Community

Metchosin Fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop is encouraging residents in Metchosin and Beecher Bay to schedule a FireSmart home assessment. (Black Press Media file photo)

FireSmart home assessments a timely resource for Metchosin

Open to Metchosin and Beecher Bay residents, FireSmart program offerings help protect homes

FarmFolk CityFolk’s annual Feast of Fields event goes online this year, but participants can still enjoy delicious locally grown and produced foods and beverages through a harvest box program. (Black Press Media file photo)

Feast of Fields offers virtual farm connection, hands-on Greater Victoria produce box

Attendees encouraged to reimagine annual event’s feast, at home

Mussels had a hard time in the dual heat and low tides. Here’s one from Vancouver Island’s west coast, cooked in a happier time. (Zoe Ducklow/News Staff)

Hot shellfish: cooked in overlapping heat and low tides

UVic marine biologist said timing was bad luck, but isn’t overly concerned

Master carver and lifelong artist, Temosen (Charles) Elliot is busy with many large-scale projects at his workshop on West Saanich Road. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

VIDEO: Greater Victoria master carver says Indigenous art a way to restore culture

Temosen (Charles) Elliot totem poles and other works are cherished worldwide

Master carver and lifelong artist, Temosen (Charles) Elliot is busy with many large-scale projects at his workshop on West Saanich Road. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
Former Saanich councillor Dean Murdock recently celebrated one year of hosting a Greater Victoria issues-based podcast. (Black Press Media file photo)

Greater Victoria issues-based podcast celebrates one-year anniversary

Amazing Places host Dean Murdock says open discussions create a stronger sense of community

Former Saanich councillor Dean Murdock recently celebrated one year of hosting a Greater Victoria issues-based podcast. (Black Press Media file photo)
Participants can tune in to what it was like to work in a field hospital during the First World War. (Courtesy of Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS)

Fort Rodd Hill summer programs bring the past to light

Programs welcome all ages, include a taste of life at Fisgard Lighthouse

Participants can tune in to what it was like to work in a field hospital during the First World War. (Courtesy of Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS)
Victoria Literacy Connection is asking Greater Victorians to read for a cause this August and gather pledges from friends and family for every 100 pages read. Donations will support free literacy programs for children, youth and adults in the region. (Black Press Media file photo)

Reading fundraiser challenges Greater Victorians to pick up a book

Readers encouraged to obtain pledges for every 100 pages read in August

Victoria Literacy Connection is asking Greater Victorians to read for a cause this August and gather pledges from friends and family for every 100 pages read. Donations will support free literacy programs for children, youth and adults in the region. (Black Press Media file photo)
Christine Knox, artist and Saanich resident, is proud to showcase and be a part of Greater Victoria's 500th Little Free Library. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

Fantasy-themed Little Free Library in Saanich marks Greater Victoria’s 500th fixture

Neighbourhood library opened its doors Sunday off Harriet Road

Christine Knox, artist and Saanich resident, is proud to showcase and be a part of Greater Victoria's 500th Little Free Library. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
When the pandemic hit, keeping people at home, local Elders were first to go virtual at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, thanks to programming already in place for nearly a year. (Courtesy VNFC)

Victoria Native Friendship Centre Elders first to go virtual during pandemic

Growing Zoom following started with 53 shouts of ‘bingo’ and lingering laughs

When the pandemic hit, keeping people at home, local Elders were first to go virtual at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, thanks to programming already in place for nearly a year. (Courtesy VNFC)
SMONECTEN (McDonald) Campground in North Saanich part of the Learn-to Camp Equipped program from Parks Canada. It is open those who want to learn more camping or brush up on existing knowledge. (Parks Canada/Submitted)

North Saanich part of Parks Canada program to sharpen camping skills

SMONECTEN (McDonald) campground part of Learn-to Camp Equipped

SMONECTEN (McDonald) Campground in North Saanich part of the Learn-to Camp Equipped program from Parks Canada. It is open those who want to learn more camping or brush up on existing knowledge. (Parks Canada/Submitted)
Sooke ATV Club members collected a dumpster load of garabhe, including an abandoned boat, while doing a cleanup along Anderson Road near Muir Creek on July 17. (Contributed - Sooke ATV Club)

