parks

The construction zone remains for now at Clover Point, but plans for a new pedestrian zone and partially closed traffic loop were approved by Victoria councillors on Thursday. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)

Victoria council compromises with partial closure of Clover Point

Option preserves parking 14 spots facing ocean, creates more pedestrian space

 

Where the Dude Chilling Park sign used to live. (Cara McKenna/Twitter)

Famous Dude Chilling Park sign stolen again in East Vancouver

The Parks Board will replace the apparently popular sign for at least the third time

 

The Churchill Drive gate in Mount Douglas Park will be closed over the B.C. Family Day long weekend. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich closes Mount Doug to vehicle traffic over long weekend due to snow, increased pedestrian use

Park-users reminded to avoid illegally parking on road edges, use designated lots

 

Plans for Clover Point Park will be determined at a later date, after Victoria council asked staff to bring back more options for the site. (Black Press Media file photo)

Victoria council wants more options for Clover Point Park redesign

Discussion on closing loop section to traffic fails to achieve consensus, more discussion coming

Plans for Clover Point Park will be determined at a later date, after Victoria council asked staff to bring back more options for the site. (Black Press Media file photo)
A ditch marks the Canada-U.S. border and separates people walking on the road, right, in Surrey, British Columbia, and those gathered at Peace Arch Historical State Park, left, in Blaine, Wash., Sunday, July 5, 2020. Although the B.C. government closed the Canadian side of the park in June due to concerns about crowding and COVID-19, people are still able to meet in the U.S. park due to a treaty signed in 1814 that allows citizens of Canada and the U.S. to unite in the park without technically crossing any border. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

B.C. premier says calling for closure of Peace Arch State Park a federal responsibility

Horgan said he would ‘take action’ if Canada-U.S. border park is flagged as problem by PHO

A ditch marks the Canada-U.S. border and separates people walking on the road, right, in Surrey, British Columbia, and those gathered at Peace Arch Historical State Park, left, in Blaine, Wash., Sunday, July 5, 2020. Although the B.C. government closed the Canadian side of the park in June due to concerns about crowding and COVID-19, people are still able to meet in the U.S. park due to a treaty signed in 1814 that allows citizens of Canada and the U.S. to unite in the park without technically crossing any border. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
Construction continues at Clover Point related to the Capital Regional District’s wastewater pump station. At its Feb. 11 committee of the whole meeting, Victoria council will discuss options for improvements to the park, one of which includes closing the south portion of the park to vehicle traffic. (Black Press Media file photo)

Pedestrian-focused improvements suggested for Victoria’s Clover Point Park

Closing the waterfront loop to vehicle traffic one of two options council will discuss Feb. 11

Construction continues at Clover Point related to the Capital Regional District’s wastewater pump station. At its Feb. 11 committee of the whole meeting, Victoria council will discuss options for improvements to the park, one of which includes closing the south portion of the park to vehicle traffic. (Black Press Media file photo)
A development proposal known as Wishart Gardens would straddle Veteran’s Memorial Parkway adjacent to Havenwood Park. An online petition calls on Colwood council to protect and preserve and park from encroachment and undue impact by the development. (Courtesy City of Colwood)

Havenwood Park supporters oppose next phase of Colwood development

Rezoning application requests jump in allowable density for lots at park’s edge

  • Jan 28, 2021
A development proposal known as Wishart Gardens would straddle Veteran’s Memorial Parkway adjacent to Havenwood Park. An online petition calls on Colwood council to protect and preserve and park from encroachment and undue impact by the development. (Courtesy City of Colwood)
Saanich parks staff will be applying a herbicide called Garlon XRT in Sayward Hill Park between Jan. 18 to 29 to control the invasive species English holly and hawthorn. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

Herbicide used to target ‘priority’ invasive species in Saanich park

Treatment applied to English holly, hawthorn stumps, in Sayward Hill Park

Saanich parks staff will be applying a herbicide called Garlon XRT in Sayward Hill Park between Jan. 18 to 29 to control the invasive species English holly and hawthorn. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)
Saanich has awarded the tender for a youth bike skills park planned for the lot next to the George Tripp BC Hydro Substation off Lochside Drive to Bike Track Ltd. for $242,000. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich selects company to build youth bike skills track at Tripp Station Park

More than $240,000 allotted for Bike Track Ltd. to design bike park

Saanich has awarded the tender for a youth bike skills park planned for the lot next to the George Tripp BC Hydro Substation off Lochside Drive to Bike Track Ltd. for $242,000. (Black Press Media file photo)
Stair care in Colwood Colwood Coun. Michael Baxter says Latoria Creek Park is now more enjoyable and safe to take a stroll through due to the latest upgrades completed on the staircase. Four long sets of nature stairs now include slip-proof metal steps. The elevated staircase also allows for better air flow to slow the rotting process, and metal handrails to prevent splinters. (Aaron Guillen/News Staff)

