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Austin Westphal

Austin Westphal

Austin Westphal is originally from San Diego, California, Austin is an international man of mystery who holds degrees from San Diego State University and the University of British Columbia. His work has appeared in publications across Canada, including the Narwhal, Canadian Geographic and La Presse, often exploring his interests in science, politics and all things unusual. He's a passionate storyteller who believes that some of the greatest stories can be found in the most unsuspecting of places. When he's not in the newsroom, Austin can be found enjoying B.C.'s natural beauty, cranking up some Steely Dan or searching for Vancouver Island's best fried chicken sandwich.

Recent Work by Austin

World-class Thrifty Foods Skatepark opens on the West Shore

World-class Thrifty Foods Skatepark opens on the West Shore

West Shore gets new skatepark almost 8 years after old Belmont site removed
Totem pole carved by inmates dedicated at Wilkinson Road jail in Saanich

Totem pole carved by inmates dedicated at Wilkinson Road jail in Saanich

About 160 at Vancouver Island Regional Corrections Centre participated in first-of-its-kind project
Saanich endorses zone allowing small apartment buildings on single-family lots

Saanich endorses zone allowing small apartment buildings on single-family lots

Staff report indicates district needs more than 1,200 new bachelor, one-bedroom units by 2025
Province chooses interim operator for Victoria’s historic Point Ellice House

Province chooses interim operator for Victoria’s historic Point Ellice House

Popular heritage site to reopen to public by end of the month
Canadian national cricket team scouts talent in Victoria

Canadian national cricket team scouts talent in Victoria

ICC One Day International status restored after nearly a decade
Saanich care home re-dedicates front entrance totem pole two decades later

Saanich care home re-dedicates front entrance totem pole two decades later

Broadmead Care celebrates 20th anniversary of Veterans Memorial Lodge totem pole with master carver
Simulated oil spill off southern Vancouver Island tests marine response

Simulated oil spill off southern Vancouver Island tests marine response

Crews from the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation deployed as part of biannual exercise
Saanich Emergency Program keeps skills sharp during National Volunteer Week

Saanich Emergency Program keeps skills sharp during National Volunteer Week

Volunteers attended a radio communications training session
Greater Victoria’s first Syrian restaurant opening in Esquimalt

Greater Victoria’s first Syrian restaurant opening in Esquimalt

In a diverse culinary scene, Victoria is about to get its first taste of authentic Syrian fare
‘A very defensible budget’: Saanich homeowners face 7.19% property tax increase

‘A very defensible budget’: Saanich homeowners face 7.19% property tax increase

2023 financial plan designed to strike balance between controlling costs, delivering on priorities
More work by Austin >