species and potentially leading to future fishery restrictions or closures.”
Of the $11,600 total the men were fined, Weng was fined $6,000, Wang was fined $2,600 and Dai was fined $3,000.
The Government House Foundation and the Maritime Museum of BC (MMBC) are teaming up to present the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement this year.
The MMBC has just announced that nominations for the prestigious maritime award are now open.
People are welcome to nominate any mariner in their life who may have made notable contributions to BC’s maritime interests.
Nominees’ contributions can include any of the following areas: science, technology, business, applications of maritime skills, nautical heritage and culture, art and/or academic endeavours.
Last year’s winners include Kenneth Butler, a master builder who works primarily in the restoration of heritage vessels; Bonnie Gee, a maritime advocate and spokesperson; Captain Clay Evans, a west coast mariner who spent over 35-years with the Canadian Coast Guard; Dr. Francis Juanes, a coastal and estuarine ecologist; and more.
Furthermore, the scope of the Maritime Achievement Award has been expanded in recent years to recognize Indigenous and traditional practices, environmental stewardship and to ensure diversity in nominees.
“British Columbia is a province proudly defined by its beautiful coastline and waterways,” said Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
“As Lieutenant Governor, I am delighted to support this important recognition of those whose work has touched and been touched by all things maritime. From ship building to life saving to capturing the incredible grandeur of coastal British Columbia through art or history, there are myriad reasons to nominate an individual for the Award for Maritime Achievement.”
The award itself is a medallion featuring the artwork of Nusi Ian Reid, a member of the Heiltsuk Nation in Bella Bella, and is presented to each recipient in a ceremony in the fall.
Nominations for the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement are now open, and will close on June 13th.
WestJet has been fined by Canada’s federal transportation regulator after passengers travelling to Vancouver Island were left without food, drinks or overnight accommodation when their flight was delayed and eventually cancelled.
According to the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), the incident involved WestJet flight WS3103, which was scheduled to fly from Calgary International Airport to Nanaimo on February 16th, 2025.
The regulator says passengers waiting for the Vancouver Island flight were not provided with required assistance under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations, prompting the agency to issue a monetary penalty to the airline on March 5th.
The CTA found that 16 passengers travelling on the Nanaimo flight were left waiting more than two hours beyond the departure time listed on their tickets.
During that delay, WestJet failed to provide food and drink in reasonable quantities, something airlines are required to offer when delays exceed two hours.
Under the regulations, airlines must consider factors such as the length of the delay, time of day and location of passengers when providing refreshments.
The situation escalated after the Calgary-to-Nanaimo flight was later cancelled, forcing passengers to remain overnight while waiting for alternate travel arrangements.
The CTA says 19 passengers affected by the delay and cancellation were not offered hotel or comparable accommodation, nor transportation to and from the accommodation, as required when travellers must wait overnight due to a disruption.
These services must be provided free of charge, according to federal passenger protection rules.
The CTA determined that WestJet contravened two provisions of the Air Passenger Protection Regulations.
The first involved failing to provide food and drinks after a lengthy delay, while the second related to failing to offer overnight accommodation for passengers waiting for rebooking.
As a result, the agency issued a monetary penalty against the airline.
Running of the goats at Beacon Hill Children's Park (Matthew Hindley Photography)
After closing for the winter season, Beacon Hill Children’s Farm is reopening on Thursday, March 12th, welcoming visitors back for another spring and summer season of family fun.
Since 1985, this family-run and locally-owned farm has operated through community support, donations and a dedicated team of volunteers who help make it a special place for families and children to connect with animals.
Today, the farm is home to a variety of friendly residents including three miniature pigs, colourful budgies, finches and parakeets, chickens, six guinea pigs, a small flock of doves, two donkeys, four alpacas, several breeds of ducks, an independent farm cat and a lively herd of goats.
The goats are always a favourite among visitors, as they’re one of the few animals guests can step into the pen and pet. Plus, with spring in the air, the farm has teased that there may be some new arrivals—baby goats!
Situated along Circle Drive, the farm now welcomes visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—weather permitting. Admission is a suggested donation of $6 per child and $7 per adult.
In addition to the farm’s reopening, guests can once again enjoy the beloved goat stampedes at 10:10 a.m. and 4:10 p.m.
With warmer weather returning to Victoria, the reopening of Beacon Hill Children’s Farm is the perfect excuse to plan a visit, say hello to the animals and enjoy one of the city’s most charming local attractions.
As the Western Hockey League regular season enters its final stretch, the Victoria Royals are gearing up for a critical run of games that could determine whether they return to the playoffs.
With the standings tightening across the Western Conference, every point matters.
The Royals currently sit just outside the playoff picture and are in the middle of a crucial road trip that could ultimately determine their fate.
Victoria faces the Thunderbirds in Seattle, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10th.
The matchup carries enormous implications for both teams.
Seattle currently holds the final playoff spot in the conference and sits just one point ahead of Victoria in the standings. With the two clubs facing off directly, even a single point from the game could swing the race.
In fact, once the final horn sounds in Seattle, the result will officially eliminate the Vancouver Giants from playoff contention.
Following tonight’s game, the Royals will then head to Kelowna for another meeting with the Rockets as they look to rebound from a difficult outing earlier this week.
On March 7th in Kelowna, the two teams combined for more than 75 shots on goal in a fast-paced game at Prospera Place, but the Rockets pulled away with a 9–2 victory. Victoria will be hoping for a much different result as they attempt to collect valuable points down the stretch.
The first comes Friday, March 13th when Victoria hosts the Giants at 7:05 p.m. for Indigenous Celebration Night. Although Vancouver will be officially eliminated by that point, the Giants could still play spoiler against a Royals team desperate for points.
The two clubs will meet again the following night in Langley.
Victoria will then return home Tuesday, March 17th for St. Patrick’s Party Night, when the Royals face the Western Conference-leading Everett Silvertips. Everett has been dominant this season, already surpassing the 100-point mark with an incredible 107 points and just seven losses on the year. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m.
The regular season will wrap up with a weekend home stand against the Prince George Cougars.
Victoria hosts Prince George on Friday, March 20th at 7:05 p.m. for Women in Sport Night, followed by the final game of the season on Saturday, March 21st at 6:05 p.m. for Fan Appreciation Night. The Cougars have already secured a playoff berth and currently sit fourth in the conference standings, meaning the Royals will again be facing a strong opponent as they attempt to secure their own spot.
Offensively, the Royals have been led this season by forward Roan Woodward, who sits atop the team scoring list with 54 points, including a team-leading 31 goals. Hayden Moore follows with 47 points, while Nolan Stewart and Timofei Runtsov have also provided key contributions offensively.
