parks

The District of Saanich is reminding park users to comply with the current public health orders after large picnics and sports games were reported. (Black Press Media File)

Large picnics, adult sports in Saanich parks prompt reminder about COVID-19 restrictions

Groups of up to 10 can meet outside, some adult sports permitted with social distancing

The District of Saanich is reminding park users to comply with the current public health orders after large picnics and sports games were reported. (Black Press Media File)
The playground at Hamsterly Beach on Elk Lake was closed in mid-May so crews could begin dismantling the old structure to make way for a new nature playground. (Image via the Capital Regional District)

CRD replacing Saanich playground with new nature play area

Existing Hamsterly Beach structure dismantled, construction expected to conclude in late fall

The playground at Hamsterly Beach on Elk Lake was closed in mid-May so crews could begin dismantling the old structure to make way for a new nature playground. (Image via the Capital Regional District)
Sheba, Spencer, Bronson and Sasha (left to right) peeked outside hoping for playtime outside Uplands Park in 2011. (Black Press Media file photo)

Pooches now permitted on Cadboro-Gyro Park paths in Saanich, pop-up dog parks in works

Council to consider mandatory leashing in parks with sensitive environments May 31

Sheba, Spencer, Bronson and Sasha (left to right) peeked outside hoping for playtime outside Uplands Park in 2011. (Black Press Media file photo)
Howard English Hatchery volunteer Joscilyn Jupp poured one of many buckets of salmon fry into Douglas Creek on May 11, 2021. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

35,000 salmon fry released in Saanich park during closed event

Chum from Goldstream Hatchery trucked in to restore Douglas Creek salmon spawning

Howard English Hatchery volunteer Joscilyn Jupp poured one of many buckets of salmon fry into Douglas Creek on May 11, 2021. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)
The orange parcel was bought by the CRD for $1.1 million to add to Mount Work Regional Park. (CRD map)

Capital Regional District expands Mount Work land for $1.1 million

Privately-owned 13.8 hectares in the Highlands is ecologcically valuable

The orange parcel was bought by the CRD for $1.1 million to add to Mount Work Regional Park. (CRD map)
An off-leash dog plays with a ball in Vernon, B.C. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich park advocates call for off-leash dog park, changes to leash restrictions

Fenced dog run in Cadboro-Gyro Park would take pressure off beach, other parks, association says

An off-leash dog plays with a ball in Vernon, B.C. (Black Press Media file photo)
Advocates working to secure the purchase of the Kings Road greenspace in Saanich have been granted a one-year fundraising extension to raise the required $2.75 million. (Image via Mayor’s Standing Committee on Fundraising for Kings Road Community Nature Green Space presentation)

Saanich extends deadline for Kings Park fundraiser, holds off on contributing $1.75 million

District to call on Oak Bay, Victoria to contribute to establishing sub-regional park

Advocates working to secure the purchase of the Kings Road greenspace in Saanich have been granted a one-year fundraising extension to raise the required $2.75 million. (Image via Mayor’s Standing Committee on Fundraising for Kings Road Community Nature Green Space presentation)
Cyclists cruised around Saanich at the 2017 Cycling Festival. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich scavenger hunt replaces annual Cycling Festival

Participants encouraged to ‘walk or roll’ to 20 secret sites, submit photo proof for prizes

Cyclists cruised around Saanich at the 2017 Cycling Festival. (Black Press Media file photo)
The artist rendered Sadie with a few more ribs and wrinkles than she had in real life, and with the fading of her paint she looks a little sad. But real-life Sadie was an energetic hunting dog, her owner Cliff Curtis said. (Zoe Ducklow/News Staff)

Dog sculpture at Glen Lake Park based off a happy hunting hound

Sadie the dog was not as old as the concrete art looks almost 20 years later

The artist rendered Sadie with a few more ribs and wrinkles than she had in real life, and with the fading of her paint she looks a little sad. But real-life Sadie was an energetic hunting dog, her owner Cliff Curtis said. (Zoe Ducklow/News Staff)
Advocates working to secure the purchase of the Kings Park greenspace in Saanich are calling on council to extend the fundraising deadline and allocate $1.75 million to the cause. (Image via Mayor’s Standing Committee on Fundraising for Kings Road Community Nature Green Space presentation)

Kings Park advocates call on Saanich to extend fundraising deadline, contribute $1.75 million to save greenspace

Fundraising efforts halted by pandemic, deadline passed March 31

Advocates working to secure the purchase of the Kings Park greenspace in Saanich are calling on council to extend the fundraising deadline and allocate $1.75 million to the cause. (Image via Mayor’s Standing Committee on Fundraising for Kings Road Community Nature Green Space presentation)
A food truck operated by the Songhees First Nation can often be found at the Inner Harbour and in other parts of Greater Victoria. (Songhees Event and Catering/Facebook)

