What’s Up on Vancouver Island

One person was injured Wednesday, Aug. 13, when an explosion on a vessel anchored in Ladysmith Harbour sparked a blaze. The fire burned through the anchor rope, sending the boat drifting north into the harbour. Black smoke from the fire was visible to motorists on the Island Highway. “The department was notified shortly after 4 p.m. that there was a boat on fire and adrift in the harbour,” said Ladysmith Fire/Rescue (LFR) chief Chris Geiger. “Chief training officer Dan Cross requested a page out of the department.”  Geiger said a boat operator in the harbour managed to attach a line and, after a few attempts, towed the burning boat to Slag Point, where LFR crews extinguished the remaining flames.  “A dinghy, also on fire, was separated from the main boat and came ashore on the other side of the harbour where North Oyster Fire/Rescue dealt with it,” Geiger said. An LFR truck and crew, along with two ambulances, attended the scene. Volunteers from the local Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) as well as the Coast Guard were also on hand to assist.  Ladysmith RCMP detachment commander S/Sgt. Trevor Busch said “I can confirm that the Ladysmith RCMP did respond to this fire and assisted Ladysmith Fire/Rescue, the local Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) as well as the Coast Guard. One male was taken aboard the RCMP vessel, he had minor injuries and was later transferred to RCM-SAR and taken to Emergency Health Services at the government dock.” The cause of the fire has not been determined. It is not yet known if there are environmental impacts.

Comox Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) was busy over the weekend with two call outs for support for the BC Ambulance service (BCEHS).  Volunteers were assisting outdoor enthusiasts including a hiker who sustained injuries while hiking at Therriault Falls near Rosewall Creek on Aug. 24. The hiker, visiting from Vancouver, was on a solo venture along the popular but rugged trail when he slipped and injured himself and then used his cell phone to call for assistance. Paul Berry of the Comox Valley Search and Rescue says his team received a call shortly after 4 p.m. about the hiker, indicating he either had a broken or dislocated shoulder and wasn’t able to walk out. “We responded with both ground teams and air teams and attempted to locate the subject by air in hopes that we could do a long line rescue from that location,” said Berry. Rescuers quickly found that the area wasn’t accessible by air but the helicopter did drop in search volunteers utilizing a long-line. “So it meant moving the subject further downstream to a location where the helicopter could access. However the movement was going to take much longer than the daylight that we had left,” he said. A second helicopter was then dispatched from North Shore Search and Rescue to conduct a night-hoist operation. “North Shore is the only volunteer search and rescue team in the province at the this point that is operating with night vision capability and so they're a busy team. They're busy enough in their own area, but also supporting teams like us when we have a situation like this,” said Berry. CVSAR, supported by Campbell River SAR and 49 North Helicopters, attempted a long-line helicopter rescue. However, due to difficult terrain and approaching darkness, the helicopter was forced to return to base. As always, plans B and C came into play. Additional crews from Arrowsmith SAR (Parksville/Qualicum) were requested, along with a night-hoist operation supported by North Shore Rescue through the Emergency Coordination Centre. Fourteen team members were initially on the rescue but a second page went out for more volunteers as a backup in case the helicopter extraction wasn’t possible. In the end the injured man did get relocated downstream and was then prepared for hoisting. He was flown to the Qualicum Airport where he was transferred to an awaiting ambulance. Search volunteers hiked out of the area back to the main staging area and arrived back at the hall to clean and restock gear shortly before 2 a.m. The Rosewall Creek incident was the second tasking for volunteers over the weekend. On Saturday afternoon they were called to locate and assist a female mountain biker who had crashed and sustained a suspected pelvic fracture. She was riding with her family and unable to walk. CVSAR medical staff treated her before moving her by stretcher to a waiting ambulance.   

Nanaimo firefighters rescued a dog while they were responding to a fire in an apartment building on the weekend. Firefighters were called to an alarm in the 100 block of Haliburton Street on Saturday, Aug. 23.  “Upon arrival there was evacuation of a five-storey, multi-family residential building…” said Troy Libbus, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief of operations. "We noticed light smoke on the second floor in an apartment and they noticed a dog pacing back and forth … in the window." Firefighters accessed the apartment balcony with a ladder and found the balcony door was open. “So we rescued the dog and brought the dog out and then [firefighters] continued on and there was a fire in the kitchen,” Libbus said. “It had open flames on top of the stove and the back splash upon us going in.”  The assistant chief said no one was home, but firefighters were able to contact the home owner, who did have insurance and is temporarily displaced. The fire damaged kitchen appliances and cupboards and required shutting off the electricity. The dog, an Australian shepherd, was unharmed.  Libbus said people should never leave home with cooking on the stove unattended. He also noted that it’s important to have fire insurance and working smoke alarms and to make sure to check them twice a year. The apartment’s smoke alarms were functioning.  The assistant chief noted that the homeowner had placed a sticker on the apartment door indicating there was an animal inside. He said the sticker in this case was from a local veterinary clinic, but they may also be available from pet supply stores. The sticker lists the type of pet, such as dog, cat or bird, that can be checked off to indicate the pets inside.

Championships will be on the line at a 'Back to School' pro wrestling show in Nanaimo. 365 Pro Wrestling is coming to Cedar Community Hall on Sept. 5. "We just see Cedar as a small town that doesn't get any wrestling and we like bringing wrestling everywhere up and down the Island, hitting a lot of towns," said promoter Mike Becherer. The main event will see two fan favourites do battle as Krofton will put his 365 Pro Wrestling Championship on the line against Inferno. "[Krofton] is an Island staple, he's been wrestling here for years and years, he's been up and down the Island … People just seem to love him. He's the everyday man, he's someone everyone can believe in," Becherer said. "Inferno, he is on fire right now, no pun intended. He's tearing up the ranks, people are really loving him and this is his shot at the big belt." Another title match on the card will see Rad Dad defend his 365 Global Championship against past champion Eddie Osbourne. Also, Devon Shooter will take on Sawyer Stein, Van Bruggen will face Zack Andrews, Haviko will take on Good Thelonious, and Josh Cadwell is up against Lak Siddartha. Becherer said good crowd support in places like Cedar brings the wrestlers "another layer of adrenaline" and makes them want to perform well. "Hearing [fans] scream and boo and cheer is what we're all about. We want interaction, we want noise, we want everyone to go there and have a fun time…" he said. "We want you to boo with your parents or cheer with your grandma or however it goes. Lose yourself in some pro wrestling, have a great night and maybe go home talking about it." Bell time is 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $25 or $20 for youths 16 and under. Front-row seats are $30. For more information, visit http://365prowrestling.com [http://365prowrestling.com].

The bass thumped through downtown Victoria on Sunday night, spilling out from the back lot of Phillips Brewing and into the warm August air. In the glow of the setting sun, friends leaned on each other’s shoulders, plastic cups in hand, as the crowd pressed closer to the stage. It was the final night of Phillips Backyard’s “Reverb” festival – three days of sunshine, sweat and songs that have turned a brewery’s parking lot into one of the city’s biggest summer rituals. From Friday to Sunday, 24 acts filled two stages – 15 on the main stage and nine more on the Music BC stage, which spotlighted up-and-coming artists from across the province. This year’s lineup had something for every ear: Peach Pit, Ruby Waters, Mac Sabbath, Phantogram, BØRNS, Danielle Ponder, and the weekend’s closing headliners, The Roots. What started as a modest lot party back in 2013 has grown into a full-scale production. The main stage, now two feet higher, gave fans a better view over the sea of heads that stretched to the limits of the Phillips Backyard.  For Saanich resident Nolan Sams, the festival has become a summer staple. He’s been every year since COVID restrictions lifted, but seeing The Roots live carried a special weight. “I mean look around and tell me that live music isn’t back,” Sams said. “Growing up, music was something that my dad and I could always bond over, and The Roots were one of those bands. This is going to be a core memory.” A few feet away, Victoria local Caroline Henderson was soaking in her first Phillips Backyard experience.  “There wasn’t just one particular act I was looking forward to, more so just getting the chance to see live music and spend a good weekend with my friends,” Henderson said. “Sometimes I forget how much fun live music is, and seeing so many people here proves how important it really is to so many people.” Victoria’s next big festival is just around the corner – Rifflandia, a local staple since 2008, returns to Rock Bay from Sept. 11-14.

When the dome of the Plaskett Telescope opens, it won't just be eyes looking up to the celestial heavens. The haunting voices of around 20 choral singers will also carry upwards during Vox in the Stars, one of Victoria's most unique concert experiences, taking place Sept. 5-7 in the world-renowned Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. "The sound in the dome is amazingly resonant, akin to, for instance, an ancient cathedral," describes Vox Humana Chamber Choir artistic director David Stratkauskas. "The atmosphere of this historic observatory, on top of the hill, under the skies, is quite literally otherworldly! It's almost a religious experience." Sitting atop Observatory Hill in Saanich, the dome of the 106-year-old Plaskett Telescope has been the scene of Vox in the Stars concerts going back to at least 2013. This year, Vox Humana Chamber Choir performs a cappella – except for a song that involves a violist – under the dome's open roof, singing music that explores themes of astronomy, science, the majesty of the heavens and our place in the cosmos. The choir uses new pieces each year, with this year's repertoire including two special pieces by Victoria composers: Christine Donkin’s evocative Aurora for choir and viola, and Chris Sivak’s newly composed Star Light, Star Bright. To recreate the majesty of space in music, Sivak used various musical techniques in his composition, including a trick called 'extensor notes'. This is where the choir sings a smooth melodic line, while sections of the choir break off and sing decaying rhythmic figures. "The intent is to sonically paint the image of shooting stars flying across the sky. It's a pretty magical effect," he said. He described the composition as a labour, both of relentlessness and of joy, that involved workshopping the piece with two other choirs. voxhumana2024-4-of-13 [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/saanich/2025-july/voxhumana2024-4-of-13.jpg;w=960] Vox in the Stars takes place at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, which boasts the 106-year-old Plaskett Telescope. Ben Dorman What remains true today, as any time in history, is the way that art and science complement one another, particularly when it comes to the awe that the cosmos inspires. "It's interesting to note that many astronomers and scientists over the years have not only had a strong sense of awe and wonder – and choral music communicates this sense beautifully – but many have also been keen musicians," Stratkauskas said. "And of course, for thousands of years, there was a belief that music and science were closely related – it's said that Pythagoras thought that the celestial bodies made music." He hopes that the concerts will help raise awareness for the "wonderful education and outreach" done by the Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory.  Eventbrite [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/vox-humana-chamber-choir-presents-vox-in-the-stars-tickets-1485274549159] tickets for the concert, which runs Sept. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m., are $45 for general admission and free for ages 25 and under. The observatory is located at 5071 West Saanich Rd.  More can be learned about the observatory at https://centreoftheuniverse.org [https://centreoftheuniverse.org/].

Fifty-two births, 244 deaths, 141 weddings and five – possibly seven – serial killers. Not the latest statistics for downtown Victoria, but the colourful history of a fictional cobbled street in northern England. Coronation Street – or “Corrie” to its legion of fans – has been dishing out drama, scandal and Betty’s Hotpot for 65 years, earning a Guinness World Record as the longest-running television soap opera. In the U.K., an average of four million Brits tune in three times a week to catch the latest twists and turns in the lives of Weatherfield’s working-class residents.  While across the Atlantic, Canadian audiences are just as loyal, with an average of 532,000 viewers glued to each episode on CBC. It’s also been a fixture in CBC Gem’s top three programs since the streaming service launched in 2018. But it’s not just on the sofa where Canadian fans get their Corrie fix. For almost 20 years, the cobbles of Weatherfield have stretched all the way to Canadian stages. Stars of Coronation Street have crossed the Atlantic to tour from Halifax to Vancouver Island, packing theatres and delighting fans in more than 170 shows – selling an estimated 50,000 tickets along the way. In 2012, Corrie royalty William Roache – suave lothario Ken Barlow since episode one in 1960 and now, at 93, the Guinness World Record holder as the longest-serving television star in a continuous role – toured Canada to a rock star welcome, even meeting then-prime minister Stephen Harper. That same enthusiasm for the show is still going strong to this day.  Joe Duttine, better known as Tim Metcalfe, brought his northern charm to Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre and Vancouver's York Theatre in January this year, selling out both venues faster than you can say “another pint please, love.” Now, to mark the soap’s 65th anniversary, actors Mikey North (Gary Windass) and Ryan Prescott (Ryan Connor) will soon bring a slice of Weatherfield to the west coast, swapping the Rovers Return pub for Victoria’s Vic Theatre on Aug. 23 and Vancouver’s York Theatre on Aug. 24. On stage, the pair will spill stories and secrets from behind the scenes of the iconic TV soap in a hosted interview, with plenty of laughs – and a chance for folks to ask their own questions. 250812susankargelrolfkargel [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/victoria/2025-august/250812susankargelrolfkargel.jpeg;w=960] Central Saanich residents Susan and Rolf Kargel pull a pint in the Rovers Return pub as part of the Coronation Street Experience tour in Manchester, U.K. Courtesy of Susan Kargel Among the audience in Victoria will be Central Saanich resident Susan Kargel, who remembers first watching Corrie as a young teenager, back when the drama played out in black and white. It was the thick Manchester accents, unusual colloquialisms and brash personalities that first pulled Kargel into the world of Coronation Street. “Growing up in Ottawa, I wasn't exposed to British people … it was like a whole new world, it just fascinated me,” she said.  “It's almost like being able to travel to another part of the world, putting yourself in their living room, their kitchen or pub without leaving your armchair.” Hooked by this glimpse into a “foreign lifestyle,” Kargel quickly became invested in the characters and their stories, which veer from laugh-out-loud ridiculous to unexpectedly poignant. “I never take it seriously, but I do remember some really tragic storylines that really hit you deep down … maybe something that you could relate to personally, or experiences that your family could relate to,” she says. Now retired and approaching 70, Kargel makes Corrie part of her nightly routine, sometimes joined by husband Rolf, who dips in and out of the show when the mood takes him – under one firm household rule. “I’ve told him he’s not allowed to ask questions until the commercials are on or until the show is over,” Kargel says with a laugh. Recently, the couple jumped at the chance to step onto the cobbles themselves, signing up for the Coronation Street Experience in Manchester, U.K., before embarking on a Scandinavian cruise. They toured the exterior set, explored replica interiors of Roy’s Rolls and the Rovers Return, and even met Channique Sterling-Brown, who has played Dee-Dee Bailey since 2022. “Honestly, it was pretty cool,” said Kargel about her peak behind the scenes. As for why Corrie continues to resonate in Canada, Kargel thinks it could be tied to the country’s Commonwealth connection to Britain. “Or the fact that we have a lot of Brits here in Canada, or a lot of Canadians who have British relatives,” she adds. 250812susankargelrolfkargel3 [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/victoria/2025-august/250812susankargelrolfkargel3.jpg;w=960] The residents of the small row of terraced houses on Coronation Street have been entertaining audiences across the world for 65 years. Courtesy of Susan Kargel Host of the upcoming Victoria and Vancouver shows Neville MacKay agrees with Kargel’s theory. For him, Coronation Street isn’t just television – it’s family history.  Raised in Nova Scotia by a British war bride mother and surrounded by other strong British women, the show was part of the wallpaper of his childhood – Corrie’s instantly recognizable theme tune a signal that it was bedtime. “Everyone watched it,” he says. “And those that say they didn’t, I call BS, because your mother or grandmother did, and you sat there with them and you watched.” MacKay has been watching for more than 50 years, hooked on its mix of grit, humour and heart. He loves that Corrie keeps older actors front and centre, embraces imperfect looks and has always celebrated strong women.  “They’re as common as muck, the bunch of them,” he says. “None of them are pretentious, most of them as poor as church mice, so there’s no looking up to them – and that’s so refreshing compared to other ‘grand’ shows.” His enthusiasm spills into his work – he has hosted more than 70 fan events in Canada and, for over 15 years, has led tours to northern England, culminating in visits to the show’s set.  His role gives him a unique insight into the Canadian fandom. At theatre shows, it’s clear the Corrie-watching tradition is something that continues to be passed down from one generation to the next. “You see people from the womb to the tomb who watch it,” quips MacKay, his quick wit reminiscent of Corrie's legendary battleaxe Blanche Hunt, who once told her long-suffering ex-jailbird daughter, “Good looks are a curse Deirdre – you and Kenneth should count yourselves lucky." For MacKay, the show’s charm is simple: real people, good humour and the occasional surprise.  “You never know who’s going to die, cry, get slapped, beaten up or fall in the canal –  and that's what keeps you on the edge of your seat.” 250731mikeynorthcoronation [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/victoria/2025-july/250731mikeynorthcoronation.jpg;w=960] Coronation Street's Mikey North aka Gary Windass, will be visiting Victoria in August. Supplied by Stroll Promotions For Coronation Street stars, nothing quite prepares them for the devotion of Canadian fans.  Actor North suspects Corrie’s enduring Canadian popularity stems from the many British expats who have settled here. But whatever the reason, the reception is always the same – warm and unmistakably Canadian. “They're so knowledgeable about the show," he says. "They know more than me, and I'm in the show.” On past visits, North’s been recognized everywhere from Victoria to Vancouver – even invited for an impromptu tour of BC Place ahead of the Women’s World Cup final in 2015. A lifelong Maple Leafs fan, one career highlight came far from the cobbles – seeing his face on the jumbotron at a game and hearing the arena erupt in cheers. “And I'm amazed at that," he says. “That's made my career a couple of times. It's amazing for me that we can travel across the pond and people still know who we are. “I guess that's a testament to the show, that it’s stood the test of time.” Since swaggering onto the street as resident bad boy Gary Windass in 2008, North's alter ego has ticked off nearly every soap trope imaginable. He's been to prison, served in the army, fathered two children, tied the knot with the local widowed hairdresser, killed a loan shark in self-defence, and even sabotaged the roof of a knicker factory, causing more death and destruction on the cobbles – all before turning 40. But North wouldn’t have it any other way, especially when there’s action involved. “It's always nice playing a baddy,” he says. “The best part of the job for me is the stunt side of things … fight scenes, gun scenes and car crash scenes and things like that.” The most recent twist saw North’s character left in a coma by a mystery attacker, which at first sounded like the easiest acting gig in soap history. “When I read the scripts that I was going to be in coma for a few weeks, I thought, 'Great, I can just sleep at work',” he said. “But as I've come to realize, keeping your eyes shut and not have your eyes flicker is really difficult ... we had to redo so many scenes because my eyes were flickering." Thankfully, Gary survived – for now – and North hopes he can keep dodging the Grim Reaper’s all-too-frequent visits to Weatherfield. “That’s the north of England for you,” he jokes. But North hints that danger may soon be stalking the street’s residents yet again. Marking a first in British soap history, an upcoming storyline will see the world of Coronation Street collide with fellow long-running drama Emmerdale, in a special crossover episode. “I don’t know if I'm involved in that yet, but I think there's going to be a lot of deaths, so I'm sort of hoping that I'm not,” he says with a hopeful laugh. For more information about the upcoming 65th anniversary show in Victoria and Vancouver, visit: strollpro.ca [https://strollpro.ca/]. Tickets are available for purchase through Ticketscene: www.ticketscene.ca [http://www.ticketscene.ca/list.php?q=coronation].