Between the pipes, goaltender Ethan Eskit has been a steady presence, posting a 3.03 goals-against average, a .903 save percentage, and 22 wins this season.
With the regular season winding down and the playoff race tightening, the Royals know there is little margin for error. The coming days will determine whether Victoria can climb back into the postseason picture.
For fans, the final home stand will be a chance to watch the Royals make their playoff push on home ice, with every game carrying major importance as the regular season winds down.
Photo of new fencing along PKOLS leash-optional trail (Happy Dogs in Saanich)
A group of Saanich residents have launched a petition to see the new fencing in PKOLS removed and changed.
Even though the time for public engagement has come and gone for the PKOLS fencing improvements, these residents believe that the new fencing is an eye-sore and diminishes the park’s beauty.
The initiative to have the new fencing changed is being led by Eulala Mills and Trish Fougner of Happy Dogs in Parks, a group that formed to advocate for more off-leash dog parks in Saanich while the District formed its People, Pets and Parks policy.
“Saanich is installing Peg and Wire Fencing throughout the off leash loop in PKOLS,” wrote Eulala and Trish of Happy Dogs in Parks.
“It is damaging to the character and experince [sic] of the park.”
They added that, although work on the fencing has begun, there may be a short window where Saanich may change the style of the fencing in PKOLS.
The petition is a private form, so the number of people who have signed it is unknown at this time.
Right around the time this petition was launched, some of the new fencing was allegedly vandalized.
Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock released a statement last week regarding the vandalism, the new fencing and dog owners who use the park.
He wrote that ultimately, the fencing is intended to protect sensitive ecosystems in the park, while also allowing dogs and their owners to enjoy roaming leash-optional areas.
“Damage to the fence costs taxpayers money, and takes our park staff away from the important work they can be doing around Saanich,” said Murdock.
“It’s particularly concerning when I know we all have budgets and financial pressures on our minds.”
Murdock noted that following the vandalism, the District would be taking additional measures to secure the construction site.
On the Happy Dogs in Saanich Facebook group, some dog-owners took this message as a personal affront.
“I’m truly disappointed that you seemed to blame dog owners for this act of vandalism,” wrote group member Jaye Pelton.
“You make this veiled accusation without a shred of proof, and continue to threaten off leash access to the tiny portion of Pkols [sic] that has been allocated for leash optional recreation, which only serves to emphasize the perception that Saanich considers dog owners to be vandals.”
In his video and statement, Mayor Murdock did not allege that dog owners, or any particular group of people were responsible for the damage. He merely asked that people respect the integrity of the park and called for the vandalism to stop.
The new fencing installation began in February and is expected to be finished by spring.
Saanich Police are investigating an assault that took place in Panama Flats Park, on Sunday evening after a woman was grabbed from behind while walking along a trail.
According to Saanich Police, it happened just before 6 p.m. on March 8th near Roy Road.
Police say the woman was walking along a trail in the park when an unknown man approached her from behind and grabbed her. The victim screamed and fought back, causing the suspect to flee the area into nearby bushes.
Another person who was in the park at the time heard the woman’s screams, witnessed the incident and called 911.
Major Crime Unit detectives are now working to identify the suspect, who is described as a Caucasian man approximately 30-years-old, about 6′ tall with a medium build.
He is believed to have brown hair and a brown beard and was wearing a black toque and carrying a black backpack at the time of the incident.
Investigators are asking residents in the surrounding area to review home security footage for anyone matching the suspect’s description.
Police are also asking drivers who were travelling along Roy Road around the time of the incident to check dash-cam footage that may assist in the investigation.
Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area as the investigation continues.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, was in Panama Flats Park around the time it occurred or has information that could help investigators is asked to contact Saanich police at (250) 475-4321 and reference file number 26-4353
Editor’s note: This article has been updated after Saanich Police initially reported the attack occurred in Colquitz Park but later issued a correction stating the incident actually took place in Panama Flats Park.
Gordon Head area (Travis Devonport / Victoria Buzz)
If you thought this morning’s snowfall warning was enough winter for one day, think again.
Environment Canada has now issued another snowfall warning affecting parts of southern Vancouver Island, including Greater Victoria and the Malahat Highway, with snow possible during the Tuesday morning commute.
The alert comes after parts of the region already saw snowfall earlier Monday, particularly in higher elevations around Vancouver Island.
According to Environment Canada, a cold and unstable air mass moving across the south coast is expected to bring the risk of snow down to sea level early Tuesday.
For areas near sea level, including much of Greater Victoria, trace amounts up to about 4 centimetres of snow are possible. However, higher terrain could see around 5 centimetres or more, particularly along the Malahat Highway between Goldstream and Mill Bay and other inland areas of Vancouver Island.
Environment Canada has issued two alerts for the region, one covering Greater Victoria and another specifically for the Malahat Highway, where conditions can change quickly due to elevation.
The weather agency notes that snowfall amounts could vary widely even within short distances, meaning some neighbourhoods may see little to no snow while others pick up several centimetres.
Drivers are being warned that travel conditions could become challenging, especially during periods of heavier flurries that may reduce visibility.
Motorists travelling the Malahat or other higher elevation routes are being urged to allow extra time and prepare for winter driving conditions.
Environment Canada also says wet flurries could continue into Tuesday afternoon, particularly in inland and higher elevation areas of Vancouver Island.
While Tuesday morning carries the greatest risk locally, another round of flurries is possible Wednesday morning, although those are expected to be mostly limited to higher terrain and inland neighbourhoods.
Drivers can check the latest road conditions at DriveBC, and residents are encouraged to continue monitoring forecasts and weather alerts as conditions develop.
A large police presence in downtown Victoria on Saturday evening was sparked by reports of a person pointing what appeared to be a handgun at people walking along View Street.
According to the VicPD, officers were called to the 600 block of View Street around 5:20 p.m. on March 7th after members of the public reported a person pointing a firearm in the busy downtown area.
Given the report of a weapon in a densely populated part of the city, the call was classified as “high risk.” Multiple VicPD officers and members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team were deployed to the scene.
Police say officers issued several commands to the suspect upon arrival, but the individual did not comply. Officers then deployed two less-lethal impact projectiles, known as ARWEN rounds, before taking the person into custody.
After the arrest, officers determined the handgun that prompted the public complaint was actually a lighter.
The individual was taken to hospital but refused treatment for minor injuries and was later released from custody. Police say no criminal charges are being requested at this time.
Under the Police Act, the incident has been reported to the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner because an injury occurred during the arrest.
According to a recent analysis, rent in Victoria has increased since February’s report, but has decreased since this time last year.
