What’s Up on Vancouver Island

Mark Lada, an educator in the Comox Valley published his debut novel, All That Wasn’t, in July, 2025. Described in its synopsis as, “an exploration of the human condition, the power of love and regret, and the ways in which our past can shape our future.” All That Wasn’t follows the lives of Tom and Neha and their reconvergence after many years apart. What brings an intriguing edge to the novel is the narrator — unnamed and omniscient. Who, the reader learns, is also a supernatural entity (Hello, Prince Of Darkness) who is fascinated with human nature and their predestined paths. Tom and Neha are ignorant of this entity observing them as their lives intertwine multiple times between 2008 and 2024, from England to Budapest, Mumbai and beyond. The novel follows two humans whose stories converge, making them question their life choices and wonder what the future can hold. As the book blurb notes, “as memory sharpens and the present begins to tilt, they will be forced to ask themselves not just what they want, but what they’re willing to risk to find it again. “And somewhere over the rooftops of Budapest, the storm is closing in. Because even the smallest choices have consequences. And even the devil has a vested interest in how this story ends.” All That Wasn’t can be found on Amazon.ca.

Two canine-assisted intervention dogs could soon be bringing four-legged stress relief to Greater Victoria schools, as a local organization aims to raise funds to support student and staff mental health. VIK9 AHSS is seeking community support to place its critical incident trauma (CIT) support dogs, Jack and Groot, in schools including Shoreline Community Middle School in View Royal and the ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ tribal school in Central Saanich. Tyson King, president, CEO and lead trainer of VIK9 AHSS, said the dogs are trained to support individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety and stress, particularly during critical incidents or emotionally challenging situations. “They’re trained to work with people who have experienced trauma and they respond extremely well to children and school staff,” said King. Shoreline Community Middle School staff already have access to a service dog, Nayla, placed last spring by VIK9 AHSS. While both schools have expressed interest in the CIT dog program, funding remains the main barrier. King said school budgets are already stretched, making it difficult to cover the costs associated with the program. The criteria for the use of therapy dogs in schools includes that the therapy dog and handler must be trained and annually certified, and that the introduction of the dog must not create barriers to students’ learning, said Kelsey Moore, communications specialist of Greater Victoria School District No. 61. School officials said they would welcome the therapy dogs, as they provide comfort and emotional support to the students who frequently experience anxiety, but will not be directing any funds toward the program. King hopes to raise $20,000 through school or community funding to place Jack, a seven-year-old golden retriever, permanently in a school. He added that short-term support would cost $35 per hour per dog if a school wants Jack or his brother Groot on a temporary basis. VIK9 AHSS is open to either placing Jack permanently in one school or rotating him between multiple locations, depending on available funding. King said Groot “could be provided to a school for day-to-day support.” “The sooner we can get funding, the better,” said King. “Our hope is to get Jack placed as early as possible.”

A new app that offers better inter-agency communication, mental health risk screening, and a pre-response safety briefing to police officers has rolled out to South Island police departments and RCMP detachments. The new tool, HealthIM, has been met with success according to policing leaders in B.C., and in December it was adopted by Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay and Central Saanich police departments. Sidney/North Saanich, Sooke, West Shore and outer Gulf Islands RCMP detachments will be adopting it themselves in the coming months. “When somebody is in crisis, being met with compassion and understanding can make an enormous difference. And when police officers have the right information, they’re better able to take appropriate, supportive steps for people experiencing mental health challenges,” said Health Minister Josie Osborne at an announcement on Monday (Jan. 26). HealthIM allows a responding officer to be guided through a series of questions to help facilitate a better assessment of a person in crisis. It also improves communication with health-care partners by using consistent clinical language and provides critical information to doctors and nurses immediately. It offers an assessment of risk of harm to self or others, and provides safety and de-escalation information about the person to facilitate a better trauma-informed response. According to Osborne, other jurisdictions that use the tool have seen a 46 per cent decrease in apprehensions under the Mental Health Act, a 39 per cent reduction in hospital wait times for officers and a 37 per cent increase in hospital admission rates. “When we are responding to people in crisis, collaboration is essential. Initiatives like HealthIM not only happen because of strong partnerships between the province, police agencies, and the health-care system, but support from our community,” said Saanich Chief Const. Dean Duthie. He said in 2025, Saanich police responded to 462 Mental Health Act-related calls, and apprehended 386 people under the act. For each mental health call, police stayed at the hospital for 2 hours and 49 minutes on average. Over time, the app will be able to give better risk-of-harm analysis history to better provide insight into how police can assist those with prior police interactions. “This tool helps our members focus on de-escalation, reduces delays in connecting people to care and supports more efficient use of police resources across our diverse Island communities. As HealthIM continues to be implemented, it further strengthens service delivery and improves outcomes for both the public and our officers,” noted Chief Supt. Bruce Singer, commander of the Island District RCMP, in a news release. HealthIM has already been used by police in Port Moody, Nelson, Delta, Prince George and Surrey. It’s also being used among police departments in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.

The missing 11-year-old boy has been located safe and sound, say West Shore RCMP. The boy was reported missing Monday (Jan. 26) after he was last seen on foot near the intersection of Veterans Memorial Parkway and Kelly Road in Langford. West Shore RCMP has thanked the media and public for their assistance.

Those hoping to visit the Island during this summer’s FIFA World Cup games in Vancouver and Seattle may find a few more Airbnb listings than expected. On Jan. 20, View Royal approved a motion green-lighting a two-month moratorium on its ban on short-term rentals. Coun. Don Brown, who tabled the motion, said the move could help draw World Cup fans to the region, all while benefiting local restaurants, bars, shops, tourist attractions and golf courses. “People are going to come before the games and after the games and they’re going to want to visit the Pacific Northwest, including southern Vancouver Island,” he said. “We are a tourist attraction. Tourism is big business. This could bring in potentially millions of dollars.” The World Cup takes place from June 11 to July 19 and will offer 104 matches. Seven of those will be played in Vancouver, while Seattle is slated to host six others. View Royal’s short-term rental pause will last between June 1 and July 31. On top of a boost to businesses, Brown noted the move could also help residents earn cash renting out spare rooms. “There’s a lot of people who are empty-nesters – their children have moved, they’ve got empty space in their house,” he said. “People that have big mortgages, they may want a mortgage helper for that period of time.” While Couns. Damian Kowalewich, Gery Lemon, Ron Mattson and John Rogers voted in favour of Brown’s motion, Coun. Alison MacKenzie spoke against the pause. “I think there could be risks of complaints around parking and things like that – a lot of confusion as well,” she said. She also noted locals might not rent out their homes because “there’s a lot that goes into doing an Airbnb,” adding that “it’s likely going to be those people who are already doing it illegally who will continue to do it.” At a meeting in December, a member of the town’s staff said those hoping to operate short-term rentals during the World Cup would require business licences and that the town would need to register stays with the province. Mayor Sid Tobias also expressed concerns about the pause and how it might impact those looking for a place to live in View Royal. “I’m more concerned about the folks that can’t afford an apartment,” he said. “I don’t think we’re out of the woods yet for our housing affordability.” This comes as Vancouver rejected a change to its short-term rental restrictions, even as thousands of soccer fans are expected to pour into the city in June. A Deloitte report commissioned by Airbnb projected that it could result in an accommodation shortfall of 70,000 nights “over the most critical nine-day period of the tournament.” While communities across Greater Victoria, including Highlands, Langford, Victoria and Oak Bay, allow short-term rentals, View Royal is one of the few that prohibit them alongside Colwood and North Saanich.

Thanks to public support, Parksville Fire Rescue members hosted their third annual Christmas tree chipping event on Jan. 4, collecting $2,311 for the Parksville Firefighters Association Charitable Fund. Hud and Kenyon with Bartlett Tree Experts once again donated their time, equipment and hard work to chip the trees, according to a news release by Parksville Fire Rescue. In 2025, the Parksville Firefighters Association Charitable Fund was proud to support BC Lung Association (Wall Centre Firefighter Stair Climb) $300; Ballenas Dry Grad $500; Island Ignite (Female youth fire camp) $300; Police Federation Benevolent Fund $200; Ned’s Wish (Retired Canadian Forces and Police Canine) $300; Wounded Warriors Canada $250; ALS Walk (Support for Parksville firefighter’s wife) $500; Tour de Rock $500; 100 Kids for Change $445; and Muscular Dystrophy Canada $300. The Parksville Firefighters Association Charitable Fund’s next event is to take part in a charity hockey game between the Oceanside Generals and local first responders (police, fire ambulance, Canadian Forces, nurses and doctors). The game is set for Friday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. at Oceanside Place. All proceeds from the hockey game will benefit ALS Canada in support of the wife of a Parksville firefighter diagnosed with ALS, and Wounded Warriors Canada to support Parksville firefighter Karen Petraschuck, one of eight chosen as part of the Wounded Warriors team to run on Vancouver Island. RELATED: Parksville firefighter to run length of Island for Wounded Warriors [https://pqbnews.com/2026/01/06/parksville-firefighter-to-run-length-of-island-for-wounded-warriors/] RELATED: Red-hot Oceanside Generals extend VIJHL win streak to 8 games [https://pqbnews.com/2026/01/06/red-hot-oceanside-generals-extend-vijhl-win-streak-to-8-games/]

Police in Nanaimo hope the public can help find a 36-year-old man who came to the city for work, but has not been seen or heard from in over a week. Teddy Archibald, who was reported missing to the Nanaimo RCMP Dec. 29, was last seen in the vicinity of Carlos O’Bryans pub on Stewart Avenue. Investigators have learned that Archibald came to Nanaimo for a construction job and is not familiar with the area, so there is concern for his safety and overall well-being, a Nanaimo RCMP press release noted. Archibald is a Caucasian man, 6 feet tall, with a medium build, short strawberry blonde hair and a beard. Anyone who has information on the missing man’s whereabouts is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and reference file # 2026-40725.

Nanaimo had the 12th most donors per capita on GoFundMe in 2025 compared with other Canadian communities. In a GoFundMe [https://www.gofundme.com/]press release issued last month, B.C. communities held the top three spots, Victoria holding the lead, with an average of one in five Victorians contributing to a GoFundMe campaign last year, followed by North Vancouver in second and Vancouver in third. Also ranking high was New Westminster in fifth, Kamloops in sixth, Port Coquitlam in ninth and Kelowna in 10th. GoFundMe is a crowd-funding website, where users can open a page to allow people to donate to a specific goal or cause so long as it falls within community guidelines. These can include medical bills, re-building a life after a fire or pet expenses. “Every donation is powered by a deeply human story. We see it in a neighborhood rallying to save a beloved children’s bookstore or a community uniting to keep a local farm open and its animals cared for,” said Tim Cadogan, GoFundMe CEO in a press release. “This year’s top communities showcase the very best of us; they prove that help is inherently human, with friends uniting, strangers stepping in, and entire cities answering the call.” This year, GoFundMe’s Top 20 “most generous communities in Canada” are: 1. Victoria, British Columbia 2. North Vancouver, British Columbia 3. Vancouver, British Columbia 4. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador 5. New Westminster, British Columbia 6. Kamloops, British Columbia 7. Fredericton, New Brunswick 8. Thunder Bay, Ontario 9. Port Coquitlam, British Columbia 10. Kelowna, British Columbia 11. Peterborough, Ontario 12. Nanaimo, British Columbia 13. Guelph, Ontario 14. Moncton, New Brunswick 15. Oakville, Ontario 16. Milton, Ontario 17. Calgary, Alberta 18. Brampton, Ontario 19. Burlington, Ontario 20. Barrie, Ontario

Comox Valley author, songwriter and playwright James Allan Krause has been recognized for his recently published audiobook, Wetion which is a labour of love that took two decades to come to fruition. In December, Krause received nine awards for various categories from Outstanding Creator Book Awards. He received first place prize for Historical, second place finishes for Science Fiction and for Education and Reference Books. A third place honour for the Audiobooks category, five honorable mentions for Best Research, Best World Building, Best Character, Best Narrated and Best Quote/ Best Passage. Wetion is the first in a trilogy which takes listeners back to the time of Adam and Eve. From there, the story moves forward, capturing the lore and defining moments of 2,000 generations since and actual history it connects to. Heavily influenced by Greek philosophers and other masters asking fundamental questions, these stories connect the legends explaining our existence, passions, relationships with each other and the environment. Wetion’s design is similar to the remaining two of the trilogy. Each book offers stories connected to a full play and original music, with multimedia features. Krause is a Comox Valley author and producer and is a third generation writer. He has written six books, including two volumes of The Life and Times of the Comox Valley. His books can be found locally at Laughing Oyster Bookshop, Blue Heron Books and Compass Gallery and Gifts.

What happens when you get when you take four very funny comedians, stuff them into a vehicle and send them across Canada in the middle of a Canadian winter? Well, in the case of the Snowed in Comedy Tour, you get a lot of laughs. The show is the brainchild of Dan Quinn, the winner of the Canadian comedy competition at Just for Laughs and the comedian who was chosen Best of the Fest at the Moncton Hubcap Comedy Festival. He’s an actor (Arrow, Salvation, Murders, Travelers and Valley of the Boom), and has been seen on CBC, CTV, and the Comedy Network. Quinn is joined on stage by three of the funniest folks in the business: Erica Sigurdson, Paul Myrehaug, and Pete Zedlacher. Sigurdsson has been dubbed “a sugar-coated razor blade,” and she’s been making Canadians laugh for close to two decades with her rapier wit and mischievous smile. She’s perhaps best known for her more than 40 appearances on CBC’s The Debaters, as well as multiple televised specials for The Winnipeg, Halifax and Just For Laughs comedy festivals. She’s also performed everywhere from Singapore to Reykjavik, Iceland, but no matter where she lands, she leaves them laughing. Similarly, Paul Myrehaug has been doing a stand-up act for more than 20 years and, although he was born in Canada, his creds extend around the world with more than a dozen televised appearances and over 40 countries toured. Then there’s Pete Zedlacher. He’s an 18-year veteran of the comedy scene whose Canadian working-class roots in Wawa, Ont. helped forge the wit of one of the cleverest comics in the business. He’s a comedian, yes, but also an actor and writer with an extensive resume that includes Rookie Blue (ABC/Global), Little Mosque on the Prairie (CBC), Degrassi: The Next Generation (CTV/Nickelodeon), Puppets Who Kill (The Comedy Network), The Sean Cullen Show (CBC), Just for Laughs Gala (CBC), Halifax ComedyFest (CBC) and, well, you get the idea. But throughout it all, he’s a comic at heart and a fan favourite in both the alternative and mainstream comedy club scenes. “We got the idea to put this show together 17 years ago when I was on a snowboarding trip. We were in this little restaurant in Fernie, and I saw a little stage and said, ‘What if I do a show and help pay for this trip?’” recalled Quinn. “Now we do this every year. We go for four months from December through April, and we play a lot of ski resorts all through the west. Unfortunately, I’m the only one of us that still snowboards, but that’s OK. These resorts are tremendous regardless of whether you hit the slopes.” On the question of how comedy has changed in the 17 years that the show has been on the road, Quinn is reflective. “Comedy has always had a line of taboo,” said Quinn. “We always play around that line … I think all good comedians do. That’s where the comedy exists. These days, you just have to get to the joke faster. People don’t want a long setup. “That having been said, we’re always working on new material, and if you come to the shows this year, what you get is completely different from last year’s show. And it helps that the people I’ve got in this show are amongst the smartest people I’ve ever met. They see the world in a different way and can see the funny side of life, even when it doesn’t appear to be all that funny at first glance.” With that observation in mind, Quinn gives a little chuckle. “Everyone thinks that the comedian is going to be the guy who’s the life of the party. In truth, they’re more often the person at the back of the room, watching what’s going on and writing their next joke based on what they see. We’re a little sneaky that way.” Sneaky or not, there’s no doubt that the Snowed In Comedy Tour is fast, smart and very, very funny. They’ll be appearing at the Royal Theatre in Victoria on Saturday, Jan. 17. For tickets and a full list of other performances in B.C., visit https://www.snowedincomedytour.com/shows#BC .

