What’s Up on Vancouver Island

French Creek School and Parkland Purchase Referendum Have your say Electoral Area F! Eligible electors will decide if the RDN can borrow up to $824,000, plus interest, repayable over a period of no more than ten years, to purchase the property located at 2350 Alberni Highway, Coombs, (known as French Creek School) on advanced voting days, October 15 and 22 or on general voting day, October 25, 2025. Find out more about the three ways to vote, who can vote and where to vote by visiting: www.getinvolved.rdn.ca/french-creek-school-and-parkland- purchase-referendum [http://www.getinvolved.rdn.ca/french-creek-school-and-parkland-purchase-referendum] Drop-in to learn more and get answers to your questions: Information Booth – September 27, 2025, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Errington Farmers Market, 1550 Veterans Rd, Errington Information Session - October 1, 2025, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Coombs Fairgrounds, 1014 Ford Rd, Coombs www.rdn.bc.ca [http://www.rdn.bc.ca] www.rdn.bc.ca/public-notices [http://www.rdn.bc.ca/public-notices] Get Involved RDN! www.rdn.bc.ca [http://www.rdn.bc.ca] For more information please contact: 250-390-4111 or 1-877-607-4111 [email protected] [http://vote@rdn.bc.ca] www.getinvolved.rdn.ca/french-creek-school-and-parkland-purchase-referendum [http://www.getinvolved.rdn.ca/french-creek-school-and-parkland-purchase-referendum]

Drivers ticketed for failing to slow down and move over when passing emergency vehicles and tow trucks can't say they haven't received fair warning. A front-page photo in the Nanaimo News Bulletin on Sept. 25, 2010, shows that the 'Slow Down, Move Over' campaign was well underway 15 years ago on Nanaimo's roadways. Motorists in B.C. must slow down and move over if safe to do so when passing emergency vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights. Drivers must slow down to 70 kilometres per hour on highways with speed limits of 80km/h or more, or 40km/h on roadways with speed limits under 80km/h. 

Nanaimo’s buried past has surfaced once again, this time as a sink hole that has forced the closure of Westwood Road to traffic, with work crews shutting off gas and water mains.  Bill Sims, city general manager of engineering and public works, said the hole, which formed between Cathers Drive and Kawartha Place, was reported to the city at about 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, and is the result of a cave-in roof of an old coal mine. “As most folks know, we’ve got a number of coal mines around the city,” Sims said. “They underlay the city and, over time, those mines fail. What happens is the roof starts to fall in and collapse and it, essentially radiates upwards to a point where we see a sink hole on the surface and that’s exactly what’s happened here.”  City workers closed the section of Westwood Road Thursday night and continue to reroute traffic through Cathers Drive and Kawartha Place. Once the section of Westwood Road was secured, Sims said workers arrived Friday morning to assess the hole, estimated to be about five-by-five metres wide and about six metres deep and begin repair work by filling the hole with concrete and rocks. Sims said the void appears to be located on the edge of a mine working and extends in a northwesterly direction toward the Nanaimo Parkway.  “What we’re not seeing is beyond the bottom of the hole,” Sims said. “There’s an evident void beyond that and so when we put the first load of concrete in there, which is about six cubic metres … a lot of it disappeared into that void, so we know the void extends further than what we could see and that’s exactly why we use concrete, so it can sort of flow into that void.”  A gas main and water main are located on either side of the hole and were not damaged. The gas line was shut off as a precaution and crews have maintained water service to the area.  “If the earth moved anymore we just didn’t want to see those pipe fall into the hole, essentially,” Sims said.  Work will continue throughout the day Friday, Oct. 3, and possibly into Saturday, Oct. 4, if required.  Sims said it was fortunate to have such a short detour loop around the work site and also that no vehicles or pedestrians fell into the hole before the road could be closed. He anticipates the costs for the repair work will tally up into the “low tens of thousands” of dollars. It appeared early Friday afternoon that the additional concrete had hit bottom and was starting to refill the empty space.  “It’s an unfortunate and relatively expensive fix to pour a bunch of concrete into it, but at the same time, we’re all really grateful it’s only just the road, the sidewalk and nobody was hurt, nobody drove into the hole and we’re not affecting any nearby homes,” Sims said.

A man accused and charged in a stabbing incident is missing and wanted by police in Nanaimo. Nanaimo RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance to locate Joshua Seibel, 36, who is wanted for one count of aggravated assault. The charge stems from an April 14 incident at the Port Place Shopping Centre parking lot where an individual was stabbed. The police investigation has identified Seibel as allegedly being responsible. His whereabouts are unknown and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Seibel, of no fixed address, is described as a Caucasian man, standing 5-foot-10, weighing 150 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes.  Anyone who has information on Seibel’s whereabouts is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and quote file No. 2025-10968.

What started as a discussion on approving the form and character for two duplexes resulted in Lantzville's mayor walking out and accusing council of engaging in illegal activity. On Wednesday, Sept. 17, a development permit came before District of Lantzville council for 7100 and 7106 Sabrina Pl. for a multi-unit housing development, with the proposal of two duplexes with eight residential units in total.  According to an associated staff report, the build aligns with the recent provincial legislation under Bill 44 which requires municipalities to enable small-scale multi-unit housing on lots serviced by municipal water and sewer. While the permit approval passed in a narrow vote, the controversy came from a failed motion to postpone the approval. Coun. Ian Savage moved to postpone, stating that he heard from a number of residents who were opposed to the duplexes, who claimed in at least one letter that the properties were subject to a subdivision covenant which called for single family home on each lot with a potential carriage home. "It's my duty, I believe, to allow residents who feel they have a legal right in this to be able to have a say, with no disrespect to the applicant on this," Savage said, adding that the district could then pursue a legal opinion on the matter. Mayor Mark Swain questioned George Robinson, director of planning and community services, about whether the discussion about a speculated private covenant was appropriate, after the mayor suggested moving to a closed meeting due to "serious legal concern about what is about to happen here."  Robinson urged council to move forward with the building permit application that was in front of them. "Building schemes are a title instrument that the district is not party to," he explained. "So again, I want to emphasize building schemes, regardless of where they are, are between the developer, the owner of the property, and when the developer no longer exists as a component, between those [that are part of] that building scheme, not the District of Lantzville as a local government." During the meeting, the applicants told council that they did seek legal advice when they bought the lot, and the schemes follow all covenant regulations. "We do have approval, though the developer, for the building scheme, for those lots, for what we're doing," said Walter Hughes. "We're here for a development permit application, we already obtained approval through the building scheme to do what we're doing." Coun. Joan Jones, who seconded the postponement motion, stated she was not ready to vote that night and would like more legal advice before making a decision referencing the alleged covenant. "The thing that concerned me in the letter is that the developments are under a covenant that is in place and my understanding, and I certainly may be wrong, my understanding is that Bill 44 does not apply to covenants…" Jones said. "For me I need this to be looked at with a fine-toothed comb and I need to hear straight from the people who are the authorities that this does actually apply to Bill 44." Delcy Wells, Lantzville's director of corporate administration, warned council it was "going outside its purview." "So I have to say, that creates a potential liability if you don't make a decision tonight," Wells stated, further clarifying after a request from Jones. "There is no reason to postpone, all of the conditions for this permit have been provided to council. Applicants have to have assurances that when they follow the rules they're going to get things approved. By not doing this tonight, it is going to potentially attract liability to council, and it is also really affecting the development community's interest in doing business with the District of Lantzville because they won't feel they can rely on what the rules are. They have been met, I assure you, and a decision has to be made tonight." Coun. Jonathan Lerner said that while he sympathizes with people who have written letters on the matter, he cannot "conduct business appropriately based on letters that insinuate things we don't know as fact."  "The proper procedure is to consider the development permit," Lerner said. "If there are other consideration such as covenant, building schemes, whatever, those are between property owners, not with the district at which point those property owners would have legal recourse to have that changed."  The postponement failed on a tie vote with Lerner and Coun. Rachelle Mundell opposed.

A coming production to the Port Theatre will challenge show-goers' concept of truth, how it's revealed and if it even should be.  Confession Publique was conceived, directed and choreographed by Mélanie Demers and brought to life by collaborator Angélique Willkie initially in 2021.  "I think the idea of Confession Publique was to use the stage as a way to reveal yourself," Demers said. "So, [Willkie] is asked to share bits and pieces of her story and play with the idea of the confession as something that creates a panorama of our lives." Considering the juxtapositions in the production, Demers described herself as the type of artist who wants to control everything, but doesn't want to decide anything.  Since Willkie is asked to share something new about herself for every staging, improvisation is an important aspect of the performance. With each anecdote, secret and memory revealed, by means of text, music and movement, Willkie exposes more and more of herself. "[Willkie] is always working with the vertical of not knowing what she's going to share… This changes, de facto, the quality of the performance, depending on what type of story she's going to share on that specific night." As the creator, Demers said the idea of Confession Publique initially came to light as she finished a three-year residency and wondered how she could wrap up the experience of performances, research and rehearsals.  "This idea came to me that, when we go on stage, we reveal ourselves like a noble striptease," she said with a laugh. "And I was trying to see how truthful I could be, how raw I could be on stage. And what came to me is that whatever you put on stage becomes fiction. So even if you want to play with the truth, you're always sculpting it and directing it and guiding it and corrupting it." Demers was approached by Willkie, who had worked as Demers's dramaturge for previous productions, and asked to create a solo in which Willkie could study how, through history, trauma and cultural background, the performer influences a piece. As presented by Crimson Coast Dance Society, Confession Publique will be staged at the Port Theatre, as part of the theatre's Spotlight Series, from Oct. 9-10, with both showings at 7:30 p.m.  A content advisory for the production is posted on the Port Theatre website. Confession Publique has references to racism, sexual violation, and contains nudity and mature content. Tickets can be purchased at www.porttheatre.com [https://www.porttheatre.com/events/confession-publique-2025/].

It’s been 40 years since the iconic Canadian band Blue Rodeo began their incredible musical journey, and, on Oct. 9, they’ll be bringing their legendary alt-country rock sound to Victoria with a one-night concert at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. The concert is one of the band’s first dates on an 18-gig tour that will see Blue Rodeo play right across the country with concerts everywhere from Vancouver to St. John – and their fans couldn’t be happier. Greg Keelor, one of the band’s founders, sums their music up very simply. “There came a time when we realized that we didn’t have to conform to a genre. We were going to do what we wanted to do, and we figured that if we like it, then the audience would like it, too,” said Keeler. “The approach has worked for us, and our audience has been very loyal, right across generations. We now see three generations of the same family showing up at our concerts and that’s pretty amazing.” It all started when high school friends Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor began playing music after graduating from university. The band earned a following in Toronto and, with the release of Try in 1987, their moderate success exploded. The single shot to number one on the RPM Country Tracks chart and netted them platinum sales, four times over. That success continued with their song After the Rain becoming the most performed song in Canada and netting more than two million in album sales. But throughout the band's many decades of success, they have remained stubbornly resistant to being slotted into a specific genre of music. The band’s drummer, Glenn Milchem, who has pretty much been with the group since the beginning (he joined in 1991), sums it up this way. “Describing us as a particular genre of music has never been important to us. To me, it’s always had a country influence, and I suppose some have called it rootsy pop, but really it’s not important. You could say that we’re a mix of the Beatles and The Flying Dorito Brothers,” he said with a chuckle. “But seriously, there are so many influences, but Jim and Greg have developed their own thing.” Whatever that thing might be, it’s worked. The band got their star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2009 and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the 41st Juno Awards in 2012 ( joining other Canadian music icons including Rush, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Bruce Cockburn, Daniel Lanois, Joni Mitchell, Anne Murray and Tom Cochrane). They’ve also won an unheard of 11 Juno Awards. In 2014, Blue Rodeo received Canada’s highest honour in the performing arts when they were presented with a Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. And while the band has toured and performed around the world, they are, at heart, wholly Canadian. “When Jim and Greg write songs, they don’t hesitate to put in Canadian geographical references,” said Milchem. “Artists have to be honest with themselves, and these guys are. They’ve never written a song trying to get a hit or made compromises for commercial reasons. They write without commercial objectives in mind, and when you do that, that’s when you get the best songs.” When Blue Rodeo takes the stage on Oct. 9, they’ll be joined by acclaimed singer/songwriter Adam Baldwin, bringing his powerful live energy and East Coast spirit to the stage. For more information on Blue Rodeo’s upcoming tour or to purchase tickets, visit www.bluerodeo.com/tour/ [http://www.bluerodeo.com/tour/].

October is the month of Halloween, Diwali and vibrant foliage, but it's also a fitting occasion to stop in at your local art gallery. Here are some indoor sights to see at the galleries during these cool fall days. UVic's Legacy Art Gallery downtown: two new exhibits til Dec. 6 | 630 Yates St. The Legacy Art Gallery is offering two new exhibitions: Salish Lines and nunuukwin (we sing): (re)connecting to the natural and spiritual worlds through song. Salish Lines is a selective retrospective of the art and life of STAUTW artist Doug LaFortune, curated by Dr. Andrea N. Walsh. A carver for more than 40 years, LaFortune has been commissioned for various totem pole projects, including his welcome figures that flank the entrance of First Peoples House at UVic. This exhibition will include an archive of drawings, inviting visitors to dive into decades of his work. Nunuukwin (we sing): (re)connecting to the natural and spiritual worlds through song is curated by hapinyuuk, Dr. Tommy Happynook of Huu-ay-aht First Nation and is based on his personal connections to his homelands and ancestors. It looks at nuucaanul songs as a way of creating and sharing knowledge and teachings, both between people and the natural and spiritual worlds. Madrona Gallery: Robert Amos - Painting Victoria | Oct. 11-25 | 606 View St. amos-oakbayavenue-14x215-wc [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/oakbay/2025-september/amos-oakbayavenue-14x215-wc.jpg;w=960] This painting of Oak Bay Avenue by Robert Amos is one from his newest publication, Painting Victoria, highlighted at Madrona Gallery in October. Madrona Gallery An exhibition of paintings showcasing Victoria over the years celebrates the launch of Robert Amos’ newest publication, Painting Victoria. Robert will be in the gallery for the opening reception, Oct. 11 from 1 to 3 p.m., to discuss the new book. Copies will be available for purchase throughout the exhibition. Visit madronagallery.com [https://www.madronagallery.com/] for more. The Avenue Gallery | 2184 Oak Bay Ave. This month, the gallery features the works of Mary-Jean Butler, Aileen Vantomme and Eunmi Conacher. ce108-memories-30-x-60-acrylic-on-panel-4900 [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/oakbay/2025-september/ce108-memories-30-x-60-acrylic-on-panel-4900.jpg;w=960] Memories by Eunmi Conacher, 30 x 60 inches, acrylic on panel. Courtesy The Avenue Gallery Mary-Jean Butler's new oil paintings reflect the rugged landscape of B.C.'s coastline. Her education in both fine art and graphic design plays a strong role in the stylization of her work.  Aileen Vantomme is a ceramic artist working in stoneware using coil and slab-built methods. Her latest work, 'Keepsakes', are stoneware vessels inspired by the natural beauty of discarded seashells. "Each piece features an irregular edge created from the coil-built process, a reminder of its handmade origin," Vantomme said. Her textures and forms are enhanced with custom-formulated stains and glazes, and are fired using both oxidation and pit-firing methods. Eunmi Conacher has a formal education spanning the globe: Hong-Ik University in Seoul, Korea, The University of Sydney, Australia, and Tsukuba University in Japan. Since immigrating to Canada over 25 years ago, Conacher has lived in Whistler, Nanaimo, and now calls Sooke home, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the Island. She is an associate member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and an elected member of The Society of Canadian Artists. "I describe myself as a contemporary, impressionist and expressionist artist," Conacher said. "My work is more an expression of the mood in the scene rather than a realistic picture of the scene. The result I strive for is a painting from the heart."