Victoria’s Inner Harbour will come alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of the Caribbean later this month as i-Land Fest expands to a three-day celebration. The free festival, running Aug. 29-31 at Ship Point, will feature live music, dancing, food vendors, artisan markets and cultural exhibits. Organized by the Vancouver Island Caribbean Hub, the event is growing from previous years to offer more performances and activities. The festival opens Friday with a steel pan showcase featuring bands from Vancouver. Evening ticketed events include GLOW, a Caribbean dance party at Ambrosia Banquet Hall on Friday, and the Official After Party at Wicket Hall on Saturday. Saturday’s highlights include a carnival parade along Government Street, ending at Ship Point.  Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a kids zone, traditional Caribbean board games, 35 artisan and community vendors, and a cultural exhibit on Caribbean history and heritage. Headliners include Toronto soca artist Jaxx and Barbados performer Hypasounds on Saturday night, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Benjai on Sunday night. For more information, visit vicaribbeanhub.com [http://vicaribbeanhub.com].

Dallas Smith is hitting the road with a tour that strips away the lights and production, leaving just the music, the stories, and the audience – and Greater Victoria will get its own intimate taste this October. The Canadian country music star will perform as part of the Dallas Smith and his Band: One Night Only "Unplugged" Tour, with special guest Brock Phillips. Smith will make six stops on Vancouver Island, including two trips to the region, as part of a massive 51-show Canadian tour spanning 72 days. The tour kicks off on Oct. 3 in Fort St. John and wraps up Dec. 14 in Belleville, Ont., hitting every province in Canada except Newfoundland and Labrador. Despite the packed schedule, Smith is eager to connect with fans in a more personal setting. "There’s something special about taking it all back to the songs, the stories, and the raw connection that happens when it’s just you, your long-time band, and the audience. I can’t wait to bring this experience across Canada, and for you to see what we have in store," Smith said via social media. The 47-year-old is a three-time CCMA entertainer of the year and a two-time Juno Award winner. He also serves as lead singer of Canadian rock band Default, which formed in Vancouver in 1999 and built a devoted cult following. "I've always chosen and written songs with challenging vocals that I love to sing," Smith says in his YouTube bio. Smith’s country career took off in 2012 with his album 'Jumped Right In', followed by four more albums, most recently the self-titled 'Dallas Smith' in 2023. Over his career, he has accumulated 21 Gold-certified singles, nine platinum singles, four Gold albums, and more than 640 million global streams. Island stops include the Charlie White Theatre in Sidney on Oct. 14, the McPherson Playhouse in Victoria on Oct. 15, Tidemark Theatre in Campbell River on Oct. 16, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre in Duncan on Oct. 17, Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay on Oct. 18, and Nanaimo’s Port Theatre on Oct. 19. Smith is also one of the featured artists on this year's live television CCMA Awards show on CTV on Sept. 13.

It was a rainy, almost bleak evening at Macaulay Point Park in Esquimalt on Aug. 14, but that only enhanced the whimsical, post-apocolyptic scene that permeated it. New Earth Bandits 2, a theatrical experience running Aug. 14-17 and 21-24, is put on by SNAFU and is unlikely to be like anything you've ever seen. In the waterfront park, featuring remnants of a historic military outpost, audiences can explore – at their own pace –  a theme park of futuristic characters. Whether emerging from a tunnel to the sounds of singing, or twisting around a wall of blackberry bushes, theatre pops from all corners, as certain characters weave between scenes and dreamt-up worlds. "It's very curious," one audience member was overheard saying. Others gleefully participated, joining characters in dancing, role play or improv exchanges. Co-artistic director Kathleen Greenfield said there is an "immersive, scavenger-hunt feel to the show" and that audiences can experience it in new, different ways each time. SNAFU worked with a number of community groups to imagine what possible new worlds await the human race 5,000 years in the future. Collaborators include artists on parole, Latin American artists, and artists of all abilities from the Embrace Foundation.  In a past interview with Victoria News, Greenfield clarified that New Earth Bandits is not a post-apocalyptic play: rather, it’s about a generative and imaginative world-building. Amid themes of destruction, foxes laid out persian rugs inviting audience members to dance, a hilarious green knight challenged a stranger to a duel, and there were many fantastical costumes, ranging from hobbit-like to mythological. But, of course, it was impossible to see it all, and that was part of the magic. BREAKING NEW TERRITORY IN VICTORIA THEATRE Creating a show with so many elements meant there was a lot to experiment with when New Earth Bandits premiered last year. Greenfield said important things were learned in that production that influenced this year's show.   "I learned that it is most exciting when there are things going on everywhere in the park, but to investigate clear ways to invite the audience to the 'next thing' so they aren't left for too long without a performance to see," she said.    While this style of show might be novel for many audience members, for SNAFU, innovation has always been the name of the game. The company has been creating site-specific theatre since 2006. Greenfield said she's always been "interested in finding new ways to tell stories. "I find it challenging to sit in a dark theatre listening to people recite text, so New Earth Bandits is offering a new way to experience art as a community."  

The Strathcona Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is proud to welcome Keni Fusé as the new Music Director to the communities of the Comox Valley, Campbell River and surrounding areas. Fusé performed with some of the world’s greatest musical artists while in his position as Principal Viola with the Victoria Symphony. Artists include Yo-Yo Ma, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Celine Dion, Rosemary Clooney, James Ehnes, Nelly Furtado, and Angela Hewitt as well as performances with the Vancouver Symphony, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. He has taught at the University of Victoria, the Victoria Conservatory of Music, Comox Valley Youth Music Centre, and coaches the viola section of the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra. “I am extremely honoured and excited to conduct the SSO and during my brief audition time with the musicians, I enjoyed their wonderful attitude and willingness to learn and adapt quickly to my performance suggestions,” said Fusé. “I feel that great things can be accomplished by the SSO musicians in the upcoming season and over the next several years,” he said. “I also feel a drive to promote quality orchestral music to Canadian communities, and the Comox Valley seems like a perfect spot to receive this music, and for me to give something back to the orchestra in terms of support.” “I am also hoping to write a piece or two for the orchestra, as I get to know the musicians better,” said Fusé. “This opportunity really excites the creative musician inside me.” In the 2025/26 season, Fusé is looking at focusing on the orchestra performing some of the masterpieces of the repertoire, such as Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 and some iconic Canadian composers.  He will also be conducting one of his favourite pieces, Kodály’s Háry János Suite. For more information about the SSO, the beginner/intermediate string ensemble, Hello Strings!, becoming a sponsor, or joining the orchestra, please visit www.strathconasymphony.ca [http://www.strathconasymphony.ca] or email strathconasymphony@gmail.com [strathconasymphony@gmail.com]. The upcoming winter concerts will be held at Courtenay’s Filberg Centre on Dec. 6 and 7.  Tickets will be available on the SSO website closer to the performance dates.  

Sail into a new read with Calm Harbour, Turbulent Seas from Ucluelet author Shirley Martin who will be signing copies of her new book at Volume One Bookstore in Duncan on August 23. "I am very excited about coming to Duncan to promote my new book," said Martin. "Volume One is a lovely bookstore, and I am looking forward to being there to chat with people about west coast history, and about writing Calm Harbour, Turbulent Seas. Martin has lived in Ucluelet since 1951 as it was where she was born and raised and has strong west coast roots and connections to it. Aside from the four years she spent attending the University of Victoria and another three years upon graduation in our capital. Ucluelet has always been her home.  "I love," said Martin. "It was a great decision to return home, and to raise our children in Ucluelet, to spend our working years here, and now, to enjoy our retirement years here on the west coast." Martin was inspired to write her new book after first noticing a gap on bookshelves when it came to west coast history books. "Before mine, there has been no comprehensive history of Ucluelet written, and I saw the need to preserve and share the fascinating history of Ucluelet and area, " said Martin. "The name Calm Harbour, Turbulent Seas has a literal meaning, as our harbour is protected, but just offshore mariners frequently experience turbulent and dangerous seas – we live along the area known as the Graveyard of the Pacific, which has seen many a shipwreck. Also, the name of Ucluelet comes from the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ people, and means “people of the safe harbour.” Martin says the book also comes with a metaphorical meaning, as throughout Ucluelet’s history there have been turbulent times, including the catastrophic effects of colonialism on the local First Nations, wartime and internment of Ucluelet Japanese Canadian citizens, disruption of resource industries such logging and fishing, and the changes wrought with the transition to tourism. Her new book which was published by Harbour Publishing and released on July 22 of this year is already on the BC Bestsellers list. "I was thrilled that Harbour Publishing agreed to publish my book, and I am so excited about it making the BC Bestsellers list," said Martin."That feels like the icing on the cake." Martin's new book covers aspects of early First Nations history as Ucluelet sits on the Traditional territory of the nuučaan̓uł people. It tells of the arrival of fur traders, whalers and missionaries and the resultant cataclysmic changes and how Ucluelet went from once a resource-based industry then shifting into tourism, which brought yet another period of adjustment. "There is naturally a strong marine component, with tales of shipwrecks, lifeboats, and the building of Amphitrite lighthouse," said Martin. "Transportation was key, first by ship, late planes, and finally, the long-awaited road." For more information visit harbourpublishing.com [https://harbourpublishing.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorbNiBlsNznj4Zi39LbCBiVrQvgX_6OJRARaPNgilhhOhsEilR4], or if your are in Duncan this Saturday hit the road to Volume One Books where Martin will be signing copies from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. "I hope readers of my book gain an insight into the rich and vibrant history of this area, and that decisions about the future of Ucluelet are informed with consideration of the past," said Martin.

Early on Sunday morning, artists will gather with coffee in one hand and original art in the other, ready to greet visitors as Ladysmith’s First Avenue is transformed into the 27th annual Arts on the Avenue festival—a colourful, pedestrian-only celebration running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 24. The festival, presented each year by Ladysmith Arts, has grown into one of Vancouver Island’s most anticipated summer art shows, bringing together more than 60 artisans who set up along the main street downtown to showcase their work. Attendees will find everything from original paintings and photography to jewellery, carving, fabric art, pottery and whimsical wearables.  Wandering through the booths, you may encounter a rustic willow chair from Andrew Kent, delicate glasswork from Diane Brinton, or bright, cheerful mixed-media paintings by Cara Weisner. Local favourites such as painter Ellen Brandson, known for her fearless abstracts, and Jennifer O’Brien, a multidisciplinary artist working in oils, acrylic, watercolour and ceramics, will be there alongside newcomers offering fresh perspectives. The artistic mix is part of the appeal. Visitors can pick up a handcrafted guitar or ukulele from award-winning maker Bruce Whittington, pause at Dead Ringer Purses by Arielle Bonsor for reclaimed-leather bags with a spooky edge, or admire the detailed wildlife portraits burned into wood by Meghan Robertson.  For those drawn to functional art, there are hand-built pottery pieces, carved wooden spoons, and contemporary jewellery in silver, gold and reclaimed metals. With so many booths, festival-goers are encouraged to browse the lineup online in advance and plan their route. But Arts on the Avenue is more than a market. It’s a day-long event filled with music, food and opportunities to watch artists at work.  Live music fills the street throughout the day, with performances ranging from Scott Rainone and Charlotte Wright’s dynamic vocals to the Copper Canyon Band’s classic country and early rock ’n’ roll. Nice Verdes bring Latin-inspired melodies, SueMack Music offers harmonized covers of everything from Radiohead to The Tragically Hip, while Sarah Leo adds indie-folk charm and Dos Cabezas rounds it out with pop, soft rock and originals. Families can stop by the youth art zone, where young creators get their moment to shine, or watch demonstrations by working artists.  The always-popular paint competition returns, giving three emerging artists just one hour to create a work of art based on a surprise theme. Spectators watch the process unfold and then get to vote on the winner, adding a fun, interactive element. There are fresh offerings too. New food vendors this year include Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream and Victoria’s Greek n’ Go, alongside Ladysmith’s own cafés and restaurants. The Ladysmith Downtown Business Association will host its annual sidewalk sale, while Bayview Brewing anchors the celebration with a beer garden — an ideal spot to relax and soak up the day. One tradition that sets Arts on the Avenue apart is the guest artist program. Each year, organizers highlight one creator, offering festival-goers a chance to go beyond casual browsing and connect with an artist’s process and perspective. This year’s guest artist is Nanaimo-based painter and interior designer Patti Ransom, whose abstract mixed-media canvases combine bold colour and textured layers. Her work, often inspired by Italy and Vancouver Island’s coastal light, is about mood and memory as much as materials. “I am endlessly fascinated by how colour can alter a mood, how a single bold line can anchor a scene or how layers of texture reveal traces of memory beneath the surface,” Ransom said. “Through my work, I hope to offer viewers a pause, an exhale, a sense that something familiar has been seen anew.” Organizers describe her paintings as an invitation to slow down and notice subtle rhythms of light, form and texture. Ransom’s work is also featured at the Ladysmith Gallery. For longtime attendees, Arts on the Avenue is as much about atmosphere as it is about acquisitions. It’s the easy rhythm of strolling down a closed-off main street, meeting makers face-to-face, listening to music drift from one end to the other, and pausing to watch a painter’s brush in action. It’s the conversations on the street, the scent of food from local vendors, and the chance to find a piece of art that sparks stories long after the festival. Arts on the Avenue serves as a creative reminder that art is not only something to hang on a wall, but something to experience together in the heart of town. The full lineup of artists and musicians is available online at www.artsontheavenue.ca [https://www.artsontheavenue.ca].  

Award-winning author JP McLean conjures up witches and warlocks with an abundance of magic in her upcoming release, ‘The Never Witch’. The Denman Island writer is starting a new series.   Like her previous urban fantasy novels, ‘The Never Witch’ is set on Canada’s west coast.  “Today, it’s more important than ever to celebrate being Canadian. It’s why I use Canadian English and set my books north of the 49th parallel,” McLean said. “Readers love finding familiar shops and sites in the novels.”  ‘The Never Witch’ is the first in what will become the Thorne Witch series. It tells the story of Adeline Thorne, a witch who has no powers until a warlock on the run drops his magic into her. The thrilling action turns on a struggle between the witch and the warlock, who will stop at nothing to get his powers back again. This is McLean’s 11th novel. Her first seven-book series, opening with ‘Secret Sky’, features a woman who discovers she can fly; and the second three-book series, beginning with ‘Blood Mark’, is about a woman who carries magical and mysterious birthmarks. This prolific author clearly has a vivid imagination. When asked why she chose to write about witches, McLean said she enjoys creating new twists on old magical tropes. “There are endless possibilities when it comes to magic. It’s pure escapism.”  JP McLean will sign books for ‘The Never Witch’ book launch at the following locations: Abraxas Books on Denman Island, Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Blue Heron Books in Comox, Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Fireside Books in Parksville, Saturday, October 11, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mulberry Books in Qualicum, Friday, October 17, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Coles Driftwood Mall, Saturday, October 18, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  McLean is a three-time winner of the Literary Titan Book Award and has garnered many other accolades for her work, including Honorable Mention in the national Whistler Independent Book Awards.  Learn more about JP McLean on her website, jpmcleanauthor.com [http://jpmcleanauthor.com].

Nanaimo pop star Lauren Spencer Smith was on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week, singing about how karma can catch up. The 21-year-old singer appeared as the musical guest on the late-night talk show Tuesday, Aug. 19, performing If Karma Doesn't Get You (I Will) from her 2025 album The Art of Being a Mess.  Spencer Smith is about to start a world tour for The Art of Being a Mess in September, making stops in major cities such as Amsterdam, London, Sydney and Los Angeles until March.  The Jimmy Kimmel Live episode was hosted by comedian Tiffany Haddish and also saw special guests Adam Scott from Severance and the cast of Tiffany Haddish Goes Off, Selena Martin, Sparkle Clark and Shermona Long. The episode can be watched on www.abc.com or Prime video.

