Trade the fast-paced Seattle scene for Victorian charm and whisk away to wellness in British Columbia's capital city on the coast Get ready for a taste of England and memories that'll last a lifetime You find yourself pulled in many directions from corralling little ones and just getting out the door on time.. to everything in between that life throws at you But you wouldn’t miss these moments for anything (well and those moments of togetherness become all the more precious That’s why a weekend getaway with my favorite girl felt like the perfect remedy to reconnect And what better way to do just that than a quick jaunt to the enchanting city of Victoria, British Columbia? My recent two-night three-day escape with my daughter to the iconic Empress Hotel was nothing short of magical To shorten our travel time from living outside of Seattle, our adventure began with a sleepover at Hotel Five It’s located right on 5th Avenue, underneath the monorail, providing an easy walk to the 5th Avenue Theatre where we took in the hysterically funny (I mean which would become home for a couple blissful nights Victoria itself exudes a timeless charm with its meticulously manicured gardens After a seamless check-in at Canada's "Castle on the Coast," our first afternoon was dedicated to soaking it all in The idea of wellness takes many forms; we may nourish our bodies, rejuvenate our minds, and nurture our souls. Our first afternoon in Victoria started by filling up our creativity and curiosity with a self-guided walk to the home of Emily Carr, one of Canada's most beloved artists There is no charge to wander the halls or climb the stairs to her bedroom Carr (1871-1945) was a pivotal figure in Canadian art celebrated for her modernist and post-impressionist depictions of the Indigenous peoples and landscapes of British Columbia Her bold brushstrokes and spiritual connection to the land broke many barriers in style and composition Her work continues to inspire generations of artists and fans past heritage homes and vibrant gardens of Carr's childhood She returned here over and over again to her beloved Victoria A statue of Carr and her pet monkey Woo sits on the Empress' front corner Remember that feeling of pure joy as a kid with the wind rushing through your hair as you zoomed down the streets of your neighborhood? Well, that feeling still exists. Channel your childlike self and hop on an e-bike with The Pedaler tours It's the perfect way to get around this charming town and experience the sights firsthand who gave us a brief rundown on biking the city as well as the historical sites we would be visiting our friendly guide led us up Granville Street and through the bustling energy of Chinatown we ducked down the hidden and iconic Fantan Alley with its vibrant red lanterns and quaint shops who rode his motorcycle through it in the 1990 film a Scottish baronial mansion with a fascinating history of intrigue and paused at the serene Ross Bay Cemetery a Victorian-era resting place with stunning ocean views Our ride culminated in a relaxing loop through Beacon Hill Park a sprawling green oasis with breathtaking vistas of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains The park is home to the tallest totem pole we looked up to see a bald eagle sitting on top Ben assured us this was a sign of extreme good luck Pro tip: The e-bike tour lasts approximately two hours and suits riders of all skill levels No mother-daughter getaway is complete without a bit of pampering. Returning from our romp around the town on two wheels, our afternoon was dedicated to pure indulgence, starting with a delightful experience at the charming Pendray Inn & Tea House What could be more quintessentially British than an afternoon tea The tradition began in the late 19th century with Anna Russell The concept of a light meal of tea and snacks quickly grew in popularity becoming more or less a cultural phenomenon As we settled in, we looked over the two menus. The first devoted itself to the extensive selections of teas, from classic black teas like Earl Grey to herbal, white and green teas, such as Matcha and Gunpowder Green. I selected Gen Mai Cha from the locally owned Silk Road Teas nutty flavor felt as warming as the sun shining through the glass panes over our table After ordering a Vegan Tea for me and a West Coast Tea for my daughter we both sipped from our floral-patterned cups and chatted about our morning bike ride Starting with a savory sandwich of cucumber and lemon-dill vegan cream cheese I moved on to the tier of scones accompanied by homemade berry jam Making sure to leave room for the top tier of petite desserts My eye was on the Scotch Crème Brûlée Tart (how they made that vegan is a proprietary secret My daughter's tray held other delicacies of the sea All the seafood products used at Pendray are 100% Ocean Wise certified meaning you can be assured of a sustainable and ocean-friendly choice Her sandwich choices included Baked Albacore Tuna Terrine with Macarons and Tiramisu among her dessert selections a couple of rejuvenating facials at their luxurious Fairmont Spa awaited us They tailored their Signature Facial to our specific skin type needs Emerging with refreshed skin and a renewed sense of calm Then the ultimate wellness experience arrived the following afternoon at HAVN Nordic Spa. Perched overlooking the Inner Harbour this retired military vessel turned urban oasis offered a three-hour journey through hot pools Soaking in the warm waters overlooking the bay Think rooftop vibes with lush greenery and repurposed cedar surrounding you The perfect mix of urban and nature invites you to pause A Foodie Feast for the Senses (and Palate) and we sampled its diverse culinary scene through a plant-based lens But this city offers up tastes for every palate turning old favorites like mac-n-cheese into creative and satisfying dishes no stay at the Empress is complete without experiencing the refined elegance of The Q at the Empress where we enjoyed a memorable breakfast with impeccable service and delectable cuisine If you're looking for the ultimate mother-daughter bonding sesh you are queen (or king) for the duration of your stay Escape the everyday and treat yourselves to this charming getaway and already planning