The most recent national rent report from Rentals.ca shows the average Victoria rent has risen by 2.9% for one-bedroom units since February, and by 0.1% for two-bedroom units.
Though since March 2025, one-bedrooms are 4.8% lower and two-bedrooms have dropped by approximately 3.3%.
On average, a one-bedroom unit in Victoria is going for $1,998 per month, whereas a two-bedroom unit is costing $2,607.
Even though rent has seen a slight bump since February, Victoria has still managed to drop four spots, from 20th most expensive city in Canada to rent in, to 16th.
Nanaimo is the only other Vancouver Island community to make the top 60 list at 30th.
One-bedrooms in Nanaimo are going for around $1,812 per month and two-bedrooms for $2,324.
The most expensive city to live in across Canada continues to be North Vancouver, with one-bedrooms costing $2,465 per month and two-bedrooms costing $3,330.
Though these figures may seem high, they have decreased by 6.1% and 4.4%, respectively, since this time last year.
On the other end of the spectrum, the cheapest of the top 60 cities remains St. John’s, Newfoundland, where a one-bedroom will cost around $1,163 per month—around $900 cheaper than Victoria—and a two-bedroom goes for around $1,253.
According to the report, the average asking rent in all of Canada has dropped for the 16th straight month, represented by a 33-month low of $2,030.
Throughout all of BC, the average rent is also down by 4.9%, with the average unit costing around $2,375. Though this figure is down, it still represents the highest rent of any province in Canada.
“This latest rent report continues to show encouraging signs for renters, with declining prices helping ease everyday costs for people in British Columbia,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
This cost decrease in BC is in part due to the increase in new, purpose-built rentals in municipalities that were targeted by the Province to increase their rental supply.
Just two years into the five-year deadline, Victoria has managed to build 48% of the 4,902 new units required.
“While I’m encouraged by the progress so far, there is still a lot of work ahead to help people in British Columbia find a home they can afford,” continued Boyle.
“We will not stop until people throughout BC can find homes that meet their needs, in the communities they love.”
According to the BC government, Greater Victoria’s vacancy rate has been determined to have reached 3.3% by the end of 2025. In October 2022, the vacancy rate was as low as 1.4%.
Rise from the ashes every Tuesday night at Phoenix Bar & Grill!
Whether you’re a seasoned comic working out new material or someone who’s never touched a mic before, this show is all about trying, learning and having fun.
Inspired by a true story, Song Sung Blue turns sequins, second chances and a whole lot of Neil Diamond into pure magic.
With Oscar nominee Kate Hudson leading the charge, this offbeat musical romance about a tribute act proves that love shines brightest under stage lights.
Petunia and The Victoria Honky Tonk Band are bringing lively country tunes and classic western swing to town for a night of music and dancing.
Featuring local all-star musicians on pedal steel, upright bass and fiddle, the band plays favourites from legends like Hank Williams, Bob Wills, Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline.
The evening begins with a beginner-friendly country two-step lesson—no partner required—before the band takes the stage for two sets of toe-tapping honky-tonk music.
Don’t miss the start of the Spark Festival with the opening show of Big Stuff and Benevolence!
Each year, the Spark Festival brings a variety of captivating and inspiring events to Victoria—making it the perfect event to ignite creativity and experience the magic of the theatre.
The two main feature shows this year are Big Stuff and Benevolence.
Big Stuff, which runs from March 10th to 21st and stars comedy duo and married couple Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus. Together, they explore the emotional power of everyday objects with their unique comedy style.
Benevolence, created and performed by Kevin Matthew Wong, takes the audience on a charming journey through a Chinese-Canadian tale, intertwining a powerful personal story that spans generations with a connection to Victoria’s oldest Chinese temple, Tam Kung Temple.
Tickets available on a pay-what-you-can scale here!
Grab a pint and settle in for some foot-tapping tunes with Black Angus at the Irish Times Pub this evening!
Black Angus is about good friends, good humour and good songs. Their enthusiastic performances take listeners from Vancouver Island to Ireland and back again, fueled by collaboration, innovation and a sheer enjoyment of what they do.
A Campbell River man was pulled from a burning SUV just seconds before it became fully engulfed in flames last week thanks to the quick actions of police officers on patrol.
According to the RCMP, the dramatic rescue happened around 9:30 p.m. on March 5th when officers with the BC Highway Patrol and the Campbell River RCMP were conducting proactive patrols in the south end of the city.
While travelling near the intersection of Willow Creek Road and Jubilee Parkway, officers came across a white sport utility vehicle that had rolled over and caught fire.
When they approached the wreckage, officers discovered a man was still trapped inside the vehicle.
Police smashed open the sunroof and pulled the unconscious man out. Moments after the rescue, the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames.
BC Emergency Health Services and the Campbell River Fire Department were called to the scene and quickly responded to assist.
The injured man, a Campbell River resident in his 40s, was first taken to North Island Hospital in Campbell River before being transferred to Victoria with serious injuries.
“This incident is a shocking reminder of the dangerous situations police officers can find themselves in every day,” Inspector Jeff Preston said in a statement.
“The officers during this incident showed amazing calm and bravery under immense personal danger.”
He also thanked BC Emergency Health Services and the Campbell River Fire Department for their quick response and support.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Campbell River RCMP at (250) 286-6221.
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia has launched a new online platform designed to make it easier for drivers to manage their licensing, insurance and claims in one place.
The new portal, called “My ICBC,” acts as a centralized hub where customers can access more than 20 services through a single login on the ICBC website.
According to ICBC, the platform allows users to move between services without needing to sign in multiple times. The portal combines driver licensing tools, insurance management, account services and claims support in one digital dashboard.
“My ICBC was built to meet customers where they are today and reflects our broader commitment to modernizing ICBC across the organization,” said ICBC President and CEO Jason McDaniel in a statement.
He said the launch is part of the organization’s push toward a more streamlined, digital-first experience for drivers across BC.
Once logged into the portal, customers can access a range of services related to driver licensing, including checking the status of their driver’s licence or BCID, tracking a licence or ID card that has been mailed, booking driver licensing appointments and taking the practice knowledge test.
Insurance-related tools are also included. Drivers can view their insurance policy status, renew coverage, print insurance documents, submit odometer readings, request vehicle claim history reports and find a local insurance broker.
The platform also includes several account management features, such as updating contact information, signing up for direct deposit, viewing payment plan details and paying outstanding ICBC debt.
Claims services are integrated as well, allowing customers to report a crash, manage an existing claim, submit witness reports and locate nearby collision repair facilities or health-care providers.
Aerial view of Victorial International via VictoriaAirport.com
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) has received a 2025 ASQ Customer Experience Award, recognizing it as one of the best airports for departures in North America.