Victoria rock band Three Sailing Wait will be back on stage this weekend, playing the Phoenix Bar & Grill on Saturday (Aug. 23), with Conjure Hand Music and Odd Sum Band. The show comes the day after the group put out its latest release, a six-song EP called Marsec Level 2. The four-piece started out in a less-than-traditional setting, playing curling bonspiels at the Victoria Curling Club. From there, they found themselves performing at several Victoria Royals games and slowly building up a catalogue of original music. “We started out just playing the music we loved, but the more we played together, the more we wanted to write our own stuff,” said Cam, who handles vocals and bass. “This EP is the result of that, a chance to put down what we’ve been working on and share it with people.” Recording took place in a rented red cabin outside Duncan, nicknamed “Little Red.” Each room became part of the setup, with amps stashed in the kitchen and bathrooms and drums filling the living room.  “It was just a weekend of rocking out, capturing everything we’d been writing, then refining it later,” Cam said. “It was a blast.” The band is particularly excited to share Bureaucrat Boogie, a track that Cam says will resonate in Victoria. “It’s our only boogie and we hope it gets the dance floor moving. A lot of us are public servants, so it’s kind of an ode to the people you see streaming downtown every morning," he said.  The set will also feature the live debut of a brand new song, Cease and Desist. “If you like rock and roll and sticking it to the man a little, you’ll like this one,” Cam said. Three Sailing Wait will play in the middle of Saturday’s lineup, with Odd Sum Band opening and Conjure Hand Music closing out the night. Doors open at 8 p.m. with a $15 cover at the door. “It’s going to be a high-energy night with three great Victoria bands,” Cam said. “We’re excited to celebrate the EP and have a raucous time with everyone.”

When it comes to an artistic challenge, imagine the sorcery it takes to weave together ancient folklore, 19th-century ballet traditions and even a touch of Hollywood magic into one seamless spectacle. That’s exactly what Ballet Victoria’s artistic director Paul Destrooper is conjuring in his newest full-length creation: Aladdin [https://www.balletvictoria.ca/aladdin-2025/]. “It’s a show that has everything in it – beauty, drama, humour, brilliant dancing,” says Destrooper, who’s leveraging the magic of Disney and the enduring pull of the Aladdin story to draw audiences into a world of wonder. “Anything that Disney has done is already going to be the general vernacular of knowledge. From there, of course, we’re doing something completely original and new.” Described by Ballet Victoria as “fierce dancing,” the spectacle places bravura front and centre. Destrooper’s choreography demands technical fearlessness, intensity and playfulness. The score casts a wide net, spanning the opulence of 19th-century ballet and the sweep of contemporary cinema. Audiences will hear the fire of Saint-Saëns and Borodin, the lyrical grace of Minkus, Rimsky-Korsakov and even parts of Hans Zimmer’s Dune soundtrack. The combination gives the production a rich musical texture that is at once familiar and fresh. The ballet’s playfulness is no accident. Destrooper points to Disney’s Aladdin – and especially Robin Williams’s legendary turn as the Genie – as inspiration for the comic energy he wants on stage. “The humour was absolutely brilliant, right?" Destrooper says. “He basically ad-libbed that whole part when they were making the movie. So I think that aligns well with the sense of humour that I like to have in my production.” Visually, Aladdin will stretch Ballet Victoria’s stagecraft. Projection artistry by Jason King provides a shifting backdrop that expands the world of the piece, while the set design builds an immersive stage environment. Costumes inspired by the richness of Arabian folklore heighten the sense of mystery and magic, transporting audiences straight into the pages of One Thousand and One Nights. Yet even with the colour and spectacle, Destrooper aims to never lose sight of balance.  The result is a production that honours ballet’s heritage while boldly updating it. With bravura movement, contemporary flair and flashes of humour, Aladdin promises to be more than a fairy-tale ballet. It’s an adventure in dance and storytelling that invites audiences to believe, if only for an evening, in a little magic. Performances run Friday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Royal Theatre. Learn more at balletvictoria.ca/aladdin-2025 [https://www.balletvictoria.ca/aladdin-2025/], and for tickets, visit rmts.bc.ca [https://www.rmts.bc.ca/production-detail-pages/2025-royal-theatre/aladdin/].  

Unfortunately all things must come to an end. For Ladysmith its most recent claim to fame, Resident Alien, has ceased to be. We believe that almost everyone, locally, has at least heard about the show. Yes Resident Alien is (was) a TV show that was filmed in Ladysmith. One of the strangest things, about the show, was seeing the old Travellers Hotel turned into a city hall and sheriff’s office or Barnacle Barnies, on the outside, transformed into a saloon called the 59ers. The story was about an alien whose space craft crashes to earth, in Colorado, near a small town called Patience (Ladysmith). His goal was to wipe out the human race. To start his task he kills a local doctor and takes on his form and identity. During his time and experiences he has to deal with his own moral struggles because of his mission. Over the 36 episodes, over four seasons, the alien, played by Alan Tudyk, develops compassion for humanity and ends up defending them from other extraterrestrial threats. Episodes showcased elements of science fiction, comedy, and drama, with off-shoot stories of identity, morality, family and human connection. When choosing Ladysmith, as a location, Ken Brooker the location manager, said “In general, I think it's a good thing to note that we chose over and over again to return to Ladysmith. It's a massive financial commitment to move the shooting unit around...and just crossing the strait is a logistical challenge and the cost is extreme... so there must be a reason to do it. The fact is that Ladysmith offered a great look, and the community a great partner in the process. The support of businesses and residents alike was key to making that whole thing work.” To find out how residents of Ladysmith feel about the show, featuring their town, being cancelled, the Chronicle went out to ask some opinions. Here are a few. Krista Aurala: We watched it and liked it. Sorry to hear it is cancelled. Kara Olson: I am devastated with this news....I love the show! I’m not even a sci-fi type of person. Jan Christenson: Sorry, never watched it. Jacquie Chellew: I did start watching the first season of Resident Alien when it first came out and was really enjoying it. Sci-fi isn’t usually my thing, but I was pleasantly surprised — it was light, humorous, and easy to get into. I don’t watch a lot of television in general, and life circumstances put it on hold for me, but I still hope to catch up on it this winter. Rod Alsop: I actually haven’t seen it. I’ve heard it’s really good, so I’m going to have to try and see some of the episodes. John deLeeuw: I watched the first couple of seasons and it was funny. Somewhat aimed at a specific crowd and I’m not a sci-fi fan but have heard lots of folks talk about it. “From a tourism perspective, the show has definitely had an impact,” was also a statement from Chellew, who is the administrative assistant at the Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Information Centre. "It’s a real draw for visitors. Many ask about it when they come through town, whether just in passing or because they’ve come here specifically due to the show.” The summer students have created a brochure that highlights filming locations, with side-by-side photos showing how the spots appear in the show versus real life. “Resident Alien certainly has a loyal following, and people always love hearing what it’s like when filming is happening in town,” Chellew said. According to the television rating organization Parrot Analytics the audience demand for Resident Alien is 21.9 times the demand of the average TV series in the United States. Episodes of Resident Alien can be found on the SyFy channel or the first three seasons are available on Netflix.

There was always music in Holly Cole’s home. “In my family, both my parents were classical piano players, and we always sang at home, said Cole. “We just had music surrounding us all the time.” The type of music that surrounded Cole, however, was not the sort that would capture her soul in the end. “My brother had decided to study jazz piano in Boston and when I was 15 years old, I hitchhiked from New Brunswick to Boston to see him, without actually asking permission to go,” Cole says. “When I heard jazz or the first time, I was swept off my feet.” It was quite a departure from the defined structures and forms that characterized her early musical exposure and training. “The music had so much freedom. I mean, I love classical music now, but at the time I didn’t. My parents had been educating my ears with one form of music and when I heard jazz, I figured that jazz was classical for the kids who were a little bit bad.” “I don’t think we ever do the same song the same way twice. Every performance is fresh and a new challenge. The spirit of improvisation that captured Cole’s imagination those many years ago has never left her and has made her multi-award-winning, internationally renowned jazz artist. “It was that spirit of improv … with jazz you could make a personal statement, and I loved that. I still love it,” Cole says. “I don’t think we ever do the same song the same way twice. Every performance is fresh and a new challenge. Sure, you could ‘phone in a show’ and do the same thing over and over, but that’s not what it’s about and no one wants to hear that.” Cole has captured that fresh approach to every performance in her latest studio album, Dark Moon. Released in January of this year, the music is fresh and spontaneous, and Cole’s smoky, sultry voice delivers the smart arrangements in a way that has never been heard before. “I wanted this album to be spontaneous. We did very little advance rehearsal and the songs were incredibly fresh for us. The band I play with are amazingly talented and I wanted to hear the sound they would make when that recording light went on. It worked.” That band, featuring Aaron Davis on piano, George Koller on bass, Davide Direnzo on drums, John Johnson on saxophone and Kevin Bright on guitar are all amazing musicians in their own right. “All of these guys are multi-instrumentalists,” Cole says. “Doing Dark Moon with them has been an absolute joy.” For Cole, Dark Moon and the jazz life in general has been a natural fit. “I’ve always been a lover of the night,” Cole says. “I remember when I was sick with the croup when I was very young and my father bundled me up and put me on his shoulders and we walked around the neighbourhood in the middle of the night. “I was amazed that it had been transformed into this mystical, deserted land that was lit only by the moon. I could feel the moist Nova Scotia sea air soothe my sore throat and as I looked out into the moonlit night, it seemed like magic to me,” she recalls. “These days I still love that world and most nights I won’t go to bed until about 4:30 in the morning. I belong in the night and I think that jazz sort of does as well.” Holly Cole will be appearing at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo as part of the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival. Tickets for the Sept.13 show are available at porttheatre.com/events/holly-cole-2025/.

For Connie Kaldor, the stage is a canvas and, without exception, her every performance paints a passionate, magical, musical masterpiece. “I come alive when I’m on a stage,” Kaldor says. “And the audience is what makes it happen. The electricity and the magic of what you do live can’t be duplicated in a studio. On stage you can laugh with the audience … or you can cry or dream.” Kaldor’s love of the stage didn’t start with her musical career. She initially pursued a professional career in the theatre, studying dramatic arts at the University of Alberta, performing at the Théâtre Passe Muraille in Toronto and the 25th Street House in Saskatoon, and appearing on radio and TV. “I did some wonderful work on stage but in the back of my mind I was always thinking of music. There came a point where I had to decide whether I was going to be a theatre person or a musician,” Kaldor reflects. “I chose to go with music, but I had learned that, on stage, I could come with something a little different. Theatre was a wonderful training ground for me and has influenced my approach to performing my whole life.” Still, the choice to dedicate her life to music has made us all a bit richer as Kaldor’s music has touched countless fans in a way that many musicians can only dream. The recognition began when Kaldor became part of the Canadian Wave – a musical movement that defined a newly emerging Canadian sound in the early 1980s. She performed alongside Valdy, Ferron and Stan Rogers and in 1984 Kaldor was nominated for the Most Promising Female Vocalist Juno award. Since that time, she has been nominated and won more awards than we have time to list, been invested with an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Regina, and, in 2006 was made a Member of the Order of Canada. In the past year alone Kaldor has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Woodstock Folk Festival and was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award and for Song of the Year at the Folk Alliance International Folk Music Awards. Yet, despite all of her success, Kaldor is not slowing down. Her latest album, Wide Open Spaces, is another triumph, born out of Kaldor’s love of her roots. Her current tour, in fact, marks the official launch of that album. “This is a Western prairie album and every song on that album is there for a reason. Everything has a personal western connection and it’s a celebration of a part of the world that I love,” Kaldor says. “Of course, every next song is the one I love the most. Every song has a life and its place and has a meaning, and that’s the magic of music. Often times someone will request a song and it’s obvious that that song means something for them. It was a song they had at a wedding or a funeral or some other important time in their life. "Those songs give me a chance to connect … when it's become meaningful to the audience and you can feel them respond,” Kaldor says. “Feeling the audience respond…that’s the gig.” Connie Kaldor will perform in Duncan at the Duncan Showroom on Sept. 17, at the Nanaimo Yacht Club Marina on Sept. 19, and in Victoria at the St Andrew's Presbyterian Church on Sept. 20. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit conniekaldor.com/tour [http://www.conniekaldor.com/tour].  

When comedian Brent Butt takes to the stage in Victoria and Nanaimo, he’ll bring his signature Bob Newhart-like humour – understated, witty and conversational. Or, as he deadpans, “just a bald guy talking.” Speaking to Monday Magazine from his Vancouver home, Butt explained that after nearly four decades in stand-up, he still thrives on keeping his shows organic and unpredictable, guided by the audience in the moment. “I need to connect with the crowd. I need to learn what they like, what they don’t like, what they’re into, in real time. And it makes (the show) very organic and it keeps me very present.” Butt will perform in Nanaimo on Sept. 19 at the Port Theatre and in Victoria on Sept. 20 at the McPherson Playhouse, part of a string of Canadian shows this fall. Unlike comics who strictly map out their sets, Butt prefers a conversational approach. He carries a “tickle trunk” of material gathered over the years, drawing from it in the moment depending on the audience. While he usually knows how he’ll open a show, from there the evening unfolds organically. When it comes to writing new material, Butt follows a three-step process: brainstorm, polish and road-test. He jots down funny ideas or phrases, then works them into something structured at his desk. Next comes the critical stage – sneaking into a comedy club to deliver the material in front of a crowd. “I always say you can only be so funny at the kitchen table at two in the afternoon. Once you get up under the spotlight with a microphone, something clicks … That’s where the magic is.” That willingness to experiment live has kept his stand-up sharp, even as his career has expanded far beyond the stage. Many fans know him best as the creator and star of Corner Gas, one of the most successful Canadian sitcoms ever produced. But these days, Butt is also focused on writing – and not just comedy. He’s currently at work on his second novel, another dark psychological thriller following the release of his debut, Huge, in 2023. He’s also developing a new television pilot, a project he says excites him more than anything he’s written in years. “Sometimes it’s a book, sometimes it’s a script, sometimes it’s stand-up. I just follow the idea that won’t leave my head.” Still, his mission on stage remains simple: to entertain. “You’re going to disengage with any problems you have in your life for an hour, hour and a half, and we’re going to have some laughs. If you leave thinking, ‘that was a good use of my time,’ then I’ve done my job.”

The Maritime Museum of B.C.’s 46th annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival will return to the Inner Harbour this Labour Day weekend. Running Aug. 29 to 31, the festival will feature up to 90 restored heritage and classic vessels, open for viewing Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is by donation, with $5 suggested. Highlights this year include the return of the 1897 sailing vessel Dorothy, live maritime music on the docks, and the Artists Aboard program, where local artists will create new works inspired by the festival.  The event is supported by the City of Victoria, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and several local sponsors. “The Pacific Northwest is blessed with an enormous number of traditional boats – from sailboats, to workboats, to cruisers,” said Brittany Vis, executive director of the museum. “The festival began in 1977 with the idea that our maritime heritage must not only be preserved, but also celebrated.”

Sunday night in North Saanich, the defending champion Panthers got an early reminder that the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League’s 2025-26 season isn’t going to hand anything out for free. The Cougars jumped on Peninsula right from the start, making pre-season feel like the real deal. Across the Island, Westshore kicked things off with a 9-3 win over Saanich on Aug. 20, then fell just short 4-3 to the Predators a few nights later. Oceanside doubled up Nanaimo 6-3, while Lake Cowichan edged Comox Valley 4-2. For Peninsula, the scoreboard mattered less than finding its footing with a roster stacked with rookies. Marcus Nichols put the Panthers on the board first, but Tyler Delli-Carri and Cater Stamp-Vincent quickly answered for Victoria, giving the Cougars a brief lead. Wyatt Martel made sure Peninsula wasn’t out of it, scoring just 36 seconds later. But Victoria kept coming. Haydyn Brooks, Tee Hagel, and Carter Brooks added three more goals, with Milo Mauer chipping in one for Peninsula along the way. By the final whistle, it was a 5-3 win for the Cougars. Peninsula will have 19 players return from last season’s championship squad, but the opener was really about letting the new faces get used to the pace. Several 2010-born players were sprinkled on both sides, and for some, it was their first taste of the speed and structure of VIJHL hockey. “I thought there was lots to be positive about,” said Panthers director of hockey operations Tyler Stanton. “Some of the young guys really stood out. Obviously, there’s still improvement needed, but it’s game one. We’ve only worked on structure for a couple of days and nobody’s played in set lines yet.” Like most teams in the league, Peninsula will see a shuffle over the next two weeks as prospects head off to major junior and BCHL camps. Stanton said it’s all part of the rhythm. “There’s a process to it,” he said. “At the same time, the expectation with 19 guys returning is that they’ll carry the load and teach the younger players our culture.” The 11-team league is in its second year outside Hockey Canada, now running closely with the BCHL. Last year alone, 36 VIJHL players got called up, and the league is eager to show just how many doors are opening for its talent. It was also a strong off-season for alumni. Former Peninsula Panther Spencer Carbery earned NHL coach of the year honours, ex-Port Alberni goalie Callum Tung signed with the New York Rangers, and former referee Graedy Hamilton worked the AHL Calder Cup Finals. Exhibition games run through Aug. 31 before the 48-game regular season kicks off Sept. 4, with Peninsula and Victoria set for a rematch at Archie Browning Arena. “As long as the players are getting better and getting opportunities, that’s what matters,” Stanton said.