your next adventure in Victoria MaryRose Denton is a freelance contributor for Seattle Refined services and/or accommodations in this story were provided without charge the opinions within are those of the author and the Seattle Refined editorial board VICTORIA, British Columbia — In the spirit of Christ’s teachings to care for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40) the Relief Society in the Victoria 2nd Ward in the Victoria British Columbia Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has embarked on a heart-warming service project that exemplifies true Christ-like charity Sisters are dedicating their time and talents to sewing quilts and assembling emergency hygiene kits for children and youth in need Their efforts to do this demonstrate the profound impact that selfless service can have on vulnerable members of the community Janelle Singer, the Victoria 2nd Ward Relief Society service coordinator, first got the idea from JustServe.org the sisters organized a quilting bee to complete several blankets previously started by Kelly Urarii and other Church members “Thirty-seven beautifully handmade quilts have been delivered “I love to sew these quilts in my spare time knowing they will be a source of comfort and warmth to the children and youth who have to go into care in Victoria and beyond.” especially made for children and youth in need provide comfort during sudden and unplanned moves for children taken into care Recognizing the need for emergency supplies the sisters also sewed cloth bags and filled them with essential items such as hairbrushes The sisters themselves donated the hygiene items that went into these bags The Ministry of Children and Family Development representatives “loved the hygiene kits so much that we decided to make more because there was such a great need More hygiene kits will be donated,” reported Wendy Yzenbrandt 32 additional quilts and 22 emergency overnight packages were gratefully received by a resource social worker from the MCFD who planned to distribute these comfort items to children and youth in need the Relief Society members plan to expand their service projects to include making quilts and hygiene kits for women and children in transition houses who have fled abusive situations The sisters hope to secure future funding for this non-profit service project to continue their efforts to support vulnerable members of their community The sisters said they are just happy that their skills can be used to bless the lives of children and families in need The joy that comes from service is evident in the dedication and enthusiasm of these Relief Society sisters as they continue to make quilts and emergency kits and expand their projects Their commitment to providing comfort and essential supplies to children and families in need reflects the Savior’s admonition to care for those less fortunate. The members of the Victoria 2nd Ward Relief Society truly embody the motto, “Charity never faileth” (1 Corinthians 13:8) they inspire others to find creative ways to make a difference in their communities — Dale A. Ruttan is the Victoria British Columbia Stake communication director. This article originally appeared on the Church’s Canada Area site VICTORIA - People in Victoria will soon have access to nearly 300 new homes as construction begins on two developments that offer affordable rental and supportive housing "We know that different people have different housing needs and we're working on every front to help everyone find a place to call home," said Ravi Kahlon these homes will lower rental costs for working people and families while bringing people sheltering outside indoors so they can have stability dignity and support they need to move forward." including those at risk of or experiencing homelessness a provincial investment of nearly $100 million is funding the construction of 295 new homes across two separate developments on Pandora Avenue and Discovery Street This includes a new 21-storey building at 926/930 Pandora Ave. replacing the existing vacant structures with 158 affordable rental homes 47 supportive homes and a community space expected to include child care services with the homes expected to be completed by spring 2029 The Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC) will manage the affordable rental homes and an experienced non-profit operator will oversee the supportive housing "These new homes will provide families and individuals with a place to call home in their communities and close to their jobs and their support systems," said Nina Krieger "By offering a mix of affordable and supportive housing we're helping ensure that everyone can find stability comfort and a sense of belonging in Victoria." construction is set to start in May on 90 new supportive homes at 726 Discovery St for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness steel-frame building will feature 90 studio units This project is expected to be completed by mid-2027 Our Place Society will operate the supportive housing at Discovery Street laundry facilities and a range of 24/7 on-site support services as well as access to physical and mental-health care The building will also feature safety measures such as fenced grounds These projects are part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C the Province has nearly 92,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway including more than 4,120 homes in Victoria "We're happy to see construction begin on the Discovery Street supportive-housing project This much-needed resource will provide 90 supportive homes for people in Victoria offering stability and services to help them thrive It's a vital step forward for those we serve and for access to housing in Victoria is a significant step forward as we address our complex housing crisis These 295 affordable homes will provide the stability and opportunity needed for more people to build community roots and thrive in Victoria." the CRHC has introduced more than 800 new affordable homes to the region Projects like Pandora show the powerful possibilities of partnership and the CRHC is excited to get another 158 affordable homes underway in the city of Victoria." To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/ A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available here: https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/Building-BC/homes-for-BC To learn how BC Housing is helping to build strong, inclusive housing communities, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/podcast government is providing nearly $100 million to build these homes in addition to $7.4 million in annual operating funding and land valued at $2.6 million Retirement is a time to relax and embrace life, and Victoria is home to some of Australia’s best towns for retirees Whether it’s the coastal appeal of Port Fairy with its historic cottages and active arts community or the riverside charm of Yarrawonga along Lake Mulwala Victoria caters to a variety of lifestyles the state provides a combination of relaxation and engagement we’ve ranked 10 standout towns in Victoria to help you find your next home Leongatha is an excellent choice for retirees seeking affordability and convenience With housing prices averaging around $580,000 and lower living costs compared to larger cities everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are more manageable The town’s compact layout makes it easy to get around on foot while senior-friendly public transport and ride-sharing options offer added accessibility A low crime rate further enhances its appeal with Gippsland Southern Health Service (GSHS) Leongatha Hospital providing reliable care Latrobe Community Health Service also offers specialized support tailored to seniors’ needs Leongatha offers a fulfilling retirement lifestyle with a range of activities and amenities Mountain View Leongatha provides boutique retirement living and the town's Senior Citizens Centre hosts workshops and group outings to keep residents engaged Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Great Southern Rail Trail while art lovers will appreciate the Leongatha Gallery and a peaceful picnic next to the iconic Lennie Gwyther Statue Port Fairy is a standout coastal town for retirees offering a strong sense of community and a relaxed way of life it’s still more cost-effective than major cities with manageable housing and living expenses for those with a comfortable retirement fund Neighbors look out for one another in Port Fairy and social and recreational opportunities abound The Port Fairy Community House hosts workshops and U3A Port Fairy organizes classes and activities to keep residents engaged Those who appreciate the outdoors will enjoy walks to Griffiths Island Lighthouse or a visit to the local golf course Creative types will appreciate the thriving artistic scene while festivals such as the Port Fairy Folk Festival bring energy and entertainment with Moyne Health Services providing comprehensive support Facilities like Belfast House and Moyneyana House deliver residential care tailored to individuals as well as programs for social engagement Echuca offers retirees affordability and convenience in a riverfront town The cost of living is lower than in larger cities with median house prices around $550,000 and savings on everyday expenses like groceries and utilities Quality healthcare is provided by Echuca Regional Health which supports the community with a range of medical services and senior-focused programs aged care facilities such as Wharparilla Lodge cater to those needing extra assistance with low crime rates and initiatives like Neighbourhood Watch creating a secure environment Social connections are easy to build through local groups like Echuca-Moama U3A and the Echuca Neighborhood House Nature lovers can take advantage of the Murray River where walking paths and parks provide spaces for relaxation History enthusiasts can visit the Port of Echuca while establishments like The Foundry Arts Space appeal to those with creative interests With median house prices around $750,000—lower than Melbourne’s $900,000—retirees can downsize or embrace a laid-back lifestyle while preserving their savings The town also fosters a strong sense of community with groups like Castlemaine U3A hosting workshops and events and the Senior Citizens Centre offering plenty of engaging activities Nature and history enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Castlemaine Start your day with a peaceful walk or birdwatching at the serene Botanical Gardens The Vintage Bazaar is perfect for antiquing History buffs can visit the Buda Historic Home and Garden Its stunning grounds are ideal for a leisurely picnic with Castlemaine Health Hospital providing reliable medical services tailored to seniors Ellery House offers personalized support in a friendly and social environment Warrnambool stands out as a retirement destination on Victoria’s southwest coast providing a relaxed lifestyle and affordable living it’s an excellent choice for retirees looking to manage their finances while maintaining a high standard of living The city’s infrastructure is well-organized with reliable public transport and walkable neighborhoods making it easy to get around with South West Healthcare offering aged care and specialist clinics to meet a variety of needs Warrnambool has a strong sense of community Retirement villages such as Gillin Park help foster connections while local clubs and centers organize activities including fitness classes and the chance to spot whales at Logan’s Beach History enthusiasts can visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village which showcases the city’s rich seafaring heritage through engaging exhibits Yarrawonga is a top retirement destination for seniors seeking a calm yet engaging lifestyle With an average house price of $635,000 and lower living expenses compared to larger cities Housing options range from simple homes to senior living communities like Bentley Wood-Yarrawonga which offers comfortable and supportive retirement living with a strong focus on community and connection The town has plenty of activities to keep retirees active The Yarrawonga Senior Citizens Club hosts events like bingo while the Seniors Wednesday Activity Group provides opportunities for conversation over tea Lake Mulwala is a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching with walking tracks and green areas for those staying physically active Yarrawonga Health delivers quality