The ASQ Customer Experience Awards are considered the world’s most credible recognition of the passenger experience, highlighting the top airports around the globe using real-time passenger feedback collected through ASQ’s Departures and Arrivals Surveys.
For the best airports at departures category, airports are grouped by their size and region. YYJ was recognized as one of the best airports handling under two million passengers per year.
St. John’s International Airport also received recognition in this category.
In total, 13 North American airports were highlighted, including the Toronto Pearson International Airport in the category for serving over 40 million passengers annually.
Each ASQ Customer Experience Award is shaped by the voices of more than 700,000 passengers across over 400 airports in 110 countries every year, ensuring the recognition reflects passengers from around the world.
While Victoria International Airport may be smaller than many major hubs, the award showcases its efficiency and the smooth experience it provides for passengers travelling through YYJ.
“Thank you for your patience as emergency crews work,” RCMP said in a post on X.
BC Emergency Health Services confirmed that paramedics were dispatched to assist at the scene. The extent of the pedestrian’s injuries has not been confirmed.
Drivers were advised to expect delays in the area as emergency crews continued their response and police investigated the incident.
This week, the Victoria city council will consider a development proposal for what would become the city’s tallest building, if approved.
The proposal is for a 35-storey tall development at 1520 Blanshard Street, on the corner of Blanshard and Pandora.
This building would be a full 10-storeys taller than Victoria’s current tallest building, Hudson Place One, which stands at 25-storeys.
The building would be primarily strata-housing.
According to a City staff report, this application coming before council is merely an early opportunity for council feedback on the scope of the development.
Staff have determined that there are many problems with the project in its current form.
“The application is inconsistent with the general pattern of land use envisioned in the recently adopted Official Community Plan (OCP) and contradicts the urban form identified for the downtown, as well as other key OCP policies,” wrote City staff in the report to council.
“It is also notably inconsistent with the more specific policies in the Downtown Core Area Plan (DCAP), including the envisioned densities, heights and uses.”
On top of submitting an application that is inconsistent with many Victoria bylaws, the applicant has reportedly indicated that they do not wish to make changes that would be required to come into general alignment with these policies.
One of these inconsistencies with Victoria bylaws and policies include the fact that the building is too tall and too close to the Victoria Harbour Airport, as per Transport Canada requirements.
The building would be 145 metres tall, but could only be as high as approximately 90 metres on the site it is proposed.
(City of Victoria)
This development proposal was made by Vancouver-based OMB Architects and Reliance Properties.
OMB Architects are responsible for such local projects as the Victoria International Airport terminal extension and the proposed Royal BC Museum replacement project that was cancelled.
Ultimately, staff recommend denying the proposal for 1520 Blanshard Street.
Alternatively, council could opt to defer a decision, allowing the applicant more time to amend their proposal. Though this is an option, staff point out in their report that the applicant has been unmoving impervious talks.
Council will consider this matter during the weekly committee of the whole meeting on Thursday, March 12th.
The 15th annual Goddess Run returned to Greater Victoria this year, bringing together 1,067 participants to celebrate International Women’s Day this Sunday, March 8th.
Since its inception in 2012, the event has never seen more registrations, marking its largest turnout yet.
This beloved run encourages participants to run or walk five or 10 kilometers along the scenic trails surrounding Elk and Beaver Lakes, and this year, they were rewarded with the perfect sunny weather for the occasion.
Before the race began, an energetic warm-up led by Mena Westhaver of PowerAthletics set the tone for the day, preparing runners and walkers for whichever distance they had ahead of them.
“We purposefully moved the Goddess Run this year so it landed on International Women’s Day for 2026,” stated Cathy Noel, founder and presenting sponsor of the Goddess Run.
“Over 1,000 amazing women took part in this year’s event, surrounding themselves with the power, strength, care and love of the Goddess community.”
Along with its largest turnout, the run also reached a new fundraising milestone, raising $29,794 this year. Overall, the event has now raised $308,000 for its charitable partners.
Funds from this year’s run will support the Victoria Women’s Transition House and Victoria Hospice, helping both organizations continue their important work in the community.
For more than a decade, the Goddess Run has been a staple event in Greater Victoria, bringing women together to celebrate movement, community and the spirit of International Women’s while raising money for meaningful local causes.
Comments made by Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams about Victoria are drawing attention online after the Canadian actor described the city in colourful terms during an appearance in Paris over the weekend.
Williams was attending a Balenciaga fashion show when he was asked about his recent work and filming schedule. During the conversation, he referenced time spent on Vancouver Island while shooting the upcoming television series Yaga.
“I was filming a show and it’s very stabilizing,” Williams said, before adding: “It’s like 30 minutes away from Vancouver — dead as f***, old people.”
The brief remark has since circulated widely on social media, sparking mixed reactions from viewers, with some agreeing while others say the comment misses the mark.
Victoria has long been the subject of similar jokes about its demographics and slower pace of life compared to Vancouver.
The city has often been referred to, sometimes jokingly, as a place for “the newlywed and nearly dead,” reflecting the reputation as a popular retirement destination.
Williams has been spending time on Vancouver Island while filming the eight-episode mystery thriller Yaga for Crave, which also stars Noah Reid and Carrie-Ann Moss.
Earlier this week, the actor was also spotted at Victoria International Airport by a local fan after returning from New York, where he had appeared on Saturday Night Live alongside Heated Rivalry co-star Connor Storrie.
“He’s the sweetest, he’s so down to earth,” Emille said of the encounter.
According to the fan, Williams stopped to chat briefly and pose for photos. Emille also creates Heated Rivalry-themed beaded earrings inspired by characters from the show.
Canadians continue to enjoy one of the most powerful passports in the world, according to a new global ranking released this month.
The Henley Passport Index 2026 Global Ranking places the Canadian passport seventh in the world, giving its holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 182 travel destinations worldwide.
The annual index evaluates 199 passports across 227 travel destinations, ranking them based on how freely citizens can travel without needing a visa beforehand.
Canada shares the seventh-place ranking with several other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Czechia, Latvia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
While Canada ranks highly, the top spot globally belongs to Singapore, whose passport allows visa-free access to 192 destinations, the highest of any country. Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates follow closely behind with access to 187 destinations.
Several European countries also dominate the upper ranks. Nations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland are all tied near the top of the list.
Canada’s neighbour, the United States, ranks slightly lower in 10th place, with access to 179 destinations without a prior visa.
At the opposite end of the ranking, Afghanistan holds the lowest position. Citizens there can travel to just 24 destinations without a visa.
The Henley Passport Index has tracked global passport power for more than two decades and is widely considered one of the most authoritative measures of international travel freedom.