Let’s face it, Victoria winters can be pretty dreary – warmer than the rest of Canada, but dreary all the same. Perhaps that’s why we tend to love our comedy shows in the dead of winter, and this year’s offerings are enough to chase those drizzly dearies away. And nobody does that better than Phil Hanley, coming to Victoria’s McPherson Theatre for one night only on Jan. 10. You might know this Canadian phenomenon from his social media presence (he has 600,000 Instagram followers and 370,000 on TikToc) or from his appearances on The Tonight Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, or The Late Late Show. Then again, you might have watched his stand-up special, Ohh La La on YouTube (more than 2 million views) or heard his album, Please Don’t Chit Chat While I’m Pursuing My Dream. Originally from Oshawa, Ont., Hanley has become a key figure in the New York City comedy scene but is quick to tell you that he loves coming home to Canada to do his shows here. “Victoria is a very special place for me,” said Hanley. “My first gigs were there when I used to play at the Tally Ho. I also did a lot of shows in Vancouver. The audiences in B.C. are really great, and I find that they get it. My jokes land, and I can read the room and know that this is a crowd that’s in tune with what I’m delivering.” Hanley’s journey to the comedy stage was quite unique, beginning with the fact that his struggles with severe dyslexia prevented him from attending university and sent him searching for a way to make a living. He was lucky enough to be noticed by folks in the fashion industry and first had a career as a runway model. I did that for a few years with jobs in Europe and beyond, and then I thought I’d try my hand at improv comedy,” said Hanley. “I wasn’t nervous about it, given that I had been on stage modelling for years, but while I enjoyed improv, I started looking at a standup career where I had more control over the material and the show.” His comedy career also gives him a chance to throw some light on his advocacy for dyslexia awareness and his commitment to using his platform to inspire others and promote a deeper understanding of neurodiversity. “I wrote my memoir, Spellbound, with that in mind, and I do address it in my comedy bits as well,” said Hanley. “I learned really quickly at a young age that humour in any situation is just looking at it and thinking about it differently. And if your brain is wired differently, it’s such an advantage. I have an advantage because I approach things differently, just because of the way my brain is wired.” That fundamental truth, Hanley said, has certainly contributed to his success in comedy. “A lot of the stuff that we laugh at comes from a dark place,” he said. “And you also develop a little bit of charisma when you have the condition. You have to, just to survive.” Hanley will be appearing on Jan. 10 at the McPherson Theatre. Tickets and more information can be found at https://www.rmts.bc.ca/production-detail-pages/2026-mcpherson-playhouse/phil-hanley/.

It’s been said that playing the guitar is a lot like how one lives their life. You can strum along gently and thoughtfully or play your tune furiously and with a burning passion. Perhaps it’s that intersection of music and life that explains why, when a truly great guitarist picks up their instrument, the sounds they produce aren’t just heard, they’re felt in one’s very soul. “There’s a magic in the instrument,” said Itamar Erez. “When I play the music is very emotional. It’s a melting pot of my life and my experiences, and it all comes from the heart.” Erez is one of the artists who will be appearing in Victoria as part of International Guitar Night. The concert is organized by guitar poet Brian Gore and will feature four additional guitarists whose dazzling virtuosity, diverse musical traditions, and intimate storytelling will be certain to delight their audience. “The lineup of this show is truly amazing,” said Gore. “All of them are Canadian and, on this tour, we are only doing shows in Canada.” In the past, Gore’s shows have travelled across the border to the U.S.A., but he explained that current political conditions have forced him to reconsider that approach. “We’ll be doing a different show in the (United) States in the future, as well as a European tour. But we’ll also be doing a more extensive Canadian cross-country tour,” he said. The artists coming to Victoria are truly some of the best guitarists in the world. Erez is an internationally acclaimed guitarist and composer whose music fuses Middle Eastern delicacy, jazz improvisation, and other world music influences. He’s the recipient of both the 2014 ACUM Prize for Special Achievement in Jazz and the Landau Prize, and he’s shared the stage with artists such as Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Tomatito, and Avishai Cohen – performing at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Barbican, and the Sydney Opera House. “My music is a melting pot, a personal style that comes from the many places I’ve travelled and the many musicians I’ve played with,” said Erez. “The music is emotional and I’ve actually had people come to me after the shows with tears welling up in their eyes. When you see that, you know that you’ve connected with the audience.” The second artist to be featured in the show is Juno Award-winning guitarist and vocalist Jocelyn Gould. A passionate bandleader, her live shows showcase both virtuosic guitar and heartfelt vocals, making her one of today’s most compelling jazz artists. Her four solo albums include Elegant Traveler (2021 Juno winner), Sonic Bouquet (2024 Juno nominee), and Portrait of Right Now (2024), which features original compositions and stunning vocal interpretations of jazz classics. The third artist to take the stage will be Jamie Dupuis, a Canadian guitarist and composer celebrated for his masterful fingerstyle technique and his distinctive voice on the harp guitar. A graduate of both Cambrian College and Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Dupuis performs globally and has released numerous recordings and YouTube videos that showcase his versatility across classical, jazz, blues, and pop styles. Inspired by artists like Tommy Emmanuel and Django Reinhardt, his dynamic artistry continues to push boundaries on both acoustic and harp guitars. Finally, the audience will have the opportunity to hear one of the world’s few prominent female flamenco guitarists and a pioneering voice in contemporary flamenco composition, Caroline Planté. Her latest work, The Roses of Lorca, premiered in 2024 and draws inspiration from Spanish poet Federico García Lorca. With over three decades of experience, she remains a bold and expressive voice in the flamenco world. “The different styles and interpretations presented by these artists are stunning,” said Gore. “There is such a diversity of styles that it leaves me amazed at what people can do with the same instrument. Each of these musicians has their own voice and the music they present is unique.” International Guitar Night will hit the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre in Duncan on Jan. 29, Nanaimo’s Port Theatre on Jan. 30, and the University of Victoria’s Farquhar Auditorium on Jan. 31. For more information visit https://internationalguitarnight.com/canada-tour/. Tickets for the Victoria show are available at https://livevictoria.com/show/860568/view.

About 20 years ago, before I moved to Victoria, I offered to take a visiting friend to breakfast at a wonderful restaurant I had found. He is a fellow who travelled a lot for work and his response at the time was, “I am so tired of hotel food, I’d rather go somewhere else.” I understood his sentiment. I too liked to travel and agreed that hotel dining often seems like an afterthought, an underwhelming way to draw a few more dollars from patrons’ pockets. But Victoria is a different kind of city. Some of our most wonderful restaurants are located in hotels: The Breakwater at the Days Inn, Fathom at the Grande Pacific, Aura at Laurel Point, Q at the Empress, the Courtney Room at the Magnolia, Faro at the Oak Bay Beach Resort, Swans and, I must confess it’s one of my favourites, the Blue Crab at the Coast Hotel in James Bay. There is a timeless elegance about the Blue Crab with its impeccably attired, professionally courteous waitstaff, comfortable red wood furniture, cabinets, panelling and mouldings above a coordinated navy and coral herringbone carpet offset with light blue upholstery and glass panels. The dining room consists of terraces arranged before large plate-glass windows that draw in the full panorama of Victoria’s busy Outer Harbour. Songhees’ condominiums are directly across the water, Green West Bay is to the left, and downtown can be glimpsed over and beyond the Laurel Point Hotel to the right. One can watch the comings and goings of the Victoria Clipper, the Coho, of seagulls and seaplanes. Our host beckons us down to a table set right against the glass for an IMAX-like immersion in that view. I arrive with friends for a Friday dinner. The menu is organized by Ocean, Land, and Farm to accommodate all preferences. Of course, there is crab (local Dungeness and Alaska king), and local island oysters. Local-sourcing is a fundamental principle at Blue Crab. One of us orders the New England (creamed) style Clam Chowder ($16), which I’ve sampled before and consider one of the best in the city, but this time, I opt for the West Coast Steamer Pot ($25), and I share a Chef’s Salad ($20) with another friend. Now, a “Chef’s Salad” may not seem the best choice to pair with seafood. The name, almost everywhere, refers to a meal-sized mountain of sliced ham and turkey, shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss and/or blue), sliced boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, black olives and crumbled bacon served over lettuce, cucumber, carrot and bell peppers. But this is not that. Blue Crab’s Chef’s Salad features blueberries and feta served over mixed greens. That’s it. A much simpler salad, and a delightful prologue to my “Steamer Pot” of mussels in their shells, prawns, salmon and B.C. ling cod all served with leeks in a Bouillabaisse broth sprinkled with basil and parsley and accompanied by three points of garlic toast for soaking up all that delicious broth. Blue Crab opens every day at 7 a.m. for breakfast, serves weekend brunches from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and closes its kitchen at 9 p.m. Blue Crab Seafood House | 250-480-1999 bluecrab.ca 146 Kingston St. Victoria

Imagine a concert experience with the voice and work of a one-in-a-generation cultural figure who is quite simply one of the world’s most powerful living writers. Add to that one of Canada’s top-tier sopranos and one of the nation’s foremost musical minds. That’s what you’ll get in Zombie Blizzard, an intimate, intense and powerful collaboration between soprano Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, author Margaret Atwood, and composer Aaron Davis. Presented by Pacific Opera Victoria on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at the McPherson Playhouse, Zombie Blizzard draws from Atwood’s 2020 poetry collection Dearly. The song cycle features recorded recitations of seven of Atwood’s poems, delivered in her unmistakable, unsentimental voice, followed by Davis’s musical settings — performed live by Brueggergosman-Lee and a jazz trio — that transform the text into a genre-bending musical journey. For Brueggergosman-Lee, hearing Atwood’s voice first is essential to the audience’s experience. “I felt very strongly about having the listener hear the poems so that they can relax when they hear the song,” Brueggergosman-Lee said in an interview with Monday Magazine. “You’re not going to get a more authentic rendering of a poem than to have the poet themselves read it.” The poems — many written as Atwood was confronting her husband’s illness and mortality — move through grief, aging, gender, memory and survival. Brueggergosman-Lee traces the project’s structure to the tradition of the romantic song cycle, where poetry pre-exists the music and shapes its emotional arc. “These are poems that are taken from the perspective of a woman in various stages of her life,” she said. “That immediately brought to mind the Schumann song cycle — Songs on the Love and Life of a Woman.” Brueggergosman-Lee is an internationally acclaimed soprano, performing with leading orchestras and companies across North America and Europe. She is the recipient of the Governor General’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in Classical Music. She is also artist-in-residence with Opera Atelier, serves as an advisor to Opera Canada, and sits on the board of the Giller Prize. She is also completing a master’s degree in practical theology, a field she has said is increasingly informing her creative and collaborative work. The Victoria performance features a slimmed-down ensemble from the work’s original brass-band premiere, placing Davis firmly in the driver’s seat at the piano. The more intimate jazz-trio setting heightens the sense of musical conversation, with Davis shaping the narrative in real time alongside Brueggergosman-Lee’s voice. The song cycle’s title, Zombie Blizzard, comes from the first two poems in Atwood’s Dearly collection, an unflinching examination of love, aging, mortality, gendered violence, and social control. Brueggergosman-Lee says she hopes audiences leave with a deeper, more honest connection to their own emotional lives. “I feel very much like myself when I sing this repertoire, when I sing this cycle,” she said. “I think it’s important that people understand the possibility of what classical music has the potential to be.” Brueggergosman-Lee, who has two grown children living in Victoria, also spoke warmly about Pacific Opera Victoria, praising the company’s ethos and its willingness to create space for intimate, artist-driven work. “I like Victoria. I like coming there. I have kids who live there. I have a reason to create art there.”

When Cuban-born conductor and artistic director of Vancouver Island Symphony Cosette Justo Valdes put together the three-day Cuban Vibes: A Symphonic Festival coming up Feb. 12-14 in Nanaimo, she put her whole heart into it. “It’s been a dream of mine to do such a thing – a festival hosted by a symphony orchestra,” she said. Honorary director of the prestigious Orquesta Sinfonica de Oriente in Santiago, Valdes has curated a world-class festival that includes stage dancers, syncopated rhythms and diverse, Cuban-rooted musical genres, including zarzuela, aka Cuban operetta, along with more serious orchestral repertoire and Latin jazz – which was “basically born in Cuba”. One of her goals is to expand people’s understanding of Cuban music beyond Buena Vista Social Club. “For me, it’s trying to feature and share our culture and more about what we have to offer than what people know about,” she said. The colourful festival follows a huge first season success: earlier in the year, Valdez put on a concert with the orchestra featuring Cuban hits. “The audience took it incredibly, incredibly well – concerts sold out. We got the most amount of emails – people inspired, people saying they felt like they had been in Cuba,” she said. That response gave Valdez, who has remarkable experience doing Cuban music with places like the National Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, the confidence to expand what she was doing in Nanaimo. “Nanaimo’s audience is very sensitive and curious and has accepted to be challenged,” she said. Working with a smaller orchestra and a more modest budget compared to other cities, Valdez was able to bring together guest performers from around the Island – including prominent Victoria-based jazz musicians Miguel Valdes and Phil Dwyer – and five performers from Cuba. Valdes carefully curated all the music for each festival concert – a reportedly not-too-difficult task, as most of the guests are composers who have their own compositions, while also being her previous collaborators and peers. “I’m choosing the music I like the most from them. I’m a fan of these musicians – they are my friends,” she said. “They are very flexible and very kind to let me create this concept.” She also credits CEO Margot Holt for helping to bring such a colourful concert together. But Valdes’ role isn’t just to curate; it’s also to inspire. As conductor, it’s her job to bring people into their very best, but also to create something that will touch the audience. It’s a skill she’s honed since she single-handedly managed and directed an 80-musician ensemble at Orquesta Sinfónica de Oriente. “It is my role to create joy,” she said. She says joy is incredibly important for her to get across in the festival, as it’s one of the things she loves most about Cuban culture. “What I love most is the joy we create despite tragedy,” she said. Valdes highlighted that Cuba is currently facing a severe socio-economic crisis, a moment in history that she describes as “probably the most difficult time when not in war.” Music and culture are one of the antidotes to that collective pain. “Cubans don’t have much, but they create a lot when given the opportunity. “Every Cuban is a musician in a way,” she said. “Every Cuban will be singing to you, playing on a cardboard, or on a table, or some guitar, and you will feel the warmth of our hospitality.” That spirit will be alive and welcoming over Family Day weekend in Nanaimo, starting with A Night in Old Havana (7:15 p.m. Salsa Lessons followed by an 8 p.m. concert) on Thursday, Feb. 12, followed by Waves of Latin Jazz on Feb. 13 and Cuban Heartbeats on Feb. 14, all at The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo. “It’s trying to be an experience – a whole trip – where you really take people to Cuba.” Tickets are $44-$74 and $28.50 for students (prices include taxes and fees), available through porttheatre.com or by calling 250-754-8550. Group rates are available. Learn more at vancouverislandsymphony.com.