care while MHA Care supports seniors with home help and group programs designed to promote independence Shepparton is a wonderful option for retirees looking for a relaxed Known for its agricultural roots and fabulous downtown area this sweet locale combines practicality and affordability with average housing prices around $450,000—making it an excellent choice for retirees on a budget with Goulburn Valley Health providing comprehensive medical services while local aged care facilities like Shepparton Villages offer trusted support nearby retirees can stay active and social at the Shepparton Senior Citizens Centre Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Shepparton’s parks and green spaces including Victoria Park Lake and the Goulburn River The town also has a lively arts and cultural scene featuring the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) and regular farmers’ markets with fresh local produce providing plenty of ways to connect with the region’s creativity and flavors Torquay provides retirees with a laid-back seaside lifestyle Known for its renowned beaches and relaxed atmosphere this town balances tranquility with convenience While living costs reflect its coastal appeal Retirees can choose from a variety of housing options including retirement communities like Star of the Sea or smaller homes to suit different budgets The town stands out for its coastal surroundings and dynamic community From walking the Surf Coast Walk and visiting the nearby Breamlea Flora and Fauna Reserve to spending time at Torquay Foreshore Reserve Local hubs like Torquay Community House organize wellness programs and events for retirees to stay engaged and connected with the Torquay Medical Health & Wellness Clinic offering general and specialized care Epworth Geelong Hospital is just a short drive away located along Ninety Mile Beach in Gippsland perfect for retirees seeking a slower pace of life With long stretches of untouched coastline and a relaxed atmosphere it’s an ideal escape from busy city living with median house prices around $400,000 and rentals under $300 per week Accommodation options range from charming beachside cottages to modern homes catering to various preferences and budgets with the Golden Paradise Beach Senior Citizens group hosting social events and exploring Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park While healthcare services in Golden Beach are limited Deciding on a retirement location depends on personal priorities but Victoria provides many towns suited to different lifestyles Whether it’s the coastal setting of Torquay and social opportunities designed to enhance retirement living Victoria has a retirement destination to match your needs photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Want to know keep up-to-date on what's happening in Victoria From Mother's Day celebrations to live music and spring fairs there's something for everyone in the city this May and there's no shortage of ways to get out and celebrate it From outdoor markets and fairs to lively concerts the city is packed with events for every interest Whether you’re sipping cider on a beautiful farm this month’s lineup has something for everyone Here’s your ultimate guide to what’s happening around Victoria this May: Design Victoria | May 1–4 | Various timesA four-day celebration of creativity featuring over 50 events across architecture Relics – Playing the Music of Pink Floyd | May 1 & 2 | 7pmExperience the iconic sounds of Pink Floyd with Relics delivering a tribute to the legendary English rock band at Hermann’s TED at Royal Roads University | May 2 | 1-6pmJoin thought leaders and innovators at Royal Roads University for a day of inspiring TEDx talks exploring ideas that shape our future Stay connected to your city with the Capital Daily newsletter Legally Blonde: The Musical | May 2-11 | 2 and 7:30pm  ‍ Follow Elle Woods on her journey from California to Harvard Law in this high-energy feel-good musical at the McPherson Playhouse Soundtrack of our Lives | May 2-4 | 2 and 7:30pm  ‍ Join Choral Evolution for an uplifting evening of contemporary and classic choral music Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 | May 3 |  7:30pm‍ Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Victoria Chamber Orchestra and the 90th of the Victoria Choral Society with a powerful performance at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium. [$38]‍ Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Taylor Swift | May 3 | 6:45pm‍ multi-sensory musical experience featuring Taylor Swift’s greatest hits performed by a string quartet in a stunning candlelit setting at St TC Book Sale | May 3 9am-7pm | May 4 9am-5pm ‍ The massive book sale is back at the Victoria Curling Club with thousands of used books available for a low price Victoria Pet Expo | May 3 & 4 | 10am-5pm‍ and demos at the Victoria Pet Expo at Pearkes Recreation Centre The Mom Market at Tillicum Centre | May 3 & 4 | 11am–4pm‍ Shop from local vendors and support small businesses at this family-friendly market on the upper level near Winners and Western Coast Insurance May Day at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse | May 4 | 11am-4pm‍ and family-friendly fun at Sea Cider’s annual May Day event A perfect countryside outing to welcome the season Yo-Yo Ma | May 4 | 7:30pm‍ World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma performs an intimate and unforgettable evening of music at the Royal Theatre showcasing his extraordinary artistry and passion ‍Hotel California – A Tribute to The Eagles | May 7 | 2:30 and 7:30pm‍ Experience the music of The Eagles live with Hotel California, the internationally acclaimed tribute band, performing at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney. [$55]‍ Esquimalt Buccaneer Days | May 8–11 | Various times‍ Julie Kim | May 10 | 8pm‍ Catch one of Canada’s fastest-rising comedians, Julie Kim, as she brings her sharp, hilarious stand-up show Doing Too Much Comedy to the Capital Ballroom. [$47+]‍ Cinco De Mayo Agave Paired Dinner | May 10 | 7pm‍ and mezcal tastings at the Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Bird Week | May 10-17 Dive into the world of birding with the Rocky Point Bird Observatory's annual celebration, with