The ranking highlights how strong the Canadian passport remains for international travel.
The Township of Esquimalt is conducting a survey to determine the overall satisfaction of its community members.
This comprehensive ‘Community Satisfaction Survey’ is aimed at addressing larger, overarching themes and service-specific matters that will help council make informed choices about the future of services in town.
During the last week of February, the survey was mailed out to 1,600 randomly selected residents who will be tasked with filling in the survey.
The Township says that by sending the survey to this number of random residents means the findings will reflect the perspectives of the broader community.
This is the first time in many years that the Township has issued a community survey in this way.
Esquimalt’s mayor and council are urging residents who receive one to take part in this survey, noting that it can be a meaningful opportunity to have one’s voice heard and shape the future of the community.
“We want to know what residents love about Esquimalt and what they’d like to see be improved,” said the Mayor Barbara Desjardins.
“This survey will help us better understand resident concerns and use that information in our council priority planning.”
In the short term, the survey will contribute to planning and service improvements while also functioning as a benchmark to gauge perspectives and priorities over time.
This will allow the Township to track trends over time and adjust programs and investments as community needs evolve.
For the residents of Esquimalt who do not receive a mail-out survey, the Township is also launching an online version of the survey. The findings of the online survey will be tracked separately, but will still contribute to informing the Township’s direction in the coming years.
Results from both the versions of the survey will be compiled and presented to council later this spring.
The public version of the survey is open until March 23th. Mailed-out surveys must be returned to the Township via mail by March 15th.
Some commuters across Greater Victoria were greeted with an unexpected March snowfall Monday morning as flurries moved across parts of southern Vancouver Island during the early drive.
Environment Canada issued a yellow snowfall warning at 8 a.m. Monday, saying quick bursts of snow could bring up to 5 centimetres to parts of the region.
The advisory covers Greater Victoria, the Malahat Highway, East Vancouver Island from Duncan to Nanaimo, inland Vancouver Island south of Port Alberni, and the west coast from Jordan River to Sooke.
Snowfall was reported early Monday in the Sooke area and along Highway 14 near Jordan River, where wintry conditions were already affecting the road.
Reports from the area also indicated snow falling along Highway 14 and the Sooke-Metchosin stretch, with conditions expected to push farther east toward the West Shore and Victoria’s core later in the morning.
Drive BC live image of Highway 14 at Gillespie Road, looking east.
According to Environment Canada, heavy convective flurries over southern Vancouver Island could generate quick bursts of snow, reducing visibility and creating rapidly changing road conditions.
The weather alert said the snowfall could have a significant impact on rush hour traffic, with motorists urged to allow extra time and use caution on the roads.
Drivers are also being reminded that winter or snow-rated tires are required on routes including the Malahat Highway and Highway 14 west of Sooke.
Environment Canada advises residents to keep an eye on updated forecasts and alerts as conditions develop through the morning.
An inmate serving a life sentence at a federal prison on Vancouver Island has died while in custody, according to Correctional Service Canada.
In a media release, the agency said Christopher Michael Tyler died on March 4th at William Head Institution in Metchosin.
He was 63 years old and his death is believed to have been from natural causes.
Tyler had been serving a life sentence since September 26th, 1994 for second-degree murder.
He was also convicted of two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime, driving while impaired and unlawfully at large.
He has been eligible for day parole since September 11th, 2001 and for full parole since September 11th, 2004.
According to Brenda Kanzig, assistant warden management services at William Head Institution, Tyler never applied for either.
Tyler died this week after serving nearly 32 years in custody.
As in all cases involving the death of an inmate, Correctional Service Canada said it will review the circumstances surrounding the death. Police and the BC Coroners Service have also been notified, as required by policy.
William Head Institution is a minimum-security federal correctional facility located in Metchosin on Vancouver Island that houses male offenders, including many serving life sentences.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend, Victoria?
From creative workshops and live performances to film screenings and fascinating local history, there’s plenty happening around the city over the next few days.
With several events celebrating International Women’s Day, it’s also a great opportunity to support local artists, hear inspiring stories and connect with the community.
Whether you’re hoping to try something new, enjoy a night out or simply explore what’s happening around Greater Victoria, there are plenty of events worth adding to your weekend plans.
Here 9 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—March 7th and 8th:
Celebrate International Women’s Day with flowers, creativity and a little well-deserved self-care!
Mayfair Shopping Centre is hosting aWomen’s Day Floral Workshop in partnership with Bespoke Blossoms in Centre Court on Saturday, March 7th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Create your own stunning floral arrangement to take home with expert guidance from Bespoke’s floral designers, the perfect way to show yourself some love this International Women’s Day.
While spots have filled up, those interested can contactMayfair on Instagram to be added to the waitlist.
Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre – Centre Court, 3147 Douglas Street
In March, as we recognize International Women’s Day, the Centre of the Universe invites you to explore the remarkable contributions women have made to our understanding of the universe.
Women have shaped our understanding of the universe for centuries, often while facing barriers that kept them out of observatories, universities and even the history books.
This talk explores the stories of the astronomers whose discoveries revealed the scale of the cosmos, uncovered dark matter and expanded our search for other worlds and how their legacy continues to influence astronomy today.
Kulea Culture Society presents a special night on International Women’s Day, featuring stories, music, poetry and performance.
This year’s event, Who is Your (S)hero?, brings together four socially engaged women from our community who will share the stories of female heroes who have inspired them.
Following their stories, a lineup of talented women performers will take the stage to share their creativity, wit and artistry.
This is a night to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women from all walks of life.
The Fresh Ink Festival is a celebration of bold, original theatre by local playwrights.
Across six evenings, audiences will experience eight short plays, each offering a distinct voice, style and perspective—from heartfelt and humorous to provocative and unexpected.
This festival is dedicated to developing and sharing new work, with each play being written by a local playwright and brought to life by local artists.
Celebrate International Women’s Day, with the Old Cemeteries Society (OCS) and Emily Carr Chronicles, at a special event in Ross Bay Cemetery on March 8th.
This year, Yvonne Van Ruskenveld of the Old Cemeteries Society (OCS) and Marilyn Jones of Emily Carr Chronicles are co-presenting two 90-minute tours featuring Eight Remarkable Women Resting in Ross Bay Cemetery.
There will be two 90-minute tours, visiting the graves of eight women who led very different lives, all with fascinating stories to tell including Emily Carr, Sophie Pemberton, Josephine Crease, Hannah Maynard, Jane Anne Nesbitt, Martha McNeill and Lottie Bowron.
No reservations are needed—tickets are $5 available inside the gate at the cemetery.