Pulling pints as fast as it’s pulling in customers, the Drake Eatery and Craft Beer Parlour has created a niche for itself in downtown Victoria. Owners Mike and Lee Spence drew upon their experience in running restaurants to move into the pub game in 2014 and haven’t looked back. Now the real-life couple’s focus on offering local craft beer, spirits, cocktails and formidable food crafted from fresh local ingredients has created a thriving venue in Market Square. “Mike and Lee travelled up and down the west coast of America and saw some places that really inspired them; classic pub styles with everything counter service and a constantly rotating tap list,” said co-manager Dilan Rhodes. “Our regulars come in often expecting to try something new, but knowing it’s going to be good and a high-quality product.” The Drake sources its beer locally, from the likes of Whistle Buoy, Herald St Brewery (also owned by the Spences) and Driftwood, plus a range from the Lower Mainland, including Four Winds, Brassneck and Camp Beer. “People are always coming up with new and interesting things – and Mike’s on top of that,” said Rhodes. “He’s got his finger on the pulse and has been building those relationships for years.” The Drake runs 29 taps, with 27 allotted for craft beer, while it also serves cider, mead, cocktails, wine and spirits. “We find that roughly 30 beers is a good number to offer lots of variety but still keep things moving. It’s a good balance,” said Rhodes. The Drake’s mission as a pub is to provide beer and food that highlights independent producers; a blend of local and farther afield for beer and local for food. “We want to support local with our beer, but also want to feature great breweries not on the Island. We aim to offer a unique kind of West Coast experience for the customers and encourage them to be adventurous. “We rotate our food seasonally, and sometimes more than that. We have some staples, but also want to keep it flexible. We’re more inspired globally with our dishes.” I sampled several beers at the Drake, including the Driftwood Blackstone on Nitro, with dark coffee flavours and a similar creaminess to Guinness; the Lionheart from Bomber Brewing, a London porter; Flannel Pyjamas from Camp Beer out of Langley, which won gold for best American porter or stout at this year’s B.C. Beer Awards (while the brewery won B.C. Brewery of the Year); and Hail Santa from the Spences’ Herald Street Brewery, a spruce tip red rye pale ale. I also tried the Half Tone, a blueberry muffin lager from Twin City in Port Alberni; the Belgian Amber Ale from Dageraad, a Belgian-style brewery from Burnaby; and the Trans Atlantic – from Spinnaker’s and a collaboration with Fuller’s in London, using Fuller’s yeast and brewed in the style of a classic English IPA, an anniversary brew in honour of Spinnaker’s original brewer John Mitchell. The Drake also recently held a showcase where it hosted Camp Beer and had 10 of their beers on tap, plus food specials and live music. “It was a lot of fun and the first time Camp Beer products have been served on the Island,” added Rhodes. “We make sure we’ve got lots of good pale ales in, plus three or four porters or stouts on tap year-round. We also usually offer some other specialty styles, such as Belgians or sours, which are becoming more popular.” On the food front, the Drake serves popular staples such as grilled cheese with housemade kimchi, featuring locally sourced vegetables which change from season to season. It’s well-known for a great sandwich selection. Tacos are also always on the menu, and currently featured is a roasted delicata squash version with lots of fall and winter vegetables and flavours. Seasonally changing hummus is another fan favourite, currently crafted from winter squash and served with housemade focaccia bread, while the tasty roasted parsnip soup has patrons clamouring at the door during winter. I was fortunate to sample all of the above and can attest that the Drake rightly has a reputation for delicious, hearty, wholesome food made from a robust range of locally sourced ingredients. “All of it can be shared, for sure, and we often encourage people to order a bunch of different things as a group and share, family-style,” said Rhodes. When it comes to entrees, the Drake’s kitchen offers a kielbasa bowl, featuring a Ukrainian spiced sausage, sauerkraut and potatoes, plus a standout lentils and hominy (corn) bowl and a couple of great salad options – both of which are customizable. Rhodes co-manages the Drake with Ben Isaacs, and has been at the pub for four years, after upping sticks from Edmonton. “We share some duties and have our own individual duties as well… I stumbled upon this place, but it’s right up my alley and just the sort of spot I want to go with my friends.” The decor at the Drake’s historic Market Square location is inspired by the Spences’ West Coast trips and memorabilia and aims to create a nice, warm vibe that’s “casual, inviting and comfortable.” Local sign artist Chris Dobell did several of the Drake’s logos, plus the standout ghost sign on the memorable brick wall part of its interior, saying ‘Cascade’ and ‘Vancouver Brewing Limited’. There’s also lots of beer memorabilia, helping to present a pub vibe rich in beer history, while music is generally played at a low volume, so people can hear themselves speak. In addition, the Drake is unique in that it doesn’t have any TVs, giving people the chance to connect more through conversation. The Market Square pub is spacious inside, seating around 100 people, while it also offers a year-round patio with heaters that can accommodate 50 folks, including dog-loving patrons. Into 2026 and beyond, the Drake wants to stay true to itself, fresh and reliable, and keeping its doors open noon to midnight seven days a week. It’s aiming to continue doing a couple of events a month showcasing different breweries, while also hosting kitchen takeovers. Successful collaborations have included a fundraiser with the Mustard Seed, plus takeovers with the award-winning fine dining restaurant the Courtney Room, and Hide & Seek from Sooke. Meanwhile, it will focus on its big annual festival, Thirsty Chef, close to its anniversary on the last weekend of July. “Usually 25-30 breweries come, plus around a dozen chefs, and we hold it down on the square here,” said Rhodes. “It’s great beer and food, plus live music — and a great way to support a local organization, such as Cool Aid, who are helping better our community. “We’re also well-known for our wild and sour events, where we’ll focus on wild fermented and sour flavours and beers. We’ll do those periodically, often a couple of times a year. “In addition, we’re working on a dark beer festival based on what we produce, tentatively scheduled for the first Saturday in January (the 3rd). “We did a fresh hoppapalooza (in November), featuring freshly hopped beers. They’re brewed in the fall and used the same day as the harvest. So they’re loaded with flavour and the compounds are as intense as they’ll ever be.” After mainly focusing on beer for many years, the Drake added spirits and cocktails to its menu a couple of years ago. It also often has a gluten-free beer on tap and a brace of non-alcoholic beers. “We wanted to be more inclusive and ensure everyone’s got an option,” said Rhodes. “So now you can bring a party of people with different tastes and dietary requirements, and we’ve got them all covered.” To learn more about the Drake, visit: https://www.drakeeatery.com.

On the eighth day of Christmas, a pair of orca researchers were ‘gifted’ seven Bigg’s killer whales. That’s not quite how the song goes, but a visit from a pod of transient whales in Victoria waters on New Year’s Day offered a welcome remix of the classic tune to ring in 2026. Documenting the encounter were staff from Washington-based Center for Whale Research. Early Jan. 1, researcher Mark Malleson received a report of four killer whales spotted from shore between Trial Island and Clover Point, heading east towards Oak Bay. With fellow researcher George Hamilton on board, the pair set sail from Victoria in search of the pod. According to an encounter report shared by Center for Whale Research, the pair then received word the whales had been seen from Ten Mile Point heading northeast in Haro Strait in the direction of Henry Island. “With flat light under overcast skies, they stopped to do a binocular scan just south of the Kelp Reef marker,” the report reads. “Within a minute, Mark started to laugh when a dorsal fin filled the frame of his binoculars, as a killer whale passed within 60 metres of the team, heading northwest. ‘Good start to the new year.’” Among the seven whales observed was 13-year-old T166A1, marking only the second time this individual has been documented in the Salish Sea, with the first being around four years ago in Puget Sound. The entire T166 line is poorly known along the Pacific northwest coast, often going years between documentation, says Center for Whale Research. “We do know that T166A1 split from his/her mother sometime before the aforementioned 2021 appearance in Puget Sound,” they said. “Mother T166A is still alive and was recently observed off the northwest coast of Vancouver Island (July 2025) for the first time since she and T166A1 were last documented together a decade prior, along B.C.’s central coast in July 2015.” Also among the group was 20-year-old bull T073A1, plus three other members of the T073As and two belonging to the T075Cs. During the New Year’s Day encounter, the researchers observed six of the seven whales travelling close to D’arcy Island, who appeared to have made a quick meal of what they think was a harbor seal. Later, the seven transient whales regrouped near Battleship Island, where the researchers hoped to observe them predate one of the many stellar sea lions in the area. But after 30 minutes shadowing the pod as they sauntered east in Speiden Channel along the shoreline of Speiden Island, with no predation observed, the crew ended the encounter. Center for Whale Research shares its encounters throughout the year on its website. In 2025, the organisation documented 45 encounters with Bigg’s killer whales in waters off Vancouver Island and Washington, 34 with the endangered southern residents and one with the northern residents. For more information visit: www.whaleresearch.com [https://www.whaleresearch.com/].

The Bad Apples began as an Indigenous comedy duo formed by Nelson Mayer and Clayton Stewart. This Winnipeg-based team has been bringing raw, honest and deeply human stand-up comedy to audiences across Canada for several years. Their performances have graced renowned platforms like Disney+, HBO, Prime Video, Crave TV, APTN, CBC, Sirius XM, iTunes, and TUBI. They are bringing their most recent comedy tour to several communities throughout the Mainland and Vancouver Island from Jan. 13-27. But this tour will look a little different. Stewart was tragically killed in a house fire on Dec. 29, 2025. The fire happened at his home and took his life suddenly and without warning and, according to Mayer, the comedy community is still in shock. “This loss is incredibly fresh, and we’re all still trying to wrap our heads around the fact that he’s gone,” tells Mayer. “Clayton wasn’t just my comedy partner — he was one of my closest friends, a creative collaborator, and someone who brought deep kindness, sharp intelligence, and fearless honesty both onstage and off.” Stewart was also a powerful Indigenous voice in comedy. According to many friends, he cared deeply about people, about community and about using humour as a way to connect and heal. Many remember his rare ability to be hilarious without ever being cruel. That he believed in lifting others up and creating space for Indigenous stories to be heard and celebrated. In the days since his passing, his friends and tour mates had many difficult conversations about whether continuing The Bad Apples tour was the right thing to do. Mayer said that they knew there was no easy answer. “Ultimately, we came to the conclusion that Clayton would want the show to go on — not to move past him, but to carry him with us. Comedy was his life, and bringing people together through laughter was something he truly believed in,” said Mayer. The upcoming shows are being done in Stewart’s honour. The tour now features Mayer alongside other Indigenous comedians, including fellow Winnipegian Scott Porteous and B.C.’s own Keith Nahanee on select dates, and hosted by Saskatchewan comedian Drea Omer. But, they note, Stewart’s presence was felt in every decision they made. “Our hope is that people come out not just to laugh, but to understand who Clayton was, how much he meant to so many people, and the impact he had on Indigenous comedy and the wider arts community.” The tour opens in Mission on Jan. 13 and visits Kelowna before heading to the Island where it will hit Duncan, Courtenay, Parksville, Port Alberni, Ucluelet, Campbell River, Ladysmith, Port McNeill and Nanaimo. Tickets to shows can be found at jumpcomedy.com

The laments of non-stop rain during December are not unwarranted, borne out by the statistics compiled through Environment Canada. The last month of 2025 specifically was warmer and wetter than usual, according to Ken Dosanjh, meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. Victoria International Airport experiences, on average, a normal mean of 4.4 C. That means the daytime high and overnight low averaged over the month. December 2025 was 6.3 C. “That’s a pretty healthy difference of what a typical December would look like,” Dosanjh said. READ ALSO: Simple steps for preparedness as extreme weather set to hit Greater Victoria [https://vicnews.com/2024/01/10/simple-steps-for-preparedness-as-extreme-weather-set-to-hit-greater-victoria/] It was the fourth warmest December on record for the North Saanich site, which also saw more wet stuff than usual. With only seven days where no precipitation fell, and five of them at the end of the month, it’s no wonder folks felt like the rain would never end. The norm is 146 mm. December recorded 185.1 mm, a 26.7 per cent increase. Two memorable days mid-month contributed heavily to the feeling that the rain would never end, as a pair of atmospheric rivers rolled through the region Dec. 10 and 16. RELATED:Comox, Victoria airport break daily weather records as storm slams Island [https://sookenewsmirror.com/2025/12/16/comox-victoria-airport-break-daily-weather-records-as-storm-surges/] Greater Victoria was the wettest, as far as the Island goes, with places such as Nanaimo recording 90 per cent and Comox 87 per cent of normal precipitation. While the day started with snow in the mountain pass of the Malahat early Tuesday (Jan. 6), and the first week of the year is trending wet, the remainder of the work week appears unsettled with no measurable or significant weather system expected to move through. The weekend has a high chance of seeing a system roll through, with higher freezing levels Monday and Tuesday (Jan. 13), it’s likely to remain rain. Temperatures are expected to return to norms for the second week of 2026, in Greater Victoria that means highs around 7 C and lows of 1. READ ALSO: How one Peninsula ciderhouse avoids fallout of extreme weather impacts [https://saanichnews.com/2024/10/03/how-one-peninsula-ciderhouse-avoids-fallout-of-extreme-weather-impacts/]

Esquimalt Fire Rescue Services is now the first fire department on Vancouver Island to transfer to a “next generation” of protective equipment that removes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, from firefighter gear. PFAS chemicals have historically been used in turnout gear for their water and heat-resistant properties, but growing scientific evidence has linked PFAS exposure to increased cancer risk. “Cancer remains the leading occupational threat to firefighters,” said Esquimalt Fire Chief Matt Furlot in a news release. “This transition to PFAS-free gear is an important and proactive step to reduce long-term exposure to harmful chemicals, while maintaining the highest standards of protection on the fireground.” In November 2024, Esquimalt council approved the purchase of PFAS-free turnout gear through supplemental funding. At the time of approval, Council acknowledged the emerging science around PFAS exposure and the importance of adopting safer alternatives as they become available. The delivery of the gear was delayed as the manufacturers worked to refine and test the new materials to ensure they met safety and performance standards. The refinements were necessary to balance the removal of PFAS with durability, thermal protection, and operational performance. “Council supported this investment knowing it represented both innovation and responsibility,” noted Furlot in the release. “While the delay was longer than originally anticipated, it reflects the care taken by manufacturers to ensure the gear performs at the highest level for our firefighters.” Issued during Firefighters Cancer Awareness Month, the department anticipates that the transition to new gear will also contribute to broader adoption of PFAS-free gear across the region in the coming years.

Traffic on the highway, between Parksville and Nanaimo, has been affected by a motor vehicle incident. The MVI is in the Nanoose flats area and according to Oceanside RCMP, there are few details currently, but members are on scene and portions of the highway are closed. As of 4:30 p.m., traffic appears to be backed up past Ware Road in Lantzville. According to Drive B.C., the northbound lane is closed and the southbound left lane is blocked – delays are expected.

The scene plays out much like a pesky younger sibling nagging their older brother in the back seat on a family road trip. An owl sits perched in a Swan Lake-area tree, quietly observed by Reynolds student Jonah Underwood. Hitting record, Underwood captured the moment the squirrel notices the owl, and opts to climb the tree and check it out. It’s unclear whether the grey squirrel recognized the owl as a danger, as it twitches its way down the branch before peeking around at the predator. The owl, predictably, gets in a twitter and flaps at the fluffy-tailed rodent, which skedaddles down the tree. Then it comes back. Investigates. And heads back down for the yard. While the owl makes one last dash to the ground, then back to the tree, the squirrel evades being lunch. For now. The eastern grey squirrel is an introduced species on the West Coast – introduced to Stanley Park in 1909 and on southern Vancouver Island in 1966. While they often take the heat for declining native populations, research in B.C. suggests grey squirrels are unlikely to displace other squirrels on Vancouver Island, as they have different food and shelter preferences, according to the BC SPCA. Known to be more active during the day than other owl species, the barred owl is known for its recognizable call, “Who cooks for you?” It hunts small animals at night.

The Red Cod Forge Gallery in Nanoose Bay will host an event the weekend of Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 that will feature demonstrations by four blacksmiths. The gallery show, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, will support Nanoose Community Services, with 10 per cent of sales, according to owner and blacksmith Dave Kasprick. The event will feature three artists: Kasprick (blacksmithing and sculpture), Debra Kasprick (mixed metal art jewelry) and Kelly Corbett (realism painter). There will be blacksmithing demos on both days by four blacksmiths. The gallery will also be collecting warm items for Manna Homeless Society, such as toques, socks, gloves and foil emergency blankets. Anyone who makes a purchase or donates a warm item will be entered for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind Red Cod Forge sculpture. “Help us help out our favourite local community projects during this season,” Kasprick said. Red Cod Forge Gallery is located at 2155 Spur Pl. in Nanoose Bay. RELATED: Nanoose Bay blacksmith crafts lifelike octopus sculpture [https://pqbnews.com/2025/01/30/nanoose-bay-blacksmith-crafts-lifelike-octopus-sculpture/]