bird walks and educational workshops all week. [Free]‍ Luxton Spring Fair | May 15–18 | 12-6pm‍ and delicious fair food at the annual Luxton Spring Fair in Langford—perfect for families and fair lovers of all ages Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival | May 18 & 19 | 8am–6pm‍ Experience Scottish culture with thrilling athletic competitions and family-friendly activities at Victoria’s annual Highland Games Thrifty Foods 125th Anniversary Victoria Day Parade | May 19 | 9am‍ Celebrate Victoria Day with a world-class parade showcasing diverse cultures and community partners. The parade route runs from Douglas and Finlayson to Douglas and Courtney. [Free]​‍ Leanne Morgan | May 23 | 7pm‍ Beloved Southern comedian Leanne Morgan brings her hilarious and heartwarming stand-up tour to the Royal Theatre A Whole New World: Songs from Movie Musicals | May 23 | 7:30pm‍ Celebrate the magic of Disney with this live musical tribute bringing beloved songs from classic and modern Disney films to life at the McPherson Playhouse Saanich Scattered Artists Spring Tour | May 24 & 25 | 11am–4pm Tour eight locations across Saanich and discover the work of 32 talented local artists Awakening Chinatown 2025 – Victoria’s Chinatown | May 25 | 12pm–5pm Celebrate the rich culture and history of Victoria’s Chinatown with live performances and family-friendly activities throughout the neighbourhood Orchard Market at Junction Cidery | May 25 | 11am ‍Shop local vendors, enjoy local pizzas and fresh coffee, and take in live music in a scenic farm setting. [Free entrance]‍ Queen: It's a Kinda Magic | May 28 | 7pm‍ Experience a spectacular tribute to Queen, featuring Dominic Warren as Freddie Mercury, at the Royal Theatre. [$78]‍ Chef’s Table Macaron Dinner | May 30 | 6:30pm‍ Enjoy a five-course macaron-inspired dinner paired with wine at Bon Macaron's exclusive Chef’s Table event. $70]‍ Folktoria 2025 | May 31 & June 1 | 12-8pm‍ A two-day free festival celebrating folk culture with music, dance, and crafts at Centennial Square. [Free entrance]​ A daily summary of what's happening in Victoria Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page has been voted one of the 10 most walkable cities for vacationers Victoria’s air quality was ranked the best of all the 10 cities surveyed, and the editors praised its 457 walking trails spread throughout the city. Sitting on the craggy end of Vancouver Island, it’s famed for its Victorian architecture and remains one of the most British cities in Canada, the agency noted. “Arguably one of the country’s most picturesque cities, it’s easy to navigate on foot and has a huge 457 walking trails,” Skyscanner said. “The Royal BC Museum is said to be the best museum in Canada, whilst Craigdarroch Castle, Emily Carr House and Helmcken House all dive into life here in the 19th century.” Visitors to the city are advised to check out the Inner Harbour, the “beautiful” Beacon Hill Park and to indulge in whale-watching boat tours. Other cities in the top 10 included Cordoba, Spain; Nagasaki, Japan; Hiroshima, Japan; Reggio Calabria, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Tartu, Estonia; Bursa, Turkey; Bolzano, Italy; and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The researchers said they pinpointed 30 “up-and-coming” destinations in their survey, shunning hotspots such as Berlin and Dubrovnik, Croatia. “We wanted to find hidden gems that are not only great to explore, but that are easy to do so on foot.” Vacationers want a city that is walkable and easy to navigate, the agency said. “Where you can stroll from sight to sight without a care in the world.” transmission or republication strictly prohibited This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy VICTORIA, B.C. (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new Southern Resident Orca was recently spotted in the waters of the Pacific Northwest.adButlerLazyLoad("10733707986355608",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); The Center for Whale Research says that researchers saw the newest member of the J Pod while travelling near Victoria Calf J63 was seen swimming alongside its presumed mother The Center for Whale Research adds that this marks the fourth Southern Resident Orca born within the past 12 months But calves face a high mortality rate within their first year of survival which means researchers will be keeping a close eye on J63 Dianna Hawryluk is the KGMI Morning News Anchor and a reporter for My Bellingham Now Send any news tips to dhawryluk@pnwmediagroup.com No injuries were reported in either incident The cuts have resulted in laboratories having limited testing for some infectious diseases and early childhood learning programs left unsure of future funds The dog had fallen into the cave and its owner also got stuck while trying to rescue it WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – When Dave Vitt founded Kulshan Brewing Company in 2011 WWU will bring its 13-game win streak into the national softball tournament Be sure you have your GPS enabled and try again Council got an earful about a crisis that’s gotten very real and very lethal in recent weeks Things got heated between community housing advocates and Victoria City Council last Thursday night For members of the public who presented at the Dec it was an opportunity to express their anger and deep sorrow in the face of the deaths of several of their friends and chosen family in recent weeks “Last night was a difficult night,” Mayor Marianne Alto said in an interview with Capital Daily the following day The pathways to preventing some of those deaths are many “Council does not have the authority or the mandate to deal with most of the issues that are driving what was legitimately expressed last night I think it's important for council to understand that there is nowhere else for them to show their rage and their grief and pain that is absolutely legitimate it's an important part of the job,” Alto said Nikki Ottosen from the Backpack Project disagrees with the mayor’s accounting for accountability she highlighted recent deaths and alleged human rights violations against the unhoused community She criticized the council for not implementing federal housing advocate recommendations and for removing