Community

(Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich repeals, reschedules two public hearings for consideration of new information

Move to hold public hearings for second time ‘very rare,’ mayor says

 

Last year’s Coldest Night of the Year walk raised more than $17,000 in Sooke. (Facebook - Sooke Shelter Society)

Coldest Night of the Year walk returns to Sooke for second year

Walk for homeless set for Feb. 22

 

David Boudinot has been going on daily litter-picking walks through his neighbourhood of Fernwood since June. (David Boudinot/Twitter)

Fernwood ‘litter picker’ collects over 300 litres in under a month

David Boudinot collects two to four pailfuls each morning

 

Pictured is the remnants of a parachute from a marine distress flare that exploded close to the ground on the evening of Dec. 12 and was found in a lower branch of a garry oak tree next to a home in Maple Bay. (Submitted photo)

Neighbours horrified as dangerous marine flares shot off near homes in Maple Bay

Illegal to use distress flares except in emergencies

Pictured is the remnants of a parachute from a marine distress flare that exploded close to the ground on the evening of Dec. 12 and was found in a lower branch of a garry oak tree next to a home in Maple Bay. (Submitted photo)
After living with cystic fibrosis his entire life, Nick Kanaan required a double-lung transplant. Today, he honours Dr. John Yee and the medical team at VGH who helped save his life.

Double-lung transplant saves father after lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis

This holiday season Angel donations will help fund the most urgent health care needs

  • Dec 14, 2020
After living with cystic fibrosis his entire life, Nick Kanaan required a double-lung transplant. Today, he honours Dr. John Yee and the medical team at VGH who helped save his life.
The Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra presents its second online streaming concert on Nov. 1. (Niek Verlaan - Pixabay)

Watch Messiah at home with the Sooke Philharmonic

Concert available to stream Dec. 12

The Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra presents its second online streaming concert on Nov. 1. (Niek Verlaan - Pixabay)
The 211 helpline is available 24 hours a day, every day in more than 150 languages.

BC 211 expects calls for support to increase as second wave continues across BC

Helpline is available 24 hours a day, every day

  • Nov 30, 2020
The 211 helpline is available 24 hours a day, every day in more than 150 languages.
Sooke parks staff are all smiles as they welcome the opportunity to bring the holiday spirit to the community with the hanging of festive décor on light standards. (Contributed - District of Sooke)

Sooke lighting up holiday spirit

Sooke Road roundabout lights up Dec. 1

Sooke parks staff are all smiles as they welcome the opportunity to bring the holiday spirit to the community with the hanging of festive décor on light standards. (Contributed - District of Sooke)
Rec Centre

Arts inspire connection and creativity in Saanich

Community shares a welcome return to local arts programs

  • Nov 16, 2020
Rec Centre
Victoria's Vital Signs 2020

Vital Signs report charts challenges 2020 has brought locally

15th edition of the report explores how Greater Victoria is faring over all and in 12 key areas

  • Nov 16, 2020
Victoria's Vital Signs 2020
Victoria Hindu Parishad and Cultural Center will host two nights of virtual Diwali celebrations amid the pandemic featuring dancers, singers and may other performers. (Photo submitted by Sridevi Ganti)

Diwali festival goes virtual in Greater Victoria

Victoria Hindu Parishad and Cultural Center opts for two nights of online performances

Victoria Hindu Parishad and Cultural Center will host two nights of virtual Diwali celebrations amid the pandemic featuring dancers, singers and may other performers. (Photo submitted by Sridevi Ganti)
A special Tree of Life pendant that ‘Rose’ purchased during a sabbatical to Victoria. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Island woman warns of scams on dating sites from personal experience

Rose gets her $1,500 back, but most aren’t as fortunate

A special Tree of Life pendant that ‘Rose’ purchased during a sabbatical to Victoria. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Nancy Ann Rose started the West Shore Road Runners club at the end of October after realizing that having a mobility scooter would be far better if she had people to share the experience with. (Jane Skrypnek/News Staff)

West Shore woman launches mobility scooter club

Nancy Ann Rose wants to create a community for people with similar experiences

Nancy Ann Rose started the West Shore Road Runners club at the end of October after realizing that having a mobility scooter would be far better if she had people to share the experience with. (Jane Skrypnek/News Staff)
Duncan Fairfield, from Cowichan Bay, won $99,000 on Lotto 6/49

Vancouver Island resident wins lottery

Cowichan Bay’s Duncan Fairfield wins $99,000 on Lotto 6/49

  • Nov 4, 2020
Duncan Fairfield, from Cowichan Bay, won $99,000 on Lotto 6/49
A community tent in Beacon Hill Park was set up in order to provide a safe, dry place for people who are living outside. (Facebook/Beverley Joy)

Beacon Hill Park’s unhoused install community tent as Victoria weather turns wet

Organizers say dry, safe place needed to replace unavailable shelter space

A community tent in Beacon Hill Park was set up in order to provide a safe, dry place for people who are living outside. (Facebook/Beverley Joy)
The Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra presents its second online streaming concert on Nov. 1. (Niek Verlaan - Pixabay)

All together now: Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra to launch second virtual concert

Online performance set for Nov. 1

The Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra presents its second online streaming concert on Nov. 1. (Niek Verlaan - Pixabay)
Police closed McNeill Avenue after a workplace death Oct. 20, 2020. (Nina Grossman/News Staff)

Tree-pruning community gathers in Oak Bay after tragic death

Crews met in solidarity at site of Tuesday incident

Police closed McNeill Avenue after a workplace death Oct. 20, 2020. (Nina Grossman/News Staff)
The historic monkey puzzle tree at Malahat Farm is now a work of art, thanks to chainsaw carver Mike Brown. (Contributed photo)

Chainsaw carver turns dead tree into stunning work of art

Historic tree at Malahat Farm sprouts new life

The historic monkey puzzle tree at Malahat Farm is now a work of art, thanks to chainsaw carver Mike Brown. (Contributed photo)
Avid walker George Doi of Langley celebrated a milestone on Sept. 17, when he completed a virtual walk around the world (Special to Langley Advance Times)

A (virtual) walk around the world by 88-year-old B.C. man

George Doi says it’s simple: ‘I like walking’

Avid walker George Doi of Langley celebrated a milestone on Sept. 17, when he completed a virtual walk around the world (Special to Langley Advance Times)
Vancouver Island family overwhelmed with 14 Lab puppies

Vancouver Island family overwhelmed with 14 Lab puppies

Litter may be one of the biggest ever

Vancouver Island family overwhelmed with 14 Lab puppies