For the producer of Beyond VIMY, a multi-artform theatrical production coming to Sidney's Mary Winspear Centre Oct. 25, peace and unity are "more relevant and important now than ever." "This production reminds us that we must hold on to higher ideals than conflict and consciously embrace Canadian sovereignty through solidarity," said Frances Litman. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of construction of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Two hundred and fifty acres of the Vimy battlefield site were gifted in gratitude to Canada by France in perpetuity in memory of Canada's efforts in the First World War. Beyond VIMY, which premieres in Sidney, directs attention to this profound chapter of Canada's heritage. The memorial and the production are a pledge to remember and honour the lives lost in this struggle, rise above conflict, embrace forgiveness and strive for peace, the press release reads. The 110-minute show (plus 20-minute intermission and black-and-white photography exhibition) will be anchored by the nationally recognized, Juno-nominated, Canadian acoustic folk-roots band, The Fugitives. They will perform their moving stage production of Ridge, a remembrance of the history and personalities associated with Vimy Ridge based on the songs and letters written by First World War soldiers who were there, in the first act. Songwriters Adrian Glynn and Brendan McLeod are joined by banjo player Chris Suen (Viper Central) and violinist Carly Frey (The Coal Porters). Act two will feature members of the Victoria Philharmonic Choir under the direction of Peter Butterfield, Pipe Major Roger McGuire, cellist Amy Laing, and acclaimed professional dancers Andrea Bayne and Peter Starr. There will also be black-and-white photography by Blair Ketcheson of the Vimy Memorial in France, plus current music from The Fugitives' latest album. "Having professional musicians, dancers, singers, and imagery unleashes the magic of this production," Litman said. "If considered a challenge, the hardest part in weaving together music, art, dance and storytelling into one cohesive performance was the amount of historic material available to distil into a meaningful, artistic and historically engaging performance." For Litman, the production is a meaningful way to mark the 100th anniversary of the memorial. "[It's] a reminder to me, and hopefully others, how much has been sacrificed to ensure our rights, democracy and sovereignty remain intact and to continue to honour those, past and present, who put their lives on the line for us." The show is produced by Creatively United for the Planet non-profit society, with support from the Gail O'Riordan Climate and the Arts Legacy Fund through the Victoria Foundation and Veterans Affairs Canada. It is suitable for all ages. Tickets are available directly from the Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave, or by calling 250-656-0275. The show runs Saturday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

A Victoria-based Chinese filmmaker wrestles with what it means to leave your family behind as an immigrant in his new film, which has earned a $20,000 grant from Telus Storyhive Pan-Asian Storyteller Edition. Ryan Duan’s film, Three Stories and a Bowl of Noodle Soup, is a hybrid documentary that follows the owner of JiangYun Noodle on Fort Street – a Chinese woman whose story both fascinated and deeply resonated with Duan. The two met years ago through friends, and Duan was deeply intrigued by her story: in her retirement age, she moved to a new city and opened a handmade noodle shop with her savings – something he described as taking “a lot of courage.” But what really touched him was that her journey was a way to reconnect with her estranged son. Their relationship was something that reminded him of his relationship with his own parents, who had lived on the other side of the globe from him for 18 years. "When they made the decision, when I was 18, to send me here to Canada, I never actually thought we'd be apart for that long, even though we make phone calls and ... meet each other once or twice a year in person. But that means, during the past 18 years, I was totally away from their life. "Part of the documentary is going to address that specific issue. I had my family, I got married, and got established in Victoria. Especially as I get older, I think, is that fair to my parents? Because I'm an only child due to the history of the policies of China. So it's a tough question; are we going to go back? Or are we going to get them here? Are they willing to come here and adopt a new culture? It stirs up all these kinds of questions." Duan thought the inner worlds and stories of immigrants are often not explored in film, and that’s what he plans to focus on as one of 35 recipients for the inaugural Telus Storyhive Pan-Asian Storyteller Edition.  Keng Donguines, Storyhive program manager, said they envision the program as a foundation for long-term growth, to create pathways for emerging Pan-Asian voices across B.C. and Alberta. “It’s an important opportunity to amplify stories that reflect the diversity, depth and complexity of Pan-Asian experiences in Canada,” he said.  For Duan, the $20,000 in production funding, training and professional mentorship with the National Screen Institute is a huge step forward in a dream he decided to pursue five years ago during a rough patch. Back then, Duan was a hotel manager. But when COVID-19 hit the tourism sector, he started realistically toying with his high school dream of being a filmmaker.  “Obviously, parents from a Chinese family, they always push you to do something else," he said. "I mean, I had to do something that really helped me with my immigration. So basically, I just postponed the whole idea." Duan said receiving the funding – plus an additional $6,000 from Creative B.C. – has not only affirmed his own abilities as a filmmaker but it’s also given him confidence in the message he is trying to share.  The film will be distributed on Telus Optik TV and Storyhive platforms in 2026. Duan is set to begin production this fall. 

Imagine a chance to see some of the best emerging performers in Canada before their names light up Broadway marquees or TV screens. Imagine a school so rigorous that its students train 12 hours a day in dance, voice, and acting, immersed in one of the most demanding conservatory programs in the country. And imagine that this same school has produced stars like Carly Rae Jepsen, along with award-winning actors, directors, and producers now shaping stage and screen across Canada. That school is the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA), operated by the Canadian Heritage Arts Society. This season promises comedy, drama, music – and the thrill of spotting tomorrow’s stars today. “We focus on what’s known as a triple threat – dance, acting, and music,” managing director Erin Gavaghan explains. “We want students to leave here with a full toolkit of talent and skills.” The 2025-26 season was carefully designed to lean into the complexities and vibrancy of youth – and all that goes with it. “We wanted to invite directors who would bring different practices,” Gavaghan says. “A real juxtaposition of styles and types of plays so students get a rich experience, and our audiences get a lot of variety.” The lineup begins Oct. 16 with Significant Other. Joshua Harmon’s comedy about weddings and the search for love comes to life under director Danik McAfee. “Some of our students will be juggling up to three different roles,” Gavaghan says. On Nov. 27, Concord Floral by Jordan Tannahill arrives under the direction of Tom Arthur Davis. Set in a decaying greenhouse, the award-winning play plunges into secrets and the haunting guilt that comes from burying a deadly secret that should have been revealed. Dec. 11 brings the Year 2 students centre stage in Blue Stockings, Jessica Swale’s drama about women at Cambridge University in the 1890s. Co-directed by R.J. Peters and Raugi Yu, the play captures both the personal and political stakes of young women struggling for the right to graduate on equal terms with their male peers. The new year launches with a bolt of rock-star energy. Opening Jan. 30, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical brings Rick Riordan’s best-selling novel to the stage. Directed and choreographed by Kaylee Harwood with music direction by Brad L’Écuyer, the show follows 12-year-old Percy Jackson as he discovers he’s the son of Poseidon and is accused of stealing Zeus’s master lightning bolt. With humour, heart, and a driving rock score, it’s a quest about friendship, identity, and finding your place in the world. The season closes with Disney’s Newsies at the McPherson Playhouse, running April 17-25. Directed by Kayvon Khoshkam, with choreography by Tiffany and Jeremy Miton and music direction by Jeff Poynter, the musical dramatizes the 1899 strike by New York’s newsboys. With high-energy dance numbers and a rousing score, the production will feature the entire student body. “Our year-end musical is always huge,” Gavaghan says. “This year we’ll have 48 students on stage.”

As the seasons change the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre has a great lineup of entertainment that art lovers will surely fall for. ••• On Oct. 9 set the tone with the blues as two-time Grammy nominee and blues legend Guy Davis brings his soulful sound and brand of storytelling to the CPAC stage at 7:30 p.m for an evening of original music and classic covers. Regular tickets are $30, or $15 for youth and children. See full story in The Citizen.  ••• On Oct. 10, Alex Mackenzie's 'Hungry For Laughs Comedy Tour' is the perfect night out for anyone craving a taste of comedy. Canada's funniest tour comes back to town. The lineup of yuksters include: Alex Mackenzie (Amazon Prime, Melbourne Comedy Festival), Chris Griffin (Just for Laughs, Voted Vancouver's Funniest Comedian), Brittany Lyseng (CBC Debaters, Just for Laughs, Roast Battle Canada), and Sunee Dhaliwal, who in addition to opening for comedic sensation Bill Burr, has also appeared on Comedy Network, and Just for Laughs. Each show supports a local charity when you buy a ticket. Tickets are $59.95 or $49.95 for seniors and students. Look for feature story in an upcoming issue of the Citizen. ••• On Oct. 15, scare yourself silly with The Boo Revue!  Settle in complete darkness for this frightfully fun, family-friendly blacklight musical show that lasts approximately 50 minutes, which was both created by, and stars puppeteers Brendan James Boyd and Reese Scott, who appear on Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock which streams on Apple TV+. Alongside this dynamic duo is a team of professional puppeteers from throughout Alberta who bring the dark stage to life with an array of colourful puppets and props created by the expert fabrication team at Puppet Stuff Canada, as the friendly inhabitants of a creepy old graveyard present their annual spooky cabaret. This show is recommended for those ages four and older as there will be bright lights, strobe and fog effects, as well as loud noises featured throughout the performance. With eight original musical numbers composed by Michael Gordon as well as new numbers and characters this spooktacular show is sure to be the family event of the Halloween season. Tickets are $16 or $13 for both children and students.  ••• On Oct. 17, CPAC proves that this month's line-up of entertainment is anything but 'Slow Rollin' as they present Canadian singer/songwriter Dallas Smith, who was the former front man for Platinum-selling rock band Default. He has since seen noteworthy success including the honour of CCMA Entertainer of the Year three consecutive years running.  Over the course of Smith's music career, the hit-maker who made his Grand Ole Opry debut last summer has amassed 21 Gold-certified and nine Platinum-certified singles, four Gold-certified albums, with more than 640 million global streams, and two million album equivalents to date. He will be playing music from his most recent self-titled album Dallas Smith. His self-titled album features singles such as 'Hide from a Broken Heart' and 'Use' Me'. He takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Tickets ranges from $62.50 to $77.50. ••• 'With or without you' U2 x U4 the U2 Tribute show is taking the CPAC stage on Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. This is 'One' tribute show concert goers won't want to miss, combined with great costumes and staging. Attendees will hear all of U2's greatest hits from the Joshua Tree period to How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. They hit the stage on Oct. 18. Tickets are $49.95. ••• On Oct. 23, treat yourself to the movies as the Cowichan Valley Youth Services presents Uncharitable at 6 p.m. Uncharitable is a first of its kind movie that challenges all of our beliefs about giving and re-shuffling old ideas about saints and sinners; it’s powerful call-to-action is to abandon our sack-cloth-and-ashes constraints on nonprofits and give them the freedoms we give to business so they can change the world. Inspired by Dan Pallotta, whose TED Talk on charity was voted the most persuasive TED talk of all time; this one night event is a collaboration with local non-profit leaders, and sponsored by Economic Development Cowichan and CVRD Rec with the opportunity to join local non-profit leaders, funders, and business leaders for a panel discussion after the screening. The film features: Edward Norton, Dan Pallotta, the founders of Invisible Children, Wounded Warrior Project, Last Mile Health, Charity:Water, the heads of the Ford Foundation, TED, The Bridgespan Group, The Nature Conservancy, No Kid Hungry, One Love Foundation, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, United Way of Greater Atlanta, and more. Tickets are available on a sliding scale price system. ••• Great Scot! Put the Hall-arious into Halloween season with 'God is A Scottish Drag Queen Halloween Spooktacular.' Cowichan Valley's favourite deity in a power suit returns to the CPAC stage for a sixth time on Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m., this time with a spooky twist! Direct from playing London’s West End, God returns to Duncan to set the record straight on all things that go bump in the night, from monsters and mythical creatures to witches and politicians. As the long lingering question is asked 'Why did we fear the women who burned, but not the men who burned them?' Tickets are $49. ••• Oh the horror! Founded in 2018, The Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival takes the CPAC stage at 7 p.m. and screams as it celebrates great cinematic storytelling in the horror genre while supporting the filmmakers and screenwriters who tell those stories. This year’s film festival includes nine short horror films and runs two hours with an intermission break. Recommended for 14-plus (parental discretion is advised). Content warning: frightening scenes, suspense, mature themes. Tickets are $15. ••• While a cat is well known for having nine lives, can the same be said about Barbara Dane? Once again it's time for movie buffs to get reeled in as Reel Alternatives presents The 9 Lives of Barbara Dane on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. The biographical documentary from Maaureen Gosling chronicles the life of singer-activist Barbara Dane and her involvement in 20th-century social movements, as well as her unbending commitment to music and justice despite obscurity and challenges. Tickets are $17. ••• On Oct. 30, before rocking your Halloween costumes and colours, set the tone with the blues as Tom Lavin and the legendary Powder Blues Band takes the CPAC stage at 7:30 p.m.  The band, who have been touring for four decades, blend swing, blues, jazz, rock, and R&B. Some of the band's greatest highlights include winning Canada’s Juno, headlining the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, winning the Blues Foundation Award in Memphis, and touring across the U.S. and Europe with legends such as Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, James Brown, Albert Collins, James Cotton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and B.B. King. Wind down the month with Canadian blues royalty. Tickets are $68.75. ••• To purchase tickets for shows, go to cowichanpac.ca [http://cowichanpac.ca], or call the Cowichan Ticket Centre at 250-746-2722 [http://250-746-2722] or visit in person in the lobby of the Cowichan Community Centre on James Street in Duncan.

Many Greater Victorians are already in the spirit of pumpkin spice lattes, full moons, and, for some, getting their werewolf costumes in order. Ian Case is one of the latter. The mastermind behind Halloween shows at Craigdarroch Castle is busy brewing a new site-specific show at Heritage Acres in Saanichton from Oct. 15-31 titled High Moon - A Werewolf Western. It's a world set to a backdrop of shadowy barns, moonlit churches and a remote Wild West town just waiting to be explored. "Audiences won’t be sitting in chairs. They’ll be walking through a world where things get weirder and more dangerous with every step. Think ghostly waterwheels, moonlight shootouts, and eerie howls in the distance," Case said. The show is put on by 31 Iguanas and written by local multiple-award-winning theatre veterans Ian Case and David Elendune. It stars Rosemary Jeffery, Ryan Kniel, Wendy Magahay and Rod Peter Jr.  “It’s Clint Eastwood meets ‘An American Werewolf in London’ – blending all the  classic Western tropes with horror, humour, and heart,” said Elendune in a press release. Running approximately 60 minutes, it's recommended for ages 12+. Case said audiences can expect outdoor walking on gravel, inclement weather, knives and guns, blood and death, jump scares and outdated thinking. Show times vary. Advance tickets can be purchased at https://31-iguanas.tickit.ca [https://31-iguanas.tickit.ca/]. werewolf-2 [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/victoria/2025-august/werewolf-2.jpg;w=960] 31 Iguana’s High Moon: A Werewolf Western runs Oct. 15-31. Courtesy Ian Case  

A corner of contention and concern is among those under scrutiny as part of the McKenzie/Quadra plan, spurring passionate feedback from the community. At the edge of the plan lies the intersection where Cook Street becomes Cloverdale Avenue as it crosses Quadra, and hundreds of pedestrians face challenges crossing, including students and families headed to and from the nearby elementary school. It was already on the radar when a parent flagged the concern using an online petition, reaching out to the district in late 2023. Parents who use the route to walk to school reported several near misses and kids left in fearful tears. Since then, Saanich has tried some alternatives and implemented one safety measure, said Coun. Teale Phelps Bondaroff. The administrative traffic committee reviewed the intersection in 2023 and decided to investigate a couple of measures: the “no turn on red” and introducing leading pedestrian interval crossings on Quadra. These are steps Phelps Bondaroff calls “good first measures” that indicate how Saanich engineers explore solutions from different angles to develop a longer term plan. “That was reassuring for me,” he said. The leading pedestrian intervals, where crosswalk users get a head start before traffic, was introduced in early 2024 and remains in place. A preliminary review of the “no turn on red” from Cook resulted in significant backup on that street. “As a result, we have not implemented this feature but we have initiated a project, that is at the concept stage, that will further investigate improvements that align with the medium-term (active transportation plan) changes for Quadra Street,” staff said. The primary scope is to continue exploring pedestrian and cycling safety improvements. The extent of intersection upgrades would depend on further analysis and detailed design development. Should the project advance past the conceptual stage, construction would not start until at least 2027. It’s also a key consideration in the ongoing district plan for Quadra Street. The consultation process for the Quadra/McKenzie Plan has been a rollercoaster of iterations and feedback, Phelps Bondaroff said, noting it’s now in its fourth phase of consultation. While much focus has been on density, he does get emails about lane reduction, and limited feedback on safety issues, but the conversations are evolving. “Everyone has different priories, safety doesn’t come up as much,” he said. One reason might be regular ongoing consultations on road safety in other aspects of the district’s work. For the Cook/Cloverdale/Quadra intersection, proposed improvements include exploring options to realign the three intersecting roads to improve both connectivity and safety for all road users. In the draft plan, Quadra Street is set to be redesigned as a complete street with a focus on enhancing the active transportation network and public transit options. Future possibilities with BC Transit could see Quadra as a rapid transit corridor with dedicated transit stops in the village. Upgrades to Cook Street and Cloverdale Avenue would further bolster the active transportation network, providing safe and sustainable options for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users, according to the plan. Quadra improvements would include expanded sidewalks and vegetation buffers between sidewalks, bike lanes and streets to create a comfortable and safe environment for all transportation modes. Find the Quadra McKenzie Plan and opportunities for feedback online at https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/community-planning/centre-corridor-and-village-plans/quadra-mckenzie-plan.html [https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/community-planning/centre-corridor-and-village-plans/quadra-mckenzie-plan.html].