Canada’s women’s rugby team opened the 2025 Rugby World Cup in emphatic fashion, powering past Fiji 65-7 on Aug. 23 at York Community Stadium in England. The win, built on 11 tries, was fuelled by a strong contingent of Greater Victoria talent. Oak Bay High graduates Sophie de Goede and Caroline Crossley, along with former Castaway Wanderer Julia Schell, all made their presence felt in the dominant performance. De Goede, 26, steered Canada’s attack with four conversions and a try in her 35th international appearance, a fitting return after a 13-month recovery from a serious knee injury. The Castaway Wanderer showed no hesitation in Canada’s opener. >   >   >   >   > https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNtKu703Kov/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading > View this post on Instagram > [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNtKu703Kov/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   > > A post shared by CBS Sports (@cbssports) > [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNtKu703Kov/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] 27-year-old flanker Caroline Crossley added to the scoresheet with Canada’s third try of the match, recording her first-ever Rugby World Cup try. For the former Oak Bay High standout and current Castaway Wanderer, it was another milestone in an international career that now stands at seven caps. Head coach Kevin Rouet praised the team’s sharp start but noted there is still more to come. “It’s good to start with confidence. We know there’s still room to improve, especially as this group adjusts to being ranked No. 2 in the world,” said Rouet. “It’s about building belief and showing we can deliver.” The day’s biggest storyline, however, came from former Castaway Wanderers standout Julia Schell. >   >   >   >   > https://www.instagram.com/p/DNtt-PDUAnn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading > View this post on Instagram > [https://www.instagram.com/p/DNtt-PDUAnn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   > > A post shared by Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) > [https://www.instagram.com/p/DNtt-PDUAnn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] The 26-year-old turned the match into a personal showcase, scoring six consecutive tries in a blistering 21-minute span. She had entered the tournament with three career tries in 26 appearances, but by full-time had tripled that total. “At halftime, Kevin challenged us to win our one-on-ones," Schell said. "I just wanted to get out there and do that – for myself and for the team. I know if I’m in the right place at the right time, the tries will come, but our focus was always on the team’s performance.”  By the final whistle, seven Canadians had found the try line. Canada also showed strength in the set piece, winning all five of their own scrums, while posting an 82 per cent tackle success rate. Canada continues pool play against Wales on Aug. 30 and Scotland on Sept. 6. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals on Sept. 13.

Hundreds of foodies meandered through Central Saanich’s Heritage Acre on Sunday, Aug. 24, to celebrate and enjoy what the region has to offer.  The 24th annual Vancouver Island Feast of Fields offered its guests a three-hour roaming gourmet festival that highlighted the region’s chefs, farmers, and food artisans. Organized by the Victoria non-profit FarmFolk CityFolk, the event ran from 1 to 4 p.m. Guests visited more than 40 booths, sampling bite-size dishes, brews, liquors and refreshing drinks, and had the opportunity to meet the creators behind the products and learn more about local ingredients. “This event brings to light the great variety of local products,” said event coordinator Heather Leary. “It really opens people's eyes up even more to what we have locally. And people are often quite surprised at what you can get on a plate or at a restaurant that's been grown really a very short distance away.” Acting as both a fundraiser and a way to reinforce regional food security, the event highlighted the importance of local agriculture and the Peninsula’s rich farming history. For more information about FarmFolk CityFolk, visit farmfolkcityfolk.ca/feast-of-fields [http://farmfolkcityfolk.ca/feast-of-fields].

Whether you swing a club or not, it is hard to miss how rich Greater Victoria is when it comes to golf. From Langford through to Sidney, the region is home to 16 courses, and this year three of them landed on a national spotlight list. According to top100golfcourses.com [https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-courses/north-america/canada], Victoria Golf Club, James Island and Royal Colwood are all among the Top-36 courses in Canada. For a region of this size, that is no small feat. Leading the way at number 18 is Victoria Golf Club, a course steeped in history. Established in 1893 by British expats, it is the oldest club in Canada still playing on its original site. Designed by A.V. Macan, the course is often called the Pebble Beach of Canada, and it's not hard to see why. With eight seaside holes and 13 offering ocean views, the Par-70 layout may only stretch to 6,157 yards, but the elements make sure it plays every bit as tough as longer courses. Wind off the Strait of Juan de Fuca can shift a shot by two or three clubs, particularly on the back-to-back par threes that close the front nine, where tee boxes sit on the edge of the ocean and demand both nerve and precision. >   >   >   >   > https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNUZspUxHbV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading > View this post on Instagram > [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNUZspUxHbV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   > > A post shared by The Shop at VGC (@vgcproshop) > [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNUZspUxHbV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] Not far behind on the list, though far less accessible to the average golfer, is James Island at number 28. Visible only from a distance when looking east from Island View Beach, the private course sits on a 780-acre island in the Cordova Channel. The 18 holes are lush and lined by water, and much like Victoria Golf Club, the setting offers sweeping seaside views. Few, however, ever get the chance to play it. Access is strictly private, making it one of the most exclusive rounds of golf in the country and a bucket-list course for those lucky enough to receive an invitation. Rounding out the Greater Victoria trio is Royal Colwood, which checked in at number 36. Another A.V. Macan design, it first opened in 1913 and has a heritage few clubs can match. In 1931, King George V granted the course its “Royal” designation, one of only five in Canada to receive that honour. The course winds through stands of Garry oak and Douglas fir, with a scenic driveway that runs through the property. At 6,721 yards, it plays as a Par-70, with just one par five on each side. From the opening tee shot, the course demands accuracy and strategy, rewarding those who can keep their ball between the towering trees. Other B.C. courses to make the Top-100 included Capilano Golf & Country Club (8), Sagebrush Golf Club (10), Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club (27), Greywolf Golf Course (30), Predator Ridge’s Ridge Course (35), Tobiano Golf Course (45), Big Sky Golf Club (76), Talking Rock Golf Course (79), Vancouver Golf Club (87), Marine Drive Golf Club (90), Predator Ridge’s Predator Course (94) and Kelowna Golf & Country Club (96). The number one course in Canada this year was St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto, which also stood as the only Canadian course ranked among the world’s Top 100.

From the mighty Starfighter, the fastest plane to fly in the Royal Canadian Air Force, to the iconic bi-colour Hawaii Martin Mars waterbomber, the B.C. Aviation Museum (BCAM) is dedicated to safeguarding and celebrating aircraft that have shaped the province’s history. Founded in 1989, the museum hosted its biggest annual open house yet on Aug. 23 and 24, drawing an estimated 5,000 visitors. With a chance to explore aircraft displays, partake in a range of activities and chat with aviation aficionado, visitors glanced at more than 40 airplanes in exhibits inside and outside the North Saanich museum. “Our main purpose and mission is to preserve, maintain, and educate on the aviation history around British Columbia,” said event organizer Emma McGugan.  11-emma [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/peninsula/august-2025/11-emma.jpg;w=960] B.C. Aviation Museum assistant director Emma McGugan poses in front of the PBY Canso, a retired Second World War aircraft used in anti-submarine warfare. (Olivier Laurin/Peninsula News Review) More than sharing its passion with the public, the open house was the museum’s biggest annual fundraising event, welcoming visitors on an admission-by-donation basis, explained McGugan. “We are a not-for-profit organization and we are mainly run by 200 volunteers,” she said.  All the money raised will support the museum’s operations and help fund a new capital project, McGugan added. “We would love to build a new hangar,” she said. “We're running out of space for all of our aircraft, and we really want to be able to put them inside. That's best for their preservation, and that's really our number one goal is to preserve aviation history.” After acquiring the Hawaii Martin Mars last year, McGugan said fundraising efforts are just beginning for a new hangar. While a project of this scale is no small feat, with costs estimated at a “couple million,” the BCAM and its members are determined to shelter more aircraft from the elements and preserve their history. “The ultimate dream is obviously to put the Hawaii Mars inside, but that is expensive, so we're hoping to fundraise, fundraise, fundraise, and see what we can do over the next couple years. “Every donation matters.” To donate, visit, or learn more about the BCAM, visit bcam.net [http://bcam.net].

Luigi, the cat that went missing on a BC Ferries vessel travelling from Nanaimo to Tsawwassen, made a safe return home with the help of ferry workers and a pet rescue group. On Sunday, Aug. 24, Luigi returned to his owner's arms, after volunteers with Halo's Pet Rescue tracked the cat to a portable office at the Tsawwassen terminal, following up on sightings from ferry workers over the preceding week.  "Somehow he got off of the ferry and out at the Tsawwassen terminal," said Neelya Herbert, Luigi's owner. "He hasn't told me how he did it yet." The two-year-old tuxedo-patterned cat made its escape onto the Coastal Inspiration ferry on Aug. 9 through a narrow vehicle window opening while the owners were coming back from their wedding on Vancouver Island. The search was supported by Halo’s Pet Rescue as well as BC Ferries staff members, who Herbert said "were exceptional." "I got a phone call yesterday just after 10 o'clock in the morning from a lady that works on the ferry and her husband Jeff works in the yard at the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and he had spotted Luigi and taken his picture…" she said. "I called Karen and Dyanne [with Halo's Pet Rescue] and together they were able to get to the terminal and establish with [their tracking dog] Halo that Luigi was in fact there." The rescuers waited beside the office until the owner arrived and called out to the cat to coax it out of hiding. "I thought I heard him meowing under there. Luigi and I kind of talk all the time, so I meowed back and within 15 minutes he was with me," Herbert said. Despite the long separation, Herbert said Luigi seems like himself again. "He's happy, he's talking, he woke me up every hour last night just to tell remind he was home and that he needed snuggles. He's eaten four containers of food, although the guys at the terminal were feeding him. He's using this excuse to get extra food." Herbert said she's grateful for all the people who followed the cat's story and never gave up, even though it was a "needle in a haystack." "It's like the best thing ever to get Luigi back. He's an incredible pussycat and I feel like our family is whole again." In a social media post [http://www.facebook.com/BCFerries/posts/pfbid0xqNXuY61bpawR44UKTYZYU6wpjZEMZ9JKLb3BvD56QTVuRkNphCuyoLNDHziT2jil], B.C. Ferries gave a shout-out to the crew members who "kept a vigilant eye out for Luigi and to Danny Lang, B.C. Ferries commercial services driver lead, who left food out for him just in case he was around." "We are beyond grateful for everyone's fruitful efforts to find Luigi and reunite him with his family," the ferry corporation posted. 

A free-roaming kitten that sparked public health warnings in Chemainus last month did not have rabies, Island Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control confirmed. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s rabies laboratory reported on Aug. 22 that extensive testing found the kitten negative for rabies, calling the July result a rare ‘false positive’. The kitten was found near the 8000 block of Chemainus Road in early July and initially tested positive for the virus, prompting Island Health to issue an advisory and identify anyone who may have been exposed. “In B.C., the only animals that carry rabies virus are bats,” the BC Centre for Disease Control said in a statement. “There is very rarely spread of rabies to other animals in B.C. The risk of rabies to humans in B.C. is mainly from bats.” Health officials say the incident underscores the importance of rabies vaccination for pets, even though rabies transmission among domestic animals in B.C. is extremely rare. Since 1924, there have been only two reported human rabies cases in the province, both linked to bat exposures. The last confirmed case of a domestic cat with rabies in B.C. occurred in 2007. Rabies is a preventable but serious disease. Anyone who may have been exposed to a rabid animal should seek prompt medical attention. More information on rabies in B.C. is available at bccdc.ca [https://bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/rabies]. [http://www.bccdc.ca/]  

BC Transit riders using a BC Bus Pass will soon be able to tap on board instead of showing their pass to the driver. Starting Sept. 1, bus passes will be enabled for contactless tap validation in communities using Umo, BC Transit’s electronic fare system introduced two years ago. The $23.2 million project [https://www.vicnews.com/local-news/bc-transit-rolls-out-232m-electronic-fare-system-starting-in-victoria-3010179] has gradually modernized how riders pay across the province. “The modernization of the BC Bus Pass validation process aims to create a universal rider experience, matching other BC Transit fixed-route fare products and aligns with BC Bus Pass holders that travel on TransLink services,” BC Transit said in a statement. The new system will also collect ridership data, which BC Transit says will "better deliver transit services with an improved understanding of BC Bus Pass usage." In total, 30 regional services will adopt the technology, including several Vancouver Island communities: Campbell River, Comox Valley, Port Alberni and Nanaimo.

Six homes on Saturna Drive were evacuated as a precaution due to a natural gas leak in Parksville on Aug. 25. Parksville Fire Rescue responded to the call just after 10:30 a.m., according to Assistant Fire Chief Cam Cruickshank. The duty chief located a regulator on a natural gas metre that had failed resulting in the free flow of natural gas. Three nearby duplexes were evacuated while crews shut off the supply of gas to the meter. Parksville Fire Rescue crews on scene included a command vehicle and two fire apparatus. FortisBC also responded to the incident.

Two people sustained minor injuries after a person inadvertently drove a car into the Mable Nail Bar in downtown Parksville on Aug. 25. Alcohol impairment was not a contributing factor in the crash, according to Const. Tim Kenning of the Oceanside RCMP. The driver was issued a violation ticket for driving without consideration, according to police. Paramedics treated one patient who was transported to hospital in stable condition, according to BCEHS spokesperson Bowen Osoko. Two ambulances with primary care paramedics responded to the scene. The crash occurred at approximately 11:20 a.m. in the parking lot near the intersection of McCarter Street and the Island Highway.    

The gap between Canada’s haves and have-nots has never been bigger. Statistics Canada reported last month that the income gap reached a record high this year. During the first quarter of 2025, the top 40 per cent of Canadian households captured 66.2 per cent of all after-tax income in Canada. The bottom 40 per cent shared just 17.2 per cent of income. It was a record gap, up 11.9 per cent from four years ago. Statistics Canada reported the income gap widened because the top 20 per cent of Canadians by income — or “quintile” in statistician talk — benefited from rising investment income while the bottom 20 per cent saw wages stagnate. Experts say growing inequality is the result of decades of government policy choices and dramatic increases in executive pay. And the biggest factor has been gains for the highest-earning one per cent of Canadians. Research shows income inequality drives a host of economic and social ills, including weak gross domestic product growth, poor health outcomes, low trust and increases in crime and violence. But fixing the problem is a big task — and isn’t always popular. Researchers say raising income taxes, taxing wealth and building public understanding of income inequality may all be part of the solution. Inequality by several measures Economist Marc Lee said breaking Canadians into quintiles based on income isn’t a “particularly useful” way to measure inequality. “It assumes that the top 20 per cent are all in the same boat,” Lee said. “But I’m in the top 20 per cent and so is Jim Pattison, and we are very different people. It captures a lot of professionals, including teachers, engineers and other folks who are not that wealthy.” The average household employment income in the top quintile was $208,313. Lee, a senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, or CCPA, said increases in income inequality are being driven by Canadians in the top one per cent. The top one per cent’s income has risen much faster than other Canadians, Statistics Canada tax data shows. Since 1982, the average income of the top one per cent has risen 396 per cent — almost 1.6 times more than increases in the average income of the bottom 50 per cent. The top one per cent captured about 10 per cent of all Canadian income in 2022, data shows. That’s up from about seven per cent in 1982. “Higher-income people are getting richer much faster,” said Silas Xuereb, a policy analyst with the non-profit Canadians for Tax Fairness. “The richest, and the top one per cent in particular, have captured a significantly outsized proportion of economic growth.” Income inequality is driven by several factors, including declining unionization rates and the monopolization of many Canadian industries, he said. Both give companies more power to determine workers’ wages. But in a press release about the income gap, Statistics Canada highlights two main factors driving inequality. First, high-income households saw huge gains from property income — money made from investments in real estate, stocks and other assets. And second, the compensation for Canada’s highest earners is rising much faster than the salaries and wages of other Canadians. The income gap may have serious consequences. The International Monetary Fund says income inequality may erode social cohesion, lead to political polarization and slow economic growth. A review in the American Journal of Public Health links income inequality to negative health outcomes. Slow middle-class wage growth The CCPA’s Lee said that while most Canadians rely on salaries, the top one per cent often hold executive positions with lucrative compensation packages based on stock options and bonuses. A CCPA report found that Canada’s 100 highest-paid CEOs were paid an average $13.2 million in 2023. The lion’s share of that compensation came from bonuses, with the average variable compensation — on top of salary — $10.7 million. And the report found the CEO-to-worker pay ratio has increased. In 1998, the top 100 CEOs made about 104 times the average worker’s compensation. By 2023, they earned 210 times the average worker’s pay. “We never used to tolerate such high levels of compensation and inequality,” Lee said. “Now we do. We’ve just been beaten over the head with it for a number of years.” It’s not just the top 100 CEOs making magnitudes more than the average worker, Lee added. To stay competitive and attract high-performing executives, he said, companies have had to continue increasing how much they pay their top teams. Meanwhile, Lee said people at the bottom of the income distribution often include workers on minimum wage, gig workers and other precariously employed people. University of Victoria income inequality researcher Peter Dietsch said the uptick in executive pay is partially due to a societal shift in how we view the value CEOs bring to companies. “People like Henry Ford would recognize they might be at the helm of this company, but the wealth is created together,” he said. “Today, we’ve moved towards a more individualistic picture — take Elon Musk as an illustration — and we over-attribute achievement to the individual.” That’s a mistake, Dietsch said. “These people high up in the earning structure, they didn’t do it by themselves,” he said. “The creation of wealth is the result of a huge corporation.” Skyrocketing property income Income inequality is also largely driven by property income, which Statistics Canada defines as money received from investments, rents from real estate properties and incomes from other financial assets. The lowest-income 40 per cent of Canadian households don’t own much property or other investments, he said. Last year, two-thirds of all property income was earned by the top 20 per cent of Canadian households. That’s up from about 56 per cent of all property income in 1999. Meanwhile, Canadian households in the bottom 40 per cent received about eight per cent. The result is that investment income is rising a lot faster for high-income Canadians than for everyone else. The Tyee requested information on the property income of the top one per cent of Canadians. But Statistics Canada spokesperson Maryse Carrière said in an email that wasn’t available. The difference in property income really exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Xuereb of Canadians for Tax Fairness. Corporations raised prices and posted record profits. Those profits increased the income of corporate executives and people with large investment holdings, Xuereb said. “Ownership of these assets is very unequally distributed, so the income from those assets is very unequally distributed as well,” he said. “If we’re dividing the economic pie in Canada, more of that is going to the people that own corporations who are usually already the richest among us.” Low taxes on the rich These trends have taken hold in part because of Canada’s tax system, Xuereb said. A report from Canadians for Tax Fairness shows that in 1949 there were more than 17 tax brackets. The top marginal income tax rate was 84 per cent for people living in Ontario earning more than $5.3 million per year in today’s dollars. “The proportion of people who actually ever paid tax at that level was minuscule,” Xuereb said. “More than just being a tax revenue mechanism, it deterred people from having $5 million in income.” A major tax reform in 1972 reduced the top marginal tax rate to 61 per cent. That rate dropped in 1982 and again in 1987 to 51 per cent. Xuereb added that Canada has relatively low taxes on investment income. According to the Canadian Tax Foundation, Canada instated a tax on capital gains — profit that comes from selling properties or investments — in 1972. It imposed a 50 per cent inclusion rate — meaning only half of a person’s capital gains would be taxable. The federal government raised the inclusion rate to 66.7 per cent in 1988 and 75 per cent in 1990, before dropping back down to 50 per cent in 2000. Canada also doesn’t tax capital gains on principal residences. ‘The first thing is to call it out’ Xuereb said the income gap represents an opportunity to raise government revenue. Increasing taxes on the ultra-wealthy by introducing higher income tax brackets, upping capital gains taxes or introducing a wealth tax could raise billions to fund public services, he said. While the federal Liberals proposed addressing income inequality by raising the inclusion rate back to 66.7 per cent for gains over $250,000, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in March he would cancel the rate hike. Xuereb said that while income inequality is rising, government does not “see this as a priority that needs to be actually tackled.” The University of Victoria’s Dietsch said there’s little political will to tackle the issue because Canadian economic policy is still influenced by trickle-down economics — the theory that middle-class and working Canadians will eventually benefit from the gains being reaped by the rich. But the data shows that isn’t working, he said. “The first thing is to call it out,” Dietsch said. “We need politicians who actually say that the economic policy that we’ve used for the last four to five decades hasn’t worked the way that it was promised to work and it just benefits a select few.” But raising taxes isn’t popular. Dietsch said there needs to be a broader understanding of the connection between Canada’s economic policies and income inequality. “Once that actually catches on, then we might be closer to solving that or to addressing that problem,” he said.