NOV. 29-30 Parksville and District Rock and Gem Club: Seventh annual Rock and Gem Show, Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St., Qualicum Beach. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. $4 per person, children under 12 free with an adult. Free hourly draws, demonstrations of lapidary and jewellery, wide variety of vendors, silent auction, concession, kids activity centre. Family friendly, something for everyone. DEC. 3 Cookies, Carols and More!: Get ready for a magical afternoon filled with holiday cheer at the annual Cookies, Carols and More! event. Mark your calendars for Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and gather your kids, families, friends, and neighbours to join in the festivities and fun at the Jensen Centre (132 Jensen Avenue East, Parksville). DEC. 6 Craig Bay Choristers: Present ‘Born in Bethlehem’, 2:30 p.m. at Knox United Church, 345 Pym St., Parksville. A varied program of traditional and spiritual classics such as ‘Children, Go Where I Send Thee’ and ‘The Peace Carol’ with a message of hope, faith and peace. Seasonal and fun selections, too, as we sing ‘It’s A Marshmallow World’ and perform ‘The Holiday Tango!’ Directed by Lonnie Moddle, accompanied by Andrea Lahmer. Tickets $20 (12 and under, free) available from Fireside Books (cash only) 464 Island Hwy E., Parksville or by advance request to [email protected]. We support Oceanside Hospice. Christmas on the Farm: Little Qualicum Cheeseworks (403 Lowry’s Rd. Parksville), 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: By donation (suggested $5 per person). Bundle up and and enjoy a range of kid’s activities, Christmas crafts, storytelling, live music, wagon rides, holiday shopping, food, and hot drinks. Festive fun for the whole family! Parking at Morningstar Golf Course to catch a wagon ride to the farm. Accessible parking will be available in our main parking lot. Admission proceeds donated to the local Food Bank. Info: https://cheeseworks.ca/pages/events/christmas-on-the-farm. Bradley Christmas Artisan Market: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bradley Centre, 975 Shearme Rd, Coombs. Free admission, free parking, raffle, food truck. Celebrate the holiday season with a truly special shopping experience at this carefully curated event, featuring a selection of talented local artisans offering unique, handcrafted gifts perfect for everyone on your list. Proceeds benefit Bradley Centre Programming. Help us stock the Community Cupboard – bring a non-perishable item for our donation box. DEC. 14 Christmas Cantana: ‘This is Christmas’; Celebrating the heart of Christmas is taking place at St. Stephen’s United Church in Qualicum Beach, 2 p.m. Admission by donation to Salvation Army food bank. 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. Holiday Market Series: Dec.6, Dec. 13, Dec. 20; 8:30 a.m. until noon, Veterans Way and the Community Hall in Qualicum Beach. Discover beautiful handcrafted artisan items, prepared foods, beverages, fair-trade chocolate, seasonal baked goods, wreaths, and table centrepieces from local Vancouver Island vendors. Join us at our free weekly farmers market, showcasing a variety of local small businesses. Support your community while finding the perfect gifts! Rest assured, all items are made by local Vancouver Island makers, bakers, and growers. Milner Christmas Magic: Dec. 4-7; 11-14, 18-21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with viewing until 8:30 p.m. Admission is by donation. 2179 Island Highway W, Qualicum Beach. Make memories with your loved ones this holiday season by experiencing Milner Christmas Magic – an outdoor stroll through thousands of twinkling lights and festive window displays! Our woodland garden comes alive with this spectacular light exhibit, and remember to enhance your visit by purchasing a pair of Holiday Specs, holographic glasses that miraculously transform lights into magical figures. Gingerbread Gift Shop plus selection of hot food and refreshments for sale in front of Milner House. Info: milnergardens.viu.ca/special-events. 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; 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. Music Bingo: Dec. 15. Food 5-7 p.m., Music 6-8 p.m. Upcoming events: Honours and Awards, Nov. 30, 1 p.m.; Christmas Dinner with gift exchange, Dec. 7, 5 p.m.; New Year’s Eve Party, Dec. 31. 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 and fourth Fridays each month. Info: 250-757-9222; www.rcl211.org; [email protected]. 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. Save-on-Foods/ Parksville Lions: FREE Family Skate; sessions on Sundays, from noon to 1:30 p.m. include ice rental, free loaner skates, loaner helmets and learn-to-skate aids. Costs are covered by generous donations from local businesses and organizations such as naming sponsor Save-on-Foods, Coastal Community Credit Union, Island Self Storage, Mid-Island Co-op, ParksWest Business, Riptide Graphics, Sunbelt Rentals, Wallpepper Designs and MLA Stephanie Higgins. No sessions Dec. 14, 21 and 28. 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]. 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. 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] 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 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. 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]. Website: https://mscanada.ca/find-support/ms-support-groups/vancouver-island-oceanside-ms-support-group. Oceanside Caregivers: Meet the last Thursday of each month 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]. 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. 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 or email [email protected]. PGOSA: We’re outdoors for hiking, biking, walking and talking, and indoors for line dance, card games, wood carving, badminton, curling, slo-pitch, volleyball, pickleball, walking soccer and more talking! If you’re 55 or older and live in Oceanside, Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association is for you. Join online at PGOSA.org, or at the membership table at Oceanside Place Arena some Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. – check our website for dates. Only $5 for the balance of 2025! Parksville Lawn Bowling Club: Drop-in activities through March 2026; Mahjong Mondays (Chinese version) 7 p.m. Cost is $2 per person per visit. Crib on Wednesdays, 1 p.m. start, $4 per person. Thursday is Bridge Day, 1 p.m., $2 per person. Info: parksvillelawnbowlingclub.com. 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] or call Lila 250-816-2708. Nov. 17: Guest speaker will be Xander France, Director of Sales and Marketing for Vancouver Island Ferry Company (Hullo Ferries). He will be discussing “Hullo Ferries: Past, Present, and Future,” sharing insights into the concept, design, and operation of the walk-on ferry service from Nanaimo to Vancouver, which became operational in 2023. 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]. Pancake breakfast contact the office: [email protected] or 778-424-9900. Arbutus Toastmasters: Find your voice and learn how to use it with confidence, kindness and meaning, in a safe, supportive environment. No experience necessary. Guests are welcome. We meet every Monday, 7-9 p.m. at 249 Hirst (Parksville Inclusion Bldg). www.arbutus.toastmastersclubs.org for more info or call Kristin at 250-248-1926. 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. Oceanside Newcomer Alumni Society: Monthly meetings are the third Tuesday of the month at St. Stephen’s Church in Qualicum Beach at 10 a.m. Info: 250-917-8122. 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. 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. 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]. Website: https://mscanada.ca/find-support/ms-support- Oceanside Wood Carvers: Meet every Thursday morning 9 a.m. at Qualicum Elementary School (699 Claymore Rd.) shops room throughout the school year. Enter from the west end side door to woodworking room on left. Experienced and new carvers are welcome. Info: Bob at 250-586-8689. 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]. 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. 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 a.m., Whist 12:30 to 3 p.m., WEDNESDAYS: Hatha Yoga, 10-11:15 a.m., Fun With Chaz Guitar in lounge, 12:30 -1:45 p.m., Spanish Conversation, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Chair Yoga, 1-2 p.m., Book Club in the Lounge, 2-3 p.m., Drawing & Painting, 2:30 – 4 p.m., Qwest, 3:15-5 p.m. Beginner Line Dance 5:30-6:30, Dance practice 7 p.m.-9:30 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, 12:00-3 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., Classic Guitar 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]. Most of the sale’s proceeds are used for scholarships and other projects supporting women in District 69. 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]. TooHotForCovers and Friends: Song Circle every Saturday at Parksville Legion 49 after meat draw, start 5 p.m. to closing. Info: 250-927-2559.

It’s said that one language dies every day and that roughly 6,000 others are at risk of going silent around the world. But a Victoria company is determined to bring these fading languages back to the forefront and prevent the loss of their culture and history. Language Foundry, formerly known as the Cultural Foundry Studio, is an education technology company with the mission of supporting the revitalization of endangered and at-risk languages worldwide. The startup’s e-learning platform addresses this “urgent cultural challenge” by providing communities with the tools to support language learning and revitalization in culturally grounded and accessible ways, explained CEO Chad Quinn. “We have a number of processes that we’ve developed to enable elders and speakers to record their languages,” he said. “And then, we use that to build a language model so that it can speak the language.” Once the linguistic platform is created, communities retain ownership over the content and data, ensuring cultural safety, sovereignty and long-term stewardship. “Everything is owned by the community because we find that it’s incredibly important for us to make sure that the communities retain ownership of the data,” said Quinn. Working under the invitation of Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States, Language Foundry creates gamified courses that take learners from beginning concepts to basic fluency. Each course is created to reflect the unique cultural identity of its language, from the artwork to syllabic keyboards. “(Students) can see, hear and play with the language as they go and learn more,” he said. “We tried very hard to make it a comforting and warm experience.” With their language platform launched in 2023, Quinn described the response as “amazing.” The platform now offers 14 languages and has over 10,000 students across Canada and the U.S. “It definitely gets you up in the morning,” he said. “It makes you really want to do the hard work of getting this rolling. “When we first started showing it, the emotions were pretty raw in terms of what we’ve heard.” Earlier this November, the company was selected as one of four Canadian startups to participate in the 2025 Web Summit held in Lisbon. Humbled to have been part of this opportunity to connect with investors, fellow entrepreneurs and like-minded professionals, Quinn now wishes to export his services worldwide. To learn more about Language Foundry, visit [https://www.languagefoundry.com/]languagefoundry.com [https://www.languagefoundry.com/].

With an historical Nanaimo building slated for demolition early next year, followed by construction of a new structure, members of Felice Cavallotti Lodge are reflecting on 125 years of existence. Cavallotti Lodge evolved from the Felice Cavallotti Italian Mutual Aid Society, founded on Nov. 4, 1900, by coal miners from Italy with the aim of assisting workers and their families in cases of injury, illness and death, according to historical perspective Days Gone By: Celebrating 125 Years of Cavallotti Lodge History. On the insistence of then-president Siro Rossetto, members contributed $100 each and land on East Wellington Road was purchased in the late ’60s. The current Italian community hall replaced a building referred to as ‘the shack’ and was officially opened in May 1979. In the present, Ian Cumpstone, the lodge’s board president, said the new building will have smaller capacity – the current hall fits close to 200 and its reincarnation between 140-150 – and will still be available for the community to rent. With inflation, the committee had to pivot from a planned two-storey building. “Obviously, prices are so expensive, but our goal as a committee is to future-proof the building so that future generations, once funds become available, decide they can put the second storey on, etc.,” Cumpstone said. “The initial building, we hope to start work mid- to late- next year, will have a hall and a members room, plus the kitchen [and] bathroom.” Building the new lodge is the priority, but ideas for programming, with an emphasis on youths, are being bandied about – membership has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re looking at establishing Italian language classes, Italian cooking classes … we are looking at maybe having an exchange program with Italy, where students can come here and we can learn off them, and then our students can go over there,” said Cumpstone. Felice Cavallotti was an Italian politician referred to as the ‘Poet of Democracy’ and someone founders saw fit to honour. “He battled for, not just the poor people in Italy, but he really was a people’s person and when Italy, in the mid- to late-1800s, was going through all its poverty, strife and unrest, he got into parliament as the opposition, and he was a very strong advocate for the rights of the Italians,” said Cumpstone. Concept drawings for the new lodge were designed by noted Nanaimo architect and lodge member, Ian Niamath [https://nanaimobulletin.com/2025/11/05/ian-azard-niamath/], who died in October. Cumpstone expressed gratitude for the contributions. “He did so much work … he was really [forward]-thinking,” he said. “These are his plans and everything that we could possibly want is in here. He wasn’t worried about how much it cost … He said, ‘That’s your job.’ So, it’ll be toned down a bit from this, but the basics of what he wanted and what we want will be in here.” The society was somewhat nomadic at the outset and having its own building allowed it to thrive. “They used to meet all over the place; they never really had a home, and so in the 1950s they bought this parcel of land here,” said the president. “They built a shack, and they mucked around on the shack for a year or two … once the facility was up, things really started to move. They started renting it out to all the different cultural business groups in the community and that still happens today.” Cavallotti Lodge members will be holding a demolition sale at its East Wellington Road site on Dec. 22 beginning at 8 a.m. Anyone can join the society and for more information, visit www.cavallottilodge.ca [https://www.cavallottilodge.ca/].

Going down the rabbit hole should be an experience. It should be something that promises whimsy and delight. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Rabbit Rabbit. Inspired by the metaphor of falling down the rabbit hole, Rabbit Rabbit is a Victoria wine bar and restaurant with an Alice in Wonderland twist. Located at 658 Herald St., the intimate space – about 760 square feet of dining room – packs a memorable punch. The branding was thoughtfully designed by Glasfurd and Walker and brought to life under the guidance of first-time restaurateur and owner, Sydney Cooper. But beyond the pops of bold art and the quirky details (like a painted red chandelier and the rabbit motif tastefully scattered throughout), the approach to food and wine is where the real adventure lies. Chef Billy Nguyen came on board when it opened last fall and has helped bring notoriety to the establishment, notably with Rabbit Rabbit recently listed as a finalist for Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants in 2025. Billy was also the runner-up on Top Chef Canada’s ninth season, competing alongside chef Andrea Alridge, now at Janevca (also a finalist for best new restaurant). But while Billy often felt misunderstood during most of his cooking career due to his flair for out-of-the-ordinary ideas, he says he’s found his place. “Sometimes you have people doubt you so much growing up – and your creativity – and it’s incredible that now people get to eat what goes on in my mind.” Billy is grateful to be given the freedom to let his creativity run wild. “Sydney said to me, ‘Do whatever you want.’” Though trust in one another developed over time, Billy and Sydney said they found kindred spirits in each other when introduced through a friend, James Langford-Smith of Pamplemousse Jus, who acted as a front of house consultant. Both had been through major career changes in their lives. Sydney was previously a policy analyst who did a full 180 to become a restaurateur after her now-husband introduced her to the world of wine at age 40; Billy had been in architecture school. Together, they were ready to create something novel and different. “I felt as though embarking on this huge project, which neither one of us had taken on before, was a positive rather than something to be intimidated by,” Sydney recalls. Her confidence was bolstered by sommelier and wine education through the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Vinica Education Society, plus a job at Marilena Cafe and Raw Bar in Victoria. Then, after trying Billy’s food in Vancouver, she found the missing piece. “Billy has a creative genius that he displays in the most approachable way.” His approach to cooking, a cultural fusion of French techniques with his British and Chinese-Vietnamese roots, was “boundary-pushing,” and “perfectly matched” to how she wants guests to experience wine. Billy’s flair for the comforting yet unconventional can be found in dishes like the popular lasagna with gochujang bolognese or pork and fermented mustard greens dumplings in a smooth sake cream sauce with chili and charred scallion oil and furikake. Billy’s creativity is further brought to life through his plating, influenced by his penchant for design. “I usually visualize what I want a dish to look like before I even create what the dish is. And then I start putting elements I know work together.” It took time for the chef to find a restaurant where he could truly be free to express his culinary ideas. Born and raised in London, he gained experience in West Coast, farm-to-table cooking and butchery once moving to Canada. Notably, he was the former sous-chef of acclaimed Asian-French fusion restaurant PiDGiN, which was, surprisingly, his first career foray into Asian cooking other than cooking at home with family. “I really discovered who I was as a chef when I started working there.” But it was Top Chef Canada and working with Sydney where he has found a new confidence in trusting his creativity and boundary pushing, he says. While Billy brings the whimsy, Sydney ensures it’s grounded in warmth and welcome. Her three-fold approach is to focus on “radical hospitality,” provide an approachable wine experience and provide an escape from the everyday. The wine program removes the “intimidation and pretentiousness” in approaching wine, she says, encouraging guests to explore at their own pace. Now that she deeply understands Billy’s style of cooking, she tailors her selections around what pairs best with his food. That mutual trust has resulted in something refreshingly different – playful food and wine served with an open-armed sense of welcome. “One of my goals for the restaurant is to truly become part of the fabric of the community,” Sydney says. “It should feel as essential as your neighbourhood grocery store.” To bring that vision to life, Rabbit Rabbit has started hosting Monday vinyl nights, curated by Jesse Owens of Hide and Seek Coffee. It’s an evening that caters to both industry friends and regulars, with an inexpensive “staff meal” feature (something “simple but comforting and delicious”) as well as drink specials and flights. “When guests come into Rabbit Rabbit, I want them to have a feeling akin to attending a dinner party at a close friend’s house,” Sydney says. The feedback so far suggests she’s succeeded. “The biggest validation came from my son, who’s 15. We all came in to celebrate one of my daughter’s birthdays, and he said, ‘Mom, your restaurant feels like Christmas.’ I nearly cried.” For the dynamic duo, it all comes back to a sense of wonder and welcome. “I don’t think people go out to dine for food. I think they go out to dine to experience something,” Sydney explains. “And the experience I want to give guests is one of being transported – of escape.”

Santa Claus is coming to town to visit the girls and boys of Nanaimo next weekend. With the sleigh being tuned and reindeer resting ahead of their Dec. 24 journey, Harbour Air has lent an aircraft to Jolly Old St. Nick for a fly-in on Saturday, Dec. 6, the first of his December appearances in Nanaimo. Santa is due to arrive at the Harbour Air dock at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 6, and will then head to his temporary workshop at 78 Wharf St. He will be at his chair for pictures with children from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day and again on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa will be at the workshop Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 4-7 p.m. to spend time with children with mobility or cognitive issues and on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 4-7 p.m. for pictures with pets. His last two appearances for 2025 will be Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. RBC Dominion Securities is sponsoring the event and while there is no admission, donations will be accepted for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Nanaimo’s RCMP officers will be out in force to support the community’s less fortunate families this holiday season. Officers with Nanaimo RCMP’s youth section will be collecting donations for their Cram the Cruiser drive in front of the Woodgrove Centre Save-On-Foods on Saturday, Dec. 6, to help Nanaimo’s families in need. The event runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when officers will be standing by to collect donations of toys, non-perishable food items and gently used clothing and footwear. Nanaimo RCMP’s youth section members work in the city’s schools to build relationships with students to foster a sense of safety and belonging, a Nanaimo RCMP press release noted. “Having police officers in our schools is vital,” said Const. Sherri Wade, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson, in the release. “They cultivate safe, positive connections that can last a lifetime.”

