How U.S. Tariffs Could Reshape Tourism in Canada – A Boon or a Bust?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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