Victoria curlers now have a home on the national stage. The Victoria Curling Club (VCC) located at 1952 Quadra St. has been named one of Curling Canada’s newest Regional High Performance Training Hubs, joining an elite group of centres across the country. The program adds Victoria, Okotoks, Moose Jaw, and Kitchener-Waterloo to existing hubs in Winnipeg, Calgary, and Edmonton. This makes Victoria the only designated hub in British Columbia.  The centres are designed to mimic arena ice, use technology to improve shotmaking and sweeping, while giving athletes access to top-level coaching.  “This is recognition of the level of curling at VCC and the support our members have put into high performance curling over the years. We look forward to working with Curl BC and Curling Canada to support the best young curlers in the province and the country," said James Keogh, general manager of the VCC. While the hubs will serve established athletes, Victoria’s primary focus will be on curlers under 25 preparing to make the leap to elite competition. The facility will give them consistent coaching, access to modern training technology, and high-quality ice conditions to help them develop quickly and effectively. Scott Braley, CEO of Curl BC, said the designation reflects the club’s role in developing high-performance curling locally and nationally. “We have built a strong partnership with the club, and we look forward to strengthening it further," Braley said. "This designation recognizes the important role VCC plays in advancing high-performance curling in British Columbia and on the national stage.” Victoria earned the designation through Curling Canada’s competitive selection process, which required provincial and territorial associations to propose funding models. The selection considered factors like proximity to a major airport, reliable ice conditions, access to training technology, and affordable ice time for juniors and developing athletes.

"During the darkest days of the AIDS crisis, we buried our friends in the morning, we protested in the afternoon and we danced all night. The dance kept us in the fight because it was the dance we were fighting for… Keep fighting. Keep dancing." - activist Dan Savage. That spirit is at the heart of STILL WITH US: A Legacy of HIV/AIDS in the Arts [https://www.vicartscouncil.ca/2025/08/29/still-with-us/], an ambitious new project presented this fall by the Victoria Arts Council [https://www.vicartscouncil.ca/] (VAC). Opening Oct. 24 and continuing through Dec. 1, the exhibition and performance series explore how art has carried stories of grief, activism and survival for more than four decades. location-the-views-by-margaret-flood-detail-courtesy-of-victoria-arts-council [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/shared/impress/impress-2025/oct-6/vac/location-the-views-by-margaret-flood-detail-courtesy-of-victoria-arts-council.jpg;w=960] Margaret Flood’s evocative work is featured as part of the visual art exhibition, offering a deeply personal lens on memory, place and identity. Photos courtesy of Victoria Arts Council. “This project has been years in the making,” says VAC executive director Kegan McFadden. “We’ve brought together partners from across disciplines and across borders to create something that feels both timely and deeply personal. It’s about honouring those we’ve lost, celebrating those who continue the work, and reminding ourselves that HIV/AIDS is not a thing of the past.” The exhibition unfolds on the Bay Centre’s lower level, where visitors will encounter works by Joe Average (1957–2024), Cathy Busby, Margo Farr, Margaret Flood, Peggy Frank, Jamie Griffiths, Anna Mah, Cookie Mueller, Myfanwy Pavelic, Lynda Raino and Pam Terry. Archival materials from AVI Health & Community Services [https://avi.org/] – marking its 40th anniversary this year – share testimony of the local response to the epidemic. Added to this are rarely-seen holdings from Dance Collection Danse, curated by Christopher House and Amy Bowring, which highlight the impact of HIV/AIDS on the dance community. The public is invited to the opening reception on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Bay Centre, where artists will be in attendance and organizers will share remarks. Admission is free, and no RSVP is required. michaels-last-minute-by-joe-average [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/shared/impress/impress-2025/oct-6/vac/michaels-last-minute-by-joe-average.jpg;w=960] Joe Average’s vibrant pop-art canvas stands alongside works by other leading artists in the visual art exhibition, inviting visitors to reflect on creativity, resilience and community. Joe Average, Michael's Last Minute. Photos courtesy of Victoria Arts Council. “Art has always given us a way to push back against silence,” McFadden reflects. “Through these pieces and these archives, we see the history of activism, the fight for dignity, and the creativity that keeps people going.” The project extends beyond the exhibition, with performances at the Belfry Theatre and Pacific Opera’s Baumann Centre, plus pop-up appearances from the Gettin’ Higher Choir, and a themed display at the Greater Victoria Public Library’s Central Branch. “We are deeply grateful to the community partners, corporate sponsors and generous  donors who recognize the importance of preserving this history and ensuring it's shared with future generations. Their support made this project possible,” McFadden says. “This is an opportunity to come together, to look back with honesty, and to recognize how much this history still speaks to the present moment.” For more information, including the full schedule of events, or to make a donation in support of this work [https://vicartscouncil.ca/support/donate/], visit vicartscouncil.ca [https://www.vicartscouncil.ca/2025/08/29/still-with-us/]. Follow the conversation on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/VicArtsCouncil/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/victoriaartscouncil/] at @victoriaartscouncil.

British Columbia is facing a housing crisis. We need solutions that are fast, affordable, and scalable. Prefabricated housing checks all three boxes. Modern prefab homes are high-quality, energy-efficient, and built in weeks – not months. They reduce construction waste by up to 90% and cost 10-40% less than traditional builds. With climate change accelerating and homelessness rising, we can’t afford to ignore this option. BC Housing already uses prefab for some supportive housing, but we need to go further. Other jurisdictions are ahead of us: Finland, Japan, and Sweden all use prefab extensively. In Canada, Quebec has embraced it for seniors’ housing and remote communities. Prefab also supports local jobs. Factories can be set up in regions hit hard by economic downturns, creating skilled employment in manufacturing, logistics, and installation. Critics say prefab looks “cookie-cutter.” But today’s designs are customizable, attractive, and built to last. They meet or exceed building codes and can be adapted for urban, rural, and Indigenous communities. We need bold leadership to scale up prefab housing across B.C. That means investing in local production, streamlining approvals, adding inspections to the factories, not just the worksite, accelerating the inspection schedule, and treating prefab as essential infrastructure. Prefab isn’t just a construction method – it’s a chance to rethink how we build homes in a time of crisis. Let’s act now to make housing more accessible, sustainable, and equitable for everyone. Geoffrey Conder Victoria

Bartholomew’s Pub celebrates its 50th anniversary in October, while also marking five years since its reopening after COVID. The pub will toast its half-century over a couple of weeks in mid-October. “I’ve got many ideas, but we haven't made a big plan yet. But we'll have a couple of weeks of things to celebrate the decades,” said bar manager and supervisor Kait Taylor, who has been at the pub for almost two years "It's a fun little place to work. Lots of good staff, lots of regulars and a good beer list. Winter season's also coming, which is exciting for us. It gets full and cozy and full of lights. Plus, being an older building adds more character.” Bartholomew’s also has a British theme at its core, with a “homey pub decor, plus bangers & mash and Yorkshire puddings on the menu.” Floor supervisor Keely Bayko added: “Yes, it’s homey. With your comfort food, and you're surrounded by a bunch of familiar regulars. It creates a great atmosphere and feeling.” The pub offers live music every Sunday evening, plus traditional Irish music on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. There’s also a ‘Happy Hour’ from 3 p.m. to close on a Monday, featuring break-even bottles, where a top-shelf spirit is sold for one ounce per person at cost. “It’s pretty cool and people get to try new things,” said Taylor. Tuesdays they do trivia, Wednesdays wings nights, Thursdays music bingo, and then there's Guinness Friday ($1.50 off). Bayko said Bartholomew’s is unique, alongside its British theme, because it holds a lot of value in the style of service, getting to know their regulars and cultivating a sense of belonging. “Everyone can come to Bartholomew’s, whether you want a really nice cocktail or a good pint of Guinness, or just want to come for some happy hour food and enjoy spending time with friends. “I come here on my days off because I really enjoy the atmosphere of the service – everyone has smiles on their faces. “Also, some people will come up to Victoria like twice a year, and I'll end up serving them every time. It’s nice when people recognize you and your service.” Taylor added that having a big, mostly local, draft list, plus a huge gin selection (over 80!) and a good back-bar – such as whisky selection – also makes them stand out. “The gin selection is probably the largest in B.C.,” said Bayko. Bartholomew’s has 26 beers and one cider on tap, with Dark Matter and Appleton’s (the cider) being the most popular. They also have Island Red from Driftwood on a nitro tap and eight which they rotate regularly. Plus products from Vancouver and Squamish. When it comes to signature food, their delicious bangers & mash (which I sampled) and beef dip are two stand-outs. They also do Sunday roasts, until they run out or close, whichever comes first, with $12-off bottles of wine alongside. “The roast is good and brings in a lot of regulars and tourists,” said Taylor. The pub does draw clientele from the cruise ships and downtown tourists, but most are local. It’s also located underneath the DoubleTree Victoria hotel, so there is some foot traffic from there. They also supply some room service to hotel guests. In September, Arthur Guinness’s 300th birthday was celebrated at the pub, with lots of Guinness specials, food, snacks and dancing on offer. Bartholomew’s has five TVs and will screen select sports events for their punters – Oilers hockey games and Premier League soccer to name but two.  “When there are big events, like the Grey Cup, we’ll pull down our projector screen with the sound on,” said Bayko. "We did the same for the Stanley Cup finals.” The pub has a total of around 40 staff, with most front-of-house and in the kitchen. When it comes to cocktails, their Pink & Lime is a bestseller — a hibiscus margarita. “It's not a one we keep yearly, it's just one we've had on for the summer, but it's been going great,” said Taylor. Irish Coffee is also very popular and a Fred's Club is a menu staple. And then adding to the British theme is the Pimm’s Cup, which gets rave reviews from UK tourists. Bartholomew’s decor is “almost all original,” said Taylor. “The pictures are seriously glued on the walls – you’d need a crowbar to pry them off. I think most of them have been here since its opening 50 years ago.” Bayco added: “They've done some renovations over the years, including the layout of the bar top, but have really kept the characteristic of the pub largely the same.” “Yeah, we have lots of people that come in and go: ‘That's exactly how it was when I was here 20 years ago.’ And they like it that way,” said Taylor. Bayco said: “I love when we get stories, like, multiple people being like, "Oh, we met here 25 years ago, and we're coming back to celebrate our anniversary, and it's so nice to just see that it's kept its characteristic of just cozy.” The historic pub was reopened under new owners, Alderaan Hospitality Ltd. in 2020. Executive chef Jason Clifford and director of food & beverages Morgan Watson formed a partnership to revitalize the iconic venue, building on the previous success, while developing and growing their products, events and the overall customer experience. “Increasing the quality of cocktails, I think, was a big one,” said Taylor. "The guys that were here before were great bartenders who had a lot of knowledge and put a lot of time into just improving the cocktail options.” Bartholomew’s has also partnered up with Sheringham Distillery in Langford for their late-night happy hour menu. “We’re also implementing a build-your-own gin and tonic program, where a guest can choose a gin, a favourite tonic or a mixer and up to three different garnishes,” said Bayko. Taylor has some advice for prospective customers: “Just come and have a good time. It's a fun place to be and we've got a lot of great staff. It’s a good place to meet, have a chat and a pint. A good place to spend your afternoon.” Bayko added: “We have a beautiful patio as well – especially in the summer. I think there are 10 tables and approximately 38 seats. You get the sun and the shade and can people-watch out there.” To learn more, visit: https://www.bartholomewspub.com/ [https://www.bartholomewspub.com/].

Confetti poppers exploded, hundreds of students cheered and a band blasted a welcoming tune as Tour de Rock riders rolled into Oak Bay High on Friday, Oct. 3. The squad of 18 cyclists began their journey 14 days ago in Port Alice, where they set out to ride 1,200 kilometres across Vancouver Island to raise money for childhood cancer research and support programs.  Even more teens waited excitedly for the riders in the school's gymnasium, where the squad was presented with a $30,464 cheque – cash students raised through a bottle drive, car wash, garage sale and silent auction.  “The riders in front of you are all first responders from all over the Island, as well as media, that take a lot of their time, starting training … in March,” Principal Shawn Boulding told the packed gymnasium. “This is a huge task for them.” Students and fundraising leaders Kye Tyerney, Miriam Gunn, Rowan Lawlor and Katie Lindsay, who handed over the cheque, were instrumental in drumming up this year’s donations. “To all the students, all the teachers and everyone in our school who were involved – we had an amazing fundraiser and a great September,” said Tyerney. “It’s been such a great year.” Much of the money Oak Bay High raised will go towards Camp Goodtimes – a Canadian Cancer Society program Tour de Rock supports that provides a fun, medically supervised summer camp experience for children and teens living with cancer.   “It really makes an impact on the lives of kids with cancer that get to go to camp and enjoy their childhoods for once and forget about their treatments,” said Lindsay. "It's really something that touches the heart of everyone here." Tour de Rock representative Simon Douthwaite couldn’t have been happier about the donation.  “You guys are going to be sending so many kids to camp who are having a really, really rough time and they’re going to have a much better time because of you,” he said. “It’s so meaningful … and we are deeply, deeply grateful.” The bikers soon pedalled out of the school, where they met police motorcycles and a souped-up police cruiser there escort them to their next stop at the Archie Browning Sports Centre in Esquimalt. The group’s journey ends today outside the B.C. legislature. To find out more about Tour de Rock, visit cancer.ca [https://cancer.ca/en/?utm_source=oak%20bay%20news&utm_campaign=oak%20bay%20news%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral].