The junior Barsby Bulldogs are provincial champions. John Barsby Secondary School’s AA junior varsity football team won the B.C. High School Football championship, defeating the Argyle Pipers by a 34-3 score on Saturday, Nov. 29, at McLeod Stadium in Langley. “We started fast and kept our foot on the throttle the whole time…” said Rob Stevenson, the team’s coach. “We played one of our most complete football games.” He said the Bulldogs knew the Pipers had tremendous skill position players, but also knew that the ‘Dawgs had the better offensive and defensive lines and could win at the line of scrimmage. Barsby’s defence came ready to shut down Argyle’s best plays, and only gave up one big play all game. Meanwhile, Barsby’s offence echoed the defence’s physical tone and played to its strengths with a ball-possession game. “It started with preparation all week – basically all year,” Stevenson said. “We were building ourselves to be able to play this type of football game.” He said his team was fundamentally sound, blocking and tackling well and benefiting from the effort they put in on the blocking sled and in the weight room. “To culminate with a game like we played was immensely satisfying and I think it was felt not only be the coaching staff but certainly by the players,” he said. James Coco was chosen game MVP after scoring touchdown runs of 21 yards and five yards. Adyson Lloyd-Walters, chosen outstanding back, opened the scoring with a 29-yard touchdown catch from Baraka Gibson. Gibson also connected with Andrew Wright on a 20-yard TD reception and Barsby’s other TD was a four-yard run from Nathen Wilson. Stevenson thanked Bulldogs parents, alumni and other supporters for being the “loudest voices” in the stadium that day. In other football news, South-Side Minor Football’s junior bantam team won the provincial championship with an 18-16 win against Cloverdale on Sunday, Nov. 30, in Victoria, and South-Side’s peewee team also made it to the championship game this past weekend, finishing as runners-up.

It has stood for more than a century in testament to Victoria’s proud military history, but now the Bay Street Armoury will take on the name of a military figure whose history stretches back even further. The iconic building at 715 Bay St. will be renamed the General Sir Arthur Currie Armoury at a ceremony on Friday (Dec. 5). The date also marks the 150th anniversary of Currie’s birth (1875–1933), whose leadership helped define Canada’s role in the First World War. “Currie was born near Strathroy, Ont. and moved to Victoria in 1894. He was not a career military officer by upbringing or profession. He began his working life as a schoolteacher in Sidney and Victoria and went on to be a real estate developer and insurance salesman,” according to a release from the 5th (BC) Field Artillery Foundation. He rose through the ranks, and just before the First World War, Currie gave up his artillery command and was appointed commander of the 50th Regiment (Gordon Highlanders of Canada). “During the Great War, Currie served first as a brigade and then as a divisional commander, demonstrating a consistent commitment to strategic preparation and the careful protection of the lives of his soldiers. In 1917, he became the first Canadian-born officer to command the 100,000-strong Canadian Corps, leading it through some of the most significant operations of the war. Under his leadership, Canadian forces earned a reputation as one of the most effective and respected formations on the Western Front,” said the release. “Currie’s meticulous planning and insistence on realistic training played a central role in the Canadian success at Vimy Ridge, a battle that has come to symbolize Canada’s emergence as a nation. His leadership during the Hundred Days Offensive in 1918 helped bring the war to its conclusion, with the Canadian Corps often assigned the most difficult and strategically vital objectives.” After the war, Currie went on to serve as principal and vice-chancellor of McGill University. “In renaming the Bay Street Armoury, we honour a local son who rose to become one of the most respected military leaders of his time. But we also honour what he stood for: thoughtful leadership, responsibility in command, and the belief that Canada could and should define its own destiny,” states the 5th (BC) Field Artillery Foundation. The Bay Street Armoury was built in 1912-1914 and is a recognized federal heritage building because of its historical associations and its architectural and environmental value. “The Bay Street Armoury is a large structure whose form and detailing conjure up the images of a fortress through the incorporation of towers, crenellated turrets and a low wide arched entrance, reminiscent of a fortified gate,” according to the Parks Canada federal heritage designation. “The Bay Street Armoury is a very good example of an armoury designed in the Tudor Revival style with references to medieval military architecture.” Friday’s commemorative celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature military displays by the 5th (BC) Field Regiment RCA and The Canadian Scottish Regiment. At about 12:30 p.m., there will be a birthday tribute reception to Sir Arthur Currie by unveiling a plaque to rename the armoury in his honour and a ceremonial cake cutting with Alan Lowe and John Ducker, honorary colonels of The Canadian Scottish Regiment and 5th (BC) Field Regiment RCA. The free event will also feature displays by Valour Canada, Ashton Armoury, BC Aviation Museum, District of Saanich Archives, Victoria Esquimalt Re-enactors Society, Royal Canadian Legion, Sidney Museum and Archives, Fort Rodd Hill Historic Site, Friends of Macaulay, Municipality of Esquimalt Archives, District of Oak Bay Archives, Vimy Memorial Photo Display, Craigdarroch Castle and the Canadian Scottish Women’s Auxiliary Concession.

While some may find it difficult to welcome colder months by turning back the clocks and settling into earlier darkness, one Oak Bay tradition always brings light back to the streets – and to the hearts of Greater Victoria residents. Celebrating a quarter of a century, the Oak Bay Light Up marks its 25-year anniversary, heralding the coming of the Christmas season. Taking place on Oak Bay Avenue between Wilmot Place and Monterey Avenue, the fun began at 2 p.m. with crafts, games, street food and entertainment. The event offered a wide range of free, family-friendly options, including letter-writing to Santa, a hula-hoop tent, a drawing station, a wreath-making area and more. Throughout the afternoon, spectators enjoyed live music from various artists and groups, including the Whoville Children’s Choir, the BC Fiddle Orchestra, Oak Bay High’s jazz combos and the Joy of Life Choir. This kept the little ones busy leading up to the heart of the event, the official light up at 5 p.m., when the ceremonial plugs were connected to illuminate the buildings, lampposts and trees along a section of Oak Bay Avenue. Shortly after, both Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance to greet the crowd and pose for photos. Orchestrating the event was Heather Leary, who said the celebration has always had community at its core. “There’s lots of stuff for families to do and enjoy the start of the season,” she said. “We take pride in it being free, so people can come and really just enjoy being in the community.” Taking root at the turn of the millennium, Leary explained that the event began with Matt McNeill, owner of the Penny Farthing Pub, and other local business owners who wanted to bring some happiness during hard times. “They got together and wanted to do something to bring some cheer to the community after the tragedy of 9/11,” she said. “The idea was to bring some light to the darkness and to have an event that would kick it all off.” Rapidly becoming a community favourite, Leary said this year’s turnout was excellent, with several thousand people attending. “We were expecting a good crowd because I’d been hearing all month, as the lights were being put in, that people couldn’t wait for the lights to come on and for the village to be lit up,” she said. Laura Balcarras and her two children were among the attendees, and the celebration is marked on their calendar every year. “Every year we like to come to this event because it’s quite magical, especially when Santa comes in,” she said. While the event takes a considerable amount of time and energy each year, Leary is proud to welcome the public year after year to an event that wouldn’t be possible without the broad support of the community. “It’s driven by the business community, but it’s well supported by the fire department, the police department and suppliers who come and bring their A-game,” she said.

Sayward Elementary School was briefly a film set for a zombie movie. The school hosted students from Carihi Secondary’s video productions class for two days, as the two schools collaborated on making a zombie movie featuring actors from both schools. Safe Zone: A Zombie Film is “an amazing collaboration between schools,” said Joe Shields, the Carihi video productions teacher. “My senior students got to direct and film the Sayward film students, and the Sayward students got to experience filmmaking,” said Shields. “Not to mention the staff of Sayward School let us turn their school into a film set for two days.” The Sayward PAC supported the project by providing meals and supplies. Nolan Clark, one of the actors in the film, said it was a really good experience, but admitted to being nervous at times. He said that everything worked out in the end. It was the first time he had acted on screen, but he had been acting for two years in his drama class. Spencer Montgomery was one of the camera operators. He calls the experience fun, but stressful. “Only having two days to get a whole movie done was a lot of work, but I’m glad we managed to make it work,” he said. The Carihi film class arrived at Sayward around 11 a.m. the first day and didn’t leave until five p.m. the day after. Montgomery also said filming with Sayward’s Grade 4 students went well. “I was very surprised. Most of the Grade 4 students portrayed zombies, except Eddie Robson, who played a survivor with Clark and another Carihi student, Kayden Clinton. Shields said the whole project came together after a discussion with Sayward Principal Kai Taylor about how the school has 43 students, but is designed for 300. It was also borne out of an idea for the Sayward students to meet some Carihi students. The majority of students in Sayward will end up at Carihi during their high school years. Some of those students are nervous about getting on a bus and going to the “big city.” So they used this film set as a learning opportunity and had the Sayward students meet their high school counterparts face-to-face. “These kids aren’t that scary, and what better way to make them not be scared but make a zombie movie with them? So we went up there with the attitude of collaborating with these young students so they would come to see that these guys are safe and fun,” said Shields. Taylor said he wanted to make connections with other schools so his students are ready and can protect themselves when they move on to new schools, likely to Phoenix and then Carihi. “The kids loved it,” he said. “Particularly the older ones. We focused on the older class because they are the ones who are going to be making the transition to Phoenix…They leaned into it. They loved it.” Safe Zone had its premiere on Nov. 13 at the Timberline Secondary School theatre. Other Carihi students involved in the film include Tim Hardy (camera), Edwin Clements (camera), Indy Cook (director), Steven Jordan (sound), Rex Bailey (sound), Gabriel Felipe (sound), Rylee Dejong (make up), Breanna Gyles (make up), and Jaiden Copenance (make up). Additional adults who helped make the film come to life include Melissa Cada, Brenna Robson, Catherine Clinton, and Sean McLaughlin. Timberline’s Brennan Hagen, Jana McFarlane, and Laird Ruehlen helped with the screening on Nov. 13.

What is really happening in Sooke? Many residents are troubled by persistent rumors that our elected officials have already decided to adopt the draft official community plan (OCP), even as our mayor calls us to a public hearing – now the third time in five years, for the exact same proposal that has repeatedly been rejected by our community. The message from the public is clear: this document does not reflect Sooke’s needs. Instead, it comes from outside consultants who seem unfamiliar with our local concerns. It reads as boilerplate language with little customization for Sooke. Moreover, important promises remain unfulfilled. Previously, community members voiced strong concerns that the development permit applications (DPAs) were confusing, lacked transparency, and left property owners uncertain about their rights. Residents specifically requested that new bylaws should only affect new builds, rezoning, or undeveloped land – not existing single-family homes. Mayor Tait and council assured us that there would be no expropriation of private lands, including foreshore properties, and that the DPAs would be clarified or removed. It’s worth noting that the Sooke basin and foreshore are already strictly regulated by provincial and federal agencies. Additional local regulations do nothing to address the serious affordability crisis facing our community. Instead, they will drive up costs, worsen affordability, and make obtaining permits more difficult. Builders and families already face long delays; more bureaucracy will mean more staff, higher administrative expenses, and ultimately offset any potential permit revenue. Real revenue comes from major projects – new builds or development of bare land – not from regular families, but from ultra-wealthy developers. What’s especially troubling is that, despite ongoing opposition, the district has targeted waterfront properties three times in five years yet has failed to notify affected owners directly. Each time, the same proposals are recycled, without meaningful changes or engagement. The transparency issues identified in previous hearings persist. Such practices show a lack of accountability and respect for taxpayers. Why is the district disregarding previous council and mayoral instructions, and why aren’t our leaders standing up for Sooke residents? Matt Mortenson Sooke

One Canadian every 10 minutes is diagnosed with vision loss – but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have to lose independence. Living safely and independently with vision loss was the subject of a talk by Evaleen Baker at the Nanaimo Seniors Services Network’s Seniors Health Fair last month. “It’s not a death sentence to get diagnosed with an eye condition. I know we put a lot of emphasis on our eyesight, but we’re here to support that independence,” Baker said. “I don’t want to see people missing out on any activities because of vision, the only thing I can’t do is restore one’s driver’s licence.” Baker is a certified low vision specialist with Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, a not-for-profit that helps Canadians with vision loss live safely and independently at no cost to the person. For Baker, that means being a part of equipping more than 6,000 people on Vancouver Island with the skills they need to move about independently, a career she started after seeing how the health system in Ontario treated blind patients. “We truly didn’t understand vision loss. I would get doctor’s orders – go in, feed, dress, medicate, look after these people – and the only thing wrong with them is they didn’t see. I was like, ‘this is awful, why are we doing this to you? Why don’t you get up and we’ll do it together?’” After going back to school to focus on supporting patients with vision loss and being hired on with Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, a large part of Baker’s job now is introducing aids to patients, whether that’s using different smart device apps, helping them learn to cook again or figuring out grooming routines. “People don’t tend to go blind the way we misunderstand. It’s 10 per cent of our clientele that go totally blind. Ninety-per cent of our clients always have some degree of functional eyesight to work with and that is the misconception in the general public,” Baker said. “They see it as a black-and-white issue. It’s definitely not.” She said most vision loss is gradual, presenting the opportunity to learn to adapt along the way. Macular degeneration remains the most common form of vision loss, especially prevalent in those over 50. The macula is the part of the eye focusing on fine detail at the front of the eye, but macular degeneration worsens that field of vision without impacting peripheral vision. This means that while the person may not be able to make out the details, they can walk into a room knowing if there are people or objects. For those experiencing vision loss who still have partial sight, one of the first things Baker recommends is task lights. “The more light we can position on top of a task, often it is quite enhancing and more contrasting and much easier to access. By age of 50 and getting older, most people want more lighting. They start turning on more lights and I always talk about that light: get that light into a goose-neck or a flexible arm, get that light positioned on top of the task and away from the face, and that can really make a significant difference.” Contrast in colour can also be useful. Black coffee in a black coffee mug or white plates on a white tablecloth might be difficult to distinguish, for example. “I always tell people, watch where you lay objects, watch for where your surfaces are, look f0r different types of contrast,” Baker said. “There are ways of enhancing contrast, people will do it on the phone.” Sunglasses are another tool, both for reducing eye damage to begin with, as well as for assisting those who require added contrast. The key is finding the right tint for the environment. For those who don’t yet have vision damage, Baker said not wearing sunglasses in sunlight is “the fastest, easiest way to lose eyesight.” All sunglasses sold in Canada are required to provide UV protection, regardless of price, but if the product is bought from outside of Canada, it might not have the same protection. Seeing an optometrist for an eye exam every two years is also recommended. Baker said Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada prefers to work with the clients as soon as a diagnosis is received, whether by self-referral or medical recommendation. “The doctors get pretty fixated on how they’re going to fix this or what they are going to do for it, but they don’t really think about how this person is managing once they leave the doctor’s office,” she said. “Once that diagnosis comes in, it doesn’t matter one’s visual acuity, I’ll meet people who are driving at 20/20 but they have been diagnosed and they need that support.” For more information, visit http://visionlossrehab.ca. [https://visionlossrehab.ca]

It’s said that one language dies every day and that roughly 6,000 others are at risk of going silent around the world. But a Victoria company is determined to bring these fading languages back to the forefront and prevent the loss of their culture and history. Language Foundry, formerly known as the Cultural Foundry Studio, is an education technology company with the mission of supporting the revitalization of endangered and at-risk languages worldwide. The startup’s e-learning platform addresses this “urgent cultural challenge” by providing communities with the tools to support language learning and revitalization in culturally grounded and accessible ways, explained CEO Chad Quinn. “We have a number of processes that we’ve developed to enable elders and speakers to record their languages,” he said. “And then, we use that to build a language model so that it can speak the language.” Once the linguistic platform is created, communities retain ownership over the content and data, ensuring cultural safety, sovereignty and long-term stewardship. “Everything is owned by the community because we find that it’s incredibly important for us to make sure that the communities retain ownership of the data,” said Quinn. Working under the invitation of Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States, Language Foundry creates gamified courses that take learners from beginning concepts to basic fluency. Each course is created to reflect the unique cultural identity of its language, from the artwork to syllabic keyboards. “(Students) can see, hear and play with the language as they go and learn more,” he said. “We tried very hard to make it a comforting and warm experience.” With their language platform launched in 2023, Quinn described the response as “amazing.” The platform now offers 14 languages and has over 10,000 students across Canada and the U.S. “It definitely gets you up in the morning,” he said. “It makes you really want to do the hard work of getting this rolling. “When we first started showing it, the emotions were pretty raw in terms of what we’ve heard.” Earlier this November, the company was selected as one of four Canadian startups to participate in the 2025 Web Summit held in Lisbon. Humbled to have been part of this opportunity to connect with investors, fellow entrepreneurs and like-minded professionals, Quinn now wishes to export his services worldwide. To learn more about Language Foundry, visit [https://www.languagefoundry.com/]languagefoundry.com [https://www.languagefoundry.com/].