Power, pleasure, and confidence are lighting up the stage this International Women’s Day at View Royal’s Elements Casino, and you’re invited to join the celebration.
On Sunday, March 8th, Cheesecake Burlesque Revue’s Lipstick & Liberation brings a cheeky and dazzling tribute to femininity in all its forms.
Don’t miss this unforgettable night of empowering women through sweet and spicy performances—tickets are available now for $51.72here. This event is 19+.
Where: Elements Casino Victoria, 1708 Island Highway
Get ready to taste your way around the world while making a difference, Victoria!
Beacon Community Services is hosting a new fundraising event to shine a light on food insecurity in Greater Victoria this March.
Beacon Bits is a global tasting event happening on March 26th at 6:30 p.m. at Victoria Scottish Community Centre. Here, attendees will gather to make a lasting impact while raising money for those facing food insecurity in our community.
World-renowned local magician Jason Verners will also be performing, while CHEK News 6 p.m. anchor Paul Haysom will emcee the evening.
This culinary journey takes guests around the globe, featuring tastings from chefs, caterers, and food trucks across Greater Victoria.
Each tasting will exhibit flavours inspired by a different region around the world, including Indigenous from Songhees Catering, Mexican from Adriana’s Whole Enchilada, Colombian from Macondo Food Truck, Greek from Greek on the Street Food Truck, Scottish from Island Culinary Services, Spanish from Alunt Foods, Syrian from Syriana’s, and Indian from Sizzling Tandoor + Kinu.
The evening is a cocktail-style event designed for mingling, sampling, and connecting over great food for a meaningful cause.
Tickets start at $200 per person, with bundle options also available including six tickets for $1,100 and 10 tickets for $1,750.
Proceeds from ticket sales go directly towards delivering meals and expanding food access for youth, families, and seniors across Greater Victoria through Beacon Community Services programs.
Don’t miss this evening of incredible food, community connection, and impact. Support your community while helping raise awareness for food insecurity in Greater Victoria—get your tickets here.
The Port Theatre Society in Nanaimo has opted to cancel an upcoming show due to the controversial content of the headlining comedian.
On March 21st, the theatre was to host a show featuring Canadian-born comedian Ben Bankas, who is now based out of Austin, Texas.
Many find his jokes to be offensive, as a number of them are racially charged.
In one of his jokes that surfaced online this week, Bankas says, “I’m trying to get used to America… obviously Canada doesn’t really have Mexican people, they don’t really have Black people—I know it sounds like paradise.”
The post was made in an effort to demonstrate that Bankas’ comedy is problematic in nature.
“It distresses me that humour or speech that promotes hatred to any group is allowed,” said one commenter. “What kind of society is this that we are in?”
However others said they believe that by cancelling the show, the Port Theatre Society was engaging in censorship.
Other Bankas jokes refer to Winnipeg as an “Indigenous zombie apocalypse” and he has a joke in which he infers he wishes more people died in last year’s Lapu Lapu Festival tragedy in Vancouver.
The Port Theatre Society released an announcement saying the Bankas event was cancelled following a comprehensive review of their policies, which included adherence to the BC Human Rights Code, as well as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
“As the operator of the Port Theatre, the Society has a duty to provide a safe environment to staff, volunteers, patrons, artists and members of the community,” wrote the Port Theatre Society in a media release.
“After an extensive internal and external review of safety, operational and legal factors, the Society determined proceeding with the rental [to Bankas] would be inconsistent with those obligations.”
The society added that although this show was cancelled, they remain committed to upholding freedom of expression, so long as it is within the bounds of the law.
The review conducted by the society came after a Nanaimo city council meeting in which the Bankas show was discussed.
During the February 23rd meeting, city council voted in favour of having the Port Theatre Society conduct the policy review, rather than having the show cancelled by their hands.
As of this publication, Bankas’ is still scheduled to appear in Campbell River at the Tidemark Theatre on March 22nd.
He is also still slated to perform in Kelowna, Lethbridge, Calgary and Niagara Falls on his “I Said What I Said” tour.
The Vancouver Canucks made several roster changes ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline on Friday, moving a pair of depth forwards while also adding a player off waivers as the struggling team continues to reshape its lineup.
Vancouver traded centre David Kampf to the Washington Capitals and winger Lukas Reichel to the Boston Bruins, receiving sixth-round draft picks in both deals.
“We would like to thank both David and Lukas for their time with the organization,” said Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin.
“David provided us some depth down the middle was also a good penalty killer. Lukas put in the work at both the NHL and AHL level and we wish them both the best with their new teams.”
The additional picks provide Vancouver with a total of 10 selections in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
The team also claimed centre Curtis Douglas off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Kampf, a 31-year-old Czech centre and pending unrestricted free agent, appeared in 38 games for Vancouver this season, recording two goals and six points before being dealt to Washington.
Reichel, a 23-year-old German winger, saw limited action with the Canucks this season, posting one assist in 14 NHL games.
He spent more time with the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, where he had six goals and seven assists in 23 games. Reichel also represented Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics, tallying two goals and an assist in five games.
In a separate move Friday, Vancouver claimed Douglas off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 26-year-old forward from Oakville, Ont., is in his first NHL season and has two assists along with 92 penalty minutes.
Notably, the Canucks did not trade pending unrestricted free agents Evander Kane or Teddy Blueger, despite earlier indications the team could move expiring contracts before the deadline.
The moves come during a difficult season for Vancouver. The club has struggled at the bottom of the NHL standings for much of the year and has posted one of the worst records in the league.
Through the season, Vancouver has also endured significant struggles defensively, allowing far more goals than it has scored.
With the trade deadline now passed, the Canucks appear focused on evaluating younger players and adjusting their roster as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
If you’re in need of a way to keep the kids busy, curious and entertained while school is out, we’ve got you covered.
From hands-on workshops and creative camps to nature storytimes, museum exhibits and community events, the city is packed with activities designed to spark imagination and encourage exploration.
Whether you’re looking for a fun afternoon outing or planning a full week of adventures, there’s an activity on this list for you.
Here are 11 spring break activities happening in and around Greater Victoria:
Experience the wonders of the natural world through the eyes of photographers around the globe at the 61st annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Royal BC Museum.
This iconic exhibit from London’s Natural History Museum returns to Victoria, offering stunning photography that showcases the planet’s breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife and powerful moments from the natural world.
From ocean creatures to jungle dwellers, this 2026 collection promises to leave you in awe, highlighting the beauty and fragility of nature.
Head to G R Pearkes Recreation Centre for a specially priced drop-in skate session to support kidsFUNd in helping low-income Saanich families participate in camps, lessons, social activities and more.