A would-be robber’s failed attempt at hijacking a scooter wound up with the victim, not the culprit, making a quick getaway.  According to Nanaimo RCMP, a person called police Sept. 20 at about 8 p.m. reporting he’d been threatened by an unknown man.  The caller said he was riding his scooter on Metral Drive, near the Real Canadian Superstore, when the man tried to stop him by pulling out a knife and demanding he hand over his scooter.  “The caller had other plans and booked it northbound on his scooter, leaving the suspect in his dust,” the report noted.  The suspect, described as a male wearing a black hoodie, black pants and carrying two bags, was last scene heading toward a nearby Starbucks on foot.  Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and quote file No. 2025-30531

Prince George RCMP officers have been cleared by the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIOBC) in relation to a November 2024 incident where a man died following a cardiac arrest while in a jail cell. On Nov. 4, 2024, a man left his residence and did not return. A witness, a woman who also lived in the home, reported the man missing two days before he disappeared. However, a police report on Nov. 5 stated that the man came to the Prince George RCMP detachment around 12:30 p.m. and asked to be taken into custody.  "He was described as exhibiting symptoms of paranoia, saying that he was in danger from people chasing him," stated the IIO report. "The [man] was escorted by police to the hospital, where a doctor certified him under the Mental Health Act (MHA). It appears, however, that the [man] was not admitted to a ward and was left without supervision. At some point, he left the hospital of his own accord." Later that day, the man called the RCMP detachment from a restaurant, stating again that he was being followed and people were "after him and trying to get him." An officer picked up the man and took him to a shelter because he said he would feel better sleeping. However, a third report was made that same day when staff from a seniors' centre called the RCMP after the man refused to leave, again stating people were after him. This time, he was arrested for mischief and taken to police cells to prevent any continuation. The man was released at 8 a.m. on Nov. 6 and was given a jacket and a cup of coffee before leaving, according to a detention guard. Six and a half hours later, the RCMP were once again notified about the man. An officer and a mental health nurse were partnered and on patrol when they found the man "staggering' in the middle of a busy street, according to the report.  The nurse stated that the officer stopped the vehicle and approached the man, asking him where he lived and if he needed a ride home. However, the man wasn't able to provide any information. Additionally, the officer had to hold the man's arm to help him walk off the highway.  The man has a strong liquor odour coming from him, resulting in the officer apprehending him for public intoxication and transporting him to a jail cell. However, just as the trio was able to leave, a taxi driver flagged down the police vehicle. The taxi driver told the IIO that the man gave him $200 and asked him to drive around Prince George for a couple of hours. During the ride, the taxi driver noticed the man drinking liquor and taking "little yellow pills," becoming more and more intoxicated. At one point, as they were stopped, the man got more money and bought more liquor. Eventually, the man got out of the cab and just started wandering. The taxi driver phoned his dispatcher, asking what to do as the man was very intoxicated by this point. That's when the driver noticed the police vehicle and waved it down. In the exchange, the taxi driver gave the officer the man's belongings he had left in the cab. According to the mental health nurse at the scene, who had experience working in an adult detox unit, the man was intoxicated but did not appear in medical distress. On the ride to the station, the man appeared "uppity" and was "kicking the back of the seats." Shortly after arriving at the detachment, the nurse saw several officers rush to the holding cells, where she saw the two officers, including the one she had attended the scene with, holding the man by his arms, apparently picking him up. The detention guard, who was still on shift, told the IIO the man was sitting on a bench in the cells booking area and not cooperating with police. The guard added she saw the first officer "take a swing" at the man while the second officer was controlling him. B.C.'s Police Watchdog obtained detachment video footage from the interaction between the man and the officer. The footage showed two officers attempting to search the man, who was slumping forward. At one point, the man pushes the officer with both arms. In response, the two officers pulled the man off the bench, with the second officer delivering "four blows" to the man's back before officers were able to control and handcuff him. The guard told IIO the man was taken to a cell, and the second officer conducted a cell check shortly afterwards. Around 12 minutes later, the guard walked to the cell, where the man was now moving and snoring, and there was a small amount of blood on the cell's floor from the man's toe. As part of her job, the guard explained to the IIO that when detainees are not moving or making noise, she observes for signs of breathing.  On a second check, the guard saw no movement from the man, even after she banged on the cell door. She grabbed the second officer, who tended to the man in the cell. Officers performed first aid and summoned assistance from paramedics, who quickly arrived at the detachment.  The man was taken to hospital, where it was discovered he suffered cardiac arrest that led to massive brain injury through oxygen deprivation. He did not regain consciousness and died in hospital five days later, on Nov. 11, 2024. The autopsy report stated the cause of death as low oxygen-induced brain damage, secondary to a mixed substance toxicity (ethanol and gabapentin). "These substances likely resulted in considerable respiratory depression and subsequent hypoxemia. The seizure disorder and cardiac disease (cardiomegaly and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy) can be considered contributing factors, as both of these would have increased the risk of sudden death, especially in the setting of a mixed substance toxicity." The man didn't suffer any injuries from the use of force. Additionally, the toxicology report noted a very high blood alcohol concentration and the presence of Gabapentin at a concentration exceeding a typical therapeutic range. "A review of objective video evidence, however, shows that the [man] was acting in a resistant and assaultive manner at the time," stated IIO chief civilian director Jessica Berglund. "The low level of force used in response was necessary to control him and was not excessive in the circumstances. As noted above, there is no evidence to connect any use of force to the [man]'s death." There is also no evidence that the officer failed in the duty of care while the man was in the cell.

It is not certain if there will be a coroner's inquest into the police shooting death of a Surrey mom.  In the early morning hours of Sept. 19, 2024, Surrey RCMP received a call about a "disturbance" at a home [https://www.surreynowleader.com/local-news/woman-dead-after-police-shooting-in-surrey-disturbance-7545746] in Cloverdale, in the 6200 block of 180A Street. Police say a woman, whom family later identified as Vanessa Renteria Valencia, had locked herself in the bathroom with her daughter and was allegedly holding a pair of scissors near the child. Less than an hour later, at about 5:30 a.m., an officer shot Vanessa, who died at the scene. In a public report released Friday, Sept. 26 [https://www.surreynowleader.com/local-news/breaking-no-charges-recommended-in-fatal-police-shooting-of-surrey-mom-8270782], the chief civilian director of the IIO, Jessica Berglund, stated, "I do not consider that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an officer may have committed an offence under any enactment and therefore the matter will not be referred to Crown counsel for consideration of charges." Black Press Media reached out to B.C.'s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Nina Krieger, to see if she would call for a coroner's inquest into Vanessa's death.  "An investigation into the death of Vanessa Valencia is currently underway by the BC Coroners Service.  When the coroner’s investigation is completed, the matter will be reviewed by the chief coroner to determine whether to direct an inquest," Krieger said.  Black Press Media has reached out to the BC Corners Service but did not receive a response by press time.  A coroner's inquest is a formal court proceeding conducted by a presiding coroner before a jury that is publicly held to review the circumstances of how someone died. "An inquest can reveal information and/or gaps in services that, if addressed, may help prevent future deaths in similar circumstances," states the BC Coroners Service [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/inquest/bccs_inquests_backgrounder.pdf] online. The jury will then make recommendations aimed at preventing deaths under similar circumstances. However, the jury must not make any finding of legal responsibility or express any conclusion of law. The chief coroner can call for an inquest into a death if they believe "the public has an interest in being informed of the circumstances surrounding the death," or "the death resulted from a dangerous practice or circumstance, and similar deaths could be prevented if recommendations were made to the public or an authority." The minister can order an inquest if the coroner has not held one, and they are "satisfied that it is necessary or desirable in the public interest that an inquest be held."  The province has previously called for a coroner's inquest while other investigations were underway, including in the case of Surrey's Tori Dunn.  [https://www.surreynowleader.com/local-news/bc-orders-coroners-inquest-into-death-of-surreys-tori-dunn-7523936]B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, at the time, Mike Farnworth called one in September 2024.  On Thursday, Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Elenore Sturko blasted the NDP government for its “failure to commit” [https://www.surreynowleader.com/home/surrey-cloverdale-mla-calling-for-inquest-into-death-of-chase-de-balinhard-8285811] to an inquest into the death of Cloverdale's 15-year-old Chase De Balinhard, which is denying the family “peace of mind and an opportunity for transparency.” -With file from Malin Jordan

December 24, 1936 - September 30, 2025 In Loving Memory ~ Roger Willfred Joseph Grismer passed away peacefully at his home in Comox, British Columbia, on September 30, 2025, surrounded by family and love. He was 88 years old. Roger was born on December 24, 1936, in Hodgeville, Saskatchewan. Over the course of his life, he brought warmth, wit, and a unique curiosity to all who knew him. He built his career with BC Tel, where he was known not only for his work ethic but also for his quiet generosity and sense of humor. Roger was a man of deep Catholic faith and a dedicated member of Christ the King Church in Courtenay, BC. He gave back to his community in countless ways, serving as a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a beloved "curator of the weird and wonderful" always ready with a story, an artifact, or a smile that made people look at the world a little differently. He is survived by his loving sister Betty Favero (Albert) and brother Marvin Grismer (Bonita); nephews Fr. Mike Favero, Kenneth Favero (Norma), and James Favero; nieces Cathy lckringill, Patricia Favero, and Pauline Favero (Paul). Roger also leaves behind a cherished next generation: great-nieces and nephews Michelle Koning (Dennis), Kurtis lckringill (Kaylaih), Daniel lckringill, Elizabeth lckringill (Mike), Alexandra Favero, Alyssa Favero, Cristina Favero, Gavin Drescher, and Crosby Drescher, as well as great-great-niece and nephews, Mason Chapman lckringill and Claire and Lucas Koning. Roger will be remembered for his unwavering faith, sharp wit, quiet kindness, and the joy he found in the curious and unconventional. His presence was a gift, his support unconditional and his legacy of love, service, and wonder lives on in those who knew him. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 11 at 11 :00 AM at Christ the King Church, Courtenay, BC with a reception to follow at the Parish Hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Roger's remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to L'Arche Comox Valley. [https://generaluse.blackpress.ca/obituploads/funeral_logos/K5H3V7T9-20171214163222.png] Comox Valley Funeral Home [http://www.comoxvalleyfuneralhome.com/] SERVICE DETAILS Celebration of Life Saturday, October 11, 2025 11:00 AM Christ the King Church, Courtenay

Coquitlam's new-look Milestones Test Kitchen is cooking up a taste of what could be coming to the chain's 45 restaurants across Canada and B.C., including Guildford Town Centre and Southpoint locations in Surrey. The September launch on Barnet Highway was, yes, a milestone moment for Milestones, first opened in Vancouver in 1989. Today, dishes of food created in the Test Kitchen, if successful, "will propel new menu options and the expansion of the Fraser Bar concept to other cities and locations across the country," according to a news release. Created by head chef Jeff Dell, the menu is split between best-selling Milestones favourites (Sweet Chili Chicken Bites, Wham-Bam Shrimp) and new recipes including Samosa Poutine, Kettle Chip Nachos, five different forno pizzas, Lobster Frites and also weekend-brunch dishes (the Pear & Coconut Waffle sounds amazing). New to the second floor is Fraser Bar, an intimate, prohibition era-style cocktail bar that boasts a menu even more exclusive and interesting than the downstairs Test Kitchen, with several pages of bites and cocktails. Get there for $5 drinks during Happy Hours from 3 to 6 p.m., then 9 til close. Special days include Meet-up Mondays (four bellinis and two starters for $40) and Date Night Wednesdays (menu for two starting at $75). “I’ve been entrusted with a very special role,” Dell says. “I can assure you we’re not taking this trust lightly. Our team is working intensely to find the right new recipes, and to gather feedback from the people whose opinion matters most to us — our local patrons.” In B.C., Milestone restaurants are open in Langley, Abbotsford, Surrey (two locations), Coquitlam, Kelowna, Langford, Tsawwassen, Victoria and West Vancouver; the Whistler location is closed for renovations, according to a post on milestonesrestaurants.com/locations [https://milestonesrestaurants.com/locations/]. Milestones Test Kitchen is operated by Pacific Rose Hospitality Group in partnership with Foodtastic, the company behind Milestones and more than 20 other brands including Freshii, Pita Pit and Second Cup.  

Nanaimo’s buried past has surfaced once again, this time as a sink hole that has forced the closure of Westwood Road to traffic, with work crews shutting off gas and water mains.  Bill Sims, city general manager of engineering and public works, said the hole, which formed between Cathers Drive and Kawartha Place, was reported to the city at about 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, and is the result of a cave-in roof of an old coal mine. “As most folks know, we’ve got a number of coal mines around the city,” Sims said. “They underlay the city and, over time, those mines fail. What happens is the roof starts to fall in and collapse and it, essentially radiates upwards to a point where we see a sink hole on the surface and that’s exactly what’s happened here.”  City workers closed the section of Westwood Road Thursday night and continue to reroute traffic through Cathers Drive and Kawartha Place. Once the section of Westwood Road was secured, Sims said workers arrived Friday morning to assess the hole, estimated to be about five-by-five metres wide and about six metres deep and begin repair work by filling the hole with concrete and rocks. Sims said the void appears to be located on the edge of a mine working and extends in a northwesterly direction toward the Nanaimo Parkway.  “What we’re not seeing is beyond the bottom of the hole,” Sims said. “There’s an evident void beyond that and so when we put the first load of concrete in there, which is about six cubic metres … a lot of it disappeared into that void, so we know the void extends further than what we could see and that’s exactly why we use concrete, so it can sort of flow into that void.”  A gas main and water main are located on either side of the hole and were not damaged. The gas line was shut off as a precaution and crews have maintained water service to the area.  “If the earth moved anymore we just didn’t want to see those pipe fall into the hole, essentially,” Sims said.  Work will continue throughout the day Friday, Oct. 3, and possibly into Saturday, Oct. 4, if required.  Sims said it was fortunate to have such a short detour loop around the work site and also that no vehicles or pedestrians fell into the hole before the road could be closed. He anticipates the costs for the repair work will tally up into the “low tens of thousands” of dollars. It appeared early Friday afternoon that the additional concrete had hit bottom and was starting to refill the empty space.  “It’s an unfortunate and relatively expensive fix to pour a bunch of concrete into it, but at the same time, we’re all really grateful it’s only just the road, the sidewalk and nobody was hurt, nobody drove into the hole and we’re not affecting any nearby homes,” Sims said.

Funding has been approved for new student housing at the University of Victoria (UVic). The province has committed $121 million for the 510-bed residence, with UVic contributing $57 million. Designed for upper-year undergraduate and graduate students, the new building will be located on a parking lot off Sinclair Road, located within the heart of UVic’s residence area and close to the UVic Transit Exchange. Construction is expected to start in spring 2026. “The new student residence will be transformative for our upper-year undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom face challenges finding affordable housing near campus,” said Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Robina Thomas, UVic's acting president and vice-chancellor, in a news release. “Living on campus gives students better access to academic and wellness supports and strengthens their connections to peers, which allows them to help focus on what matters, their education.” The new building will include: * a highrise tower with 360 beds in 90 four-bedroom apartment-style units for upper-year undergraduate students; * a seven-storey adjacent wing will contain 150 studio apartment units for graduate students; * amenities for students to connect, including a student lounge, outdoor and multi-purpose spaces, and a community kitchen; * and secure athletic storage for sports equipment and bicycles. According to the province, the building will be zero-carbon and fully electric, designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, supporting the objectives of CleanBC and UVic’s climate and sustainability action plan. The building will serve as a model of climate-resilient design and demonstrates the province’s commitment to a more sustainable future. News of the new residence has been welcomed by local MLAs. “Affordable, accessible housing is key to student success," said a statement from MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill Grace Lore. "By expanding on-campus options at UVic, we’re not only supporting learners, we’re also helping to reduce demand on the broader rental market. "This is a meaningful investment in education and in our community.”

An emotional stop for a young Victoria girl battling brain cancer, along with her family, was one of the culminating moments on the 1,200 km journey for this year's 18 Tour de Rock riders. At 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 3, 13-year-old Olivia, along with her brothers Lucas and Kai, stood outside their home to greet the riders who poured in to show young Olivia solidarity in her fight. Mother Morgan Lassam watched with emotion from the window.  "Olivia's fight spans close to seven years now. It has been both heartbreaking and inspiring to walk alongside her," Lassam told Victoria News. "While Olivia has faced many challenges over the years and continues to, she and her siblings, Lucas and Kai, have shown incredible strength and resilience." "They remind us that when one child faces a challenge, the whole family becomes part of the fight. We have all walked this road together, and the love and support from our community have carried us through so much." In the three years prior, the Lassam home Tour de Rock stop looked a little different – Olivia and her brothers ran a Lemonade Stand, collectively raising $62,000 to support Tour de Rock, an Island-wide bike ride to raise money for children's pediatric cancer research and treatment programs. This year, due to Olivia's ongoing treatments, the lemonade stand was cancelled. Lassam said those wishing to donate can direct their support to Shea Mackenzie, Olivia's "honourary" rider. "Shea is an incredible support in our community," Lassam said.  "It means so much to us to have Tour de Rock stop by our home," Lassam added. "The show of support for our family is deeply meaningful and is a reminder that even in our hardest times, we are not alone." Olivia was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma in the cerebellum and brain stem at age seven. She remembers getting "really sick" on her baby brother's first birthday, according to her profile on Ronald McDonald House Charities. Canadian Cancer Society has helped her and her family throughout the journey. Notably, Olivia, Lucas and Kai attend Camp Goodtimes each summer; it's a free, medically supervised summer camp that allows kids facing cancer to build connections, gain support, and "just be a kid," Lassam said. It also has enabled Lassam to create "lasting bonds" with other families going through the same journey.  The Tour de Rock ride concluded Oct. 3 with exhausted but smiling riders reaching the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia steps at 4:51 p.m., raising a total of $828,028. While the journey is over for this year, for Lassam and her family, it will be a warm memory that will help make the trials ahead a little easier. "It's about more than the ride; it's about knowing that all of our children are valued, and that we're surrounded by people who care," Lassam said.  "We have all walked this road together, and the love and support from our community have carried us through so much."  