Saanich considers rolling out food truck pilot program this summer

Temporary permits would allow up to two food trucks in five parks

A food truck operated by the Songhees First Nation can often be found at the Inner Harbour and in other parts of Greater Victoria. (Songhees Event and Catering/Facebook)
A Twitter user sparked a conversation about potential future uses for James Houlihan Park in Saanich after noting that the large, empty field is underused. (@QuenchWines/Twitter)

Residents, councillors dig into potential uses for empty park in Saanich

James Houlihan Park a 1.9-hectare open field with paved walking path

A Twitter user sparked a conversation about potential future uses for James Houlihan Park in Saanich after noting that the large, empty field is underused. (@QuenchWines/Twitter)
The District of Saanich has swapped out playground sand for wheelchair-friendly wood chips in dozens of its parks and plans to do the same in Layritz Park, Brydon Park, Gorge Waterway Park, Mount Douglas Park, Hyacinth Park, Normandy Park and Allenby Park in 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich playgrounds’ sand base to be replaced with wheelchair-friendly wood chips

Braefoot Park among dozens of parks to receive wood chips for increased safety, accessibility

The District of Saanich has swapped out playground sand for wheelchair-friendly wood chips in dozens of its parks and plans to do the same in Layritz Park, Brydon Park, Gorge Waterway Park, Mount Douglas Park, Hyacinth Park, Normandy Park and Allenby Park in 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)
This dead fir tree is one of many in Mount Douglas Park. Nine dead trees will be removed from the Douglas Creek site starting March 8 to make way for the construction of a new pedestrian bridge. (Photo courtesy Jason Clarke)

Nine hazardous dead trees to be removed from Saanich park ahead of bridge construction

Felling begins March 8, minor trail interruptions expected in Mount Douglas Park

This dead fir tree is one of many in Mount Douglas Park. Nine dead trees will be removed from the Douglas Creek site starting March 8 to make way for the construction of a new pedestrian bridge. (Photo courtesy Jason Clarke)
The construction zone remains for now at Clover Point, but plans for a new pedestrian zone and partially closed traffic loop were approved by Victoria councillors on Thursday. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)

Victoria council compromises with partial closure of Clover Point

Option preserves parking 14 spots facing ocean, creates more pedestrian space

The construction zone remains for now at Clover Point, but plans for a new pedestrian zone and partially closed traffic loop were approved by Victoria councillors on Thursday. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)
Where the Dude Chilling Park sign used to live. (Cara McKenna/Twitter)

Famous Dude Chilling Park sign stolen again in East Vancouver

The Parks Board will replace the apparently popular sign for at least the third time

Where the Dude Chilling Park sign used to live. (Cara McKenna/Twitter)
The Churchill Drive gate in Mount Douglas Park will be closed over the B.C. Family Day long weekend. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich closes Mount Doug to vehicle traffic over long weekend due to snow, increased pedestrian use

Park-users reminded to avoid illegally parking on road edges, use designated lots

The Churchill Drive gate in Mount Douglas Park will be closed over the B.C. Family Day long weekend. (Black Press Media file photo)
Plans for Clover Point Park will be determined at a later date, after Victoria council asked staff to bring back more options for the site. (Black Press Media file photo)

Victoria council wants more options for Clover Point Park redesign

Discussion on closing loop section to traffic fails to achieve consensus, more discussion coming

Plans for Clover Point Park will be determined at a later date, after Victoria council asked staff to bring back more options for the site. (Black Press Media file photo)
A ditch marks the Canada-U.S. border and separates people walking on the road, right, in Surrey, British Columbia, and those gathered at Peace Arch Historical State Park, left, in Blaine, Wash., Sunday, July 5, 2020. Although the B.C. government closed the Canadian side of the park in June due to concerns about crowding and COVID-19, people are still able to meet in the U.S. park due to a treaty signed in 1814 that allows citizens of Canada and the U.S. to unite in the park without technically crossing any border. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

B.C. premier says calling for closure of Peace Arch State Park a federal responsibility

Horgan said he would ‘take action’ if Canada-U.S. border park is flagged as problem by PHO

A ditch marks the Canada-U.S. border and separates people walking on the road, right, in Surrey, British Columbia, and those gathered at Peace Arch Historical State Park, left, in Blaine, Wash., Sunday, July 5, 2020. Although the B.C. government closed the Canadian side of the park in June due to concerns about crowding and COVID-19, people are still able to meet in the U.S. park due to a treaty signed in 1814 that allows citizens of Canada and the U.S. to unite in the park without technically crossing any border. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
Construction continues at Clover Point related to the Capital Regional District’s wastewater pump station. At its Feb. 11 committee of the whole meeting, Victoria council will discuss options for improvements to the park, one of which includes closing the south portion of the park to vehicle traffic. (Black Press Media file photo)

Pedestrian-focused improvements suggested for Victoria’s Clover Point Park

Closing the waterfront loop to vehicle traffic one of two options council will discuss Feb. 11

Construction continues at Clover Point related to the Capital Regional District’s wastewater pump station. At its Feb. 11 committee of the whole meeting, Victoria council will discuss options for improvements to the park, one of which includes closing the south portion of the park to vehicle traffic. (Black Press Media file photo)
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