Regarding the idea of adding yet another expensive crosswalk to serve the patrons of Mary’s Blue Moon Cafe, I would point out that there is already a nearby crosswalk if the patrons can be bothered to take the extra steps to use it. I often drive along there and am always aware of the people who are exiting their vehicles and heading across the road, sometimes without even looking. Yes, it’s a hazard, but (no pun intended) it’s a two-way street: pedestrians take care, drivers take care. Don’t worry, your burger and fries will still be hot by the time you get them. Mike Trainer North Saanich

Few cases puzzle VicPD detectives as much as the disappearance of Emma Fillipoff, now marking 13 years without answers. The 26-year-old was last seen on Nov. 28, 2012, walking barefoot nearby Victoria’s Empress Hotel on Government Street. On the night she vanished, officers checked on Fillipoff around 7 p.m. after an acquaintance who saw her on a street corner expressed concern about her state. After a brief conversation, the officer left, noting she appeared safe at the time. Shortly after, her van was located in a nearby hotel parking lot. Inside were most of her belongings, including her passport, laptop, journals, camera, and recently borrowed library books. In a press release, VicPD noted that Fillipoff appeared to be experiencing “the onset of mental health challenges.” While Fillipoff’s story remains unresolved, her case is now with VicPD’s Historical Case Unit and the investigation is still ongoing. For her mother, Shelley Fillipoff, the 13th anniversary is a painful reminder of the years that have slipped by. While each Nov. 28 brings renewed grief, she reflects the hope she held early on, believing it was only a matter of time before she and daughter were reunited. “As time wore on, keeping that hope alive became more difficult,” she said. Despite the years, she continues to cling to that hope, drawing strength from her three other children, who keep her grounded. “Without it, I have nothing,” she said. Shelley shared that a new six-part series, Barefoot in the Night, will launch on Emma’s 40th birthday. Aiming to renew public awareness of the case, it will premiere on Jan. 6, 2026. More information and ways to help in the search can be found at helpfindemmafillipoff.ca. Details about Fillipoff’s disappearance and other Canadian missing person cases are available on the RCMP’s National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains website.

Get those snowboards and skis ready, Mount Cain is still eyeing an opening date of Dec. 6. Not only are the plans for it be open, but kids 12 and under can now go for free on Vancouver Island’s “other” ski hill. “The age for free lift tickets has changed for this season from six to 12 years old and younger,” says a press release from Mount Cain. “To take advantage of this for your kids, just check in at the ticket booth, complete the waiver, attach your pass somewhere visible, and you’re set to ski.” Season passes for kids 12 and under are still available, but for a small fee for printing the pass. “This initiative is part of our commitment to providing affordable and sustainable recreational activities to North Islanders, and we can’t wait to see your smiles on the slopes,” said the release. Full ticket breakdowns and other information about the ski hill — located about halfway between Campbell River and Port Hardy — can be viewed at mountcain.com [https://www.mountcain.com/].

This is a letter I wrote to Oak Bay council to request an update or insights into why Evo is not allowed in Oak Bay. Ten years ago, when we lived in Vancouver, we were able to be a single-car family, having both Evo and bikes (with a proper bike network) to utilize. I know of several other friends who have been able to achieve the same reduction in their lives. We moved to Oak Bay and fortunately live close to the Victoria border and still can access an Evo (if one is near Foul Bay Road). I wanted you to consider that if you embraced a car share program in this town, it would result in a significant reduction of people who can commit to eliminating a full-time vehicle. The argument for parking is not valid, and one car share can represent a vehicle for dozens of people. I get that no one will want to use this in Uplands, but the rest of Oak Bay is a great opportunity for integrating more progressive means of alternative transportation. The proven success in all the districts of Vancovuer and Victoria shows it works. I would urge council to please revisit this at an upcoming meeting. Mark “Skip” Taylor Oak Bay

A paramedic from Victoria recently returned home from a trip to Jamaica where he paved the way for other health-care professionals from Canada to go in and help ease some suffering left in Hurricane Melissa’s wake. After the devastating storm made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on Oct. 28, the country, as well as neighbouring Cuba, Haiti and other Caribbean nations, saw significant damage and multiple deaths and injuries. Weeks later, the aftermath is still being felt as work continues to repair key infrastructure and return power to communities. Andrew Mills has been a paramedic for 15 years. He currently works in Victoria as an advanced care paramedic and serves as the disaster response manager for BC Emergency Health Services. While this was his first time working with Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT), which provides disaster relief with volunteer health professionals, it was not his first time doing humanitarian work, including two stints in Ukraine in 2022 and 2023. After arriving in Montego Bay on Nov. 17, Mills and the CMAT team set up at Cornwall Regional Hospital. Mills said his role on the trip was logistics – setting up safety, security, transportation, the clinical setting and more for the team of nurses and doctors arriving to help care for patients for the rest of November, and into December. After arriving in Montego Bay on Nov. 17, Andrew Mills and the CMAT team set up at Cornwall Regional Hospital. (Photo courtesy of CMAT) [https://vancouverislandfreedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/40987695_web1_20251125-vne-VicParamedic-Jamaica-andrew_3.jpg] Steps from the emergency room, CMAT has its tent set up with all the things you would expect in an urgent or primary care clinic here in B.C., Mills explained. People are being seen by triage staff, and if deemed lower acuity, those patients are being sent to the CMAT tent for further diagnosis and treatment, taking a huge amount of pressure off the hospital. Cornwall had its power and water disrupted for several weeks following the hurricane, with staff operating on what was essentially a mass-casualty response. Multiple people were being turned away due to being over capacity. “The situation was pretty dire, but the tireless nurses and doctors at Cornwall Regional Hospital have been working around the clock to treat patients and try and return their operations to normal,” said Mills. “As a paramedic who has worked all over B.C. and served 10 years in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and has worked through the opioid crisis, through COVID-19 and through multiple mass-casualty events, the overwhelming impact on the hospital is something I’ve never experienced in my entire life.” The country is currently dealing with a deadly leptospirosis outbreak, which has claimed several lives. The disease is spread through contact with water, soil or food contaminated by urine from infected animals, and outbreaks can occur following heavy rainfall or flooding. CMAT explained that, while the immediate physical injuries caused by a storm like this are generally not major, the weeks after can bring major concerns around communicable diseases like cholera and dengue fever, as well as chronic disease management. With destroyed homes and infrastructure, people who live in crowded shelters are exposed to infections, but if they opt to remain outside shelters, they can still be affected by the elements. “People with chronic illnesses may have lost their medication and assistive devices in the storm. And of course, babies needing to be born will wait for no one,” the organization said. The devastating storm made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on Oct. 28, causing widespread power outages and significant damage to key infrastructure. (Photo courtesy of CMAT) [https://vancouverislandfreedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/40987695_web1_20251125-vne-VicParamedic-Jamaica-andrew_2.jpg] “It was very challenging… I mean the entire country was affected by this hurricane. If not directly hit, then certainly had family, friends, etc., that were impacted. There’s a lot of devastation in the western part of the country, with homelessness right now being a major issue faced by everyday Jamaicans.” The incoming CMAT team was prepared to camp out in the hospital tents, however, they ended up being welcomed at a local hostel, alongside other essential workers like the Jamaican Public Service employees who are there en masse trying to restore power. The hostel itself did not have power, however, Mills said it had running water, and they were extremely grateful to the owners for giving them a place to stay. As for Cornwall hospital staff, Mills said even as they work tirelessly, many are doing so while facing their own challenges. “Homelessness was being faced by the clinical staff at the hospital – who were coming to work their shifts, but were returning to either a shelter or a friend’s place overnight,” Mills recalled. One of the most impactful parts of the trip was seeing the “widespread human suffering,” but also the warmth, kindness and resilience of the Jamaican people. “Once we put up the Canadian flags on the tents at the hospital, we had a surge in people coming by to see what we were doing, and just to thank us – just to pop in their head and say, ‘Thank you, to you and to Canada, for being here and supporting us in this difficult time’,” said Mills. “We get to come home to Canada at the end of our rotation… but, despite our impact there, the recovery is going to be a long road measured in months and years for Jamaica, and truly the work has just begun. I’m quite proud of the work CMAT is doing, but the people of Jamaica are going to need beyond this first phase of initial intervention.” Mills added that CMAT [https://cmat.ca/]is currently fundraising for the ability to send a third rotation of people to Jamaica to help out, as they’ve been asked to extend their time there for as long as possible.

I disagree with Saanich Mayor Dean Murdoch’s rebuttal to the Mount Tolmie Community Association on so many fronts with respect to consultation over the Shelbourne Valley Action Plan. Firstly, the official community plan (OCP) was rushed through in May 2024, a year before it was mandated by the province. Based on talking to my neighbours and friends, nobody knew about it until after it was passed. This was a failure of the municipality to inform the public. Those who did know had overwhelmingly objected to it, but were ignored by a majority of council. I chose to live on a no-through street of primarily low-rise homes to distance myself from corridors. Yet this TOA (transit-oriented area) will allow up to 18-storey buildings (about half the height of Mt. Tolmie) on our street. Not only will these buildings tower over single-family homes, but ironically also dwarf the recent developments of six storeys on Shelbourne and McKenzie. When I raised this issue with one councillor, they mistakenly believed that the TOA was mandated by the province. If a councillor doesn’t know this, what would one expect from the public? Another feature of the OCP is allowing building heights up to 12 storeys on Shelbourne Street, McKenzie and Cedar Hill Road. This is a three-sided attack on the Mt. Tolmie community designed to squeeze residents out and create another Metrotown. So when council is determined to rewrite the Shelbourne Valley Action Plan and push the Quadra McKenzie Plan to fit their well-laid-out agenda, evident in the official community plan, people will become frustrated and not heard. Michael Riefman Saanich

B.C. entrepreneur Mandy Farmer was recently awarded the title Business Leader of the Year at the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce’s (CQCC). CQCC’s 10th annual Black & White Gala Business Awards were held in Toronto on Nov. 14. The CQCC Business Leadership Awards celebrate trailblazers driving inclusion, innovation, and growth in Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ business community. Farmer is the current president and CEO of Accent Inns, proudly owned and operated by the Farmer family since 1986. She took over the role from her father, Terry Farmer, in 2008. She is also the founder of Hotel Zed and Tofino restaurant, ROAR. She was previously named RBC Women of Influence Entrepreneur of the Year in the excellence category in 2020, won the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s Business of the Year award in 2018 and was named Hotelier of the Year by Hotelier Magazine in 2017. “This might be one of my proudest moments…ever,” Farmer said in a LinkedIn post. “As a CEO, I fiercely believe in leading with love. I want every employee and guest who walks onto our properties to feel celebrated and welcome exactly as they are.” Her post further said that in practice, inclusion is in both big and small initiatives, from gender-inclusive washrooms, pronouns on email signatures and name tags, pride events at their properties, queer love in marketing, and benefits that support gender-affirming procedures. “This award is given to ‘individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and advocacy within the 2SLGBTQI+ business community.’ Obviously, nothing happens because of one individual. I’m so grateful for my amazing team who ensures that everything we do is centered around inclusion: our hiring practices, learning materials, marketing, daily operations, policies, guest experience and so much more.”

Oceanside Concert Choir will perform ‘Messiah’ by George Frideric Handel on Dec. 7 at Knox United Church in Parksville. The performance presented by Oceanside Music Association will feature soloists Michael MacKinnon (baritone), Adam Dyjach, (tenor), Shanté Van Horlick (mezzo soprano) and Andrea Rodall (soprano), as well as the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Karl Rainer, according to a news release by Oceanside Music Association. They will be joined by guest trumpet players Mark D’Angelo and David Stewart. Oceanside Concert Choir Music Director Ann Barber-Becqué will be conducting. ‘Messiah’ has become a musical tradition unparalleled in the English-speaking world. “Its popularity dates back almost to when it was first performed in Dublin in 1742,” said musical director Ann Barber-Becqué. “It is the most requested piece of music by choir members, and it always draws a large audience when we perform it.” Barber-Becqué said ‘Messiah’ has everything. Dramatic and exciting musical passages based on familiar Biblical texts, achingly tender arias performed by soloists and joyous choruses, three of which the audience is invited sing along with. She added that the choir is excited this year to be joined by two professional musicians performing the trumpet accompaniment and solo. D’Angelo is the Principal Trumpet with the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra. He also plays trumpet with the Vancouver Island Symphony and teaches music at Capilano College. Stewart is well-known in the community having taught music at Kwalikum Secondary School for more than 25 years before retiring from teaching. He is frequently seen performing the ‘Last Post’ on Remembrance Day and is a member of the Arrowsmith Big Band. Handel’s ‘Messiah’ opens in dramatic fashion with the birth of Jesus being announced by angels. The scene shifts to his ministry among the Jews, his suffering, death and resurrection. This is followed by the spread of his message to the world. The choral work concludes with thanksgiving and the promise of a heavenly afterlife. The concert starts at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and are available online at www.oceanside-music.ca or with cash at Fireside Books in Parksville and Edge Outdoors in Qualicum Beach. Unsold tickets will be available at the door through cash and debit/credit card. For more information visit www.oceanside-music.ca or call 250-594-4755.

A brass band will team with choirs to perform holiday music up and down Vancouver Island next month. Festive Brass will bring its Christmas in Canada tour to 10 Island communities between Dec. 6-21. The traditional family Christmas concert will include a “rich mix of timeless carols and festive favourites, along with new Canadian compositions.” In addition, the brass musician ensemble will be doing its own versions of Christmas classics such as Silent Night and Good King Wenceslas. Stevan Paranosic, Festive Brass leader, told Black Press Media that the group wanted to present the program with a twist. “It’s like a fun program of Christmas music, but not in a pedantic kind of way,” he said. “We like to add a little bit of fun to the program and musical shenanigans just to keep everything light and feel-good.” This takes the form of adding a polka twist to Up on the House Top, turning The First Noel into a slow jam and adding a Latin twist on We Three Kings. “We have a few more traditional things. The highlight I think is going to be the piece near the end where we take the famous Christmas poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore, and the lyrics will be sung by the choir and the brass will add some musical snippets underneath while they sing through the poem.” By performing with choirs, Paranosic said it gives the brass players time to have a break between pieces, as well as the opportunity to combine to create a nostalgic atmosphere he considers intrinsic to a Christmas show. “Immediately adding words makes all the shenanigans make a little more sense because it wouldn’t make sense musically if we venture into a new direction if we don’t have the words to kind of lock you into, ‘oh yes, they’re singing about this song.’” As a result, audiences can expect a heartwarming concert, and a celebration of the true spirit of Canadian Christmas. “We’re inundated right now with Christmas music everywhere, elevators, malls, it’s all in the background and it seeps into the unconsciousness, but when you go to see it live in a concert we feel that the choir and the lyrics and the brass paired together kind of anchor you back to what is the meaning behind each one of these Christmas carols and just gives you that nostalgic feeling again.” Attendees are invited to sing with the choir during select songs. The tour starts in Nanaimo on Dec. 6, and other concerts are planned in Port Alberni, Sidney, Chemainus, Duncan, Gabriola Island, Victoria before the tour concludes with shows in Parksville on Dec. 20 and Courtenay and Campbell River on Dec. 21. For ticket information, visit www.festivebrass.ca/holidaytour2025 [http://www.festivebrass.ca/holidaytour2025].