After 14 days on the road, this year’s crew of Tour de Rock riders rolled into Victoria on Friday, Oct. 3, marking an end to their 1,200-kilometre trek. Sporting sleek helmets and smiles, the 18-person crew hit their brakes for the last time outside of the B.C. Legislature, where they were greeted by flashing cameras, encouraging posters and clapping supporters. “Over the past two weeks, we've lived, we've cried, we've laughed, and we broke together,” said Cpl. Megan Jones, a cyclist and military policewoman with the Canadian Armed Forces. “In doing so, we became a family.” Made up of law enforcement and emergency services personnel, the strong-legged group pedalled the length of Vancouver Island to raise money for childhood cancer research and support programs – all through the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). “This event is a powerful reminder of what we achieve when the entire Island comes together,” said Island District RCMP Chief Supt. Bruce Singer. “From the smallest villages to our First Nation communities to the largest cities, Vancouver Island has once again shown us what community truly means.” This year, Tour de Rock raked in a whopping $828,082, a large chunk of which will go to Camp Goodtimes – a CCS program that provides summer camps for children and teens living with cancer. “[Camp Goodtimes] is one the most amazing places,” said Tour de Rock representative and 2019 rider Simon Douthwaite, whose daughter is a leukemia survivor. “I’ve been with my family and you get looked after, you get food, you get nurses and the chemo drugs you need – and you just relax for a while.” The group began their journey in Port Alice, stopping at towns, cities, schools, businesses and events along the way to shore up donations. And though the trip was successful, it wasn’t easy.  “People often assume that the hardest part of Tour de Rock is riding close to 100 kilometres a day, but the truth is, the real challenge was carrying all the stories of the children and the families we ride for,” said cyclist and North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Cst. Kyle Hicks. “Our bodies broke, our will was tested, but every time we thought we couldn't keep going, we remembered why we ride.” Despite challenges, there was plenty of fun to be had – especially on the easier stretches of road. “We like going fast down hills,” said Jones. But the best part was the support the group received. “We had beautiful songs sang to us, we had marching bands bring us into their schools,” added Jones. “Through it all, Vancouver Island communities carried us with love and care and support, and so we can't thank them enough for their generosity.” Since it was established in 1997, Tour de Rock has raised over $30 million in donations.

April 7, 1981 - August 11, 2025 In loving memory ~ Ian was taken from us much too soon in a tragic vehicle accident. Ian is survived by his wife Jamie, Father Gord, sister Leah (Mark), and neices Alyssa and Hailey. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 13, 2025 at 1pm at Yates Funeral Home in Parksville. SERVICE DETAILS Celebration of Life Saturday, September 13, 2025 1:00 PM Yates Funeral Home, Parksville

Parksville Qualicum Beach drivers are advised that Mainroad Mid-Island Contracting crews will be out on a pair of projects beginning Sept. 8. In a press release, Mainroad noted crews will performing a culvert replacement on Smithers Road Parksville between Sept. 8 and Sept. 19 ( 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Drivers can expect a full closure and detour will be available via Alberni Hwy 4A, stated the release. Drivers are reminded to obey signs and traffic control personnel and to watch for roadside workers. Crews will be performing concrete bridge deck repair on Highway 19 between Big Qualicum and Englishman and traffic will be affected in both directions (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) from Sept. 8 to Sept. 18. Drivers can expect lane closures. Mainroad says its 24-hour communications and dispatch office will pass on all observations and concerns to crews when contacted. For more information, visit www.drivebc.ca.

This is a notice of disposal made by the landlords, Guobing (Patrick) Cai and Huaijin (Sherrie) Wang, at the address of 3545 York Street, Port Coquitlam, BC. Addressed to James Skelton regarding the disposal of abandoned property in the rental unit on 1609 Northfield Road, Nanaimo, BC. The abandoned property includes; Roofing tools and safety equipment, BB guns, toolbox with tools, RC vehicles + related items, DVDs, books, blades, clothes, chargers, electronics, video games, subwoofers, belongings, furniture. The items will be disposed of after 30 days of the notice being served or posted, unless the person being notified takes the items, or establishes a right to the items, or makes a dispute resolution application with the Residential Tenancy Branch, or makes an application in Supreme Court to establish their rights to the items.

A U.S. expert on community engagement, placemaking and cultural connections will speak in Nanaimo about local solutions to global issues. Ryan Smolar will present 'Road to Resilience' on Sept. 5 at the Harbourfront Library. "Communities everywhere are preparing for climate, political and economic shocks. The answers aren't coming from the top down – they're emerging locally, through re-connection, interdependence, and new pathways rooted in place," noted promotional materials for the event. Smolar will speak about local food systems, land-based learning initiatives, health, transportation and more. The talk is from 1-2:30 p.m. Sept. 5.

A new partnership will enable Habitat for Humanity's Nanaimo ReStore to broaden its services. Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island is teaming with Light House and its building material exchange program as well as the Regional District of Nanaimo to expand its environmentally conscious second-hand store on Mostar Road. The move is expected to streamline store operations, making it "easier for contractors, trades, and suppliers to donate used or excess construction materials," a press release stated, assisting diversion of waste from the Cedar landfill and putting items "back into circulation for homeowners, do-it-yourselfers and community builders." Light House, which has a goal to further "regenerative built environments," hopes the expansion will help build a circular economy for building materials on Vancouver Island. Gil Yaron, Light House managing director of circular innovation, said tonnes of building materials are dumped at Vancouver Island landfills and while the construction industry want to lessen this, there isn't always "space or resources." "The new expanded ReStore makes reuse practical, accessible, and scalable," he said in the press release. "Industry and the public now have access to a centralized location on Vancouver Island to donate and shop for quality construction materials at a fraction of the cost of buying new.” The ReStore will initiate a weekly pickup service to collect excess and leftover materials directly from construction sites across the region, the press release stated, and is aimed at making donation easy and predictable for busy contractors and trades workers. On-demand pickup will also be available. In addition, the building material exchange will offer a free online "business-to-business platform" allowing those in the construction industry to detail or seek re-sourced or excess construction items from across central Vancouver Island. The partnership will be beneficial to ReStore customers, said Trevor Coyle, Habitat Mid-Vancouver Island CEO, in the press release.  “With this expansion, we’re going to be able to support even more families – they will have access to donated construction materials at affordable prices, which will help build their future," he said. "The ongoing operation will also support long-term diversion goals for the construction sector and the creation of a circular economy on Vancouver Island.” 

A BC Ferries crew came to the rescue of a person who went overboard on a vessel set sail for Swartz Bay. The incident occurred shortly after the Spirit of Vancouver Island departed Tsawwassen ferry terminal, Wednesday (Sept. 3), around 1 p.m. Rescue boats were deployed and BC Ferries crew members pulled the individual from the water. Crew from the Queen of New Westminster also aided in the response. BC Ambulance Service crew waiting at the Tsawwassen terminal transported the person to hospital, where they are reported to be in a stable condition. "Bravo zulu to our highly skilled and trained crew for their rapid response and professionalism," said a BC Ferries social media post. "We're proud of you. Thank you for keeping us safe every day." Because of the incident, passengers have been warned to expect some delays on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay ferry route.

No one was hurt in a rollover crash on Nanaimo's Hammond Bay Road this afternoon. Emergency services personnel rushed to the intersection of Hammond Bay Road and Friar Tuck Way on Wednesday, Sept. 3, just before 5 p.m., and arrived to find a vehicle upside-down on the roadway. No other vehicles were involved and crews on scene said no one was injured in the crash. Traffic was pinched to one lane as crews cleared the scene. According to recently released ICBC statistics, there were two crashes at the intersection in 2024 and 10 over the five-year period from 2020-24.

Jazzophiles and musicaholics can groove to three weekends worth of funky beats as Nanaimo’s International Jazz Festival kicks off. President of the jazz society, Kim Smythe, said the longer program will be chock-full of musicians local to Vancouver Island and B.C. The festival will host 16 performances, including two-days of free open-air concerts at Maffeo Sutton Park. The headlining act with feature renowned jazz singer Holly Cole at the Port Theatre on Sept. 13.  “We’re really looking forward to having Holly,” Smythe said. “This is the first time that we’ve ventured out to get an international and highly recognized performer in hopes of having that bright shining star in the middle of our program.” While the festival has been traditional jazz in the past, Smythe said, this year’s all-Canadian lineup will also feature “a bit of funk, rap and pop” blended with traditional jazz. Several musicians who might normally perform solo, or with a smaller ensemble, have brought friends into the mix for a bigger show and bigger sound, he said. The Graham Villette Quintet and Nick La Riviere Quartet will play the Lighthouse Bistro on Saturday, Sept. 6, and Thursday, Sept. 11, respectively.  Stealing Dan, a tribute act to the rock band Steely Dan, will play the Queen's Hotel, followed by a festival first – the Drag Jazz Cabaret starring Josh Holloway as 'Celeste’ at the Nanaimo Bar, both on Sept. 12. The Waterfront Walkway Parade will kick off the outdoor performances on Sept. 13 as it marches from the Port Theatre at 11 a.m. to the Maffeo Sutton Park stage. Following musical acts at the park that day include the New Groovement and Keanu Ienco Quartet, with Alpha Centauri and Marc Atkinson among those performing Sept. 14. The NIJFA Jazz Jam hosted by Nico Rhodes will follow Holly Cole’s performance on Sept. 13 at the Vault Café. The Roy Styffe Quintet will close the International Jazz Festival with a performance at Simonholt Restaurant on Sept. 21. In his new position as president, Smythe said organizing the festival was an overall fun challenge and interesting experience. He believes the chosen acts will make a statement about the organization as it moves forward.  He envisions the society not only developing the Vancouver Island jazz scene by ideally bringing in and building touring acts with other jazz societies, but also filling the gap of jazz education and exposure for students and emerging artists. More information about the festival can be found online at www.nanaimojazzfest.ca [http://www.nanaimojazzfest.ca].

Nanaimo's junior B hockey club will try to carry on its course toward a winning season as it opens the 2025-26 campaign this coming weekend. The Nanaimo Buccaneers start the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League season this Saturday, Sept. 6, with a home game against the Comox Valley Glacier Kings. The Bucs went 1-3 in the pre-season, but finished strongly with a 4-3 overtime win against the Port Alberni Bombers on the road. This week the games start to count for the Bucs and new head coach Tyler Gow, who takes over bench boss duties from Bill Bestwick. Gow was part of the Bucs' coaching staff last year and helped with the team's "cultural turnaround," according to a club press release. "Known for his leadership, discipline, and developmental mindset, Gow has earned widespread respect for his work behind the bench," the release added. GAME ON … The Bucs and Glacier Kings play Saturday, Sept. 6, at 7:15 p.m. at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. For ticket information, visit http://nanaimobuccaneers.ca/buy-ticketshttp://nanaimobuccaneers.ca/buy-tickets [http://nanaimobuccaneers.ca/buy-tickets].

Kerri Scott, a Courtenay resident, has had her book ‘Buddha’s Closet, Cleaning as a Path to Enlightenment,’ named as one of the best indie books of 2025. Her book is a finalist for the Lifestyle/Home/How To category in the 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. The awards are the world’s largest book award program for independent publishers and self-published authors.  The awards are judged by leaders in the indie publishing industry, many who have come from long careers in the major publishing houses. This is the 18th year of the awards. The judges draw on their experience and love of storytelling and recognize books that should gather a larger audience. Scott’s book explores The Eight-Fold Path to Wardrobe Wisdom, Slow Style, What Tickles You Pink, Saying Yes to Your Mess, Retail Therapy, Sadhana and Busting Through Limiting Beliefs.  

Graffiti targeting a Victoria police officer has appeared in Rock Bay. The department didn't detail the graffiti's message, but told the public in a Sept. 2 X post that "any concerns regarding officer conduct should be addressed through formal channels." "We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and will investigate appropriately," the post said. The graffiti also included the department's non-emergency phone number. The department said that misuse of the line "can divert critical resources and hinder our ability to serve the community." Victoria Police is asking the public to submit complaints about officer conduct online via vicpd.ca/contact-us/compliments-complaints [https://vicpd.ca/contact-us/compliments-complaints/]. Complaints can also be directed to the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner – an independent oversight agency that provides a way for the public to voice their concerns about the conduct of officers or departments – at opcc.bc.ca [https://opcc.bc.ca/].

The Campbell River RCMP is warning the public of a scam, where several community members have reported receiving a fake text from ICBC claiming they have unpaid tickets. The texts advise that if the fines remain unpaid that service will be discontinued or licenses suspended.  These texts are fraudulent and appear to be coming from an international number not affiliated with ICBC, police say.  "These kinds of scams have become more common, and many people end up being duped, " said Const. Maury Tyre, with the Campbell River RCMP, in a media release on Sept. 3. "If in doubt about communications received from a corporate entity, especially by text or email, don't interact with them or give any personal information. The simplest way to determine if it's a scam is to contact the company yourself, without using the link the scammer has provided in the email or text. Legitimate contact numbers are available on the back of you're credit cards and on official company websites." If you are a victim of crime or have information regarding criminal activity, please contact the Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221 or if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477. 

Global Rigging & Transport (GRT) recently released a video capturing the carefully engineered demolition of a 1,200-ton crane in Campbell River.  The Surrey-based company, known for moving some of the heaviest and most complex cargo in the world, believes this is the first time a ship-to-shore crane – typically used at ports for loading and unloading containers from ships – has been demolished in Canada. Over its nearly 30-year lifespan, the crane has moved more than two million containers.  The company said the colossal 52-metre crane had reached the end of its expected service life and was transported from Vancouver to Campbell River by barge. It was then demolished using an engineered "controlled-fall technique," with help from the industrial services company AMIX. As part of the engineered demolition process, all oils, hydraulics and lubricants were safely removed to ensure environmental safety.  Before the demolition, the company said it made strategic cuts to weaken key load‑bearing elements of the crane. The precise severing of support lines guided the crane’s controlled fall to within inches of the designated footprint. Kenny Zappitelli, a super­visor with the company, said using the precision-engineered method, the crane dropped just as planned. "The crane was safely toppled without any interruptions, mitigating the risk factor to the surrounding waterfront," he said in a statement.  

Drivers heading through Esquimalt could encounter delays on Thursday and Friday. Underground work on Sept. 4 and 5 will take the traffic light at Esquimalt Road and Lampson Street offline from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. "This may cause some traffic delays and commuters should plan accordingly," according to a release from the Township of Esquimalt. "Traffic control personnel will be on site directing traffic and cyclists. Drivers are asked to approach the intersection with awareness and respect traffic control personnel."

The good news: that text you received about an unpaid ticket isn't real. The bad news: you are the target of a scam aimed at separating you from your hard-earned cash. Police report that more than 30 people have attended the motor vehicle branch in Sidney over the past few days after receiving texts about unpaid traffic tickets. "Sidney/North Saanich RCMP are warning the public about a recent spike in scams involving text messages from individuals posing as ICBC representatives. The text messages received alert the victim that they have an unpaid traffic fine and will give a short deadline to resolve the issue," according to a release from Const. Benje Bartley, media relations officer for Sidney/North Saanich RCMP. The text includes a link to click and “resolve” the matter. Police are urging the public to be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from ICBC. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders. Report suspected scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 and to your local police.

August 29, 2025 In loving memory ~ It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerry Behnsen on August 29th 2025. Under a starlit sky, he slipped away peacefully surrounded by Faye, David and Sydney and leaves an empty spot in the hearts of his sisters Gail and Christina, his children-in-law Lindsay and Graham and his three grandchildren, Leo, Brooks and Lennon. Gerry spent his childhood in the Okanagan and then enjoyed living a free-spirited lifestyle in Vancouver during the 60s and 70s. Gerry spoke fondly of the concerts he attended, the adventures he went on and the friendships that were built. Although Gerry never graduated from high school, he attended UBC as a mature student and graduated with his masters in 1980 from the University of Regina. As a School Psychologist in the Prince George and Campbell River school districts he was passionate about education, fiercely advocating for families and it was not unusual to hear from former students about the impact he had had on their lives. Gerry loved animals of every shape and size, especially his beloved cats Romeo and Billy. He was embarrassingly proud of his children and grandchildren. Everyday Gerry appreciated the beauty of Campbell River and enjoyed his time walking the trails, most recently the Spit with his buddy Ed. He looked forward to connecting with the two and four legged friends he met there. He was an avid golfer and fisherman, a high- level chess player, a builder of lawn chairs and playhouses, a rockstar Grampie who took every opportunity to play with and read to his grandchildren, a storyteller extraordinaire and was forever disappointed by the Vancouver Canucks. He will be dearly missed and always be remembered. A casual gathering to honour his memory will be held on Saturday September 13, 2025 at 5pm at the Campbell River Spit. Everyone is welcome to join us to enjoy some of his favourite foods. In the case of rain, we will gather at the family home (if in doubt, give us a call). Bring your memories and a chair. Beam him up. Rock and roll.

