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Austin Westphal

Austin Westphal

Austin Westphal is originally from San Diego, California, Austin is an international man of mystery who holds degrees from San Diego State University and the University of British Columbia. His work has appeared in publications across Canada, including the Narwhal, Canadian Geographic and La Presse, often exploring his interests in science, politics and all things unusual. He's a passionate storyteller who believes that some of the greatest stories can be found in the most unsuspecting of places. When he's not in the newsroom, Austin can be found enjoying B.C.'s natural beauty, cranking up some Steely Dan or searching for Vancouver Island's best fried chicken sandwich.

Recent Work by Austin

World-class Thrifty Foods Skatepark opens on the West Shore

World-class Thrifty Foods Skatepark opens on the West Shore

West Shore gets new skatepark almost 8 years after old Belmont site removed
Totem pole carved by inmates dedicated at Wilkinson Road jail in Saanich

Totem pole carved by inmates dedicated at Wilkinson Road jail in Saanich

About 160 at Vancouver Island Regional Corrections Centre participated in first-of-its-kind project
Saanich endorses zone allowing small apartment buildings on single-family lots

Saanich endorses zone allowing small apartment buildings on single-family lots

Staff report indicates district needs more than 1,200 new bachelor, one-bedroom units by 2025
Province chooses interim operator for Victoria’s historic Point Ellice House

Province chooses interim operator for Victoria’s historic Point Ellice House

Popular heritage site to reopen to public by end of the month
Canadian national cricket team scouts talent in Victoria

Canadian national cricket team scouts talent in Victoria

ICC One Day International status restored after nearly a decade
Simulated oil spill off southern Vancouver Island tests marine response

Simulated oil spill off southern Vancouver Island tests marine response

Crews from the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation deployed as part of biannual exercise
Greater Victoria’s first Syrian restaurant opening in Esquimalt

Greater Victoria’s first Syrian restaurant opening in Esquimalt

In a diverse culinary scene, Victoria is about to get its first taste of authentic Syrian fare
Safe supply advocates rally in Victoria to mark 7 years of toxic drug crisis

Safe supply advocates rally in Victoria to mark 7 years of toxic drug crisis

More than 11,300 British Columbians have died from toxic drug deaths since 2016
‘Economic boom’: Sapphire Princess docks in Victoria as first ship of cruise season

‘Economic boom’: Sapphire Princess docks in Victoria as first ship of cruise season

Greater Victoria Harbour Authority expecting fewer ships, more passengers this year
Saanich author takes a page from B.C.’s past in first work of historical fiction

Saanich author takes a page from B.C.’s past in first work of historical fiction

Valerie Green’s debut historical fiction novel, Providence, is the first in a four-book series
More work by Austin >