Climate critics are accusing the BC government of continuing to subsidize fossil fuel companies after announcing more funding to help heavy industry clean up carbon pollution.  The province announced $35 million in the coming year for industries adopting cleaner technology or the electrification of their operations to reduce green house gas emissions driving the climate crisis. The funding is derived from a portion of the revenue yielded by the province’s price on carbon generated by large emitters, which was intended to push companies to find cleaner solutions than burning fossil fuels.  The funding helps B.C. industries speed decarbonization and “lead in the global shift to clean energy,” said Adrian Dix, minister of energy and climate solutions, in a statement.  Melissa Lem, president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), disagreed.  The province is “greenwashing” subsidies for oil and gas projects that offer little progress toward meeting B.C.’s climate targets but pose increasingly great risks to human health, Lem said. The wealthy fossil fuel sector has “ample resources” and shouldn’t get any funding from the province given the industry produces 20 per cent of the province’s carbon pollution — second only to the transportation sector, which generates 42 per cent of B.C.’s emissions.  “The bottom line is wealthy fossil fuel billionaires do not need money back from the B.C. government to continue to subsidize an industry that's bad for our health,” said Lem. “It's like taxing tobacco producers and then giving them the money back to put filters on their cigarettes.”  The continued burning and production of oil and gas is driving ‘climate chaos’ in the form of drought, heatwaves and wildfires that have profound impacts on people and communities, she said. The wildfire smoke that regularly blankets big cities and small communities alike aggravates asthma and other lung diseases and increases the risk of heart attacks, Lem said. Seniors and others with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to extreme weather — for example, Lem cites the 2021 B.C. heat dome that killed more than 600 people.   “Essentially, investing in our health care system and the health of people across BC has to come before industry handouts, and that can also mean investing in and subsidizing renewable energy, not more fracking and LNG [projects],” she said.  Oil and Gas gets most funding In 2024, a total of 37 CleanBC Industry projects received approximately $127.7 million in funding to reduce emissions and introduce innovative technology and electrification to conduct studies and wean operations off fossil fuels.  The city of Vancouver got $8.8 million to expand the capture of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, at its Delta landfill. Cement producer Heidelberg Materials was given $8.1 million for an alternative fuel system to burn solid construction waste, which results in less emissions than using fossil fuels and diverts materials from landfills.  Additonally, Domtar Inc.,formerly Catalyst Paper, was awarded $6.65 million to upgrade technology and reduce emissions from its natural gas boiler at the Crofton pulp mill on Vancouver Island.  However, fossil fuel producers operating in northeastern BC’s Montney gas field got the lion’s share of the province’s clean industry funding. An estimated 76 per cent of the total funding (about $95.3 million) went to a handful of gas companies for carbon capture projects or to hook into the BC Hydro grid instead of burning gas to fuel their operations.  Since 2019, $368 million in CleanBC funding has been awarded to 173 projects. Those projects are expected to reduce 14 million tonnes of planet-warming emissions over a decade, according to the province, which also noted every dollar invested is doubled through additional investments from industry.  All projects are selected through a competitive process and the resulting funding agreements are tied to emission targets. If projects don’t deliver, the money is returned to the province, a spokesperson for the ministry of energy and climate solutions said in an email to Canada’s National Observer.  B.C. Green Party Leader Jeremy Valeriote noted the new funding announcement closely follows the province’s recent awarding of $200 million in subsidies to the Cedar LNG project to electrify its floating export facility.  While the Green Party supports initiatives to reduce emissions, Valeriote said funds would be better spent on measures that benefit B.C. residents and make life more affordable.  “It's a form of subsidy to some pretty profitable industries that really should be able to stand on their own two feet and do this work,” he said.  “It could go a long way to making a tangible difference in people's lives that also drives down emissions like public transit and building retrofits that could help rebuild [public] support for climate action,” he said. Valeriote also questioned the wisdom of investing heavily in carbon capture projects.  “It’s not proven technology that’s been implemented at scale that potentially could be used to justify more fossil fuel expansion,” he said. “It’s a dangerous thing to be putting a lot of investment into when really we need to be reducing emissions.”  The CleanBC Industry Fund offers only “piecemeal” emissions reductions that aren't going to help meet BC’s climate targets — which the province has conceded it is nowhere close to meeting, Valeriote said.  The province is currently expected to miss its 2030 climate targets by half, reducing emissions by 21 per cent rather than the 40 per cent drop from the 2007 baseline as promised. B.C. is also unlikely to meet its 2025 target of a 16 per cent drop, instead projecting a reduction of a little more than two per cent.  The province repealed the consumer carbon tax in March, which resulted in a $2 billion loss for the 2025 budget and led to the province scuttling its electric vehicle rebate program. The province has ditched the carbon tax without figuring out what it will do to replace it and has not instigated any meaningful climate measures such as the long-promised emissions cap, Valeriote said.  The Greens and NDP agreed to a review of the CleanBC program, and results are expected in the fall, he said. The independent review of the CleanBC program will hopefully prompt the province to revamp its climate action plan so it can actually meet emissions reduction targets and ensure funds are used effectively, he said.  The CleanBC Industrial Fund may be one of many climate programs that don’t “make the cut” following the evaluation, Valeriote said.  Katya Rhodes, a climate policy expert and professor at the University of Victoria, described the CleanBC funding as a “revenue recycling mechanism” for the industrial carbon tax rather than an additional public subsidy. However, she agreed the program likely offers minimal emissions reductions. What’s more, it isn’t an efficient use of funds as companies needing to meet BC emissions regulations would have probably undertaken the same projects to mitigate costs of the carbon tax and meet other climate regulations, regardless.  “It's likely a political acceptability measure that ensures that the industry is not completely opposed to the industrial carbon price,” Rhodes said.  The most effective way to reduce emissions is to employ broad, economy-wide, flexible policies such as BC’s low carbon fuel standard, the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales mandate, methane regulations and clean electricity standards, as well as the now defunct economy-wide consumer carbon tax, she said.  The policies are “flexible” as they set out a desired outcome but allow sectors or companies to determine how they will meet it, she said.  The current political climate and economic concerns generated by US President Donald Trump and his administration — compounded by ongoing climate misinformation campaigns — make the likelihood of BC bringing in any radical new regulations to reach its net-zero targets unlikely in the next couple of years, she said.  Raising the carbon pollution tax on industry alone also won’t help the province achieve its targets. The province needs to retrench and explain climate policies to the public better so initiatives such as the ZEV sales mandate don’t also get sacrificed.  “The public mood for the industrial carbon price to grow is very low,” Rhodes said.  “[The province] can work on strengthening our electricity generation advantage in British Columbia and keeping the policies in place so they won’t be completely removed.”  

Canada’s women’s rugby team opened the 2025 Rugby World Cup in emphatic fashion, powering past Fiji 65-7 on Aug. 23 at York Community Stadium in England. The win, built on 11 tries, was fuelled by a strong contingent of Greater Victoria talent. Oak Bay High graduates Sophie de Goede and Caroline Crossley, along with former Castaway Wanderer Julia Schell, all made their presence felt in the dominant performance. De Goede, 26, steered Canada’s attack with four conversions and a try in her 35th international appearance, a fitting return after a 13-month recovery from a serious knee injury. The Castaway Wanderer showed no hesitation in Canada’s opener. >   >   >   >   > https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNtKu703Kov/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading > View this post on Instagram > [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNtKu703Kov/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   > > A post shared by CBS Sports (@cbssports) > [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNtKu703Kov/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] 27-year-old flanker Caroline Crossley added to the scoresheet with Canada’s third try of the match, recording her first-ever Rugby World Cup try. For the former Oak Bay High standout and current Castaway Wanderer, it was another milestone in an international career that now stands at seven caps. Head coach Kevin Rouet praised the team’s sharp start but noted there is still more to come. “It’s good to start with confidence. We know there’s still room to improve, especially as this group adjusts to being ranked No. 2 in the world,” said Rouet. “It’s about building belief and showing we can deliver.” The day’s biggest storyline, however, came from former Castaway Wanderers standout Julia Schell. >   >   >   >   > https://www.instagram.com/p/DNtt-PDUAnn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading > View this post on Instagram > [https://www.instagram.com/p/DNtt-PDUAnn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   > > A post shared by Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) > [https://www.instagram.com/p/DNtt-PDUAnn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] The 26-year-old turned the match into a personal showcase, scoring six consecutive tries in a blistering 21-minute span. She had entered the tournament with three career tries in 26 appearances, but by full-time had tripled that total. “At halftime, Kevin challenged us to win our one-on-ones," Schell said. "I just wanted to get out there and do that – for myself and for the team. I know if I’m in the right place at the right time, the tries will come, but our focus was always on the team’s performance.”  By the final whistle, seven Canadians had found the try line. Canada also showed strength in the set piece, winning all five of their own scrums, while posting an 82 per cent tackle success rate. Canada continues pool play against Wales on Aug. 30 and Scotland on Sept. 6. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals on Sept. 13.

February 8, 1924 - August 11, 2025 One hundred and one and a half years is a long life, and Lorraine lived through a lot of history. She grew up in a remote fishing and hunting camp in Northern Ontario. When WW2 began, she moved to Ottawa. She got a job that required Top Secret clearance, but because she took her Oath of Confidentiality seriously, we will never know what that job was. She met and married a dashing young RCAF officer, Donald Gaitens. In 1958 they moved west, first to BC, then to Alberta, and back to BC. Donald died in a plane crash in 1965. A few years later, she married Gerry Bridges and moved to the Comox Valley. They had a few wonderful years together, restoring Gerry's family property on Headquarters Road, and developing a herd of Polled Hereford cattle. Gerry died in 1973. In 1976, she married for the third time, Thomas Radford of Comox. They spent many years doing volunteer work for various community organizations and travelled the world. Thomas died in 2023. For the last three years of her life, Lorraine was a resident at Ocean Front Village. She had a lot of good things to say about her care there, and she especially praised the food. Through everything, Mom always kept her sense of humour. The last thing she said to me, as I was leaving after a visit, was "Come back soon, and I'll tell you some more gossip." I love you, Mom, and I will always miss you. Your loving daughter, Ruth Bridges. [https://generaluse.blackpress.ca/obituploads/funeral_logos/Y3Y0M1E0-20231122093054.jpg] Piercy's Mt. Washington [https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/funeral-homes/british-columbia/courtenay/piercys-mt-washington-funeral-home/3732]

North Okanagan residents have a chance to meet one of the hopefuls looking to lead the BC Green Party.   Emily Lowan is one of the three people running to be the next leader of the party.   Locals have a chance to meet and greet Lowan when she is in Armstrong on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Park, 3285 Pleasant Valley Road.   "Emily has re-vitalized the Green Party membership by building the youth membership from 100 to over 1,800 in only five weeks," said Jacqui Gingras, a campaign volunteer for Lowan. "Emily is a principled young leader who has accomplished so much already, including leading the UVIC fossil fuel divestment campaign. She is exactly who we need for B.C. at just the right time."   Lowan, from Victoria, is running against Jonathan Kerr and Adam Bremner-Akins. The leadership contest debate takes place Aug. 13 in Victoria and virtually, ahead of which Lowan's supporters are hoping more people will get to know her.   "We are hosting the event in Armstrong to draw people from Salmon Arm and Vernon," said Gingras.   The leadership voting takes place Sept. 13 to 23 with results announced Sept. 24.

A Canadian Coast Guard ship out of Victoria and its crew are among those credited with continuing the nation’s global commitment to protect fish stocks, marine ecosystems and sustainable fisheries through two months of joint surveillance, inspections and enforcement efforts in the North Pacific. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is a serious problem around the world, posing a significant threat to fish populations and damaging marine environments. It also jeopardizes the incomes of law-abiding harvesters and fishing industries while putting food supplies at risk, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The DFO’s third patrol under the annual, multi-national high seas operation included representatives from four nations onboard a single patrol vessel. The Canadian patrol included representatives from Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States.   “The thousands of hours that our fishery officers spend patrolling the North Pacific Ocean each year, by air and sea, detecting and deterring illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, is a strong demonstration that Canada backs its support for international laws with concrete action. The ongoing success of Operation North Pacific Guard attests to the continued need for Canada to be a leader in securing marine species and ecosystems at home and abroad in support of both our conservation and economic objectives,” Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson said in a news release. Fishery officers and support personnel patrolled 17,773 km while onboard the Canadian Coast Guard vessel CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier, a high-endurance, multi-purpose vessel that is also a light icebreaker and is biofuel capable. Over the course of two months, the crew aboard the Victoria-based ship monitored several hundred fishing vessels, conducted 41 high-seas inspections and interacted with more than 1,000 crew members onboard vessels. Canada also deployed one of the DFO’s long-range Fisheries Aerial Surveillance and Enforcement aircraft, which is normally based in Campbell River, to Hokkaido, Japan, where daily patrols monitored fishing activity in the Northwest Pacific. Over the operation, 366 fishing vessels were inspected by air, discovering 51 potential violations related to shark finning, pollution, salmon retention, and marking requirements. High-seas inspections uncovered 39 potential violations of international fisheries requirements, including shark finning, the illegal harvest of dolphins, misreporting or inaccurate reporting of catch and bycatch, as well as obstruction and the destruction of evidence. North Pacific Guard Operation, which included Canadian Coast Guard and RCMP members, is among those working to protect both international waters and the resources they hold with an annual, multi-national high seas operation in the North Pacific. During this year’s mission, CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier made a special port visit in Osaka, Japan, while the World Expo was underway. Thousands of members of the public learned about Canada’s role in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing through tours of the vessel and engagement with Canadian Coast Guard crew and fishery officers at the Expo’s Canada Pavilion. Laurier also stopped in Hakodate, Japan, further strengthening relations. Find behind-the-scenes action online at https://ow.ly/TrMo50WGagL [https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fow.ly%2FTrMo50WGagL%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExSzR5RnFPbkg4Zjc2YXc0cgEeK6t8_N_Oev3cPlF-GmBnqp9BM6GNUGdwO-xX4NIj3OWWitatiK9q9qgNinY_aem_os0dCztDjkMB4yp9HE5OkQ&h=AT1RSpMN9Sc655W0FV13apb3yfmW4Em0XBCWdAjF9caaHt5PMaIyh1-8TN7viamWRloLBmL3th4JXSx5GEzLGxAI_ziLElzeT7BV542vPgrYeDuI64GqXtlFd6Lu86NHrw4Zu3DIMV2d-mHeidOxqg&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT09YccjcTuIlgOk5dqtUGSuLH6SZFmYLFlor9GlNnsGGfNMrLWD9Dw-wLsPwaBvDqOTZs4KStnkl9PFxBjocafpi6nzVL2uG9MzE0YpzEgbpAsoNPiL5jQUSxdDxiXTcVpxacsKrOnSp51HHQtAU7MusjlKU6a90L8n0mA_gL681iFJt01IEb8QnAB1ULSZj6ExSAmlZ7_T0BnCF_xt7RP3874QW7tSvseqMg].