shelter options that have led to 13 deaths in Victoria in a space of three weeks Their petition stems from the 2009 BC Court of Appeal ruling in the case of Victoria (city) v. Adams that Victoria could not prevent people from sheltering in parks overnight if it didn’t have enough indoor spaces for them to go She condemned what she called the council's “inhumane policies” and promised continued advocacy and even legal action until housing for all is achieved Victoria is considering whether it should spend an additional $4.7M  to enforce the city’s daytime sheltering ban The Canadian Human Rights Commission has said “encampments represent an effort by people who are unhoused to claim their human right to housing and meet their most basic needs for shelter.” International human rights standards prohibit measures that would arbitrarily and unnecessarily deprive individuals of housing including temporary or informal shelters such as encampments “any relocation must be consistent with the right to adequate housing: alternative shelter must be provided: that is secure in a suitable location and where access to essential supports and services can be maintained.”  Since a June 12  altercation between a homeless person with an acquired brain injury and a paramedic the city has engaged in the regular removal of tents and belongings from city streets These “sweeps,” as they are referred to by the unhoused community are enforced and overseen by Victoria bylaw officers Blue interlocking fencing was erected along Pandora in October to deter people from sheltering along its 900 block near Vancouver “This mayor and council has literally doubled down on the war against people who live in extreme poverty in our community by removing parts from the allowable sheltering list with not enough shelter spaces in the city and so now our friends and our loved ones are dying Every death is because the person's Section 7 Charter rights and the ability to provide themselves with shelter is taken away by the removal of tents and immediate survival items,” Ottosen said Her friend Shae Smith had been living in Beacon Hill Park and other areas of the city he pitched a tent on a Victoria side street and died A short documentary produced by the Existence Project features Smith’s experience of being unhoused in Victoria Smith attributes three factors as key contributors to homelessness—” financial circumstances Aligned with the work of researchers studying the causes and impacts of homelessness Smith did not separate mental health from addiction Smith left his Surrey home at the age of 14 According to a post on the doc’s YouTube channel he’d had some dust-ups with shop owners downtown You can’t have anyone looking after your tent You have to be on guard of your tent virtually 24/7 or you don’t have a place to sleep Seven to seven means you don’t have any stability in your life at all and that’s not healthy In three remaining parks residents may erect shelters but only between the hours of 7pm and 7am Ottosen described the impact of constant insecurity and bylaw officers’ enforcement against illegal sheltering “People are not only displaced from the area and they are forced to areas where they are alone and they lose contact with outreach and support teams,” she said “There is plenty of research to show that when this kind of trauma happens to people which is exactly what you should be trying to avoid if you want to serve and protect people in our community during a public health state of emergency,” Ottosen told council “I obviously don't agree that the city is responsible,” Alto said “I think that [responsibility] sits at other tables but I also understand that there's an enormous amount of pain there are a few tables at which to express it.”  The city is responsible for expanding the shelter ban in parks in August and the daily clearing of Pandora it’s BC Housing that is responsible for the lack of an adequate supply of supportive housing in the city Island Health is responsible for providing mental health services “You also have to look at all the gaps in social services and the coordination of all of those things,” said Alto The majority of a proposed $4.13M city budget increase would go to increasing labour for bylaw and police officers and would take up to a year to fully implement from a human resources perspective A staff report Enforcing the Legal Prohibition of Daytime Sheltering in Victoria submitted to the committee of the whole on Dec.12 states that “while enforcement is a necessary part of an overall strategy to end sheltering it does not address the underlying causes of homelessness that result in sheltering Without significant intervention and coordination of the provincial ministries of health and systemic issues in the criminal justice system the issue of sheltering will not be solved by enforcement alone.” In a recent Open Minds podcast interview whose daughter is a street-entrenched substance user asked host Christopher Balkaran to “imagine you are homeless and you’re dragging around your small things that bylaw take every day It must be so incredibly sad and anxiety-producing and so they do more drugs to manage it.”  Moms Stop the Harm is a national organization founded by BC mothers who have lost children to overdose so they don’t get their stuff stolen,” Antrobus said Interrupting the cycle of addiction is different for everyone and can mean multiple attempts And we’re seeing a difference in the level of danger on the streets People will do survival crimes to get it [drugs] Darryl Williams who also presented at the meeting told the council about his experience in the shelter where he was offered space “The drug use in that place is mad crazy; no security past five He explained that recovering addicts are frequently offered spaces in wet shelters A wet shelter accepts people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and offers a supervised space to use or consume them Exposure to violence and lack of proximity to community and services support is one of the reasons people get pushed back out onto the streets alone “People don't deserve to die alone on the streets because the city is trying to hide the homelessness crisis we’re in,” Ottosen said Mayor Marianne Alto is aware of the housing