Sooke ATV Club gives back by cleaning up

Derelict boat, household and construction waste part of cleanup effort

Sooke ATV Club members collected a dumpster load of garabhe, including an abandoned boat, while doing a cleanup along Anderson Road near Muir Creek on July 17. (Contributed - Sooke ATV Club)
What can you make out of this mysterious creature? (Submitted/Martin Ren)

It’s a seal! It’s an otter! It’s a … crocodile?

What do you see in this video of a strange creature in East Sooke?

What can you make out of this mysterious creature? (Submitted/Martin Ren)
Wylie Thomas with remnants of the tallest camas plant he’s seen, on Kohweechela/Mary Tod Island. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Crews decimate broom growth on Oak Bay island

A crew of six cut, dragged and bagged 52 cubic yards of broom on Kohweechela/Mary Tod Island

Wylie Thomas with remnants of the tallest camas plant he’s seen, on Kohweechela/Mary Tod Island. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)
Giving begets giving, the Poplis insist as they deliver free groceries around Greater Victoria. (Jane Skrypnek/News Staff)

Giving begets giving: Saanich family devotes time, money to helping those in need

The Poplis devote at least 10 per cent of their income to Fateh Care

Giving begets giving, the Poplis insist as they deliver free groceries around Greater Victoria. (Jane Skrypnek/News Staff)
Sabine Laubental (bottom left) has been a frequent donor to Soweto Junior School for over 10 years. (Support Soweto Junior School)

Victoria senior invites public for fundraiser walk for Kenyan school

Funds to benefit Soweto Junior School, which can feed one child for a month for $8

Sabine Laubental (bottom left) has been a frequent donor to Soweto Junior School for over 10 years. (Support Soweto Junior School)
The Snowbirds in flight on Monday, July 19. (File submitted/Michael Stanford)

PHOTOS: Snowbirds take to the skies over Greater Victoria

Black Press readers submit stunning photos of local air show

The Snowbirds in flight on Monday, July 19. (File submitted/Michael Stanford)
Premier John Horgan and Agriculture Minister Lana Popham unveil the Century Farm and Ranch Award at Woodside Farm in Sooke on Monday. (Contributed - Sooke Region Museum)

Sooke’s Woodside Farm honoured for 100 years of agriculture in B.C.

Farm established in 1851 by Scottish pioneer John Muir

Premier John Horgan and Agriculture Minister Lana Popham unveil the Century Farm and Ranch Award at Woodside Farm in Sooke on Monday. (Contributed - Sooke Region Museum)
The idea of helping residents create a successful home vegetable garden is being cultivated by Growing Together, a Greater Victoria-based initiative. (Black Press Media file photo)

Home gardeners supported through Greater Victoria growing program

Initiative teaches residents to grow food at home, connects new gardeners with resources

The idea of helping residents create a successful home vegetable garden is being cultivated by Growing Together, a Greater Victoria-based initiative. (Black Press Media file photo)
People can get a look at some of Colwood’s concepts for Ocean View Park as part of the city’s Parks Management Plan on Wednesday, July 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. (Photo courtesy of the City of Colwood)

Residents weighing in on the future of Colwood parks

City gathered feedback at Colwood Creek and Lookout Lake parks; Ocean View up next July 21

People can get a look at some of Colwood’s concepts for Ocean View Park as part of the city’s Parks Management Plan on Wednesday, July 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. (Photo courtesy of the City of Colwood)
Victoria council seeks to reopen a section of Bridge Way in Beacon Hill Park to vehicle traffic. The roadway has been closed since last year due to distancing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy City of Victoria)

Victoria looking into reopening Beacon Hill Park road to traffic

Staff will report to council on July 22 with road reopening plan

Victoria council seeks to reopen a section of Bridge Way in Beacon Hill Park to vehicle traffic. The roadway has been closed since last year due to distancing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy City of Victoria)