Single admission with skate rentals included is $3.50, and family admission with skate rentals included is $10.
All admission proceeds benefit kidsFUNd directly.
Where: G R Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road
When: Saturday, March 14th – 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Every day from March 15th to 21st for a delightful story and activity in Indigo’s kids activity corner.
They’ll be hosting events at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily during this time frame. Click here for the various activities to book your spot.
Please note: there is a $5 reservation fee required for each event. The reservation fee will be returned to you in the form of a $5 gift card on the day of the event. No reservations are required for parents or guardians.
Where: Indigo Mayfair, 3147 Douglas Street
When: Sunday, March 15th to Saturday, March 21st – various times
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV) wants to welcome you to March Family Sunday!
Through the art of Simranpreet Anand, Emily Carr and Dana Claxton, you are invited to explore through art making how you can show others what has meaning to you and what you care about, including things and ideas such as personal identity, family history and the environment.
Play with pixelation to make a picture of your favourite food or belongings, help to build a sculpture using strips of recycled fabrics and paint a postcard inspired by excerpts from Emily Carr’s journals.
Entry is included with museum admission.
Where: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 1040 Moss Street
Another unique opportunity will be taking place at the AGGV this spring break!
Explore the current exhibitions and the AGGV’s permanent collection, led by the gallery’s fun and engaging studio instructor team.
Building on the works and ideas discovered in the gallery, campers will experiment with a variety of mediums and processes to create their own works of art.
The Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) is hosting free nature-themed storytime at Swan Lake!
Join the library for fun-filled stories, songs, rhymes and puppets for young children ages one to five and their families, followed by 30 minutes of social time and free play.
Take part in a specially priced drop-in swimming session to support kidsFUNd in helping low-income Saanich families participate in camps, lessons, social activities, and more.
Single admission is $3.50, and family admission is $10.
All admission proceeds benefit kidsFUNd directly.
Where: Saanich Commonwealth Place, 4636 Elk Lake Drive
The Sidney Museum is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its LEGO Brick Exhibition, running now through April 6th, which showcases a wide variety of fan-favourite displays from over the years.
Admission by donation.
Where: The Sidney Museum and Archives, 2423 Beacon Avenue
When: Monday to Sunday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Know of a spring break event that should be added to the list? Let us know in the comment section below or email us at info@victoriabuzz.com.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are continuing efforts to locate a woman who was reported missing earlier this year.
Police say Rosemarie Harry was reported missing on February 4th, but was last seen several days earlier on January 28th.
Since receiving the report, investigators say they have undertaken extensive steps in an effort to find her. Officers have conducted numerous interviews and canvassed businesses and residences throughout the Duncan area in search of CCTV footage that could help determine her movements.
Investigators have also searched several areas of interest as part of the ongoing investigation.
On February 13th, local search and rescue teams, including Swift Water Rescue, carried out an extensive search in the area. RCMP Air Services has also been deployed to assist.
The investigation is currently being led by the RCMP’s General Investigation Section with assistance from Indigenous Police Services, Investigative Support Services and front-line officers.
Police say they continue to follow up on information and tips related to the case.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Rosemarie Harry is asked to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at (250) 748-5522.
A group of volunteers clearing invasive ivy from Portage Park (GVGT)
In late February, the Greater Victoria Green Team (GVGT) partnered with the Town of View Royal to clear a massive amount of invasive species out of Portage Park.
The local group brought together youth and many other community members at Portage Park and for two days removed many invasive plants from the area.
The group says that the immediate goal for this environmental action was to free trees and native plants from invasive ivy.
On day one, 25 students from Grades 6 and 7 at Shoreline Community Middle School came out and contributed.
These students spent the morning learning about invasive plants, the importance of stewardship and caring for natural spaces in their own community.
The following day, over 50 community members of all ages came out to contribute, including seniors and young families.
“Activities like this show that stewardship is really about people,” said Sara Schwartz, program manager with the GVGT.
“When community members come together, they are not just improving a park. They are building friendships, discovering what it means to belong and realizing that we are part of nature, not separate from it.”
Together, over the course of the two days, the youth and community members removed 19 cubic metres of invasive plants—approximately 118 bathtubs-full.
In addition to learning and making an impact, many community members who participated noted that the initiative allowed them to connect with new people over their shared values of environmental protection.
“Working in close proximity to others facilitated easy conversations,” said Robin Granewall, one of the volunteers at the event.
“I believe fostering young participants lays the groundwork for perpetual involvement. Also, what a great antidote to our digital world.”
Now that Portage Park has received some love from the GVGT, the group now looks ahead to continue their momentum throughout March and into Earth Month in April.
To learn more and sign up for upcoming activities visit the GVGT website.
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC determined that a man arrested by VicPD officers on New Year’s Day was not seriously injured enough for oversight investigation.
The IIO investigation determined that the incident’s sequence of events began with a call to police shortly after 5:30 p.m. on January 1st.
VicPD attended the scene in the 800 block of Johnson Street for a possible assault and reports of a man running into traffic.
When officers arrived, they utilized a police dog to apprehend and arrest a suspect.
During the altercation with the police dog, the man suffered an injury and was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
Because the man was injured during the police incident, the IIO were notified and launched an investigation to determine if police action, or inaction, contributed to the man suffering injuries.
However, first the IIO is tasked with determining if injuries sustained during a police interaction meet the threshold of “serious harm.”
Serious harm is defined by the Police Act as “an injury that may result in death, may cause serious disfigurement or may cause substantial loss or impairment of mobility of the body as a whole or of the function of any limb or organ.”
According to the IIO, the man’s injuries did not meet the threshold for serious harm.
Because his injuries did not meet this benchmark, the case has been concluded.
Editor’s note: This article previously stated that VicPD officers had been cleared of wrongdoing in this matter. Because the IIO only clears police officers of wrongdoing if the harm done to an individual meets the “serious harm” benchmark, the investigation was never fulsome enough to clear anyone of wrongdoing.
The Town of Comox has announced a land acquisition of approximately 2.6-hectares that will be used for a new public park and green space.
This new park will be named the “Newson Family Nature Park,” and will be located at 1413 Balmoral Avenue. The Town will take possession of the property on March 1st.
A stone masonry base with an anchor and plaque to honour the Newson/Fairbairn family history will be placed where the property’s house stood upon the demolition of the home.
The Newson family has deep ties to the region that goes back for four generations.
The Town also noted that a labyrinth monument will be installed on the property, some of the dahlia gardens will be preserved, memorial trees will be planted and dedicated benches will be implemented.
“Parks and open spaces are an important part of our community,” said Comox Mayor Nicole Minions.
“We know this property will be a space for people to gather and enjoy the outdoors in a place that preserves the family’s legacy.”