Five distinct one-person plays will bring a mixture of comedy, drama and LGBTQ programming to an upcoming Gabriola Island performing arts festival.  The plays, part of the Gabriola Theatre Festival, will showcase talents from Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Toronto, England and the Gulf island itself.   Associate festival producer, Dibs Barisic Sprem, said the selection committee whittled the original 18 applicants to the selected five, and focused on productions that could inspire, uplift and challenge audiences.  The festival is also planning for an opening night party and a closing night party. First to the stage will be an autobiographical story by Frank Moher called Boy Player on Tuesday, Aug. 26 and Aug. 30. Boy Player tells of Moher's experience as a child suddenly orphaned and transplanted from Edmonton to New York City.  The following production, The Heterosexuals by Jonnie McNamara Walker, will be staged on Tuesday, Aug. 26 and Aug. 27. Walker's performance will take a tongue-in-cheek 'deep-dive' into the shocking world of heterosexuality. "As a queer person, I love material that flips the script on cultural norms," Sprem said. "Johnnie McNamara Walker has been receiving rave reviews after having sold-out shows in Hamilton, Montreal, Orlando, Edmonton, and an off-Broadway run in NYC."  Next up will be Jem Rolls: Adventures in Canadian Parking Lots on Wednesday, Aug. 27 and Aug. 30. Rolls, who has "done more Fringe Festivals than anyone on earth this century," is a high-energy English performance poet who will feature "dumb comedy, smart comedy and dark tales" in his new show. How I Met My Mother by Jon Paterson will show on Aug. 28 and Aug. 29 and follow a bachelor as he answers the call to care for his ailing mother.  "This gives me the impression that it's going to be one of those shows where people might shed a tear," Sprem said. "Paterson has described his show as cathartic … this is the first show that he has written for himself." Katie-Ellen Humphries joins the festival with her show No Worries If Not, which shows on Aug. 28 and Aug. 29, and will deliver a "funny and surprising tale of love, lying and laundry." "No Worries is a show that speaks to me, as a recovering people-pleaser myself," the associate festival producer said. "Katie-Ellen has a very sharp way of writing jokes and connecting to audience members with relatable, observational humour."  All productions can be caught at the Gabriola Theatre Centre, 1475 Peterson Rd., from Aug. 26-30 with performances at 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. Each production will have two stagings. Ticket information can be found online at www.gabriolatheatrecentre.ca [https://www.gabriolatheatrecentre.ca/].

A few Gabriola Island residents might just catch a glimpse of themselves in an art show this week.  Opening on Thursday, Aug. 21, artist Nic Cooper will present 'I Was Drawn To You' at the Nova Boutique and Gallery as an interpretive "portrait of a place." The show will feature a collection of drawings made on the spot at different social settings, including the Surf Lodge and Pub, Ground Up Café and Catering, and several beaches.  Cooper said the show emanated from their intuitive drive to always be drawing. "The idea is that it's kind of a diary for me. But also a portrait of the island and of its inhabitants and environments," they said. "It sort of shows the trace of the seasons as well." Their technique involves no pencils or erasers, just straight marker ink to paper. As part of picking a good scene, the artist will seek out an interesting angle with one or more subjects and a compelling vantage point to see what they're drawn to, figuratively and literally. And then they'll start drawing. Quickly and covertly, to interpret the fleeting moment.  While it's important to capture the feeling of a place, Cooper said, the 20-year practice is more about decompression and mindfulness.  "If I look back on drawings from 10 years ago, I'll have a clear memory of what croissant I ate, the cappuccino I had, where I was in the world, the time of day."  However, shortly after moving to Gabriola, they noticed their whimsically representational drawings emerged as a sort of story of the island as a whole, rather than lone, isolated scenes.  I Was Drawn To You is the first show Cooper will exhibit drawings that depict a portrait of a place, as their previous off-island showings have been paintings concerning queer history.  Cooper moved to Gabriola last summer and works as a learning and engagement coordinator at the Nanaimo Art Gallery. They attended the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design for an undergrad, then completed a master's degree at the University of Ottawa in visual arts. They have taught at various institutions, including the National Gallery of Canada.  There will be an opening party for I Was Drawn To You on Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. and will remain up at the Nova Boutique and Gallery until Sept. 7.

Born out of a love-hate relationship with the teaching profession, Bored Teachers, The Struggle is Real Comedy Tour, is stopping in Victoria this fall with all-new material. The "funniest teacher comedians" in the world will be at the McPherson Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 19. Bored Teachers delivers comedy that anyone who has ever been in a classroom can relate to. Since starting in 2022, they've filled over 200,000 seats and sold out more than 100 major theatres across Canada and the U.S. Founded by James and Marilou Tarantino, the comedians share stories from all over the world about their struggles and frustrations. The duo began Bored Teachers on social media, where they posted skits, memes and articles born from real experiences and honest feelings about how "complex and undervalued" teachers everywhere are. From there, Bored Teachers was expanded and took on more writers, content creators and comedians, garnishing tens of millions of views. "I think the response just shows you how much teachers need this time together to laugh," one of the comedians said about the show. Tickets are on sale now and are available through the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour [https://www.boredteachers.com/comedy-tour]website.

Symphony Splash returns this weekend for the first time in five years, expanding into a two-day celebration to mark Victoria Symphony’s 85th anniversary. The free outdoor concerts take place this weekend (Aug. 2 and 3) at the Inner Harbour, with performances held on the iconic barge stage in front of the B.C. Legislature. Festivities will begin Saturday at 3:30 p.m. with Indigenous singer-songwriters Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish joining the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. That same evening, the Victoria Symphony is set to perform alongside percussionist Sal Ferreras, his Latin Jazz Sextet, and Cuban vocalist Adonis Puentes at 7:30 p.m. Sunday opens with another youth orchestra performance at 3:30 p.m., followed by the signature Symphony Splash concert featuring the Victoria Symphony and young piano soloist Patrick Cao. The night concludes with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Amazing Grace, and a fireworks display. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring back an expanded Symphony SPLASH! over the B.C. Day long weekend,” said Matthew White, CEO of Victoria Symphony. “We’re looking forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike to enjoy a varied program, from orchestral masterworks to contemporary compositions.” Beyond the music, the Inner Harbour will feature a family zone, local artist showcases on community stages, and food vendors.  A limited number of grandstand seats are available for $5 to $88. All other programming is free. For tickets, the full schedule, and more information about the event, visit victoriasymphony.ca [http://victoriasymphony.ca].  

A sandy, bikini-clad pachyderm prone atop a beach towel graces a popular international seaside sand sculpture competition up Island. The feeling of life and gesture in the “truly sculptural” display earned kudos from both judges and peers for View Royal artist Damon Langlois in the Parksville sandcastle competition. Langlois captured third from the judges, and Sculptor’s Choice in the solo category for his work T.G.I.F., which stood out for its life-like expression and humour, resonating strongly among fellow master sculptors. “As an artist that always feels good to get positive feedback from your peers for sure,” he told the Goldstream Gazette. Langlois, an industrial product designer, started his first job here in Victoria, working alongside a sand sculpture artist a generation ago. That coworker was on a team called Freddy and the Sandblasters – which included former Greater Victoria artist Fred Dobbs, who now lives on Mayne Island. The former coworker had just started their own team and had a hole they invited Langlois to fill. “I said, ‘Sure, why not,’ and then we went and competed at Harrison Hot Springs,” he said. That Fraser Valley beach that hosted world championships for a decade up to 2009. The team finished second. “I was hooked.” He spent the next seven years working with a team at Harrison that generally did well. “When I started in the ’90s it was much easier with these large teams, more amateur with a lower bar. Now … the bar is so high, it’s definitely more intimidating,” he said. “The scene was a lot more amateur, with more fun on the beach, now it’s a high-level, high-calibre art form.” Still clearly drawn to the ephemeral art three decades later, Langlois credits both the medium itself and the community. His work as an industrial designer has a permanence, where the sand is temporary and subject to the elements – affording some spontaneity. “It’s a less rigid creative process,” he said. “You’re also at this challenge of gravity and the elements, and with this medium, you can’t just do whatever you want with it. You get into this strange mode, becoming one with the sand because you have to read it.” And the community has cultivated a subculture with its own language, stories and legends like Ted Siebert and the late Joe Maize. The Pacific Coast was the jam, with White Rock then Harrison bringing sculptors together and sharing knowledge long before the internet. The west was big, the east coast was all about busking. Maize was among the original busking sculptors, leading the crowd as he worked. But in those days, bigger teams included diggers alongside artists and more time for things like leading the public. And everyone travelled competition to competition and exhibition to exhibition full time. “They used to joke and call it joining the circus, because they’re always travelling,” Langlois said. “It really bonds you. You’re having these adventures that are outside the real world in a sense. You end up having these stories and legends that you share with each other.” It’s still required, with little work that will pay the bills outside of places like California where promotional work is big. Now, most events, aside from a handful of amateur U.S. events, are invite-only, and you have to prove your mettle to get one. Parksville remains “pretty precious” and is widely recognized internationally as one that top artists want to attend. “Right now, I think it’s the only competition in Canada.” Dobbs also earned accolades at the annual Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition, July 11 to 13. Teamed up with Jakub Zimacek of the Czech Republic, their work, The  Acrobats – with a daring structural design at nearly 14-feet tall with a central hole – clinched first place and Sculptors’ Choice in the doubles division. Parksville Beachfest continues, with the finished sculptures on display through Aug. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily and visitors voting for the People’s Choice Award.

It would be a shame to let summer pass by without reading at least one good book. Below, Bolen Books in Victoria has offered their top picks for page-turners.  Emperor of Gladness, Ocean Vuong Nineteen‑year‑old Hai, a Vietnamese‑American living in the decaying town of East Gladness, Connecticut, stands on a bridge ready to end his life, until an elderly widow with dementia, Grazina, calls him back. He becomes her live‑in caretaker, scraping by at a fast‑casual restaurant where he finds a loving found‑family. Over nine months, Hai learns to care, survive substance withdrawal, and forge unlikely connections – slowly discovering that meaning and redemption can emerge in moments of quiet, fragile empathy.  So Far Gone, Jess Walter Former journalist Rhys Kinnick exiles himself to a reclusive, remote cabin after a turbulent Thanksgiving where he punched his daughters' belligerent new husband. Seven years later, when his grandchildren show up on his doorstep, Kinnick barely recognizes them. They seek a safer place to stay since their father joined a Christian Nationalist militia, but things quickly escalate when the militia shows up and kidnaps them. Kinnick's journey to save his grandchildren sets him on a journey across an America splintered by intolerance and fractured institutions in a thrilling work of fiction. Say You'll Remember Me, Abby Jimenez Samantha reluctantly takes an escape‑room date with veterinarian Xavier amid heavy responsibilities caring for her mother with dementia. Romance blossoms and fear lingers: Samantha knows her mother may forget her at any moment. Xavier’s own past burdens him. As they fall together in a long-distance love story, they wrestle with identity, memory, and sacrifice. Jimenez balances heartbreak with humour, mixing soul‑numbing grief and resilience with laugh‑out‑loud moments, holding up a mirror to what it means to be seen and remembered. Broken Country,  Clare Leslie Hall Set in the 1950s–60s, Beth lives on an isolated sheep farm until reconnecting with her first love Gabriel – a reunion that drags up buried secrets, old betrayals, and judicial reckonings. The novel blends courtroom drama, romance, and psychological tension as Beth must choose between the safety of her past and the risks of reclaimed love.  There are Rivers in the Sky, Elif Shafak Elif Shafak spins a magical realist tapestry tracing a raindrop’s journey from ancient Mesopotamia through Victorian London and into modern day: intersecting with an Assyrian king, a mudlark child, a Yazidi healer grandmother with her granddaughter by the Tigris, and a contemporary hydrologist who wonders whether water carries memory. The novel illuminates themes of colonialism, identity, ecological crisis, and the humanity of displaced peoples, including a moving portrayal of a 10-year-old girl suffering from a rare disorder while living under the rising presence of ISIS. Don't Let Him In, Lisa Jewell In this kaleidoscopic thriller, three women are connected by one man. The novel begins with Nina Swann, intrigued when she receives a condolence card from an old friend of her late husband, looking to connect. While she is quickly swooned, Nina's adult daughter, Ash, thinks he is too polished, too good to be true. Digging into Nick Radcliffe's past behind her mother's back, she discovers something more than unsettling. Atmosphere,  Taylor Jenkins Reid Joan Goodwin, an astronomy professor, joins NASA’s early 1980s space shuttle program as one of the first women scientists admitted. She navigates training, sexism, and familial obligations – including stepping in to help raise her niece, Frances – while falling in secret love with engineer Vanessa Ford. Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, everything changes in an instant. Killer on the First Page,  Ian Ferguson The Happy Rock bookstore, I Only Read Murder, is holding a murder mystery festival with six of crime fiction's biggest names. Rivalries, egos and grudges quickly raise tensions, which escalate when a mysterious posthumous manuscript is delivered to the bookstore. Things go from bad to worse when one of the authors turns up dead in a locked room with no windows. Former TV star and novel protagonist Miranda Abbott will stop at nothing to solve the murder, which soon turns into three seemingly impossible cases to crack. The Summer Pact, Emily Giffin Four college freshmen – Lainey (California drama queen), Tyson (D.C. scholar), Summer (Midwest athlete), and Hannah (quiet southerner) – forge deep bonds, until tragedy strikes: Summer dies by suicide. In grief, the friends vow a “Summer Pact”: to always answer in crisis. Ten years later, when Hannah’s fiancé cheats on her, Lainey and Tyson drop everything to support her. Then they embark on a dismantled yet transformative journey across Texas, Capri, and Paris – finding forgiveness, self‑acceptance, and unexpected love within scars.  Here One Moment,  Liane Moriarty On a flight from Hobart to Sydney, a quiet woman named Cherry mysteriously boards and begins predicting passengers’ deaths. Told in first person, the novel unfolds not through supernatural horror but psychological exploration: Cherry reveals her own tragic past, and survivors are forced to reckon with predestined fate versus free will.

Ray St. Denis has taken on a series of books, called the Shakarri Series, with his first book available now - set in the Comox Valley.  The first book in the series, Lethal Tattoos, follows the main character of Kelly who, while caving, finds himself in a new world. In this foreign place, Kelly finds a world that intertwines magic, prophecy, cybernetic technology and multiverse war. While Kelly doesn’t have much of a backstory, other than the fact that he lost his wife in an accident and found himself moving to the Comox Valley to explore caves that no human had been in before, we learn about his sense of adventure in the unknown. “He’s a bit insane, because he crawls through (caves) that nobody would go through. I set the tone of ‘what’s going to happen to this guy, how is he going to unwind,’ and eventually he gets to this new planet, kind of freaks out and then decides he better get (himself) together,” shared Ray St. Denis, the author. The book takes the reader through Kelly’s lack of will to survive and into his decision that he must survive to help the tigers he encounters upon landing on this new planet. “He’s almost trying to die, at least that’s the impression that we get and then on the other hand, he wants to survive. He’s looking for a reason to survive. He meets the tigers on his first day and he thinks ‘Oh my God, this is not going to end up very well,’ so he goes through the process of trying to survive.” This process of learning to survive with a war happening and to protect the tigers that have Kelly in awe is not an easy feat.  “I try to unfold the story so that there is an understanding that everything is brand new for them, and they have to not only discover what it is, but they have to actually get good at making it work, make it happen. That they can do better if they can work together.” The reader is introduced to a family that Kelly becomes immersed in and feels the need to protect in this war, as he feels a connection to them. “After his experience with the massacre at the shores, when they went to their main encampment, he realized that there is no way to talk to (the enemy).”  St. Denis did a deep dive to gather the knowledge to put together this book series. He had no experience as a caver and stuck his nose into one and had a look. He knew the experience wasn’t for him, but it was intriguing.  He also wanted to be hands-on with the weaponry that the various groups would be using in his book.  “I met a fellow at the Filberg Festival who was offering courses on how to make bows, so I made my bow. I took advantage of whatever was local to put in the book.” St. Denis is not originally from the Valley, having made the move in retirement after spending all his vacation time here since 1998 and falling in love with the area. He and his wife decided that the Valley was where they needed to be. Due to this, he felt it was important to have his book start in the Comox Valley with Kelly caving in Strathcona Park.  While St. Denis had to learn about various topics, such as caving, for the book, he also drew on personal experience. “What I’ve discovered in writing is that you don’t really stray that far away from who you are. I’m an adventurous person, although… when it comes to caving, not that adventurous. But throughout my life, from the time I was 13, I have always been very active.” St. Denis has included a glossary of terms in the book so that the reader can understand the new terms that he uses to describe the world.   For more information on the Shakarri Series, Lethal Tattoos and about St. Denis, visit: restdenis.ca [http://restdenis.ca].  

A sea of people filled Victoria's Inner Harbour on Sunday night (Aug. 3) as the long-awaited Symphony Splash returned with an evening of classical music and fireworks. Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards clustered before the floating stage, while tens of thousands of spectators gathered on the Legislature lawn and surrounding streets to enjoy the concert, which began shortly after 7:30 p.m. Held for the first time in five years, the event featured its very own orchestra performing from a barge under the direction of conductor Sean O’Loughlin.  The night’s program included highlights from past Symphony Splash events, with pieces such as Shostakovich’s Festival Overture, Holst’s Jupiter from The Planets, selections from Star Wars, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Amazing Grace. Victoria Symphony CEO Matthew White, who experienced his first-ever Symphony Splash, qualified the celebration as an “internationally recognized, iconic event.”  “It’s just one of the best opportunities to go hear a world-class orchestra in an incredibly beautiful central setting for free,” he said. “It's a joyous, beloved civic tradition. “There's no other event like it anywhere else.” While the event was out for a five-year hiatus, caused by COVID and financial challenges, it was atop White’s priority list to revive this unique tradition that returned for a 30th year after the inaugural concert in 1990. “From the moment I got here, people were telling me, ‘As soon as this whole pandemic mess is over, you need to make sure that you get Symphony Splash back on the water because it's become a calling card for arts and culture on Vancouver Island,’” he said. While working to get the festivities back on track, White discovered that Symphony Splash’s DNA was deeply rooted in the community and a celebration of local talent. “Symphony Splash… was designed as a community engagement event to remind the city that we had these professional musicians at the core of the Victoria Symphony that we should treasure,” he said. “And it grew year after year after year into something that became more than just a local event.” After trials and tribulations, the festival was reborn from its ashes, stronger than ever,  delivering its biggest event yet. Thanks in large part to a grant from the City of Victoria, Symphony Splash evolved into a two-day festival, featuring dozens of local and international musicians performing across four stages throughout the downtown core.  In addition to the symphony’s traditional performance, the event included concerts by the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Juno-nominated Indigenous artists Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish, renowned percussionist Sal Ferreras and his Latin jazz septet, among others. As the weekend event came to a close, White emphasized that the iconic celebration stands as a testament to Victoria’s vibrant arts and culture scene. And for those who missed it, White extends an open invitation to the next event.

