How Victoria Earned Its ‘Second Coolest’ Crown

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

Ken Lavigne is coming to Parksville to get the audience into the spirit of Christmas on Dec. 4. He’s looking forward to singing a few classic holiday tunes like ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘White Christmas’ when he performs with his ensemble at Knox United Church. “I have some songs that are really special to me like ‘O Holy Night’, ‘Ave Maria’, these are songs that really tap into my classical singing chops,” Lavigne said. “We have a lot of fun.” He will be joined by a musical ensemble that includes a piano, double bass, violin and percussion, and he’s even considering a re-visitation of ‘Santa Baby’, the classic song made famous by Eartha Kitt. The Christmas season has always been a special and meaningful time for Lavigne. “With Christmas music, there’s such a sense of joy and light that can be really affecting for people,” he said. “And of course there’s so much nostalgia that’s sort of built into it.” He might be best known for being a founding member of the Canadian Tenors, and toured with them for several years. Lavigne also made one of his dreams come true when he performed with the New York Pops Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. Lavigne has always loved to sing, but he didn’t consider studying it for his career until he received a recommendation from his choir teacher as he was heading into his university years. That education opened his eyes to world of classical music and once he’d heard the voice of Luciano Pavarotti, he knew what he wanted to do. He is looking forward to returning to Parksville. “I absolutely love the space. Knox United is an incredible performance place, they just have so much going on and the audience is always warm and they’re always up for a good time.” Lavigne added that his Christmas shows always include a fun surprise that has become a tradition over the years, and although it’s “top secret”, anyone who has been there will remember. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 and are available online through Eventbrite [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/knox-presentsa-ken-lavigne-christmas-tickets-1825276684699] and with cash at local retailers Close to You Boutique, Edge Outdoors and Fireside Books.

This holiday season, the PQB News is reminding readers of the importance of shopping local. A massive part of that experience is the people, the folks behind the counter. Here’s a peek at just a few of the many businesses that keep our local economy buzzing: Business: Close to You Address: 174 Corfield St S, Parksville, BC V9P 0C1 Owner: Sandra Herle Years in Community: 35 years Offers: Women’s fashion, lingerie, nightwear, footwear, swimwear, and accessories. Quote: “Communities would not survive without small business to support sports teams, pay the taxes for sidewalks, the water and all that stuff. I know when I go on holiday, I like to go somewhere to shop or somewhere to eat. So, if there wasn’t a small business community, I think it would be tougher on tourism. We’ve got a strong tourism group.” Sandra Herle started Close To You, a lingerie business, in 1991. Over the years, the store has expanded and features a myriad of women’s clothing, accessories and shoes. The store continues to serve devoted clients, who Herle said have greatly helped her stay in business for 35 years. “This town has always been good to us,” said Herle, who was first in the bicycle shop business before transitioning to women’s fashion. “We have been through everything. We’ve been through the real dive in the economy and COVID was the worst because you didn’t know if there was going to be an end. But we’ve got such a loyal base of clients. They have aged with me.” Small businesses, said Herle, is vital to the local economy. Their success also relies on the support they receive from residents and visitors. “Communities would not survive without small business to support sports teams, pay the taxes for sidewalks, the water and all that stuff,” said Herle, who added that they are also an asset to local tourism. “I know when I go on holiday, I like to go somewhere to shop or somewhere to eat. So, if there wasn’t a small business community, I think it would be tougher on tourism. We’ve got a strong tourism group.” Business: Coast and Cottage Address: 5-160 Corfield St. S, Parksville, British Columbia V9P 2G3 Owner: Rianna Sharp Years in community: six years Offers: Ladies clothing, home decor, art kits and art works. Quote: “It makes a huge difference even just a little support like following us on social media or sharing our stuff or word to mouth.” Owner Rianna Sharp has been operating the business for six years now. When she started, she said they mainly had vintage and paint but they have now evolved and has included women’s clothing. As well, they promote over 80 artisans locally and all over the Island, which leads to a unique experience for shoppers looking for something different. “We have a ton from the Island,” said Sharp. “We try and something for everybody. We have a lot of decor and gift ware as well as home goods and a little bit of food, a little bit of health food. We try and have a sampling for everyone. Basically, whatever you could use or need, we try to carry.” Sharp says it’s important for the community to endorse the small businesses. “When we first opened, there was a lot of stores like us, which is great for the community,” said Sharp. “And then they’ve since closed because it’s really hard to be small business nowadays with many competitions and ordering online. It makes a huge difference even just a little support like following us on social media or sharing our stuff or word to mouth.” Sharp said their store is more than just a gift shop. “We have customers that come in and they say that it’s their happy place,” said Sharp. “We try to offer a bit of an experience.” Sharp hopes for a busy holiday season. “Having more foot traffic and even more events downtown that really support shopping locally would be amazing,” said Sharp. Business: Skulls Skates/PD’s Hot Shop Address: 164 W 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1T4 Owner: Peter Ducommun Years in Community: 4 years Offers: Canada made skateboards, parts, apparel Quote: “A large portion of the skateboard industry, the products are made off-shore these days and so to have something made locally is a little bit unusual. I think that’s what people appreciate about it.” Peter Ducommun set up his business in Qualicum Beach, with one of the oldest demographics in Canada. Choosing the town was unusual for Ducommun as the products in his store called PD’s Hot Shop, appeal to a more younger generation. Yet since he opened in the heart of downtown Qualicum Beach, his skateboard shop has become well-known in the business community. Ducommun said they were surprised with the reception they have received. “The people here have very been welcoming,” said Ducommun, who is also known as PD. “We love how diverse Qualicum Beach is because of its reputation that it’s a retirement community. It’s a bigger mix than you imagine. You assume that it would just be retired people only but it’s much more than that, I would say. That’s something we learned. We had no idea when we moved here that is the case.” What PD’s Hot Shop offers are skateboards, snowboards, skimboards and bicycles that they designed and are built in Canada. Ducommun said, they are so proud to offer to residents and visitors Canadian-made merchandise. For Ducommun, who created the skateboard brand in 1978, building the products locally also means jobs, which allows people to earn and spend money locally. It also helps the town’s economy. “Qualicum Beach is a beautiful little town and it requires a lot of upkeep,” said Ducommun. “They have a lot of staff and all that money has to come from somewhere. We’re fortunate that we do have a lot of visitors because it’s such a beautiful place to visit particularly in the summer. We’re finding since we opened here that winter is getting busier as well.”