Mayor Minions noted that the park’s location will provide adjacent access to Brooklyn Creek, Macdonald Wood and Mack Laing.
Richelle Newson also commented on the park being named after her kin, saying that the land on which the park will stand will preserve her family’s legacy appropriately.
“Both of our parents, George and Kella-Lee Newson, embodied a spirit of caring, generosity, and service to our family and wider community,” said Newson.
“For generations before us, this land has been a welcoming and meaningful place of gathering and a safe harbour for all. We are grateful to the partnership and collaboration of the Town of Comox to ensure that this land will be enjoyed and preserved for all the people of the Comox Valley for years to come.”
The new Newson park was bought using $3.84 million in previously collected Development Cost Charges (DCCs) meant to help the Town expand its parkland. The purchase will have no implication on residents or property taxes.
The Town says that over the next six months, the property will be closed to the public while the home’s structure is demolished.
The public can anticipate gaining access to the new park in the fall.
A former VicPD special constable has been sentenced to a year in jail after being convicted of luring a 15-year-old girl he met while working at a summer hockey camp in Port Alberni.
In a decision released February 6th, Provincial Court Judge Lamperon sentenced Foster Chadwick Martin to one year in jail followed by 18 months of probation.
Martin, who was 20-years-old at the time of the offence, had been working as an on-ice assistant coach at the West Coast Hockey Prep Camp in July 2020 when he began communicating with a 15-year-old participant through social media.
Following a multi-day trial, the court found that Martin used Instagram and Snapchat to message the teen and arranged to meet her at the Alberni Valley Multiplex with the intention of her performing oral sex on him.
The judge said the Crown proved the child luring charge beyond a reasonable doubt, but the court was not satisfied that sexual activity actually occurred. Martin had originally faced four charges including sexual assault, sexual touching and extortion but was acquitted of those offences.
According to the ruling, Martin’s communication with the teen began shortly after she attended the hockey camp in July 2020 and escalated into sexual messages about a week later.
The judge found the offence particularly serious because Martin abused a position of trust connected to his coaching role.
“But for his position he would not have come to know [the victim] and would not have obtained her contact information,” the judge wrote.
The court also heard that the victim experienced significant psychological harm, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harm and two suicide attempts in the years following the incident. She also stopped playing hockey after the events.
At sentencing, the Crown sought a custodial sentence of 12 to 18 months, while the defence argued the sentence should be served in the community under a conditional sentence order.
Judge Lamperon rejected that request, saying jail was necessary to emphasize denunciation and deterrence in offences involving children.
“It is quite rare that courts impose conditional sentence orders where an offender commits a sexual offence against a child,” the judge wrote.
While Martin had no prior criminal record, was relatively young at the time of the offence and was assessed as a low risk to reoffend, the court found those factors did not outweigh the seriousness of the crime.
Martin had previously worked as a special constable with VicPD before his arrest in 2022. The court noted the conviction will likely prevent him from pursuing his goal of becoming a police officer.
In addition to jail time and probation, the court ordered a no-contact order with the victim, a 10-year weapons prohibition, DNA collection and registration on the national sex offender registry for 20 years.
With the NHL tradedeadline looming the Vancouver Canucks have trade forward Connar Garland to the Columbus Blue Jackets for two draft picks.
The Canucks will receive a second and a third-round draft pick, according to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun.
“We really appreciate all that Conor has done for the hockey club and want to thank him for his five years in Vancouver,” said Allvin.
“A play driver and strong competitor, he was a key contributor on the ice. Collecting two more draft picks aligns really well with our vision moving forward and will help us in our rebuild.”
The Columbus Blue Jackets sit one point behind the Boston Bruins for the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Garland has recorded seven goals and 19 assists in 50 games for the last-place Vancouver Canucks during the 2025–26 season. It marks his sixth year with Vancouver and ninth in the NHL.
The winger is in the final season of an eight-year, $36 million contract with a $6 million cap hit and is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Earlier today, the Canucks acquired defenceman Jack Thompson from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenceman Jett Woo.
“Jett was a key part of our AHL championship winning team and we would like to thank him for all that he has done for the Canucks organization,” said Allvin.
“Bringing in Jack will add to our organizational depth on the blueline, and we look forward to working with him in Abbotsford.”
Thompson, 23, has appeared in 42 games for the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) in 2025.26, posting 12 points (3-9-12), 12 penalty minutes, and a +13 plus/minus ranking.
The 6’1”, 189lbs defenceman has appeared in 34 career NHL games, split between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Sharks, posting 10 points (4-6-10) and 10 penalty minutes.
On Wednesday, the Canucks traded veteran defenceman Tyler Myers to the Dallas Stars in exchange for two future draft picks.
Vancouver receive a second-round pick in 2027 and a fourth-round pick in 2029 as part of the deal.
The Canucks also retained 50% of Myers’ $3 million cap hit through next season.
The additional picks provide Vancouver with a total of eight selections in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, and nine selections in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft.
Home sales across the Victoria region picked up in February compared to the previous month, though activity remained below the levels seen a year ago.
New data from the Victoria Real Estate Board shows 465 properties sold in February, representing an 11.9% decrease from the 528 sales recorded in February 2025. However, sales rose 37.2% compared to January, signalling renewed activity heading toward the spring market.
Sales declined across both major housing categories compared to last year. Condominium sales fell 19.8% year over year with 154 units sold, while single-family home sales dropped 12% with 206 properties sold.
Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Fergus Kyne said February’s market showed clear improvement compared to the slower start to the year.
“February’s sales definitely picked up the pace compared with sales from the previous month,” Kyne said.
“Though our sales numbers are lower than they were in 2025, with an over 35% increase month over month and a very healthy amount of inventory currently available, it will be interesting to see how our spring market unfolds in the upcoming months.”
Inventory levels also continued to rise across the region. At the end of February there were 2,903 active listings on the Multiple Listing Service, an increase of 10.6% from January and 10.4% higher than the 2,630 listings available in February 2025.
According to Kyne, increased activity in February helped stabilize the market after it had recently been sitting between balanced and buyer-friendly conditions.
“When the market is in balance, it means excellent opportunities exist for buyers and sellers,” he said.
“If you’ve been waiting for the spring to start your home sale or search, now is a great time to connect with a local Victoria REALTOR® to start planning.”
Prices edged down slightly compared to last year but climbed from January levels.
The benchmark price for a single-family home in Victoria’s core reached $1,307,400 in February, a 0.9% decrease from February 2025, but up from $1,265,500 in January.
Meanwhile, the benchmark price for a condominium stood at $545,600, down 0.7% year over year but up from $537,800 the previous month.