May 2, 1929 - August 12, 2025 Dad was born to Edwin and Vera Harnish in Nanaimo, May 2, 1929 then moved to Parksville at a young age.His father, Edwin was the local blacksmith and machinist. Dad met Dorothy Shambrook in Sooke and they married on June 11,1948. He joins Dorothy, his wife of 71 years who passed in July 2019. Dad is predeceased by his beloved wife, son, Gerry; sisters, Eileen (Howie), and Myrtle (Lawrence); his father, Edwin and mother Vera. Survived by and will be dearly missed by his children, Jo-Anne (Victoria), Brenda (John) Ladysmith, Grandchildren, Jennifer (Ike), Melanie (Bill) Jonathan, Lynn (Shawn) and Charlotte; great grandchildren Colton, Ashley, Saunsa, and Quinn; his in-laws, the Shambrook clan in Sooke and many nieces and nephews. Dad's career as a mechanic started at Abernathy Timber Company in Parksville which was later purchased by MacMillan Bloedel, there he certified as a Heavy Duty Mechanic. He became a charge hand and had the opportunity to move to what was then known as the Queen Charlotte Islands as a Shop Supervisor at the Juskatla Camp. They lived in Port Clements for eight years before moving back down to the Island in 1989 where Dad supervised at Harmac for a year before retiring. They settled finally in Ladysmith. Dad never let grass grow under his feet unless he wanted it to. He was always doing something, fixing something, improving something. His rest and relaxation over the years ranged from fishing, boating, camping/rving, gardening, hunting, golfing and traveling. He loved volunteering at the Ladysmith Community Golf course. We kids always remember the road trips exploring BC in the Summers. Dad belonged to the fire department in Parksville for many years and while up in the Queen Charlottes/Haida Gwaii he was the Fire Chief in Port Clements. Dad was a friend, mentor and guide to many. No Celebration of Life by request. There will be a family gathering later. In lieu of flowers you may wish to donate to the BC Cancer Society or the Salvation Army.

September 10, 1945 - June 9, 2025 In loving memory ~ It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our cherished father, Thomas "Tom" Louis MacLean, who left us on June 9, 2025, in Bucerias, Mexico. Born in Hornepayne, Ontario on September 10, 1945 (or 1946, according to his mom), Tom spent his early years in Kakabeka Falls and Conmee, Ontario. In his late teens, he ventured to Vancouver Island, BC, where he built a life and a legacy through more than 40 years in the logging industry, mostly around Woss, BC. Tom made his home in Campbell River, BC and with his first wife Maria Teresa "Terry", they raised their four children: Thomas "Tom", Clark, Vanessa, and Teresa. Later in life, Tom found love again with his second wife, Ma. De Lourdes "Lulu", who resides in San Luis, Mexico, along with her children Jorge and Italia "Taly". Tom was predeceased by his parents, Thomas, and Lenora "Nonie". He is also lovingly remembered by his cherished granddaughter Hannah. His siblings Bonney, Bart (Norma), Leanne (Willy), and Laurie, as well as his beloved Aunt Darlene. His legacy also lives on through many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and countless friends who became family. There are too many to name, but we hold close in our hearts Al, Brandy, Donna, Lloyd, Mal, and Sandy, and so many others whose lives he touched. Our dad was a man of extraordinary warmth and generosity. He had a gift for making lifelong friends, a talent for entertaining, and a passion for traveling (mostly to Mexico, but many other places in the world). He loved to spend time woodworking, winemaking and helping others. His ability to recall dates, names, and family stories with astonishing clarity, was legendary. Please join us in honoring and celebrating Tom's life on September 20, 2025, at the Eagles Hall, in Campbell River, BC, beginning at 11:00 am. We look forward to sharing stories, laughter, and love in his memory. See you in Heaven, Dad - T,V&H SERVICE DETAILS Celebration of Life Saturday, September 20, 2025 11:00 AM Eagles Hall, Campbell River, BC

On an Island surrounded by boats, splitting a life between being on water and being on land is less seamless than one might think. Plenty lug their belongings to and from the shores – and the marina is often disconnected from residential land. But developer Scott Davies of Cube Project Management Ltd. saw an opportunity to make boaters' lives easier, part of a visionary project he began a few years earlier to restore Sidney's Van Isle Marina area at 2270 Harbour Rd. For Greater Victoria, it was surprisingly a novel idea, not yet implemented: premium self-storage just steps from the marina. "We had a feasibility study done on the business prior to getting into it, and we learned from that that nobody actually offers self-storage with a marine twist. It's mainly just self-storage. "It's such a no-brainer idea. It's unique. It's a first-class facility." Harbour Haven Self Storage offers 200 climate-controlled lockers and over 10,000 square feet of storage, with video surveillance, an alarm system and most importantly, a convenient location. Peninsula News Review confirmed that there are no storage facilities like it in Greater Victoria accessible via a marina. In the Sidney area, Davies estimates there are at least eight marinas, translating to plenty of potential customers. Now, boaters have a centrally located spot for their marine gear, sleeping bags, paddle boards, fishing rods, and other gear they don't necessarily want to store on their boats. Once they have a locker, all they need to do is pull up and unload. So far, everyone Davies has spoken to "seems to love it," he said. That goes in tandem with the rest of the development, which includes new residences and four commercial units in what was a "derelict" area after the Blue Peter Pub burned down in 2011. "They've come up and said how happy they are to see a nice new development in the area. And just from a little bit of signage, we've got a slew of people on the sign-up sheet, and we've just welcomed the first few guests. We're welcoming lots more as we speak. harbourhouse3 [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/peninsula/2025-july/harbourhouse3.jpg;w=960] Two $3 million residential homes are part of the new development at 2270 Harbour Rd. Jacob McNeil/Platinum Creative A lot of thought was put into the development and the storage facility. Davies travelled far and wide to do market research. "We went to self-storage conventions in Las Vegas, Toronto, and Vancouver," he said. There, his team learned that the two most popular storage locker sizes are 5'x5' and 5'x10' with a 9-foot ceiling. The majority of Harbour Haven lockers are those sizes, though they range from 5'x5' ($150/a month) to 10'x9' ($516/a month).  To get a locker, boaters can apply via sidneystorage.ca [http://sidneystorage.ca]. With Van Isle Marina right there, Davies said he has a feeling it's going to get full "pretty quick".  The new development's buzz and advantageous location will only help. "There are other storage facilities in Greater Victoria, but they're sort of in the middle of nowhere. We're conveniently close to downtown Sidney and in a prime 10 out of 10 location. "There was so much potential with that property," Davies added. "It was nice to breathe some new life into that area of town."

A search is underway for a man who went missing in Bella Bella over the long weekend. Bella Bella RCMP and the Heiltsuk Nation are appealing for public assistance in locating a 63-year-old man from the community. Edward Vickers, also known as Lapa, was reportedly last seen on the evening of Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 walking along Old Town Road in Bella Bella. An RCMP release said Vickers requires essential medication, and loved ones, the community, and police are concerned for his well-being. Edward Vickers is described as: an Indigenous male, 5’7 tall with a slim build. He is believed to be wearing a green jacket, black hoodie, black pants, and a brown toque. The search is being carried out by Bella Coola Search and Rescue, Campbell River Search and Rescue as well as numerous volunteers from the community. The RCMP has reportedly conducted aerial searches using an RCMP helicopter, marine searches with an RCMP vessel, as well as utilizing Police Dog Services. The search is ongoing. The Heiltsuk Nation, HIRMD Guardian Watchmen, Heiltsuk Fire Department, Emergency Health Services, Canadian Coast Guard, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and volunteers from Klemtu, Rivers Inlet and the Nuxalk Nation are all working in support of the search as well as the RCMP. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Edward Vickers is asked to call Bella Bella RCMP at 250-957-2388.

BC Ferries crew came to the rescue of a person who went overboard on a vessel set sail for Swartz Bay. The incident occurred shortly after the Spirit of Vancouver Island departed Tsawwassen ferry terminal, Wednesday (Sept. 3), around 1 p.m. Rescue boats were deployed and BC Ferries crew members pulled the individual from the water. Crew from the Queen of New Westminster also aided in the response. BC Ambulance Service crew waiting at the Tsawwassen terminal transported the person to hospital, where they are reported to be in a stable condition. "Bravo zulu to our highly skilled and trained crew for their rapid response and professionalism," said a BC Ferries social media post. "We're proud of you. Thank you for keeping us safe every day." Because of the incident, passengers have been warned to expect some delays on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay ferry route.

To get in to see the province's premier display of historical artifacts and memorabilia at the Royal B.C. Museum in downtown Victoria on Wednesday, tourists had to be willing to cross a picket line. Striking government workers had set up on the front steps of the museum and were stopping potential visitors to ask them not to cross. The museum remained open, except for the IMAX theatre, but inside the building, only a handful of people milled about. Tickets were only available through an electronic kiosk, and the only staff available were at an information booth set up at the entrance. Staff refused to comment on the number of visitors, and the museum did not respond to a request for comment via phone and email.  The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the Professional Employees' Association (PEA) began the job action on Tuesday, Sept. 2. An agreement between the government and unions allows only select workers to go on strike, ensuring essential government services can continue. This still allowed for than 2,500 workers to strike as of Wednesday, with nine separate picket lines set up in three cities. The BCGEU represents roughly 34,000 government workers, ranging from B.C Liquor store employees to wildland firefighters, while the PEA represents approximately 1,800 government employees, working in roles such as geoscientists, foresters, engineers and psychologists. The last time the public service workers voted to strike was in 2022. At that time, to maintain essential service levels, the only workers able to walk off the job were from the Liquor Distribution Branch. A new deal means a much broader group of ministries can be targeted. On Wednesday, this included staff from the Royal B.C. Museum — which BCGEU president Paul Finch called "an incredibly toxic workplace" — as well as select ministries such as Citizens' Service and Finance. Finch said striking workers come from a variety of occupations and include administrative and information technology professionals. Stalled talks have not resumed Finch said the union and the government are not currently engaged in talks to resolve the dispute. "There have been no negotiations," he said. "There was a brief discussion with the employer following the strike vote announcement; the employer indicated that they were not coming back to the table with an enhanced wage offer." The BCGEU and PEA are asking for a four-per-cent raise this year, followed by another 4.25-per-cent next year. The government's initial offer was for 3.5 per cent over two years. A B.C. government spokesperson did not answer whether the government has put forward a counteroffer. Finch would not reveal any specific details about the union's plan going forward, other than to say "we're going to strike as long as it takes, and escalate as required to get that deal." The B.C. government provided a statement from Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, but noted that it is the government's policy to leave discussions on specifics to the bargaining table. She said the government has demonstrated its "willingness" to come to terms on a deal that provides fair wages and blamed the trade war with the U.S. for "strong economic headwinds."  "The impacts of the US trade war are being felt across Canada, and we must make decisions based on what’s best for all British Columbians," she said. The B.C. government has struggled to rein in a growing budget deficit, which hit $7.34 billion last year out of a total budget of $91.4 billion. While this was roughly $2 billion better than forecast, the government has warned that U.S. tariffs could have a further negative impact as it tries to claw its way back closer to a balanced budget.  The bigger picture of public sector labour negotiations Other public sector unions, such as those representing health-care workers and teachers, are simultaneously negotiating for new collective bargaining agreements this year and have received similar wage offers from the government. In total, more than 450,000 public sector workers are renegotiating agreements. Often, unions will piggyback on each other's deals through the use of "me too" clauses, forcing the government to offer similar wage increases.  So far, the government has reached a framework deal with a bargaining unit representing facilities workers such as care aides and custodians. That agreement was struck by the Hospital Employees' Union on behalf of the 67,500 workers in the Facilities Bargaining Association, 95 per cent of whom are in the hospital union and four per cent of whom are in the BCGEU. That deal has yet to be ratified by members, and the specifics of the wage package have not been revealed. The rest of the agreement beyond wages has yet to be hashed out. Finch criticized the deal, saying the wage offer is below inflation and accepting it undermines the broader effort to get a good deal for public sector workers. "Why they chose to release a concept of a plan, part of an agreement, is beyond me," Finch said. "I don't think it serves any strategic value." The Hospital Employees' Union defended the move as a way to keep its members informed of this "momentous development" on the path to a collective agreement. The union touted that this framework deal offers more money to facilities workers to finally make up for deep cuts made by the B.C. Liberal government in 20024. "The historic Framework the province and the Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA) reached last week is a recognition from government that they want to correct the devastating cuts made to health care by the BC Liberals in the early 2000s," said an emailed statement from Lynn Bueckert, the union's secretary-business manager. "Those deep cuts have and continue to negatively impact the lives of tens of thousands of mostly women and racialized health care workers in the FBA." 

On Sunday he lifted a Club Championship trophy, and on Tuesday he started Grade 7. Bentley Hoogerdyk, age 12, etched his name into Bear Mountain golf history this past weekend, storming to victory at the Bear Mountain Club Championship in Langford. >   >   >   >   > https://www.instagram.com/p/DN_zkg9kqQA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading > View this post on Instagram > [https://www.instagram.com/p/DN_zkg9kqQA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   > > A post shared by Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort Community (@bearmtngolf) > [https://www.instagram.com/p/DN_zkg9kqQA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] The golfing prodigy fired rounds of 70 and 69 for a three-under-par total, cruising to a commanding 13-shot win over runner-up Tzari Baines. On the women’s side, 15-year-old Zaya Baines captured the club championship title. For Hoogerdyk, the achievement came as a surprise even to himself. “It’s cool to think about because I didn’t really have any expectations coming into the tournament, as I’m just 12,” Hoogerdyk told Goldstream News Gazette. His rounds, however, showed composure well beyond his age, with steady play on both the Mountain and Valley courses. The victory is the latest highlight in a career already packed with accomplishments. Hoogerdyk has racked up more than 20 tournament wins, including this year’s MJT Harry White Little Masters at Kings Links by the Sea. He has also competed several times at the US Kids World Championships at Pinehurst, a stage he first qualified for at age six. Golf has been part of Hoogerdyk’s life for as long as he can remember. “Since I could stand, I had plastic clubs around the house,” he said with a laugh. “I’d hit wiffle balls over my dogs.” His father, Tyler, recalled those early days vividly. “He was probably four or five, and he’d just whip wiffle balls around the house until he broke all the plastic clubs. We finally got him a proper set when he was strong enough to lift them,” he said. Tyler noted that a turning point came when Bentley watched the Netflix documentary The Short Game, which follows seven-year-olds competing at Pinehurst. “From there on, it was kind of green light. That’s all he wanted to do,” Tyler said. The family has travelled to North Carolina nearly every year since for the world championships, making it both a competition and a vacation tradition. Guided by his longtime coach Eric Wang, Hoogerdyk has continued to sharpen his game. He currently trains at Bear Mountain, where he has been a member for the past two years after spending time at Victoria Golf Club while living in Oak Bay. His dominance in the open division of the club championship, where most competitors were adults, left many impressed. “A lot of them, after, said they were embarrassed,” Bentley said with a grin. Still, he carried himself with humility, grateful just to compete. Looking ahead, Hoogerdyk dreams of playing college golf one day, and maybe even the PGA Tour. For now, he is focused on enjoying the game and the opportunities it brings.  "It’s really cool,” he said. “I get to reconnect with friends from all over the world at tournaments. Golf has given me a lot already.”

A Sooke School District vice-principal has agreed to a one-day suspension of his teaching certificate after he admitted to "aggressively" pushing a youth who was not a student at the school. According to a ruling by the BC Commissioner for Teacher Regulation, Ryan Dubé was asked by a colleague to remove a youth from the premises Jan. 19, 2024.  When he arrived at the second-floor landing of the undisclosed school, Dubé found another vice-principal at the school engaging with the youth, walking them towards the stairs. "Dubé engaged with the youth and initiated inappropriate physical contact, including aggressively pushing the youth from behind," says the BC Commissioner for Teacher Regulation's ruling, dated Aug. 19. The youth was then escorted from the school by Dubé and his vice-principal colleague "without further challenges." Sooke School District made a report to the commissioner, two months later in March. In its ruling, the independent body noted that by initiating "inappropriate physical contact," Dubé had failed to demonstrate appropriate role model behaviour. However, the commissioner's ruling noted his concern for student and staff safety was a mitigating factor. Dubé was also issued a three-day unpaid suspension by the school district in March last year. At the district's request, the vice-principal completed the De-Escalating Hostility course offered by the Justice Institute of B.C. and was asked to review the Professional Standards for B.C. Educators. The suspension will take place Sept. 19. 