Stakeholders discussed how to better support Indigenous patients receiving health care on Vancouver Island, where the health authority has become one of the province’s first to undertake a B.C. Cultural Safety and Humility Standard assessment. The topic was discussed during a panel on integrating Indigenous healing practices into health care at a summit hosted by the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District on Nov. 13 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Brennan MacDonald, a vice-president of regional operations with the First Nations Health Authority, said she is proud of Island Health for stepping forward to be the first health authority in B.C. outside of the First Nations Health Authority to voluntarily undertake a B.C. Cultural Safety and Humility Standard [https://healthstandards.org/standard/cultural-safety-and-humility-standard/] assessment. She said it’s a great example of something a health authority can do to make improvements to the system to deliver culturally safe and appropriate care. “I think that all health authorities will go through the process, it is just a matter of timing and sequence,” she said. “Island Health being the first means we have a chance to model for the rest of the province, and the country, what it looks like to go through this. The standard itself is also being adopted nationally, so there will be opportunities for provinces across Canada to undertake similar work with the same goals.” The standard recognizes that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities experience racism and discrimination at many levels when seeking health-related care and services, creating barriers and harm including unacceptable rates of illness and distress, reduced access to care and services, and ignorance of cultural practices resulting in non-adherence to treatment plans. It can lead to avoidance of the health-care system due to fear and mistrust. The standard includes guidelines such as understanding Indigenous rights, protocols, and practices; incorporating those competency requirements into job descriptions, recruitment and hiring; and providing regular, mandatory anti-racism and cultural safety and humility education and training in the workplace. “It’s guidance around organizational structures and procedures – it will ensure we understand how to keep racism out of the health system and services that we’re designing,” MacDonald said. She added that the standard will provide a benchmark for health authorities to gauge where they are performing well and where they need to improve. Also speaking as part of the panel was Dr. Christine Hall, deputy registrar for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, who shared that the college has been collaborating with other B.C. health regulators and the Ministry of Health ahead of implementing the Health Professions and Occupations Act [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/bills/billsprevious/3rd42nd:gov36-3#section467] in the spring. The act stipulates that superintendents must consult with Indigenous persons who provide similar types of health services in accordance with Indigenous practices; and administrators’ lists of support workers should include names put forward by Indigenous governing bodies. “Within the act are very specific legislative directives around management of our Indigenous patient needs…” Hall said. “Two steps around that are the creation of an Indigenous advisory circle, and that also includes support for Indigenous peoples who have been wronged in the health-care system. How do we now lead the system with actual Indigenous support – that’s formalized under the [act]. And of course we’re training all of our committees and our people around that.” In the long term, she said the college is working to embed Indigenous cultural safety and anti-racism principles into quality assurance and practice enhancement policies, as well as exploring partnerships regarding training for registrants. “While these are long-standing issues, the formalization of it is new for people who come to get a licence in B.C. So we’re walking with them as they understand what is expected of them.” Chief Michael Recalma of Qualicum First Nation shared a personal story during the event about receiving a kidney transplant and dialysis. One morning, when he was originally scheduled to go home but couldn’t, he said it was the practice of cedar brushing that turned that hospital room into a safe space. MacDonald noted that ceremonies and practices hold an integral part in healing. “The mind is very powerful, it can contribute to illness, or it can do the opposite,” she said. “That feels very empowering and I think that is a big foundation of what our wellness is about and how it shows up in our work.” MacDonald said part of supporting Indigenous patients is holding space for individuals to advocate and assert for their needs, but also to strive for a system that recognizes the diversity of approaches to well-being so that advocacy isn’t necessary. “While there are some who are able to do that, the history we know exists within our health-care system has caused harm.” In a statement, Island Health said there is ongoing work in bringing the B.C. Cultural Safety and Humility Standard to life as it moves towards accreditation, including the release of an organizational anti-racism and discrimination position statement and Indigenous-specific anti-racism and discrimination policy that “affirms everyone’s right to work and receive health care in a safe, anti-racist, and discrimination-free environment and aims create an environment that directly addresses Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination.”

Customers would come from far and wide, eager to take home something sweet or savoury, and always comforting. Victoria Pie Company was a beloved fixture in the Victoria Public Market, but its charm and customer base were threatened to be lost for good when the public market closed its doors in June 2025 after a sale to Loblaws. But Victoria Wan, a local baker who called Victoria Pie Company home for two years, was determined to not let that happen. “Even when I first started working for them, I recognized how special this local business was. I loved my job. I love making pies. We didn’t close because we failed, we closed because circumstances failed us,” she told Victoria News. “Marie has been relentless in her support and encouraged me to give my own business a try. I figured, if not now, when?” Wan started Indigo Bakes and is bringing the Victoria Pie Company’s recipes with her, with the blessing of previous owner, Marie Takahashi. Chicken Pot Pie, Mushroom Gruyere and Apple Pie are on the menu, with plans to add more options as the venture grows. Fans of the pies will be glad to know that the popular recipes are remaining the same. “There’s a reason the shop survived as long as it did and I’m not going to mess with a good, and delicious, thing,” Wan said. The pies – with both an Indigo Bakes logo and a Victoria Pie Co. one – are now found in the frozen section in HOB Fine Foods, The Market Garden and Kid Sister Ice Cream with fresh pies available in Peppers Foods. Pies can also be ordered online from South Island Farm Hub. While Wan’s current pie selection is small, she hopes that the love and support for Victoria Pie Company will eventually lead to another brick-and-mortar location. The company has been in business since 2013. As for Takahashi, who purchased Victoria Pie Company in 2023 as owner of Two Crows Craft Foods, she is on her own journey; she got herself a camper and is currently driving cross-country, seeking beautiful views and good food, Wan said. Takahashi said all the customers who have reached out to her since its closure have shown her how important Victoria Pie Co. was to the city. Knowing she wanted to keep the business alive in some form, when Wan reached out, it was the right fit. “Victoria was our primary pastry maker and is incredibly passionate about baking,” Takahashi said. “One of the hardest moments of my life was looking at my son and saying we had to close our business because we couldn’t find a space. But we roll with it. In the meantime we’ve got Victoria carrying on the pie traditions, and I couldn’t think of a better person to do it. She’s a self-taught chef and everything she does turns to magic.”

With December just days away, Nanaimo residents can get an early start to holiday festivities with a German Christmas experience this weekend. Nanaimo Christmas Village is taking place at Cavallotti Lodge on 2060 East Wellington Rd. till Sunday, Nov. 30, complete with arts and crafts for sale from various area vendors as well as traditional German fare – sausages, sauerkraut and pretzels. Peter Lange, one of the event’s organizers, said there are differences between a traditional German and Canadian Christmas. “The [lead] up to Christmas I think, is the main difference,” he said. “These Christmas markets in Germany would last for a month, so they start beginning of December, and then they run all the way up to Christmas and they are typically outdoor.” The event will give 50 per cent of donations to the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive [https://nanaimobulletin.com/2025/11/25/great-nanaimo-toy-drive-hoping-for-communitys-help-with-gift-giving/] and is an official drop-off site for the charitable effort. Lange said the joy of Christmas and the desire to bring smiles to people’s faces is the reason it was chosen as beneficiary. “We also know some people who grew up quite poor, and I know from some of them that said this toy drive, and the gifts at Christmas, was one of the best memories they had as a kid,” he said. An estimated 600 people came through the doors the first day (Nov. 28) and Lange estimates over 2,000 people will attend through the event’s three days. Nanaimo Christmas Village is open until 5 p.m. Saturday and will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information go to www.nanaimochristmasvillage.com/ [https://www.nanaimochristmasvillage.com/].

Yesterday’s news is today’s magic trick. Clutching an old copy of the Sooke News Mirror, magician Guy Simmons tells his audience he’s about to perform the classic torn-and-restored newspaper trick – but with a twist. “Because I tell you exactly how it’s done,” he says. “But before I show you this, I want you to know that everything that I say is absolutely true – except the lies, of course,” he adds with a wink. He begins to rip the pages into strips, insisting he’s only pretending, then pressing the paper into a tight, small parcel. “But this was all a trick, and I really haven’t done that,” he says. Then, with a quick flick of his wrists he shakes open the paper, magically restored, as if nothing had ever happened. Cue rapturous applause. It’s an illusion Simmons has performed countless times over a magical career that has spanned decades – one of his favourites, he says. But after years away from the spotlight, he’s returning to performing for reasons that go beyond entertaining a crowd. Like the newspaper he brings back together, the 74-year-old hopes revisiting his old stagecraft wizardry might help him rebuild some joy in his own life – though he knows it won’t be as simple as waving a magic wand. Recent years have been hard on him. Ongoing legal proceedings following a relationship breakdown have left him without a home, living aboard his boat in Sooke, about a half-hour west of Victoria, since late 2023. Now, with more legal costs looming, he’s facing the possibility of having to sell the boat too. “So I’ll be homeless,” he said. “I’ve been having a really bad, bad year and been very depressed.” While he has been receiving mental health support, Simmons has decided he needs to take an active role in helping himself. It was a chance meeting with a palliative care nurse that gave him the idea to return to magic – not for applause this time, but for healing. “I thought maybe I should go out and do a little bit of my magic act for people that are maybe worse off than I am – maybe that’ll make me feel better,” he said. Now he’s hoping to bring his act to local retirement homes, hospitals and palliative care units, offering a few moments of wonder to people who might need it most. “Everyone needs magic at this time of year.” Simmons’ love of magic stretches back to childhood, when his uncle and “an old lady” he knew taught him card tricks. That early fascination carried him into a life spent creating, performing and dreaming up illusions. His early career began performing in front of children to build confidence and learn how to hold an audience. As his skills grew, so did his ambitions. He connected with other magicians, including his longtime mentor, the late Len Ventus – a founding member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians – and with other like-minded friends, he formed a troupe called the Magic Alliance, performing as the Wizard of the North. In the late 1980s and through the ’90s, they staged everything from close-up magic to large-scale illusions, appeared on television, and even performed at the International Brotherhood of Magicians convention in Montreal. Their act also earned them a spot on the front page of The Linking Ring, a respected magic journal. “We were doing crazy stunts, building wild props – just creating all the time,” he recalled. Simmons recalls performing one of magic’s most notorious stunts, the bullet catch, using a real pistol and a bullet with the initials of an audience member carved into it. His first wife Leeann would fire the shot, Simmons would “catch” the bullet in his teeth and spit it onto a plate. “It was the most dangerous trick in the world. “That’s how I broke my tooth,” he jokes, pointing to one of his front teeth. Simmons wasn’t just a performer; he was a builder. An artist by nature, he designed and fabricated his own illusions, sets and props. For years, he poured his creative energy into a personal project in Richmond Hill, transforming his childhood home into what he called the Magic Castle, part workshop, part museum, part TV-set-in-progress. He and a small team of artists and builders produced everything from jewelry to large custom pieces for clients, including props and architectural features for Toronto collector Bill Jamieson’s private museum of oddities. But a septic hip infection in 2010 derailed everything. The two-year recovery forced him to abandon the Magic Castle, sell the house, and let go of his long-planned television projects. He shifted from performing illusions to flipping homes to earn a living – work that eventually brought him to Sooke. Still, he never lost his love for magic. What draws him in, he says, isn’t just the sleight of hand, but the storytelling and the chance to make someone smile, to spark a moment of wonder. “I like telling stories, making people laugh,” explained Simmons. “If someone walks away happy – if they say, ‘Wow, how did you do that?’ – that makes me happy too.” Anyone who can help Simmons connect with an audience that would benefit from some magic in their lives, can email him: [email protected].

Community members are asked to drive in and share some Christmas charity next week. Sunshine Mountain Ford Lincoln’s Give and Go event, in support of the Salvation Army and Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank, will be held Friday, Dec. 5. This is the dealership’s 10th year hosting the event and first since it changed its name to Sunshine Mountain, and it’s a meaningful initiative for the business every year, said Ann Marie Clark, dealer principal. “It’s to make it easy for our community to donate to those people that are struggling at this time of year. It is a tough time of year for a lot of people,” she said. Motorists are asked to drive up to the dealership to donate money, non-perishable food items, unwrapped toys, and warm winter clothing like jackets, socks and tuques. Last year the event resulted in at least $4,000 raised for each charity, plus 4,000 kilograms of food, two sacks of clothing and 300 new toys. “It’s so much fun watching all the people come through. Last year we had a whole flat-deck of bikes dropped off. The generosity in the community is crazy,” Clark said. “It’s really fun to host it and get to see all that.” Give and Go happens from 5-7 p.m.

A brass band will team with the Island Bel Canto Singers to perform holiday music in Nanaimo next month. Festive Brass will bring its Christmas in Canada tour to St. Andrew’s United Church in the Old City Quarter on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. The traditional family Christmas concert will include a “rich mix of timeless carols and festive favourites, along with new Canadian compositions.” In addition, the brass musician ensemble will be doing its own versions of Christmas classics such as Silent Night and Good King Wenceslas. Stevan Paranosic, Festive Brass leader, told the Nanaimo News Bulletin that the group wanted to present the program with a twist. “It’s like a fun program of Christmas music, but not in a pedantic kind of way,” he said. “We like to add a little bit of fun to the program and musical shenanigans just to keep everything light and feel-good.” This takes the form of adding a polka twist to Up on the House Top, turning The First Noel into a slow jam and adding a Latin twist on We Three Kings. “We have a few more traditional things. The highlight I think is going to be the piece near the end where we take the famous Christmas poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore, and the lyrics will be sung by the choir and the brass will add some musical snippets underneath while they sing through the poem.” By performing with Island Bel Canto Singers, Paranosic said it gives the brass players time to have a break between pieces, as well as the opportunity to combine to create a nostalgic atmosphere he considers intrinsic to a Christmas show. “Immediately adding words makes all the shenanigans make a little more sense because it wouldn’t make sense musically if we venture into a new direction if we don’t have the words to kind of lock you into, ‘oh yes, they’re singing about this song.’” As a result, audiences can expect a heartwarming concert, and a celebration of the true spirit of Canadian Christmas. “We’re inundated right now with Christmas music everywhere, elevators, malls, it’s all in the background and it seeps into the unconsciousness, but when you go to see it live in a concert we feel that the choir and the lyrics and the brass paired together kind of anchor you back to what is the meaning behind each one of these Christmas carols and just gives you that nostalgic feeling again.” Attendees are invited to sing with the choir during select songs. Like Island Bel Canto Singers in the Harbour City, Festive Brass will perform with other area choirs, including the Village Voices of Qualicum Beach in a Dec. 20 performance in Parksville. For ticket information, visit www.festivebrass.ca/holidaytour2025 [http://www.festivebrass.ca/holidaytour2025] and for more on Island Bel Canto Singers, visit http://islandbelcanto.ca [https://islandbelcanto.ca/].

Dancing her way to Italy. Nine-year-old Milah Hanson, who has been training at Cowichan’s Carlson’s School of Dance with co-owner and director Ricki-Lee Allison since the tender age of three, is wrapping up a worldy experience that most young dancers can only dream of. She was chosen by Team Canada Dance to represent the country at the official International Dance Organization (IDO) World Acrobatic Dance Championships in Castellanza, Italy from Nov. 17 to 22. IDO is a World Dance and Dance-Sport Federation with a membership of more than 90 nations, representing more than 250,000 dancers from six continents. “We couldn’t be more proud of Milah and grateful to her amazing family for all the support they show her,” said Allison priro to the trip. “Traveling to the mainland for rehearsals and the extra costs to be part of this team requires a lot of commitment from her whole family and it doesn’t go unnoticed. “With Milah being so young, she may not realize what an opportunity this is, but we know it will stay with her all her life that she represented Canada in Italy. We are all so excited for her and can’t wait to cheer her on.” It is quite appropriate that Milah’s family and teachers are doing backflips as she embarks on this exciting and life changing opportunity as the young dancer has also been training with Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics Club for the last six years. At Carlson’s Milah puts her best foot forward in several dance styles including acro, ballet, jazz, hip hop, and tap. “Acrobatic dance combines dance with acrobatic and gymnastic movements so Milah does very well as she trains in both dance and gymnastics in the Cowichan Valley,” said Allison. Milah is definitely making moves as she gets ready to compete on this worldy stage; when first asked what she was most excited about for her trip to Italy, her first response was pasta. “I’m also excited to do my aerial,” said Milah. It’s a move where a performer flips or cartwheels through the air without their hands touching the ground.