crisis and the jurisdictional bounds of her capacity to resolve it “What drives the reality of homelessness in every municipality fundamentally begins with poverty gaps in all of the things that people should have a right but that none of which are our jurisdiction.” “I always applaud the provincial government for the work they're doing in creating housing to have those deaths occur in her city she said “People assume that the longer you are in public life but the reality is that you just get better at hiding the effect.” Victoria’s Cool Aid Society is poised to open Crosstown, a $50M 154-unit mixed-use building with affordable and supportive housing rental units at 584 Burnside East Move-in date is scheduled for early February three organizations submitted applications to the council for funding from the Victoria Housing Fund to build up to 247 units of low to moderate-income housing The three proposals came from the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEHS) Two of the three projects focus on Indigenous housing ACEHS is asking for $262k to build 34 units on Mason St MHS is asking for $757k to build 55 units in Langford and 824 Alston streets The CRHC is requesting $1.12M to build 158 affordable rental units on the 900 block on Pandora Sign In Subscribe Now Downtown commuters travelling along Pandora Avenue past Victoria City Hall were likely to have heard music and seen signs held proudly by a small group of housing advocates Friday morning (April 25) As the morning went on and the group moved into Centennial Square Hines called it the "Rush Hour Rally," an event organized by the Living/Lived Experience of Homelessness Network and the Victoria Tenants Union who gathered to call on the City of Victoria and the provincial government to take new action in pursuing housing justice "This event here is about the ongoing housing crisis Things are not getting better; things are getting worse," said Quin Jones one of the lead organizers with the Victoria Tenants Union "The local municipal government and the B.C but they don't have the courage to implement them." The rally was spurred in particular by a recent bylaw passed by Victoria council limiting sheltering in parks "I'm primarily concerned today with the amendments the city has made to its parks regulation bylaw with no consultation with unhoused communities," said Caolan Barr the city permitted sheltering in any city park other than Bastion Square the number of parks closed to sheltering went from one to 22 The new bylaw came into effect on April 17 and was the centre of a lawsuit against the City of Victoria for several months It leaves 34 parks available for overnight sheltering only five of which have washroom facilities It also prevents sheltering in Vic West and Irving parks which were at the centre of the lawsuit due to their size and proximity to downtown "The city ratified a new regulation that gives the police and bylaw officers more power to criminalize and displace people on the streets and impound their belongings We see this as the exact opposite approach that we need We need more meaningful transformation and social justice rather than increased policing," said Barr is human rights-centred and works with communities themselves The number one thing the city has to do before making any sweeping changes like the parks regulation bylaw is consult the community They need to ask the community what it needs." explaining that when Stop the Sweeps surveyed unhoused people they found people frequently expressed a need for more outdoor sheltering spaces more access to washrooms and more sheltering spaces close to the services they depend on Others were inspired to participate due to their own struggles to find affordable housing "I don't have stable housing," said Nicole Elliott who has struggled to find low-income housing I'm hopeful about something coming up that's subsidized Elliott said she wants to see the city take a new approach to housing "Leaving the policy up to the market doesn't make room for the affordable housing that we need There needs to be more pressure and accountability to ensure that there is affordable housing instead of just leaving it." A number of other housing advocacy and social justice groups attended the rally throughout the morning including representatives from the Backpack Project and Neighbours Supporting Unhoused Neighbours We need housing of all sorts — for seniors and I hope that people driving by will see that we're all connected to each other and we need support," said Niki Ottosen a representative from the Backpack Project who expressed optimism that rallies like this one could inspire change "There are new people entering into homelessness each month because they can't afford housing here [The city] is really dropping the ball on this So I think the more people see us out here the more people organize and band together the more we can demand basic human rights and housing for all." Dialogue and debate are integral to a free society and we welcome and encourage you to share your views on the issues of the day. We ask that you be respectful of others and their points of view, refrain from personal attacks and stay on topic. To learn about our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines VancouverNewsSheep gives birth to extremely rare quintuplets on winery in Victoria, B.C. By Mina Kerr-LazenbyPublished: May 02, 2025 at 8:36PM EDT Twitter feed ©2025 BellMedia All Rights Reserved View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashley Rice (@ash.rice) The Victoria Royals and Tri-City Americans are all set for a first-round clash in the 2025 WHL Playoffs Both teams enter the postseason with high hopes and a lot to prove Second-seed Victoria (40-17-4-7) is coming off its first 40-win season in nearly a decade and has locked up the B.C Division title for the second time in franchise history The Royals are one of the top-scoring teams in the WHL and boast the second-best powerplay who sits third overall in goals (46) and top 2025 NHL Draft-eligible centreman Cole Reschny (26G-66A) Tri-City (67-32-28-6) returns to the WHL Playoffs after a one-season absence as the upstart seventh seed after a hard-fought regular season campaign The Americans showed they’re never out of a