A Qualicum Beach baseball player is in the running for Youth Athlete of the Year Award that carries a $25,000 prize. Charlie Pennock, who plays in the BC Premier Baseball League with the Nanaimo Pirates, is competing against thousands of kids all across North America. Youth Athlete of the Year is an online competition organized by Colossal Management LLC, a leading professional fundraiser in North America. The winners will appear in a 3brand advertisement in Sports Illustrated magazine and take home $25,000. The Kwalikum Secondary Grade 11 athlete's mom, Shawna, entered him in the competition and has already placed in the top two in the first four rounds of the competition. He needs to finish first to advance or second to qualify for a wildcard. The winner of the competition will be selected through public voting. Friends, family, and fans can vote for Charlie once per day. The competition is also a fundraiser for charities such as the V Foundation, a non-profit organization that is providing funds for cancer research as people can pay for votes. It will run until Oct. 17. To vote for Charlie, go online at https://athleteoftheyear.org/2025/charlie-7af2 [https://athleteoftheyear.org/2025/charlie-7af2]        

Two new exhibitions will soon arrive at the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville. Robert Held and Brian Middleton return to the MAC, together this time, in their joint show Trip The Light Fantastic, which lands on Sept. 2, according to a news release by the arts centre. "It’s an exciting all-immersive art experience celebrating light, colour and motion in a spectacular and innovative way," the release said. Using multiple digital-projectors and massive screens, both Held and Middleton will shower their gallery visitors with a spectrum of rich moving colours and diverse imagery accompanied by an original musical score. Thanks to the creative assistance of their local and talented production team and with a generous corporate sponsorship providing the necessary technology, Trip The Light Fantastic highlights how community-building, collaboration and artistic vision can create something even bigger. Proceeds from their joint exhibition will help to support the local fundraising initiative “Vital Signs Project” at Oceanside Urgent Care (Nanaimo Hospital Foundation). Vividly by Kate Bridger and Jack Duckworth will be at the MAC starting Sept. 6 Bridger has worked with fabric to create landscapes, wildlife, house portraits, old cars, household objects and abstracts for more than three decades. "As the title suggests, this is a collection of vividly bright and colourful pieces featuring both two dimensional and three dimensional work. Most of my triggers come from the environment I am fortunate to enjoy every day," Bridger said in her artist statement. "I confess I am allergic to wishy-washy beiges and whites, so my work leans towards bold colours and crisp graphics." Recently Bridger has branched out and is creating mixed media collages and 3D fabric clad work — inspired, as always, by the landscapes she lives in or visits as well as by the extraordinary that lurks within the ordinary. She has lived in Canada for most of her life beginning in Ontario and slowly making her way westward. "Art is what fills my days, gives me purpose and keeps me curious. I am always delighted to share my work with others," she said. Duckworth's interest in and talent for art emerged naturally in his youth and began to mature through the exceptional giftedness of my senior high school art teacher. By his mid-twenties, he was painting and showing his art in and around his hometown. However, post-secondary studies, vocation and family life created an extended hiatus from painting. After serving for over 25 years in pastoral and campus Christian missions on Vancouver Island and Winnipeg and teaching practical theology modules overseas in Europe, the Caribbean, and, more recently (by Zoom), in the Philippines, his artistic interests were rekindled. "I delight in the colours and rhythms inherent in West Coast landscapes, seascapes, old village scenes, and scenes from my travels in Canada and overseas," Duckworth said. "Each piece I create brings new delight. Experimenting with colours and content permits me the freedom to 'flow' with the work. I approach my current artists’ vocation simply: I paint because I enjoy it." Now living in Nanaimo with his wife close to his family, Duckworth is establishing himself as an artist and enjoys showing his work in galleries and coffee shops around the Island.  Both exhibitions will be at the MAC (133 McMillan St.) until Sept. 28.

NDP MP Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni) is calling on the federal finance minister to put an end to the Canada Revenue Agency’s "chronic service failures that are leaving Canadians stranded for weeks or even months without help." “My constituents are spending hours on hold, getting their calls dropped, and waiting months for answers,” said Johns in a press release. “This isn’t just frustrating— it’s causing real financial and personal hardship.” Johns noted that seniors, people without internet access, and community organizations are being hit hardest. In one case, stated the release, an 81-year-old constituent was unable to reach a live agent after repeated attempts. Another taxpayer was locked out of their MyCRA account for three months without resolution. Even community institutions are suffering, said Johns, stating one local Legion branch has been unable to resolve a business account issue despite multiple attempts. Inquiries from Johns’ office to the CRA’s Problems Resolution Program are now taking five to six weeks just to be assigned to an agent, compared with the usual three to five days, the release stated. In a letter to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue, François-Philippe Champagne [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minister_of_Finance_(Canada)#:~:text=Fran%C3%A7ois%2DPhilippe%20Champagne%20is%20the%2042nd,Canadian%20Ministry%20of%20Mark%20Carney.], Johns urged immediate action. He called for more staff for CRA call centres and for responding to MPs’ inquiries. He urged the government to immediately fix recurring problems such as account lockouts and dropped calls. Johns also pressed for the restoration of in-person CRA service in underserved communities so that vulnerable Canadians are not left behind. “Canadians shouldn’t have to fight this hard just to get help with their taxes,” said Johns. “The Minister needs to fix this — now.”

The Nous Chantons Club is looking for new members to join them as they sing in French every Wednesday, from September to June. The club is entering its 17th season and has members that live in Parksville, Errington, Qualicum, Nanoose, Lantzville and Nanaimo, according to Suzanne Bernard, club leader. The group sings together from a repertoire of 500 ancient and modern songs, from folk to children's music to Christmas music from Québec, France and other francophone countries. They meet Wednesdays, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Parksville or Nanaimo. To join, a person only needs to understand French and have a passion to sing in French. For more information, contact Bernard at [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f49a9b8187979c959a809b9a87b49c9b8099959d98da979b99].

Unprecedented wildfires are now common across the world due to climate change and the Errington Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) continues to prepare in the event a wildfire happens in its jurisdiction. Wildfires on Vancouver Island led to evacuations and frayed nerves for residents living close to the flames, noted the EVFD in a press release. Although the fire hazard rating is still high and drought conditions continue, the smokey skies have cleared and Vancouver Islanders are expressing their appreciation for the efforts of all who stepped in to protect them and their properties. When the EVFD received a Community Emergency Preparedness Fund grant from Mid Island Co-op earlieearr this y, some of the personal protective equipment they purchased for use in wildfire deployment was put in to use defending properties under threat from the Wesley Ridge fire near Cameron Lake. The department was awarded a donation of $6,071.44 for new equipment for the purpose of fighting wildfire. The funding has been used to purchase personal protective equipment as well as new hoses and nozzles. Mid Island Co-op CEO Ian Anderson said the grant is a way of saying thank you and ensuring first responders are supported as they continue their vital work for years to come. “We are proud to offer our support to the Errington Volunteer Fire Department, with this contribution for new wildfire deployment equipment," said Anderson. "For Mid Island Co-op, it's about more than funding – it's about recognizing the incredible dedication, bravery and service that these firefighters bring to our community every single day. Whether they’re responding to emergencies and wildfires, assisting with rescues, or educating the public about fire safety, their work is essential to the well-being of our region." Anderson acknowledged they are glad to contribute in a meaningful way, knowing the donation will help equip EVFD volunteers with the resources they need to respond swiftly and safely. EVFD Chief Steve Ternes said the department is appreciative of the support it gets from Mid Island Co-op and agreed the new gear will play a important part in keeping the community and the members who volunteer with the EVFD safe. The EVFD recently deployed to the Wesley Ridge Wildfire when the community of Meadowood in Dashwood was threatened. Some of the new equipment was put into use there. “When companies re-invest in the community, we all benefit,” Ternes said. Every year people and property are threatened by wild land fires. Many of these fires occur in areas called the urban interface zone where homes are built into the forest landscape. Funding will help update the EVFD’s wildfire gear in the event there is an urban interface fire that impacts the community of Errington or surrounding areas. Turnout gear is very expensive and Ternes admitted the most people are not aware of the costs involved in keeping firefighters safe when they are on the front lines. “Our gear has to meet a National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) requirements," he said. "They have standards and to meet those standards the gear must be tested.” The cost can be substantial to outfit fire department members to current safety standards." Ternes said the department puts a lot of thought and time into preparing for the worst-case scenario and he believes the public should try and do their part to protect their properties.The EVFD provides free FireSmart property assessments to residents of Errington as well as rooftop sprinklers. Ternes said Area F Director Leanne Salter received a UBCM grant to purchase rooftop sprinklers for Errington residents, and they are available at Firehall No. 1 located at 960 Errington Rd. Sprinklers are an efficient tool which will help by raising the humidity and moisture levels in your yard if wildfire is approaching, stated the release. The EVFD recognizes the need to protect the rural community and Ternes reminds everybody to prepare in advance for any emergency and keep in mind emergencies can happen anytime of the year.    