The recent letter writer who complained about the changes made to Ravine Way, which was done many months ago, does have a point to be concerned about when the B.C. Ministry of Highways starts altering busy, key traffic routes. If he is heading to the Pat Bay Highway, he has several options to make a right turn from Douglas to get to Blanchard/Vernon via Saanich Road, Finlayson, Tolmie, Cloverdale, Hillside, or Bay, whichever is most convenient. I wouldn’t think sitting at 3 long lights to take his old way via Douglas, Carey, Ravine, to Vernon is any faster than the ones I mentioned. Taking away the left turn from Highway 1 to Carey was not a good idea, as many go to Uptown to shop, and given that we all know accidents happen most at intersections, adding more traffic is ridiculous. Ravine is slated for buses, and the new hub will make it easier for them to travel around. Too many cars were going down Vernon and turning left at Ravine, causing huge backups on Vernon just so drivers could avoid Highway 1 at Saanich/Boleskine. Now, cars from Saanich westbound must cross 4 lanes of traffic to get to Save On Foods, only a short block down the hill. This right turn onto Vernon backs up Saanich and Tattersal as many cars sit there until all 4 lanes of traffic are clear, instead of grabbing an open lane and merging left, left, and left again, which can be hard to do given the short distance. Any car wanting to get from Vernon to Douglas can just loop around in the left lane before the fire hall and get to the other portion of Ravine, and to Carey. The B.C. Ministry of Highways is well known for ruining neighbourhoods as they own the highways and ferry roads, and somehow don’t look at the big picture when designing or rerouting traffic. The Keating exit is a perfect example, still not done. All this money for bike lanes, which garners no tax revenue, and our main roads get entire lanes chopped or reduced. Go figure. Stuart Walker Central Saanich

Thank you for featuring the rewarding hobby of stamp collecting in the Nov. 20 issue of the Peninsula News Review, “Stamp collectors keeping an old hobby alive.” I can certainly commend the work of the Victoria Stamp Club, and I wish to alert your readers to the existence of the Sidney Stamp Club, which meets regularly on the second Saturday of each month, starting at 1 p.m. at the Highway Christian Fellowship on McDonald Park Road. Please join us to enjoy, trade, buy and sell stamps from all around the world, and most importantly, for the friendship and fellowship of our members. Chris Gainor, president Sidney Stamp Club

A bunch of us who live near 1899 Cochrane St., the site of a proposed eight-townhouse development, have managed to convince Saanich not to allow the developer to remove a majestic 80-year-old tree we call Big Monty. It took letters to Planning and Engineering, meetings with councillors, rallies, media exposure and a petition with over 600 signatures to achieve this. However, Seba Construction still plans to build a unit, somewhat smaller, but so close to Monty that it’s well within the tree’s critical root zone. As well, they are seeking permission to prune the crap out of Monty to squeeze the unit in. According to artificial intelligence, this combination does not bode well for the survival of the tree in the long term. Apparently, other developers have been permitted to prune “problem” trees to the point that they die not long after, and then no permit is needed to remove the dead tree. Bill 44 allows eight units on this site. Why not build eight compact units that don’t stretch the thing from lot line to lot line? Nope. Why not build two floors above grade and one below so that it’s more in context with the houses around it? Nope. Why not build a flat roof instead of a peaked one so that the height of the thing is not so imposing? Nope. Why not have more off-street parking? Nope. Because our other petition with over 300 signatures addressing the above issues is being disregarded, we are faced with three storeys plus a peaked roof in a two-storey neighbourhood, four of seven trees removed and the rest in danger, one guest parking stall for the whole complex, increased run-off on our slope that has some neighbours really worried, a popular pedestrian/bike way that will become dangerously congested and eight high-end townhouses that will definitely not provide affordable housing for those who need it most. On top of this, the developer has asked for five variances. Dave Secco Saanich

Four men from Nanaimo, thinking outside and inside of the box, so to speak, have gone offshore to try to bring home affordable housing. Cueva Homes is the brainchild of realtor Ryan Stolz, builders Bill Xing and Adam Splawski, and Elliot Layton, who partnered to create a line of manufactured modular carriage homes, designed and engineered in Canada and built in China, that could be one piece toward solving B.C.’s housing puzzle. “We’re all involved in real estate and finance in Canada right now, and development, and the reality is … it’s unsustainable to build the housing that the government is saying we need and we want, and [affordably] it can’t be done,” said Stolz, Cueva vice-president of sales and marketing. Under provincial Bill-44, the government is trying to increase housing density. One way to do go about that is to maximize use of existing single-family home properties by adding a second structure. But with traditional building, homeowners can run afoul of hurdles, such as rising costs and wait times for available trades and permitting. “Knowing all that because we go through it, we decided to say, what could we do that is … controllable, that’s adaptable to all aspects of life?” Stolz said. The partners surveyed owners of properties that can accommodate carriage homes. “How can we make living situations easier? … How can something like this serve as an extra suite for income? Families? People who want to age in their [property], but they want to move out to something like this and have their kids [move] into their home? Investors? Airbnb? There’s just lots of different ways this could work with people in backyards,” said Splawski, Cueva’s chief executive officer. From the survey data they planned a home design that can be sited with minimal preparation and permitting. The first two units – a one bedroom and a two-bedroom, each with 495 square feet of floor space – arrived in Nanaimo in late October. The units come complete with German-made appliances sourced locally, outdoor canopy and front deck, everything except furniture and can be delivered and installed in a matter of weeks. The units are welded steel frame construction and designed for energy efficiency, incorporating an energy recovery ventilation system. Nine-foot ceilings give rooms a sense of spaciousness. Xing, Cueva Homes president, said the homes are designed by Canadian engineers and teams. “And then we have [specialists] in tiny houses, all in China, who did an amazing job on the interior layout and the material finishes … there’s not a single drywall throughout the house … There’s no potential for moulds, water damages or anything like that. All materials are recycled materials or composites … We put a lot of thought into the design to make sure that, even though it’s as tiny as 495 square feet, it doesn’t feel like 495 square feet,” he said. The first units are being shipped completely assembled, but that drives up shipping costs and limits the unit floor space and configuration. “In the future we want to be truly modular, so we’re going to have a warehouse with stacks of wall panels and have everything assembled on site, which obviously we’re going to have local – our own guys and contractors – to do the work, but that is the only way to make this home bigger than what it is because we’re already at the upper limit of the size,” Xing said. “If we want to do anything beyond 495 square feet we’ve got to go modular.” Switching to modular assembly will allow the company to connect modules to create floor space and configuration variations for townhome and condo projects, temporary housing and other applications. “In the time being we’re trying to fill the void, which everyone is trying to do, but they can’t get the price down,” Xing said. The cost, landed in Vancouver, for either the two- or one-bedroom unit is $165,000 plus site preparation and installation, which Splawski said for a “fairly straight forward one” in Nanaimo is another $40,000 to $50,000, putting the total cost at around $210,000 plus GST. Final costs would vary depending on delivery costs to more remote locations on the Island or the B.C. Interior and the type of installation required. The homes can also be configured for remote sites to run completely off-grid. Cueva Homes handles all aspects of site preparation, including foundation work, trucking, crane operation and utility connections. Installation for the company’s two show homes took about four days. “You’re looking at a week to two weeks of foundations in, services hooked up and ready to go and then when crane day shows up it’s landed, another day to unpack and set the deck up and that’s it,” Splawski said. The company currently has manufacturing capacity for 100 homes per month, but is still waiting for full CSA certification, expected in early 2026, Stolz said, so the company is taking reservations for sales. City of Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog and chief administrative officer Dale Lindsay have met with the Cueva Homes partners to view the products. “I am excited by what I saw. We need to encourage innovative approaches to meet our housing challenges. This type of housing is definitely a real solution for part of our housing crisis,” Krog said. Lindsay said the city has been encouraging detached secondary suites on properties for a number of years. “With the more recent changes that the province has required for zoning, I think there’s opportunity on many properties in the city to consider additional housing units, whether those be site-built or factory-built homes, that are available to residents and it’s great that people have options to pick from,” Lindsay said. He noted manufactured homes are approved by the Canadian Standards Association and negates the city’s role in permitting for traditional on-site building permitting. “We don’t inspect those units. They’re done at the factory,” Lindsay said. “We provide permitting for siting and making sure that they’re serviced properly. It’s a slightly different role we play, but at the end of the day, more housing opportunities is what everybody wants.”

After reading the article on the group from St Andrew’s Church challenging Sidney mayor and council to spend the night in the cold, I have a challenge for this church and all the churches in Sidney and beyond. Why don’t they look into opening a warming shelter themselves? Do they not have the facilities, such a washrooms and kitchens, along with space sitting empty overnight? Perhaps they could start the process by contacting Broadview Church in Saanich, which has been able to open a warming shelter for this winter. After all, wouldn’t this be the Christian thing to do? Lisa Domshy Saanichton

It’s the elderly women caught up in the war in Ukraine that really get to Darrell McKay. “These people should be relaxing in their senior years and not worrying about missiles coming in or, you know, no heat, no hydro, no water,” McKay says. “These people shouldn’t be going through that, but every war does this, right?” The Campbell Riverite volunteers with an evacuation crew in Ukraine run by a group called East SOS. The group goes to the front in the eastern part of the country under occupation by Russian forces, evacuates people from small towns and villages and puts them on trains to safer areas of Ukraine. Helping them off the bus after they’ve spent hours fleeing the Russian war machine leaving behind their homes and all their possessions in the towns and villages of the eastern Ukraine, McKay is moved by the elderly in particular. “I was helping this elderly lady, she was very old and very little, and we had all of her bags in a pile, and she moved like 10 feet, and went back and forth with her bag,” McKay says. “And I was trying to figure out what she was doing. So she moved 10 feet, moved the bags, moved 10 feet, moved the bags … And at first it was a bit irritating, but I realized that those bags were everything she owned. That was, that was all she had now. So she was very protective of her life and those plastic bags. So seeing, you know, an 85 or 90-year-old person, when their life has just been boiled down to like, five plastic bags. It’s pretty tough to watch.” McKay is currently in Ukraine, the ninth time he’s been there since retiring and deciding that he wanted to help the country after it was invaded by the Russian military in February 2022. This is his second trip this year, going over earlier in September. He has done a variety of jobs during his visits, but this time he is working directly with evacuees, something he had hoped to do right from the start. “My goal when I first went over there was work on an evacuation crew,” he said. “And so, after seven trips, I made it on the evacuation crew.” He is working with a group called East SOS in Pavlograd. The group is made up of professionals from many avenues of life. They help with busloads of people, like senior citizens or young families. A lot of the evacuees have mobility issues and need assistance getting on and off the buses and moved to trains. “It’s pretty tough work but it’s helping mobility challenged people. Whatever we can do. We’ve got carrying aids, we’re carrying seats and wheelchairs and stretchers and we load them up as we can and get them on their way.” The transfer points are right in the face of the war. “It’s getting hit by Kinzhal missiles and drones pretty well every day. Yeah, it’s active, very, very noisy but I’m working with a good crew. They’re awesome.” McKay acknowledges the physicality of the work but says it’s probably more emotionally demanding. The psychological impact often hits you later. “It’s not scary at the time but then when you come home and you digest it, that’s when you start. That’s when it creates a little bit more of a frightening feel to it.” On a recent trip, he was on a train when somebody fired an exploding round into it. “It came through probably 20 feet away from me and blew up in the train hall, right? Like right in front of us … It didn’t register until a couple days later.” McKay draws inspiration from the people he works with. He’s worked with Ukrainian Patriot in the past and through the connections he’s developed over the last four years, he’s joined up with East SOS. “I’ve made some amazing contacts and I tell you, the people I’ve met are just (incredible), it’s probably the biggest impact on my life. I’m 61 years old and the last four years has been pretty, pretty huge in my development and experiences in life. “So these are people that love their life, value their life, but they also risk it by helping others. And they’re not looking for, you know, glory, or, you know, (to be) a hero … they’re just doing it because they know what’s right, and they’re available to do it. And I think some people have a thicker skin. They can deal with some of this tough stuff.” McKay has written a book about his experiences and it reflects his feelings towards his compatriots. It’s entitled “My Time With Heroes” and he will donate the proceeds from the book to Ukraine. (Find it on Amazon or email [email protected]) He hopes to keep the conflict in people’s minds and drive support towards the country. He’s proud of Canada’s role in the conflict and notes that Ukrainians love Canadians. “(When) they know I’m Canadian, right away that door opens up.” McKay believes he’s on the right side of history and he’s still fit and able so he’ll keep doing this for a while. But the plight of the elderly is a particular motivation for him. “I think my weakness is seeing the old people. Yeah that definitely weighs heavy with me. Seeing the old people go through this. I met a 94-year-old lady. She was in a refugee center and I came back seven months later and she was in the same refugee center. So you know, she’s spending the last of her days, you know, in a room for 15 people, bunking down at night with everybody, rather than in her pretty little home.”

Re: Sidney shelter dispute sparks night-in-the-cold challenge, in the Nov. 20 Peninsula News Review. Overnight shelter programs do nothing to alleviate the homeless problem. The current issue of an unresolved shelter for the homeless is indicative of poor management within provincial and local government and some affiliated charitable organizations. It boils down to ineffective strategic planning, and no better example is found within BC Ferries in long-range planning for ship replacement among its fleet. Recent news reported that BC Ferries was ordering four replacement vessels from communist China because domestic or friendly suppliers could not meet the criteria for delivery. Clearly, the board of directors of BC Ferries, who are appointed by the province, lacked adequate due diligence in ensuring adequate planning was in place for replacement vessels. If the province cannot adequately ensure the timely replacement of vessels through essential strategic planning, how will it ever be able to deal with the ever-increasing problem of homeless people? As the homeless issue is going to get worse in the coming years, it is time for our bureaucrats and local charities to look at best-in-class performance, such as the Island Crisis Care Society and its management of Orca Place in Parksville, where qualified homeless persons can rebuild their lives through a 24/7 solution in cooperation with the City of Parksville and BC Housing. Why do we insist that all safety codes required for residential housing be required to be in place for a temporary emergency shelter? Leaving the homeless on the street during extreme weather does not meet any safety code. Anthonie den Boef Sidney

LGBTQ community members and allies gathered this week to mourn and remember transgender people murdered around the globe. In Nanaimo, the Transgender Day of Remembrance was held at Sands Funeral Chapel Cremation and Reception Centre on Thursday, Nov. 20, honouring 281 transgender people who were killed over 12 months between 2024-25. Organized by the Nanaimo Pride Society, Nanaimo’s candlelight vigil also counted lives lost to suicide, bringing the total to 360 – 25 pages of names that were read individually, along with the country they were from and age they died. Lauren Semple, Nanaimo Pride president, spoke at the ceremony, telling attendees the vigil serves to remember all the victims whose lives were taken by anti-transgender violence and hate. “This is not an easy gathering,” Semple said. “The Transgender Day of Remembrance asks as to look directly at loss, to look directly in the eyes of grief and the very real violence that trans, two-spirit, non-binary and gender non-conforming people face in our communities and around the world. “Here in Canada we like to tell ourselves a story that we are safer, that things are good here and in some ways that is true, in some ways there has been progress, but the reality is still very, very hard and uncertain.” Semple quoted a recent national survey [https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-violence/facts-stats.html] that reported trans people were twice as likely as their cisgender counterparts to report unwanted sexual behaviours against them in public, at 58 versus 23 per cent, and three times as likely to report sexual harassment and violence in the workplace, 69 versus 23 per cent. While there are human rights protections in B.C. and Canada, she pointed to a “wave of political attacks” on the rights of trans people, including in Saskatchewan where there is a bill that would discipline school staff for using a trans person’s name or pronouns without parental consent. “In Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith spent this transgender week of awareness using the notwithstanding clause to protect a package of incredibly harmful laws that restrict gender-affirming health care for youths, ban trans girls and women from sports and force schools to out students to their parents. These laws target a tiny, tiny group of young people who already face higher rates of bullying, homelessness and suicide.” Even British Columbia isn’t immune from anti-trans political attacks, she said, pointing to a bill brought forward by One B.C. earlier this year which would have banned puberty blockers and other gender-affirming care for minors, restricted public health coverage for transgender British Columbians and opened up health-care providers to lawsuits for treating trans people. The bill failed at first reading. “The fact that it was tabled here should be warning these ideas are being tested, that the rhetoric is not that far from our doorstep,” Semple said. According to Trans Europe and Central Asia [https://tgeu.org/trans-murder-monitoring-2025-reveals-new-trend-in-anti-trans-violence-systematic-targeting-of-activists-and-movement-leaders/], a trans-led nonprofit which tracks the numbers, this year’s murders show “a dangerous shift” with a growing number of victims being trans movement leaders and activists, accounting for 14 per cent of reported murders. The report notes that this suggests an “attempt to silence those fighting for trans rights worldwide.” Following the ceremony, Semple told the News Bulletin it’s impossible not to feel rage and anger at the need for action. Earlier in the ceremony, she instructed people that while it is important to mourn the dead, people also need to commit to “fight like hell for the living.” “Individual allyship is powerful and important and everyone here tonight was showing that, but it is not enough to change power and change policy,” she said. “That is really where we need to stand up and speak up and help stand for the trans community and get us through what is raking back of rights and increasing violence and hateful rhetoric … If people don’t start speaking up and voting for human rights, for trans rights, when they hit the ballot box, we are going to continue to see this happen and it is only the beginning of the attacks and harm the 2SLGBTQIA-plus community will feel as a whole.” The Transgender Day of Remembrance began in 1999 as a vigil by Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender Massachusetts woman killed in 1998.