A big voice is coming to Victoria to sing the blues. Shemekia Copeland is set to take centre stage as the headliner of the Harbour Blues 'n Roots Festival in Victoria. “Copeland possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voices of our time,” writes Alligator Records in a news release. The label says Copeland is beloved worldwide for the “fearlessness, honesty and humour of her revelatory songs, as well as for her winning, engaging personality.” Copeland’s work was recognized by the Recording Academy as recently as last year, when her album Blame It On Eve was nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album. “There’s serious business on the album,” Copeland says. “But there are a lot of smiles here too, a lot of joyous moments. It’s my blues for sure, but it’s the brighter side. Issues are always important to me, but so is rocking, dancing and just having fun. And that’s something we all can agree on.” Aside from her Grammy accolades, Copeland has won four Living Blues awards, including Blues Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Blame It On Eve, and Most Outstanding Blues Singer (Female). The album’s producer and musician also won the 2025 Blues Music Award for Album of the Year, bringing Copeland’s all-time Blues Music Award total to 16. Copeland will take the stage at the Harbour Blues 'n Roots Festival on Saturday, Aug. 23 at Ship Point. Tickets start at $42 and can be purchased at jazzvictoria.ca [https://jazzvictoria.ca/].     

The much-anticipated return of Symphony Splash presented by the Victoria Symphony on the August long weekend was nothing short of magical, maestro Sean O'Loughlin said. "Seeing music connect the community in such a transcendent way was inspiring, both on land and on water!" The two-day concert series, on Aug. 2 and 3, took place on a floating barge in the Inner Harbour, making it the only event of its kind in North America. This year, the festival drew an estimated 60,000+ spectators. Two sets of music filled the Inner Harbour each day, with a lineup featuring 91 members of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Juno Award-winning and nominated Indigenous artists Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish, B.C. Hall of Fame percussionist Sal Ferreras, Cuban vocalist Adonis Puentes, a Latin jazz sextet and the Victoria Symphony. Three hundred and forty-five volunteers poured effort and a total of 1,464 hours into the event. Island Savings sponsored the Symphony Splash Volunteer Program. Victoria Symphony CEO Matthew White highlighted in a press release the feat that Symphony Splash is produced entirely by the symphony.  "Getting it back on the barge has been a multi-year effort, which for a local not-for-profit arts organization is a monumental task. Without our volunteers, this event simply wouldn’t happen.” Victoria Symphony partnered with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre on a new initiative, In Harmony, with all donations collected during Splash! split equally between the two organizations to support youth programming and music education. Also new this year were Community Stage performances around the harbour, sponsored by Peninsula Co-op and the Royal BC Museum. National Youth Orchestra's participation in the event marked the end of its 65th anniversary tour. CEO Christie Gray said the moment was a momentous one for the musical group. "Performing from a floating stage, surrounded by water and thousands of people gathered around the harbour, created an energy you simply can't find anywhere else,” she said in a press release.

Few things capture the rhythm of a Victoria summer quite like the thump of basslines drifting down Government Street, the sun dipping over the Inner Harbour, and the Phillips Backyard Festival lighting up the city’s core. What started as a modest brewery lot party in 2013 has grown into one of Victoria’s biggest music events. Now split across two weekends, the festival returns with Reverb Weekend – running Aug. 8 to 10 – following the Tilt Weekend opener in July. With headliners like Peach Pit (Aug. 8), The Roots (Aug. 10), Phantogram (Aug. 9), BØRNS (Aug.9) and Ruby Waters (Aug. 10), this year’s Reverb lineup leans big and bold. Originally set to feature Sombr, Friday’s schedule now includes Ruby Waters after a last-minute cancellation. “Due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, Sombr will no longer be performing at Phillips Backyard Music Festival – Reverb Weekend on Aug. 8,” organizers said in a statement. “We apologize for any inconvenience and are thrilled to welcome Ruby Waters.” >   >   >   >   > https://www.instagram.com/p/DMljVFcBdNF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading > View this post on Instagram > [https://www.instagram.com/p/DMljVFcBdNF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   >   > > A post shared by Phillips Backyard (@phillips.backyard) > [https://www.instagram.com/p/DMljVFcBdNF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] The lineup cements Phillips Backyard as a serious contender in the city’s live music scene, shoulder to shoulder with Rifflandia in terms of crowd size and cultural weight. This weekend marks the third post-COVID edition of the festival, and organizers have made a few key changes including raising the main stage by two feet, giving audiences a better view and helping performers connect with fans across the packed lot. Alongside the marquee names, the festival also spotlights emerging talent through the Music BC Stage. On Sunday evening, Whistler-based singer ZADA will step into that spotlight. “I am so stoked,” ZADA told Victoria News. “I tried to get into it last year and didn’t make it – then this time it just happened out of nowhere. I was like, what?!” ZADA has been building momentum with her genre-blending sound – a mix of alternative R&B, jazz, folk, electronic and global influences. She credits Music BC for helping open doors as an independent artist, and said performing in Victoria last fall left a lasting impression. “It seems really supportive from what I experienced,” she said. “I don’t always get to play to a Black audience or a crowd as diverse as I’d like to – and in Victoria, everybody showed up. It was amazing.” Her Sunday set will feature her latest singles, including Breath Away – which she calls a “warm hug in the summertime” – and Access Denied, a track about setting boundaries and reclaiming space. “My best friends and I talk a lot about growing up in a world where women are asked to be a certain way,” she said. “That song is about saying no and protecting your peace.” Though she’s playing a show in Vancouver the night before, ZADA plans to soak in some of the Reverb energy while she’s here. “The lineup is insane," ZADA said. "I’d be honoured to collaborate with any of them.” Reverb Weekend runs Aug. 8-10 in the backyard of Phillips Brewing.

The bass thumped through downtown Victoria on Sunday night, spilling out from the back lot of Phillips Brewing and into the warm August air. In the glow of the setting sun, friends leaned on each other’s shoulders, plastic cups in hand, as the crowd pressed closer to the stage. It was the final night of Phillips Backyard’s “Reverb” festival – three days of sunshine, sweat and songs that have turned a brewery’s parking lot into one of the city’s biggest summer rituals. From Friday to Sunday, 24 acts filled two stages – 15 on the main stage and nine more on the Music BC stage, which spotlighted up-and-coming artists from across the province. This year’s lineup had something for every ear: Peach Pit, Ruby Waters, Mac Sabbath, Phantogram, BØRNS, Danielle Ponder, and the weekend’s closing headliners, The Roots. What started as a modest lot party back in 2013 has grown into a full-scale production. The main stage, now two feet higher, gave fans a better view over the sea of heads that stretched to the limits of the Phillips Backyard.  For Saanich resident Nolan Sams, the festival has become a summer staple. He’s been every year since COVID restrictions lifted, but seeing The Roots live carried a special weight. “I mean look around and tell me that live music isn’t back,” Sams said. “Growing up, music was something that my dad and I could always bond over, and The Roots were one of those bands. This is going to be a core memory.” A few feet away, Victoria local Caroline Henderson was soaking in her first Phillips Backyard experience.  “There wasn’t just one particular act I was looking forward to, more so just getting the chance to see live music and spend a good weekend with my friends,” Henderson said. “Sometimes I forget how much fun live music is, and seeing so many people here proves how important it really is to so many people.” Victoria’s next big festival is just around the corner – Rifflandia, a local staple since 2008, returns to Rock Bay from Sept. 11-14.

When the dome of the Plaskett Telescope opens, it won't just be eyes looking up to the celestial heavens. The haunting voices of around 20 choral singers will also carry upwards during Vox in the Stars, one of Victoria's most unique concert experiences, taking place Sept. 5-7 in the world-renowned Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. "The sound in the dome is amazingly resonant, akin to, for instance, an ancient cathedral," describes Vox Humana Chamber Choir artistic director David Stratkauskas. "The atmosphere of this historic observatory, on top of the hill, under the skies, is quite literally otherworldly! It's almost a religious experience." Sitting atop Observatory Hill in Saanich, the dome of the 106-year-old Plaskett Telescope has been the scene of Vox in the Stars concerts going back to at least 2013. This year, Vox Humana Chamber Choir performs a cappella – except for a song that involves a violist – under the dome's open roof, singing music that explores themes of astronomy, science, the majesty of the heavens and our place in the cosmos. The choir uses new pieces each year, with this year's repertoire including two special pieces by Victoria composers: Christine Donkin’s evocative Aurora for choir and viola, and Chris Sivak’s newly composed Star Light, Star Bright. To recreate the majesty of space in music, Sivak used various musical techniques in his composition, including a trick called 'extensor notes'. This is where the choir sings a smooth melodic line, while sections of the choir break off and sing decaying rhythmic figures. "The intent is to sonically paint the image of shooting stars flying across the sky. It's a pretty magical effect," he said. He described the composition as a labour, both of relentlessness and of joy, that involved workshopping the piece with two other choirs. voxhumana2024-4-of-13 [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/saanich/2025-july/voxhumana2024-4-of-13.jpg;w=960] Vox in the Stars takes place at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, which boasts the 106-year-old Plaskett Telescope. Ben Dorman What remains true today, as any time in history, is the way that art and science complement one another, particularly when it comes to the awe that the cosmos inspires. "It's interesting to note that many astronomers and scientists over the years have not only had a strong sense of awe and wonder – and choral music communicates this sense beautifully – but many have also been keen musicians," Stratkauskas said. "And of course, for thousands of years, there was a belief that music and science were closely related – it's said that Pythagoras thought that the celestial bodies made music." He hopes that the concerts will help raise awareness for the "wonderful education and outreach" done by the Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory.  Eventbrite [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/vox-humana-chamber-choir-presents-vox-in-the-stars-tickets-1485274549159] tickets for the concert, which runs Sept. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m., are $45 for general admission and free for ages 25 and under. The observatory is located at 5071 West Saanich Rd.  More can be learned about the observatory at https://centreoftheuniverse.org [https://centreoftheuniverse.org/].

Fifty-two births, 244 deaths, 141 weddings and five – possibly seven – serial killers. Not the latest statistics for downtown Victoria, but the colourful history of a fictional cobbled street in northern England. Coronation Street – or “Corrie” to its legion of fans – has been dishing out drama, scandal and Betty’s Hotpot for 65 years, earning a Guinness World Record as the longest-running television soap opera. In the U.K., an average of four million Brits tune in three times a week to catch the latest twists and turns in the lives of Weatherfield’s working-class residents.  While across the Atlantic, Canadian audiences are just as loyal, with an average of 532,000 viewers glued to each episode on CBC. It’s also been a fixture in CBC Gem’s top three programs since the streaming service launched in 2018. But it’s not just on the sofa where Canadian fans get their Corrie fix. For almost 20 years, the cobbles of Weatherfield have stretched all the way to Canadian stages. Stars of Coronation Street have crossed the Atlantic to tour from Halifax to Vancouver Island, packing theatres and delighting fans in more than 170 shows – selling an estimated 50,000 tickets along the way. In 2012, Corrie royalty William Roache – suave lothario Ken Barlow since episode one in 1960 and now, at 93, the Guinness World Record holder as the longest-serving television star in a continuous role – toured Canada to a rock star welcome, even meeting then-prime minister Stephen Harper. That same enthusiasm for the show is still going strong to this day.  Joe Duttine, better known as Tim Metcalfe, brought his northern charm to Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre and Vancouver's York Theatre in January this year, selling out both venues faster than you can say “another pint please, love.” Now, to mark the soap’s 65th anniversary, actors Mikey North (Gary Windass) and Ryan Prescott (Ryan Connor) will soon bring a slice of Weatherfield to the west coast, swapping the Rovers Return pub for Victoria’s Vic Theatre on Aug. 23 and Vancouver’s York Theatre on Aug. 24. On stage, the pair will spill stories and secrets from behind the scenes of the iconic TV soap in a hosted interview, with plenty of laughs – and a chance for folks to ask their own questions. 250812susankargelrolfkargel [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/victoria/2025-august/250812susankargelrolfkargel.jpeg;w=960] Central Saanich residents Susan and Rolf Kargel pull a pint in the Rovers Return pub as part of the Coronation Street Experience tour in Manchester, U.K. Courtesy of Susan Kargel Among the audience in Victoria will be Central Saanich resident Susan Kargel, who remembers first watching Corrie as a young teenager, back when the drama played out in black and white. It was the thick Manchester accents, unusual colloquialisms and brash personalities that first pulled Kargel into the world of Coronation Street. “Growing up in Ottawa, I wasn't exposed to British people … it was like a whole new world, it just fascinated me,” she said.  “It's almost like being able to travel to another part of the world, putting yourself in their living room, their kitchen or pub without leaving your armchair.” Hooked by this glimpse into a “foreign lifestyle,” Kargel quickly became invested in the characters and their stories, which veer from laugh-out-loud ridiculous to unexpectedly poignant. “I never take it seriously, but I do remember some really tragic storylines that really hit you deep down … maybe something that you could relate to personally, or experiences that your family could relate to,” she says. Now retired and approaching 70, Kargel makes Corrie part of her nightly routine, sometimes joined by husband Rolf, who dips in and out of the show when the mood takes him – under one firm household rule. “I’ve told him he’s not allowed to ask questions until the commercials are on or until the show is over,” Kargel says with a laugh. Recently, the couple jumped at the chance to step onto the cobbles themselves, signing up for the Coronation Street Experience in Manchester, U.K., before embarking on a Scandinavian cruise. They toured the exterior set, explored replica interiors of Roy’s Rolls and the Rovers Return, and even met Channique Sterling-Brown, who has played Dee-Dee Bailey since 2022. “Honestly, it was pretty cool,” said Kargel about her peak behind the scenes. As for why Corrie continues to resonate in Canada, Kargel thinks it could be tied to the country’s Commonwealth connection to Britain. “Or the fact that we have a lot of Brits here in Canada, or a lot of Canadians who have British relatives,” she adds. 250812susankargelrolfkargel3 [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/victoria/2025-august/250812susankargelrolfkargel3.jpg;w=960] The residents of the small row of terraced houses on Coronation Street have been entertaining audiences across the world for 65 years. Courtesy of Susan Kargel Host of the upcoming Victoria and Vancouver shows Neville MacKay agrees with Kargel’s theory. For him, Coronation Street isn’t just television – it’s family history.  Raised in Nova Scotia by a British war bride mother and surrounded by other strong British women, the show was part of the wallpaper of his childhood – Corrie’s instantly recognizable theme tune a signal that it was bedtime. “Everyone watched it,” he says. “And those that say they didn’t, I call BS, because your mother or grandmother did, and you sat there with them and you watched.” MacKay has been watching for more than 50 years, hooked on its mix of grit, humour and heart. He loves that Corrie keeps older actors front and centre, embraces imperfect looks and has always celebrated strong women.  “They’re as common as muck, the bunch of them,” he says. “None of them are pretentious, most of them as poor as church mice, so there’s no looking up to them – and that’s so refreshing compared to other ‘grand’ shows.” His enthusiasm spills into his work – he has hosted more than 70 fan events in Canada and, for over 15 years, has led tours to northern England, culminating in visits to the show’s set.  His role gives him a unique insight into the Canadian fandom. At theatre shows, it’s clear the Corrie-watching tradition is something that continues to be passed down from one generation to the next. “You see people from the womb to the tomb who watch it,” quips MacKay, his quick wit reminiscent of Corrie's legendary battleaxe Blanche Hunt, who once told her long-suffering ex-jailbird daughter, “Good looks are a curse Deirdre – you and Kenneth should count yourselves lucky." For MacKay, the show’s charm is simple: real people, good humour and the occasional surprise.  “You never know who’s going to die, cry, get slapped, beaten up or fall in the canal –  and that's what keeps you on the edge of your seat.” 250731mikeynorthcoronation [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/victoria/2025-july/250731mikeynorthcoronation.jpg;w=960] Coronation Street's Mikey North aka Gary Windass, will be visiting Victoria in August. Supplied by Stroll Promotions For Coronation Street stars, nothing quite prepares them for the devotion of Canadian fans.  Actor North suspects Corrie’s enduring Canadian popularity stems from the many British expats who have settled here. But whatever the reason, the reception is always the same – warm and unmistakably Canadian. “They're so knowledgeable about the show," he says. "They know more than me, and I'm in the show.” On past visits, North’s been recognized everywhere from Victoria to Vancouver – even invited for an impromptu tour of BC Place ahead of the Women’s World Cup final in 2015. A lifelong Maple Leafs fan, one career highlight came far from the cobbles – seeing his face on the jumbotron at a game and hearing the arena erupt in cheers. “And I'm amazed at that," he says. “That's made my career a couple of times. It's amazing for me that we can travel across the pond and people still know who we are. “I guess that's a testament to the show, that it’s stood the test of time.” Since swaggering onto the street as resident bad boy Gary Windass in 2008, North's alter ego has ticked off nearly every soap trope imaginable. He's been to prison, served in the army, fathered two children, tied the knot with the local widowed hairdresser, killed a loan shark in self-defence, and even sabotaged the roof of a knicker factory, causing more death and destruction on the cobbles – all before turning 40. But North wouldn’t have it any other way, especially when there’s action involved. “It's always nice playing a baddy,” he says. “The best part of the job for me is the stunt side of things … fight scenes, gun scenes and car crash scenes and things like that.” The most recent twist saw North’s character left in a coma by a mystery attacker, which at first sounded like the easiest acting gig in soap history. “When I read the scripts that I was going to be in coma for a few weeks, I thought, 'Great, I can just sleep at work',” he said. “But as I've come to realize, keeping your eyes shut and not have your eyes flicker is really difficult ... we had to redo so many scenes because my eyes were flickering." Thankfully, Gary survived – for now – and North hopes he can keep dodging the Grim Reaper’s all-too-frequent visits to Weatherfield. “That’s the north of England for you,” he jokes. But North hints that danger may soon be stalking the street’s residents yet again. Marking a first in British soap history, an upcoming storyline will see the world of Coronation Street collide with fellow long-running drama Emmerdale, in a special crossover episode. “I don’t know if I'm involved in that yet, but I think there's going to be a lot of deaths, so I'm sort of hoping that I'm not,” he says with a hopeful laugh. For more information about the upcoming 65th anniversary show in Victoria and Vancouver, visit: strollpro.ca [https://strollpro.ca/]. Tickets are available for purchase through Ticketscene: www.ticketscene.ca [http://www.ticketscene.ca/list.php?q=coronation].