SEPT. 2 Parksville and District Rock and Gem Club:  General meeting, 7 p.m. at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St.  Speaker: Former President, Linda Strand, will discuss the benefits of the club’s association with the British Columbia Lapidary Society.  Info: http://pdrockandgem.org/ [http://pdrockandgem.org/] or by email at [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#106074627f737b717e7477757d222450637871673e7371].      SEPT. 3 100 Men of Oceanside: Next meeting 7 p.m. at the Morningstar Golf Club, 525 Lowry's Rd., Parksville. The group meets quarterly and its members commit to contribute $100 individually at each meeting to support an eligible Oceanside charitable group.  Members' individual donations ($400 per year) are issued federal tax receipts by the recipient organization and 100% of member donations goes to the selected charities. 100 Men of Oceanside is actively recruiting new members and any man residing in the Oceanside area who is interested in joining the work of the 100 Men of Oceanside is welcome. Info: www.100oceansidemen.ca or email [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection]. A social hour precedes the meeting at 6 p.m. and is open to all members, their guests and any man interested in participating in the organization. SEPT. 4 Mid Island Tai Chi Club: Open House, free and open to the public, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at Nanoose Place, 2925 North West Bay Rd., Nanoose Bay. Watch demos of seated and standing Tai Chi.  Meet Mid Island Tai Chi Club's instructors and students. Find out about the health benefits of Tai Chi. Try warm up exercises, and participate. Register on-site for INTRO TO TAI CHI 8-week class which starts Sept. 11, and/or SEATED TAI CHI 8-week class which starts Sept 9. All classes are by donation. Info: 778 744-0413; midislandtaichi.org [http://midislandtaichi.org/]. SEPT. 5 Auntie Kate and the Uncles of Funk / Mike Mallon and the Argyle Jets: Two bands for the price of one. Perennial favourites, Auntie Kate and those Uncle fellas will be shaking up the dance floor with their R&B chops, followed by the blues delivered by Mr. Lazy Mike Mallon himself with his latest band The Argyle Jets. Qualicum Beach Community Hall, 644 Memorial Ave., 7 p.m. Tickets $30 from https://sclas.ca [https://facebook.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa1c6493b9d50035689fa5b6c&id=cd231f1197&e=ebeaa7aca5]. SEPT. 6 Steampunk Workshop: DeCosmos Art Society and the McMillan Arts Centre are sponsoring a Steampunk Miniature Sculpture Workshop, 12:30-3:30 p.m. at The MAC. Open to adults and children over 12 years. Learn how to turn trash into treasure. Gloves and glue are provided. A great collection of lovely junk will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring their own treasures to incorporate into a sculpture! The cost for the workshop is $30. All proceeds go to the MAC Capital Fundraising Project. Registration and info: https://shop.mcmi llanartscentre.com/collections/box-office [https://shop.mcmillanartscentre.com/collections/box-office]. Malakai/Steve Mitchell/Kerri Coombs: A free concert in the heart of downtown Qualicum Beach. Featuring three singer/songwriters in the round. Bring a chair, enjoy the fabulous baked goods from the Qualicum Bakery and enjoy the day. 2 p.m,, Heard Square, 130, 2nd Ave..   The Jack Garton Dream Band: The phenomenal Jack Garton plays Nostalgia, Folk, Soul, Zydeco, Dancing will be encouraged, Qualicum Beach Community Hall, 644 Memorial Ave. 7 p.m. Tickets $30 from https://sclas.ca [https://facebook.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa1c6493b9d50035689fa5b6c&id=4298710199&e=ebeaa7aca5]. SEPT. 7 4th Annual Westie Walk: Supported by the West Highland White Terrier Club of Western Canada, benefitting Westie Rescue of Canada. Parksville Community Park, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your Westie for a walk, led by a Scottish Piper. There will be a raffle and games. Entry by donation to Westie Rescue of Canada. Please no extend leads. Qualicum Beach Cinema Society: Returns to the QB Legion with a family matinee: 'How to Train Your Dragon' (2025); tix $5, doors at 11:30 a.m., show at noon; TIFF presentation, two showings of 'Penguin Lessons' tix $10, doors at 2:30 p.m., show at 3 p.m. ; doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Tickets available at https://qbcinema.org/events-and-popups or 250-752-8449. SEPT. 8 Oceanside Navy League Cadets: Welcoming new recruits! At 6:30 p.m., the officers of Admiral Yanow Navy League Cadets will be holding registration for children ages 9 to 11 at their HQ office at 425 Stanford Ave E.  Any child interested in joining a diverse, affordable, fun and safe youth program are welcome. Cadets participate in watercraft safety training, leadership, survival, drum line, Naval traditions and community service, among many other activities and trips around the Island. Info: email the Commanding Officer at [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b4fad8d7d7cdd5dadbc39ad7dbf4dad5c2cdd8d1d5d3c1d19ad7d5]. SEPT. 10 #SOSTeenShop: Back and bringing even more fun to back-to-school shopping! Youth aged 12 to 19 are invited to browse unique finds, enjoy snacks and activities, score great deals on sustainable fashion, and soak up the music and good vibes. Every purchase supports vital programs in our community. 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. SOS Thrift Shop, 188 Hirst Ave. W., Parksville. Info: www.sosd69.com. SEPT. 11 Mid Island Floral Art Club: 'Having Fun with Fall’s Foliage and Flowers', a workshop, 2 p.m. at St. Stephen's church hall, 150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach. Guests $6. Info: Joanne at 250-757-8969 or [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection]. SEPT. 25 National Association of Federal Retirees Mid-Island and Pacific Rim Branch:  General meeting, 11 a.m. (doors open at 10 a.m., coffee available) at the Bayside Resort, 240 Dogwood St., Parksville. Meeting from 11 a.m. to noon. Presentation: Advance Care Planning; Lunch: Chicken buffet, dessert and coffee or tea Cost: $30. To register: https://federalretirees-midisland.ca/ [https://federalretirees-midisland.ca/] or please call Jim Gahr at  (250) 760‑2894 or Carol Gregson at (250) 228‑3510. Seating is limited. ONGOING Rotary Club of Parksville: New members welcome. Club meets at the Parksville Community Centre, 223 Mills St., every second and fourth Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Weekly Bottle Drop, every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Speedy Glass in Parksville. All recyclable bottles, cans and milk cartons accepted, with funds raised going back into the community. Info: www.parksvillerotary.ca.   Royal Canadian Legion Qualicum Beach Branch 76: Open 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week; Cribbage, Mondays, 1:30 p.m. in the lounge; Ladies Pool, Tuesday, 1 p.m. and Drop-in pool Monday-Thursday, 1 p.m.; Euchre, Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. in the lounge; Darts - League Tuesdays - 6:30 p.m., Casual Fridays, 6 p.m. Meat Draws - Friday & Saturday from 4-6 p.m. in the lounge. Mexican Train - Thursdays 1 p.m. Monthly Birthday Celebration: second Wednesday of the month, 4 p.m. Bring appies, cake served; Duplicate Bridge - Monday and Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the hall. Wings and Singo: Sept. 18, food 5-7 p.m., music 5:30-7:30 p.m. Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., adults $10, children 5-12 yrs $6, under 5 free. Upcoming events: Sept 12: Karaoke with Senor Hogs BBQ truck. Karaoke 6:30-9:30 p.m., BBQ 4-8 p.m. Sept. 14: Annual Ted Feist Golf Tournament, registration at 12:30 p.m., shotgun start at 2 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. Price $60, teams of five, dinner guests $20. Sign up today! Sept. 20: Annual pig roast, 6:30 p.m. Caesar salad, roasted pig, sides and dessert; tickets $40, $45 for non-members. Music by Dalen Entertainment. Sept. 28: General meeting, 2 p.m in the hall. Royal Canadian Legion Bowser – Branch 211: Winter hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, lounge opens at 3 p.m. Wednesdays: Ladies Pool and Cribbage - 4 p.m. Thursdays: Men's Pool and Darts - 6 p.m. Meat Draws - Fridays at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. Snooker - Sundays at 2 p.m. Live Music Jams, second an fourth Fridays each month. Info: 250-757-9222; www.rcl211.org; [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection]. Members, guests and prospective members always welcome.  Royal Canadian Legion Mt. Arrowsmith, Branch 49 Parksville: A community-based service organization offering social and recreation activities plus weekly lunch and dinner specials. Guests welcomed to drop in and see what we’re about. Tuesday: Canasta –1 p.m., Wednesday: Cribbage –1:15 p.m., Drop-In Dance Nights 7-9 p.m. Thursday: Euchre 1 p.m., Dominoes/Mexican Train–1:30 p.m.   Friday: 10 Card Crib –1 p.m. Saturday: 8-ball mixed doubles Pool–11 a.m., Meat Draw 3-5 p.m. Book a private function, or community event. Catering available. Office: 250-248-5633 between 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Qualicum Beach Farmers Market: A vibrant hub of local commerce and community connection. Join us every Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to noon, on Veterans Way, throughout the year, for a diverse assortment of vendors. The market also features live music, children’s activities, and food trucks, creating a lively atmosphere that’s enjoyable for all ages.   100 Men of Oceanside: Group meets quarterly and its members commit to contribute $100 individually at each meeting to support an eligible Oceanside charitable group.  Members' individual donations of $100 quarterly ($400 per year) are issued federal tax receipts by the recipient organization and 100% of member donations goes to the selected charities. Actively recruiting new members. Info: 100oceansidemen.ca [http://100oceansidemen.ca/] or email [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4a23242c250a7b7a7a25292f2b2439232e2f272f2464292b]. Next meeting Sept. 3, 7 p.m. at the Morningstar Golf Club, 525 Lowry's Rd., Parksville. A social hour precedes the meeting at 6 p.m. and is open to all members, their guests and any man interested in participating in the organization. Oceanside Breast Cancer Support Group: Have you received this devastating diagnosis?  We can help. As breast cancer doesn’t take a break neither do we. We meet on the first Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room of The Gardens in Qualicum Beach. Info: Lorraine, 250-954-2393. Oceanside Mixed Badminton Doubles Group: New members welcome; play twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Coombs at Arrowsmith Hall. Cost to play is $8 per person per session. Info: Sandi at [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5231333f3020373c631226373e27217c3c3726].  Qualicum Run Club: New outdoor fitness club for slow pace women - friends, fitness, coffee! Ongoing year-round, running every month in all weather. Includes athletic conditioning, structured beginner fitness program and fun active community for women who ‘hate running!’ We meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9-10 a.m., adding new times as we grow. Membership is $150/month. Licensed, experienced, and insured. Welcoming women with pace 8:30 min/km and slower (13-20 min/mile), we run 2-3 miles in the hour on mostly urban routes. Register at qualicumrunclub.ca.   Errington Farmer’s Market: Errington Community Park. Featuring local vendors, live music, market cafe, kids activities, special events and free parking. Where friends and neighbours meet every Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Sept. 27. Info: https://www.erringtonfarmersmarket.ca/. Oceanside Women’s Business Network: Did you know there’s a women’s dinner and networking group here in Oceanside? If you’re a woman in business looking to grow your community and network, we’d love to have you join us! The OWBN meets once a month, on the third Tuesday of the month, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reach out to [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection] for more details. Info: www.owbn.ca.  Little Qualicum TOPS: Group meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre in the Booth room. New members are always welcome. All attendees weigh-in from 10 to 10:15 followed by a program from 10:15 to 10:55. If you are interested in losing weight and require help, TOPS is here for you. Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Oceanside Photographic Society: General meetings on the first Wednesday of each month in the West Hall of the QB Civic Centre. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and run until 9:15 p.m. and include a coffee break. If you have an interest in the photographic arts and want to socialize with and learn from others that share your passion and interests please join us. Info: oceansidephotographers.ca [http://oceansidephotographers.ca] Arrowsmith Needle Arts Guild: This group of embroiderers meets twice monthly in Parksville. Stitchers at all levels are welcome to come and explore all types of stitches, new ideas and make new friends. Meetings details from Lynda at 250-927-4015 and/or Moyra at 250-248-7108. Parksville Community Centre: Men’s Coffee and Conversation drop-in every Tuesday 10 a.m. to noon by donation. Women’s Coffee and Conversation drop-in every Friday 10 a.m. to noon by donation. Community Wagon: Welcoming newcomers every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Come by and get a complimentary gift bag. Oceanside Orcas MS Support Group - MS Canada: Is MS new to you or someone you know?  Or have you been coping for years and want a space to meet like minded folks to share experiences?  Then this might be the group for you. We meet on the third Friday of every month, in person, in Parksville.  Please contact MS Canada staff to learn more and join. Phone: 1-844-859-6789 Email: [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection]. Website: https://mscanada.ca/find-support/ms-support-groups/vancouver-island-oceanside-ms-support-group. Oceanside Caregivers: Meet the last Thursday of each month (Aug. 28) at 1 p.m. at The Gardens Long Term Care, 650 Berwick Rd., North, in Qualicum Beach. We bring support by way of understanding, caring and resources, in a confidential setting. Info: 250-752-2104 or [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection].   Parksville/Qualicum Fish & Game: The Dorman Shotgun Range is a fully licensed, well-equipped shooting range located on Dorman Road in Qualicum Beach. Shooters young and old at all levels of expertise are welcome. Practice shooting for Trap and Skeet are scheduled Sundays at 10 a.m. and every even-numbered Wednesday at 11 a.m. PGOSA: We're outdoors for hiking, biking, walking, talking, paddling, lawn bowling, slo-pitch, pickleball, walking soccer and golf, but still indoors for card games, carving and dancing.  If you're 55 or older and live in Oceanside, Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association is for you.  Join online at pgosa.org or come to Parksville Community Park Picnic Shelter some Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., to grab a coffee and chat – check our website for dates. Oceanside Stroke Recovery Society: Providing therapy and support to stroke survivors and their caregivers. Meets Fridays at St. Columba Church Hall, 921 Wembley Rd., Parksville at 11 a.m. Info: 250-586-6766. Qualicum Beach Museum: Now open Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 'Learning Saturdays' are great for families with children, and include a child-focused activity with a different theme each month.  Info: 250-752-5533. Parksville PROBUS Club: We are a group of retirees enjoying friendship and fun activities for singles, couples and especially newcomers in Parksville. We are a very friendly bunch and have awesome guest speakers plus a broad range of interesting activities and social events. We meet at 9:15 a.m. on the third Monday of most months in the Parksville Community Centre, 223 Mills St. Visitors are welcome. $5 entrance fee covers coffee and light refreshments. Info: [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection] or call Lila 250-816-2708.   Qualicum Beach PROBUS Group: We are an active social group of retired and semi-retired seniors which meets on the first Tuesday each month at 9 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church (150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach). We have a variety of interesting and diverse speakers and several special interest groups. We welcome guests interested in exploring, joining us and meeting new friends. Check out our activities at www.qbprobus.com. NWB PROBUS Club Nanoose Bay: First Friday of each month. Please join us at 9:15 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church Hall 2600 Powder Point Rd. Meet new friends over coffee and goodies and enjoy interesting speakers. $5, coffee and goodies during social time.  Visitors/new members welcome. Info: nwbprobus.org.  Lighthouse Community Hall: 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay.  Second Sunday of each month a local charity hosts our Open Market (8 a.m. to noon) and Pancake Breakfast (8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.). For information on table rentals contact Barb: [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection]. Pancake breakfast contact the office: [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection] or 778-424-9900. Qualicum Beach and Area Newcomers: Meet the second Tuesday of every month, 10 a.m., at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, 150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach. All residents welcome. Info: qbnewcomers.org. Seated Tai Chi: Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 a.m., Nanoose Place (Committee Room), Nanoose Bay. Helpful for everybody, and especially students with health and mobility issues. While seated in class, students learn movements which help to increase circulation, as well as to improve joint mobility, and to stretch the tendons and ligaments. Info: 778-744-0413; midislandtaichi.org. By donation. Parksville Shores Tai Chi: Every Tuesday and Thursday. Continuing classes. Done Tai Chi before? This is for you, come and join us. 9:30-11:30 a.m. $25 a month or $60 for 3 month. Knox Church 345 Pym St., Parksville. Info: www.parksvilletaichi.com [http://www.parksvilletaichi.com]. Coronation Street Social Club of Oceanside: Meets September through June on the second Thursday each month at Rotary House (corner of Fern Road and Beach Road in Qualicum Beach), 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.  If you are looking for a fun, social group come and join us for lively talk, shared stories and meet new friends. Don’t need to be a fan of the show, all that’s required is a sense of humour. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served. Info: 240-594-1965. Oceanside Music: Open House Like to sing or play an instrument? Like to learn? Come meet Oceanside Music’s Musical Directors and learn about the non-profit society’s 7 musical groups’ rehearsal and perfomance schedules, educational offerings and more. 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3 at the MAC - 133 McMillan St., Parksville. Info: www.oceanside-music.ca or 250 594 4755. Music Theory Level 1 Course: Perfect for beginner and experienced singers and musicians wanting to learn to read music. Thursdays 7-8 p.m. starting Sept. 4 for 15 weeks. Parksville Community Centre, 233 Mills St. $130 includes workbook. Register online at www.oceanside-music.ca (Live Events). Ongoing: Oceanside Music’s Rehearsal Schedule: Oceanside Concert Choir - Tuesdays starting Sept. 2, 7-9 p.m. Knox United Church, 345 Pym St; Oceanside Consort A Cappella Singers - Wednesdays 7-9 p.m. starting Sept. 3. Knox United Church; Oceanside Pops Choir - Thursdays 7-9 p.m. starting Sept. 4. St. Edmunds Church, 407 Wembley Rd., Parksville; Oceanside Adult Beginner Concert Band - Wednesdays 7-9 p.m. starting Sept. 3. St. Edmunds Church; Oceanside Intermediate Concert Band - Mondays 7-9 p.m. starting Sept. 8 St. Edmunds Church. Oceanside Concert Band - Tuesdays 7-9 p.m. starting Sept. 2, St. Edmunds Church. Oceanside Big Band - Thursdays 7-9 p.m. starting Sept. 4. Parksville. Coombs Rodeo Grounds: Pancake Breakfast and Flea Market, the first Sunday of each month. For table rentals, call Val at 250-752-9735. Open Mic Music Night on the third Friday of each month September through May; 7 p.m.; kids and musicians free, adults $5. Coffee and snacks available. More info: 250-927-2747. Smart Recovery: Meetings are Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Women's Only meeting on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. All meetings at 245 Hirst Ave. W. Info: 250-586-3727. Oceanside Orcas MS Support Group - MS Canada: Is MS new to you or someone you know?  Or have you been coping for years and want a space to meet like minded folks to share experiences?  Then this might be the group for you. We meet on the third Friday of every month, in person, in Parksville.  Please contact MS Canada staff to learn more and join. Phone: 1-844-859-6789 Email: [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection]. Website: https://mscanada.ca/find-support/ms-support- Oceanside Wood Carvers: Meet every Thursday morning 9 a.m. at Qualicum Beach Elementary School (699 Claymore Rd.).  Enter from the west end side door to woodworking room on left. Info: Bob McInnes at 250-586-8689 or [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection]. Victoria’s Quilts: Making quilts for cancer patients. Meeting every third Tuesday of the month September to June 9:30 a.m. 3ish at Nanoose Place Community Centre 2925 Northwest Bay Rd. New sewers welcome all supplies provided. Info: [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9cf7f3f3f0ecf6a8afdceff4fdebb2fffd].  Parksville Tops 985 Weight Loss Support Group: Meetings: Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. Weigh-in: 5-6 p.m., Parksville Seniors Drop in Centre 144 Middleton Ave., Parksville. Parking and enter from the alley entrance. Info: Liz, 250-954-1809. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly): Qualicum 4754 is a weight-loss non-profit support group. We meet every Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 184A, Second Ave W, Qualicum. Meeting includes a weigh-in and program.  Info: Janice 250-738-6220. Oceanside Chess Club: Meet on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Marks Church, 138 Hoylake Rd W., in the basement. No cost to attend; small donations appreciated. All welcome. Arbutus Toastmasters : Find your voice and learn to speak in public. Safe and supportive, we welcome beginners. Monday nights 7-9 p.m. at 249 Hirst Rd. W, in Parksville (Inclusion Parksville building). Come 10 minutes early, please. Info: Arbutus.toastmastersclubs.org. Qualicum History Tours: Historical walking tours with an experienced local guide leave every Tuesday from the Qualicum Beach Museum. $20 per person. Info: 604-754-4465. Qualicum Beach Seniors’ Activities Centre: 703 Memorial Ave., Qualicum Beach. SUNDAYS: Contract Bridge, 1 p.m. MONDAYS: Knitting in Lounge/crocheting for Manna, 9:30-11 a.m. Yoga, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Chair Yoga, 11 a.m.-noon, Qualicum Beach Ukulele Band, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Beginner Ukulele in Lounge, 3-4 p.m., Line Dance I, 3-4 p.m., Line Dance II, 4-5 p.m., Ballroom dance practice, 5-6 p.m., TUESDAYS: Fun Bridge, 9 a.m. -noon., Group of 8 in lounge Full 9-10 am, Whist 12:30 to 3 p.m., Songbirds, 3-4:30 p.m. WEDNESDAYS: Hatha Yoga, 10-11:15 a.m., Fun With Chaz Guitar in lounge, 12:30 -1:45 p.m., Intermediate Spanish Conversation, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Chair Yoga, 1-2 p.m., Book Club in the Lounge, 2:15 - 3:15 p.m.., Drawing & Painting, 2:30 - 4 p.m., TOPS, 3:45-5 p.m., Acappella Choir, 7-9:30 p.m. THURSDAYS: Beginner Bridge Lessons, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Darts - 10 a.m-12:15 p.m., Technology Tutor in Lounge, 1:30 -3:30 p.m., Drop-in Bridge, 12:30-3 p.m. Line Dancing, 4-5 p.m., Ballroom Dance, 5-6 p.m., Dance Practice, 6-7 p.m., FRIDAYS: Ukulele Friday, 10 a.m. - noon., Introduction to American Mahjong, Lounge, 10 a.m.-noon., Mahjong in the Lounge, 1-3 p.m., Art, 1-3 p.m. SATURDAYS: Hatha Yoga With Richard, 9:45 to 11 a.m., Qi Gong 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.   Overeaters Anonymous: Have you tried to control your eating, your weight, and nothing has worked?  Join Overeaters Anonymous, we are recovering compulsive overeaters, under-eaters, food addicts, anorexics, bulimics, binge eaters and over exercisers. We meet at Knox United Church at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays in Parksville and at QF Foods Parksville, board room 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Fridays. Info: oaviig.org. Qualicum Beach FamilySearch Centre:  Interested in adding to your family tree or finding out more about your grandparents? When you visit the Family Search Centre our volunteers are there to help you. Access to nine major family history websites including Ancestry.  The centre is located at 591 Arbutus Rd., Qualicum Beach within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop-ins welcome or make an appointment with Liz at 250-586-3575. CFUW PQ: 40th annual book sale donation drop box is located on the side of Save-On-Foods, facing Canadian Tire. We appreciate donations of gently used books and puzzles. For a large donation, please email [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#395b5656524a58555c795a5f4c4e4948175a58]. Most of the sale’s proceeds are used for scholarships and other projects supporting women in District 69. Our next sale is Sept. 23-28, at Arrowsmith Hall in Coombs. Smart Recovery Meetings: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. at SOS at 245 Hirst Ave. Questions call John at 250-586-3727. Oceanside A Cappella: Welcomes women singers of all ages. Rehearsals every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Senior Activity Centre in Qualicum Beach. Director Rosemary Lindsey. Info: [email protected] [/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection]. Too Hot for Covers: Song Circle every Wednesday, Parksville Memorial Plaza, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Info: 250-927-2559.