Communities to Protect Our Coast has chosen Danny Hall as this month’s Climate Hugs recipient. Hall is a teacher of science, math and French at Kwalikum and Ballenas secondary schools. He also finds time to be on the executive of Nanaimo Area Cycling Coalition and Strong Towns Nanaimo. An advocate for alternative transportation in the RDN, Hall brings careful research to this topic and offers thoughtful planning suggestions. “We can make small changes that will make a big difference for cyclists and pedestrians,” he said. Enthusiastic when he highlights the examples of good planning in Qualicum, Parksville and the Old Town area of Nanaimo, he still feels there is room for improvement. Traffic-calming designs and reformed parking mandates are tools he would like to see municipalities consider using more judiciously. He notes the Parksville Transportation Plan could better reflect the 80 per cent of people surveyed who wanted better walking and cycling infrastructure. He refers to the Qualicum/Parksville cycling route as excellent and well-used by cyclists of all ages. “Roads and parking for cars take up at least half or more land space in an area,” he said. “Cities and towns are a lot more sustainable if they have a diversity of housing options. This can be supported by alternatives to cars.” To add further clarity, Hall added, “if you want people to choose viable alternatives, they have to feel safe. I’m looking to make places where people can walk and cycle safely.” Hall’s parents were both teachers and he learned from them that volunteer work as an individual or with a community group could make a difference. As a young student hiking and skiing in the outdoors near his home, he was inspired to study science. “Green spaces even in high-density urban areas are important,” he said. “Large paved areas create heat islands and impermeable surfaces cause flooding. By design, these areas physically force people to drive. Walkable residential and business hubs are popular with everyone.” Hall points to the heat dome in June of 2021 which killed hundreds of people in B.C. and billions of sea creatures as a pivotal moment. He wanted to make a meaningful difference because “this is a crisis that threatens us all.” He became involved at that time volunteering with NALT to help eradicate invasive species and participating in the dialogue around climate change at Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. At home, he helped his parents to replace their front yard with pollinator plants. NALT was a source for these plants as well as Streamside Native Plant Nursery in Bowser. Now as a teacher himself, Hall said, “my hope is to help build a future where my students can be happy and thrive.” Hall asked that his $50 Climate Hugs award be donated to the Hamilton Wetlands and Forest Protection Society fund for purchasing Hamilton Marsh.