Victoria’s Inner Harbour will come alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of the Caribbean later this month as i-Land Fest expands to a three-day celebration. The free festival, running Aug. 29-31 at Ship Point, will feature live music, dancing, food vendors, artisan markets and cultural exhibits. Organized by the Vancouver Island Caribbean Hub, the event is growing from previous years to offer more performances and activities. The festival opens Friday with a steel pan showcase featuring bands from Vancouver. Evening ticketed events include GLOW, a Caribbean dance party at Ambrosia Banquet Hall on Friday, and the Official After Party at Wicket Hall on Saturday. Saturday’s highlights include a carnival parade along Government Street, ending at Ship Point.  Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a kids zone, traditional Caribbean board games, 35 artisan and community vendors, and a cultural exhibit on Caribbean history and heritage. Headliners include Toronto soca artist Jaxx and Barbados performer Hypasounds on Saturday night, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Benjai on Sunday night. For more information, visit vicaribbeanhub.com [http://vicaribbeanhub.com].

Dallas Smith is hitting the road with a tour that strips away the lights and production, leaving just the music, the stories, and the audience – and Greater Victoria will get its own intimate taste this October. The Canadian country music star will perform as part of the Dallas Smith and his Band: One Night Only "Unplugged" Tour, with special guest Brock Phillips. Smith will make six stops on Vancouver Island, including two trips to the region, as part of a massive 51-show Canadian tour spanning 72 days. The tour kicks off on Oct. 3 in Fort St. John and wraps up Dec. 14 in Belleville, Ont., hitting every province in Canada except Newfoundland and Labrador. Despite the packed schedule, Smith is eager to connect with fans in a more personal setting. "There’s something special about taking it all back to the songs, the stories, and the raw connection that happens when it’s just you, your long-time band, and the audience. I can’t wait to bring this experience across Canada, and for you to see what we have in store," Smith said via social media. The 47-year-old is a three-time CCMA entertainer of the year and a two-time Juno Award winner. He also serves as lead singer of Canadian rock band Default, which formed in Vancouver in 1999 and built a devoted cult following. "I've always chosen and written songs with challenging vocals that I love to sing," Smith says in his YouTube bio. Smith’s country career took off in 2012 with his album 'Jumped Right In', followed by four more albums, most recently the self-titled 'Dallas Smith' in 2023. Over his career, he has accumulated 21 Gold-certified singles, nine platinum singles, four Gold albums, and more than 640 million global streams. Island stops include the Charlie White Theatre in Sidney on Oct. 14, the McPherson Playhouse in Victoria on Oct. 15, Tidemark Theatre in Campbell River on Oct. 16, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre in Duncan on Oct. 17, Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay on Oct. 18, and Nanaimo’s Port Theatre on Oct. 19. Smith is also one of the featured artists on this year's live television CCMA Awards show on CTV on Sept. 13.

It was a rainy, almost bleak evening at Macaulay Point Park in Esquimalt on Aug. 14, but that only enhanced the whimsical, post-apocolyptic scene that permeated it. New Earth Bandits 2, a theatrical experience running Aug. 14-17 and 21-24, is put on by SNAFU and is unlikely to be like anything you've ever seen. In the waterfront park, featuring remnants of a historic military outpost, audiences can explore – at their own pace –  a theme park of futuristic characters. Whether emerging from a tunnel to the sounds of singing, or twisting around a wall of blackberry bushes, theatre pops from all corners, as certain characters weave between scenes and dreamt-up worlds. "It's very curious," one audience member was overheard saying. Others gleefully participated, joining characters in dancing, role play or improv exchanges. Co-artistic director Kathleen Greenfield said there is an "immersive, scavenger-hunt feel to the show" and that audiences can experience it in new, different ways each time. SNAFU worked with a number of community groups to imagine what possible new worlds await the human race 5,000 years in the future. Collaborators include artists on parole, Latin American artists, and artists of all abilities from the Embrace Foundation.  In a past interview with Victoria News, Greenfield clarified that New Earth Bandits is not a post-apocalyptic play: rather, it’s about a generative and imaginative world-building. Amid themes of destruction, foxes laid out persian rugs inviting audience members to dance, a hilarious green knight challenged a stranger to a duel, and there were many fantastical costumes, ranging from hobbit-like to mythological. But, of course, it was impossible to see it all, and that was part of the magic. BREAKING NEW TERRITORY IN VICTORIA THEATRE Creating a show with so many elements meant there was a lot to experiment with when New Earth Bandits premiered last year. Greenfield said important things were learned in that production that influenced this year's show.   "I learned that it is most exciting when there are things going on everywhere in the park, but to investigate clear ways to invite the audience to the 'next thing' so they aren't left for too long without a performance to see," she said.    While this style of show might be novel for many audience members, for SNAFU, innovation has always been the name of the game. The company has been creating site-specific theatre since 2006. Greenfield said she's always been "interested in finding new ways to tell stories. "I find it challenging to sit in a dark theatre listening to people recite text, so New Earth Bandits is offering a new way to experience art as a community."  

The Strathcona Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is proud to welcome Keni Fusé as the new Music Director to the communities of the Comox Valley, Campbell River and surrounding areas. Fusé performed with some of the world’s greatest musical artists while in his position as Principal Viola with the Victoria Symphony. Artists include Yo-Yo Ma, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Celine Dion, Rosemary Clooney, James Ehnes, Nelly Furtado, and Angela Hewitt as well as performances with the Vancouver Symphony, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. He has taught at the University of Victoria, the Victoria Conservatory of Music, Comox Valley Youth Music Centre, and coaches the viola section of the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra. “I am extremely honoured and excited to conduct the SSO and during my brief audition time with the musicians, I enjoyed their wonderful attitude and willingness to learn and adapt quickly to my performance suggestions,” said Fusé. “I feel that great things can be accomplished by the SSO musicians in the upcoming season and over the next several years,” he said. “I also feel a drive to promote quality orchestral music to Canadian communities, and the Comox Valley seems like a perfect spot to receive this music, and for me to give something back to the orchestra in terms of support.” “I am also hoping to write a piece or two for the orchestra, as I get to know the musicians better,” said Fusé. “This opportunity really excites the creative musician inside me.” In the 2025/26 season, Fusé is looking at focusing on the orchestra performing some of the masterpieces of the repertoire, such as Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 and some iconic Canadian composers.  He will also be conducting one of his favourite pieces, Kodály’s Háry János Suite. For more information about the SSO, the beginner/intermediate string ensemble, Hello Strings!, becoming a sponsor, or joining the orchestra, please visit www.strathconasymphony.ca [http://www.strathconasymphony.ca] or email strathconasymphony@gmail.com [strathconasymphony@gmail.com]. The upcoming winter concerts will be held at Courtenay’s Filberg Centre on Dec. 6 and 7.  Tickets will be available on the SSO website closer to the performance dates.  

People in Port Alberni should expect to see more smoke, and more firefighters, from the Mount Underwood wildfire in the coming days as the weather heats up and firefighters move their base to the Alberni Valley. In a Tuesday morning update (Aug. 19), BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said with the Wesley Ridge fire under control, firefighters are moving base to Port Alberni while the Mount Underwood fire remains out of control. "That is not because the fire has increased in severity or intensity or is becoming more of a concern," Fire Information Officer Karley Desrosiers said at the update. The fire has not grown since Thursday, and has in fact been adjusted to a slightly smaller 3,603 hectares due to better perimeter mapping, she added. Desrosiers said with the relief from the rain, crews have been working on building guards, clearing fuel and extinguishing hot spots in a 100-foot perimeter around the fire where it is safe to slow or stop the spread when conditions do warm again. For the fire to be declared under control, BCWS says they need to be confident it won't cause problems for the community in the future. "Our long-term objective is full containment of this incident in all areas where it is safe to do so to avoid any potential challenges down the line," she said. "Summer is kind of winding down but we want to be able to leave this area confident that this fire is not going to pose any issues or risks to the community." She added no firefighters have been seriously injured with this fire, but that conditions were difficult with heat in the early days of the fire and rain more recently. Desrosiers added she spoke with crews and said while the rain was welcome, it did make things more challenging. "Morale can be a bit down but they're happy to continue to do that hard work and they recognize the importance of being there," she said. "They're really out there doing the best job that they can and they're working really hard for the communities." In order to get crews into the areas they need to go, BCWS is creating pathways using heavy equipment and even creating landing areas for helicopters so crews can be brought in from the air. There is a section of the Bamfield Main Road that is considered a "no-go" zone for crews due to slope instability in steep cliffs beside the highway, she added. Throughout the course of the fire around 150 visitors to the area were evacuated. It was previously reported that no permanent residents were evacuated, but the regional district's chief administrative officer Daniel Sailland clarified there are approximately 50 long-term residents of recreational homes who were forced to leave the area. "I want to give justice to that and say this it was their homes and they looking forward to returning as soon as possible," Sailland said. BC Wildfire Service said they are reviewing evacuation alerts and orders and changes to the recommendations may be made in the near future. BC Hydro is working to restore power to Bamfield and the surrounding area, but said it could take as long as two weeks due to the extent of the damage and challenging conditions. The area has not had power since Aug. 11. "We've got close to about 60 folks on site. That'll be vegetation crews and powerline technicians doing the work out there," said Ted Olynyk from BC Hydro. He added they are hoping to have more crews on site tomorrow. "It's challenging in some areas. We've had to have geotech in there to ensure we have stability where we're going to put poles, where crews are working." Since BC Hydro crews began working, they have placed 15 new power poles and strung 11 spans of power line with an additional 30 poles ready for power lines. They have also been clearing debris. Many of the poles and lines needed to restore power have already been transported to where BC Hydro is working. BC Hydro said 56 power poles and 70 spans of line need to be replaced. One area is not yet accessible to BC Hydro due to safety concerns, they will work with BCWS to determine the safest way to access that area.  Olynyk said there are some BC Hydro crew members who have cancelled their vacation time to be part of the restoration effort. "They live in the area, they want to help out so they're coming (back) from holidays to make things go a lot faster and restore power to the community," he said. To get to the areas BC Hydro needs to work in, they cannot use the Bamfield Main Road and must travel all the way around, using the Youbou Road. Port Alberni's mayor, Sharie Minions said throughout the situation, she has been asked if Alberni has been given enough resources. "It's such a nice feeling to be able to say 'yes,'" she said. "This fire was prioritized by the province, by BC Wildfire, with an excellent amount of support services being put into it and we're extremely grateful that our community has been protected." The fire was discovered on the evening of Aug. 11. Massive plumes of smoke were seen from Port Alberni and air quality was affected for several days. While the fire is still considered out of control, its behaviour has calmed since its discovery when it had large, open flames burning across trees.

The downtown CIBC bank was cordoned off this morning as police responded to what they say was a bank robbery. According to the Victoria Police Department, on Aug. 19, just before 11 a.m., they responded to a reported theft in the 1100-block of Douglas Street. "The investigation is ongoing, and officers are actively searching for a suspect. No weapons were involved," noted an emailed statement from VicPD.

A first-of-its-kind celebration of Vietnamese culture is set to grace Vancouver Island this fall, with the inaugural Soul of Vietnam Festival [https://soulofvietnam.ca/] taking place at Ship Point in Victoria on Sept. 20. This free, all-day event promises to be a vibrant showcase of Vietnamese heritage, bringing together music, fashion, food and traditions for the entire community. Organized by the Soul of Vietnam Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to cultural exchange and community empowerment, the festival aims to elevate the visibility and representation of Vietnamese on Vancouver Island. “Our dream is to bring the vibrant spirit of Vietnam into the heart of the city, where colourful stories, tradition and flavours come to life, allowing generations to connect through shared pride and cultural celebration,” says organizer Will Nguyen. “We believe it is time to demonstrate that Vietnamese voices, heritage and passion rightfully belong in Victoria.” Festival attendees can expect cultural performances, including traditional Vietnamese music and folk dance, alongside contemporary acts. READ MORE Victoria stories here [https://www.westcoasttraveller.com/?s=Victoria] A highlight of the day will be a fashion show curated by renowned designers Tran Thien Khanh and Nguyen Phuc Tuan, featuring runway modelling by Dang Truong from Toronto. Live music from Vietnamese-Canadian artists like SaigonBites from Vancouver and Hai Tuan Family will also keep the energy high. Families will enjoy dedicated activities, including Vietnamese traditional games and a kids’ zone. A bustling marketplace will offer authentic Vietnamese cuisine, handmade crafts and a variety of community vendors. Soul of Vietnam Festival [https://soulofvietnam.ca/] is a collaborative effort, bringing together local Vietnamese organizations such as Hai An and Van Hanh Temples, the Vietnamese Canadian Business Association and the UVic Vietnamese Student Association. Festival hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Ship Point, Wharf Street in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Admission is free. Plan your adventures throughout the West Coast at westcoasttraveller.com [https://www.westcoasttraveller.com/] and follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theWestCoastTraveller/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thewestcoasttraveller/] @thewestcoasttraveller. And for the top West Coast Travel stories of the week delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our weekly Armchair Traveller newsletter [https://www.westcoasttraveller.com/newsletter/#//]!

Island Health will be setting up memorial stations and holding events up and down the Island as part of International Overdose Awareness Day. Overdose Awareness Day takes place on Aug. 31, with this year's theme 'one big family' representing that everyone is connected and through compassion and awareness, people can honour the lives lost and support those impacted by the toxic drug poisoning crisis.  Starting Monday, Aug. 25, purple chairs will be stationed at 18 Island Health locations as a memorial exhibit for those who have died during the toxic drug crisis. Each location will include information and resources, purple ribbon pins and an interactive memory board. Tracey Thompson, Island Health harm reduction coordinator, told the News Bulletin that learning about and carrying naloxone is one way the general public can participate in reducing overdose deaths in the region. "It's important for community members to know what resources are available to support them and if people are engaged in substance use and wanting some support, to understand what services are available," Thompson said. "That could be in the community through community agencies or through their physician, or through Island Health." She said it can sometimes be difficult for people to understand what motivates substance use and some may have preconceived ideas. "It's really important for us to try to reduce the stigma and think about how we can support people to get the help they might be looking for, rather than focusing on criminalizing or being punitive." A press release from Island Health noted that drug poisonings are the leading cause of death among adults 19 to 59 years old on Vancouver Island. In the first half of 2025, toxic drugs have caused the deaths of 163 people across the Island Health region: 30 on the north Island, 77 on the central Island and 56 on the south Island. In the release, Dr. Réka Gustafson, Island Health's chief medical health officer, said preventing overdose deaths requires "actions beyond health services including investment in the social determinants of health, like housing, income, education and social connection, which shape people’s vulnerability to substance use." “These deaths are preventable,” the doctor said. “Remembering those we have lost honours them and keeps them in the centre of the dialogue about a meaningful response to the crisis from the entire community.” Events marking the day will be held in Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Campbell River, Duncan, Gabriola Island, Crofton, Parksville, Sooke, Campbell River and Victoria.  In addition to in-person memorial stations, Island Health is hosting an online memory wall [https://app.mural.co/t/islandhealth6899/m/islandhealth6899/1747869109631/439e504eb6be0a4da5dfcf71e7c940e300813c0f], available until Sept. 20. People can visit the website to share memories, special words and photos at app.mural.co/t/islandhealth6899/m/islandhealth6899/1747869109631/439e504eb6be0a4da5dfcf71e7c940e300813c0f [http://app.mural.co/t/islandhealth6899/m/islandhealth6899/1747869109631/439e504eb6be0a4da5dfcf71e7c940e300813c0f]. Island Health advises that residents may call 1-888-885-8824 [tel:1-888-885-8824] to learn about supports that best meet their needs, and if someone is experiencing a crisis, they can contact the Vancouver Island Crisis Line, available 24/7, at 1-888-494-3888 [tel:1-888-494-3888]. Additionally, mental health and substance use services can be viewed at Island Health's mental health and substance use services page [http://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services] at http://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services [https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services]. To sign up for toxic drug health alerts via text message, text 'join' to 253787.