game during a monster 12-game win streak that stretched from October 12 2024 and featured four overtime victories and more than a half-dozen comeback efforts Captain Jake Sloan has buried the bulk of the goals for his squad (29) and has a shot at a second-straight 30-goal season with one game left on the regular season schedule Tri-City also features a potential high first-round 2025 NHL Draft pick in smooth-skating blueliner Jackson Smith who is heating up with 52 points (10G-42A) and a team-leading four game-winning goals Victoria owns a 3-0-1-0 regular-season record against Tri-City The Royals open the 2025 WHL Playoffs at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena on Friday The series will shift south of the border for Game 3 at the Toyota Center in Kennewick ROYALS TICKET INFORMATION Which team is the favourite to win the 2025 WHL Championship View Results From its urban streams to dense west coast forests to Garry oak meadows blooming with native wildflowers Greater Victoria is one of Canada’s biodiversity hotspots – home to an incredible diversity of plants and wildlife this tapestry of flora and fauna supports clean air and water not to mention the well-being benefits that come as we get outside and observe the natural world around us learning about biodiversity also helps us better understand how to protect nature for future generations It's with that in mind that the Capital Regional District invites residents to join the City Nature Challenge, part of a global initiative of more than 700 cities around the world working to document and protect biodiversity Over four-days, April 25 to 28, Greater Victorians are encouraged to photograph and document local biodiversity using the free iNaturalist website or app and help to build a record of the nature surrounding us Local governments and scientists can then use this vital information as they work to protect local ecosystems – documenting rare species You can win some incredible prizes while you’re at it animals and fungi within the capital region and record them using the free iNaturalist website or app: Looking for iNaturalist support or hoping to participate in a family friendly activity as part of the City Nature Challenge • Rocky Point Bird Observatory “Feathers and Flight” iNaturalist virtual training • Saanich Gorge Park Tour and City Nature Challenge Not only does getting outside and observing the natural world surrounding us boost mental health and well-being it’s also a key step in conserving nature for future generations Learn more at crd.ca/news/join-2025-city-nature-challenge This is my first email to any government body there comes a time when one must add their voice to the conversation regarding the state of our downtown streets my friend and I were making our way from Vic West along Johnson Street to Moxies in the 1100 block of Yates In the three blocks between the bridge and Douglas Street as we walked along the south side of the street we were forced into the roadway on four separate occasions due to groups of persons openly doing drugs while sitting in the middle of the sidewalk We quite literally could not pass by without stepping off in these blocks and into the 700 block of Johnson it was necessary to dodge groups of persons standing on the sidewalk smoking crack questioning how other seniors who are not as agile as we or perhaps simply travelling with toddlers or a stroller I work downtown and regularly walk on my lunch hour on many occasions I have been disturbed by the state of our sidewalks which are often cluttered with debris and bodily fluids; but not enough to have reached out previously My friend and I grew up in Victoria and the surrounding area and remember when we were proud to call ourselves Victorians and looked forward to spending time downtown in the heart of the city between Chinatown and Market Square It is a disgrace and the city should be ashamed Please stop the denial and do something about the state of our city core Current policies determining how Victorian cities are being built will not achieve the Paris Agreement commitment of net zero emissions by 2050 new research from the University of Melbourne has revealed The study, published in Climate Policy and led by the University’s Dr Anna Hürlimann has shown that while progress is being made critical gaps in Victorian and national built environment policies are jeopardising efforts to meet global climate targets and protect communities from further climate change impacts “The built environment accounts for up to 72 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions Our research shows that while there have been some improvements to the policies governing this sector they don’t come close to ensuring we’re building our cities in a way that will meet our net zero target,” said Dr Hürlimann The study evaluated 96 built environment policies across local and state Victorian levels as well as the national and international policies that feed into them and found 76 per cent of policies lack an explicit target to reduce emissions only 15 per cent have targets that align with the Paris Agreement’s global climate goals and there isn't a dedicated oversight body to ensure policy effectiveness “The Victorian government has recently instigated changes to the Planning and Environment Act to account for climate change The changes will come into effect this year but we need to make sure they are accompanied by supporting policies to guide and support the work of urban planners and other built environment professionals to ensure the goals are implemented,” said Dr Hürlimann Researchers warn that without embedding robust and enforceable emissions targets across the sector it will be difficult to achieve our Paris Agreement commitments and avoid the impacts of climate change The research calls for reform to Victoria’s built environment policy framework including mandatory inclusion of science-based emissions reduction targets across built environment laws and strategies and establishing an oversight body to manage and monitor policy progress media-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au +61 3 8344 4123 Find an Expert Research and Experts updates directly to your inbox Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page.