Works from Island artists will feature prominently across the Nanaimo area this weekend as part of a self-guided art tour. Nanaimo Artwalk, presented by Nanaimo Arts Council, will see 50 artists featured at 20 venues in downtown Nanaimo and the Old City Quarter, including at Nanaimo Museum and Nanaimo Art Gallery, on Saturday, Nov. 22 till 4 p.m. Coni Long, one of the featured at Nanaimo Museum who deals mainly in acrylics, said Nanaimo is a good place to paint en plein air (outdoors), as it has many options. “I’ve painted with a Nanaimo, group of artists and painted around Bowen Park, Neck Point, Jack Point, all around … I’m not here in the summer, so when I paint, it’s usually good,” she said. “If it’s not raining, it’s good.” Nanaimo Artwalk continues Sunday, Nov. 23 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more, go to https://nanaimoartscouncil.ca/ [https://nanaimoartscouncil.ca/] or search for Nanaimo Arts Council on Facebook.

A musical performance by the members of A Cappella Plus will raise voices about the gifts children give us to celebrate World Children’s Day. A Cappella Plus will perform Through the Eyes of a Child, to recognize UNICEF’s Global Day of Action for Children, held in November each year. The gifts of children – humour, wonder, innocence and simplicity – will be celebrated with an program of spiritual songs, popular tunes and traditional Christmas melodies, all children-oriented, noted a press release. The program will include This Little Light of Mine, The Gift to be Simple, Kookoorookoo, Teach Your Children Well, Away in a Manger and others. A Cappella Plus sings in support of the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island which works to reduce barriers to health care access for Island families. The foundation’s Homes Away from Home program includes Jesse’s House, currently under construction at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Donations to the program can be made online or at the concert. A Cappella Plus performs Through the Eyes of a Child at Brechin United Church on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and will be available at the door or online at www.accappellaplus.ca.

The work of a young Nanaimo artist will represent the imagination, identity and insight of a new generation of artists when it is displayed on the city’s street banners next year. The City of Nanaimo has announced that Grade 11 student and local artist Solana Van de Leur’s design was selected for next year’s street banners, marking the first time in the program’s history a youth artist’s design has been chosen. According to a city press release from earlier this month, the street banner program this year invited young artists from across B.C. to help shape Nanaimo’s streetscape through original artwork that reflects youth identity, imagination and insight. The release described the winning artist as a passionate artist, writer and competitive figure skater who works across multiple mediums that include acrylic, watercolour, digital illustration and sculpture. Van de Leur’s design, depicting an arbutus tree framed by day and night as a symbol of resilience and transformation, was selected for its visual depth, rich symbolism and heartfelt storytelling, the release noted. “Art and storytelling have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and through this contest, I got to tell a story about myself while depicting something as iconically Nanaimo as an arbutus tree,” said Van de Leur in the release. “It is such an honour and so surreal to know that soon I will get to see the banner that I designed all over my neighbourhood and community.” The banners will be installed in the spring throughout downtown and along traffic corridors.

Via Choralis will return with its annual December concert with a new artistic director at the helm. Grant Harville, whose accomplishments include winning the London Conducting Masterclass Competition and the Agatha C. Church Conducting Award, will make his mark with Magnificat, a concert on Sunday, Dec. 7 at St. Elizabeth Church in Sidney. “I’ve been fortunate to work with a variety of local choirs and orchestras, and every new group I encounter is a new challenge and a new horizon to reach for,” Harville told Peninsula News Review. Harville came to the Island with his family in 2020, and has since been music director of the Civic Orchestra of Victoria and conductor of the Victoria Conservatory of Music Chorale during the fall 2025 term. He describes Via Choralis as a “Sidney institution” – one that he looks forward to both shaping and growing from. For Magnificat, he has chosen Christmas- and winter-themed music by John Rutter, Felix Mendelssohn, Gustav Holst and Indigenous composer Andrew Balfour, plus a sing-along of seasonal favourites. “‘Classical’ is more a marketing term than a musical one, and it’s less a single genre than 50 genres in a trenchcoat,” he said. “There’s a tremendous diversity in the world of classical music, and it is our privilege to explore and share it.” On accompaniment will be Kinza Tyrrell, who is music director of Vancouver Opera in Schools, a coach at UVic Faculty of Music and music director of the UVic Chamber Singers, while being considered one of Canada’s top collaborative pianists. Magnificat takes place at St. Elizabeth Church, 10030 Third St. in Sidney on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 and are available at Tanner’s Book Store, from 3common.com and from members of the choir. Magnificat starts at 2 p.m. at 10030 Third St. As per what Harville hopes audiences will take away from his first concert as artistic director? “Joy, community, beauty, and an excuse to step outside of their day-to-day and enjoy an afternoon where their only obligation is to sit back and let the music wash over them.”