Colwood unveils massive upgrade to popular park staircase

Upgrades include slip-proof metal steps, metal handrails and raised design

Stair care in Colwood Colwood Coun. Michael Baxter says Latoria Creek Park is now more enjoyable and safe to take a stroll through due to the latest upgrades completed on the staircase. Four long sets of nature stairs now include slip-proof metal steps. The elevated staircase also allows for better air flow to slow the rotting process, and metal handrails to prevent splinters. (Aaron Guillen/News Staff)
(Black Press Media file photo)

Blue-green algae bloom confirmed in Elk Lake, water-based activities not recommended

Blue-green algae can be lethal to dogs, cause health issues for humans

(Black Press Media file photo)
Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes and Katie Blake, executive director of the Habitat Acquisition Trust, are calling on the community to help raise $1 million by April 22 to purchase the Mountain Road Forest and create a new regional park. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

Saanich mayor, Habitat Acquisition Trust call on residents to help raise $1M for new regional park by Earth Day

100-day deadline set to secure CRD’s $3.4-million urban forest purchase

Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes and Katie Blake, executive director of the Habitat Acquisition Trust, are calling on the community to help raise $1 million by April 22 to purchase the Mountain Road Forest and create a new regional park. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)
Former park warden George Mercer has turned to writing fiction since his retirement and move to Vancouver Island. Photograph by Lia Crowe

Into The Wild With Writer George Mercer

A passion for parks sets the backdrop for novel series

  • Jan 6, 2021
Former park warden George Mercer has turned to writing fiction since his retirement and move to Vancouver Island. Photograph by Lia Crowe
Saanich police are investigating a report of a sexual assault that occurred on Dec. 29 at Glanford Park. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich police investigating sexual assault in Glanford Park

A 19-year-old woman was attacked Dec. 29

Saanich police are investigating a report of a sexual assault that occurred on Dec. 29 at Glanford Park. (Black Press Media file photo)
Victoria police were busy New Year’s Eve breaking up gatherings, attending to an assault and issuing a man three fines for failing to comply with COVID-19 measures. (Black Press Media file photo)

Parties, an assault and a belligerent man: Victoria police kept busy New Year’s Eve

VicPD responded to 102 calls for service Dec. 31

Victoria police were busy New Year’s Eve breaking up gatherings, attending to an assault and issuing a man three fines for failing to comply with COVID-19 measures. (Black Press Media file photo)
The City of Victoria is closing Central Park for ‘remediation’ on Jan. 4. (Black Press Media file photo)

Victoria closing Central Park for remediation following campers, wet weather

Park will be closed Jan. 4 until further notice

The City of Victoria is closing Central Park for ‘remediation’ on Jan. 4. (Black Press Media file photo)
A 12.1 hectare parcel of land (shown in orange) has been purchased for $760,000 by the Capital Regional District as an addition to Mount Work Regional Park. (Map courtesy CRD)

Mount Work Regional Park grows by 12 hectares in Highlands

Capital Regional District purchases land held by family for 61 years

  • Dec 29, 2020
A 12.1 hectare parcel of land (shown in orange) has been purchased for $760,000 by the Capital Regional District as an addition to Mount Work Regional Park. (Map courtesy CRD)
In 2021, Saanich will resume management of the building in Braefoot Park which housed the Braefoot Community Association for many years. (Google Streetview)

UPDATED: Community group stunned as Saanich takes over Braefoot building

Braefoot Community Association to transition to new location, sports programs to continue in park

In 2021, Saanich will resume management of the building in Braefoot Park which housed the Braefoot Community Association for many years. (Google Streetview)
The Capital Regional District and Island Health has advised against swimming in or drinking water from both Elk and Beaver Lakes after toxic blue-green algae blooms were reported. (Black Press Media file photo)

CRD expands blue-green algae alert to include Elk Lake

Blue-green algae can cause health complications in humans, pets

The Capital Regional District and Island Health has advised against swimming in or drinking water from both Elk and Beaver Lakes after toxic blue-green algae blooms were reported. (Black Press Media file photo)
Large logs that once bordered Mount Douglas Park were recently chopped up and removed from the park – despite bylaws banning the actions – leaving behind a trail of sawdust. (Photo courtesy Darrell Wick)

Wood snatchers illegally chop, smuggle logs out of Saanich park

Parks bylaw prohibits removing wood, using chainsaws in parks

Large logs that once bordered Mount Douglas Park were recently chopped up and removed from the park – despite bylaws banning the actions – leaving behind a trail of sawdust. (Photo courtesy Darrell Wick)