Sam Duerksen

Union members and activist take part in the Labour Day Parade in Toronto, on Sept. 5, 2022. A record labour shortage and rising wages may seem like good news for workers, but labour leaders say workers aren’t seeing the gains that corporations are experiencing amidst sky-high inflation. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin

Labour Day in Canada about more than just a day off – it’s workers’ rights

While many focus on using the day for leisure time, it once had a more significant role

Union members and activist take part in the Labour Day Parade in Toronto, on Sept. 5, 2022. A record labour shortage and rising wages may seem like good news for workers, but labour leaders say workers aren’t seeing the gains that corporations are experiencing amidst sky-high inflation. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin
Belinda LeBlanc, who volunteers as a chef at the legion every day, is all smiles about her new kitchen. (Samantha Duerksen/Black Press Media)

Langford Royal Canadian Legion rewards selfless volunteer with new kitchen

Former military member Belinda LeBlanc has dedicated her life to feeding the community

Belinda LeBlanc, who volunteers as a chef at the legion every day, is all smiles about her new kitchen. (Samantha Duerksen/Black Press Media)
Artist Tanya Bub with driftwood sculpture. (Courtesy Tanya Bub)

Victoria art show uses conversation pieces to raise awareness for unhoused

Greatest Show on Earth debuts circus-themed conversation pieces at Victoria’s Gage Gallery

Artist Tanya Bub with driftwood sculpture. (Courtesy Tanya Bub)
Approximately one in four people experience miscarriage or pregnancy loss, according to BC Women’s Hospital, and one in six struggle with infertility. This year’s Healing Hearts run and walk takes place Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. at Royal Roads University. (Black Press Media file photo)

Healing Hearts run on West Shore brings awareness about infertility

The fundraiser hopes to raise $55,000 for support programs

Approximately one in four people experience miscarriage or pregnancy loss, according to BC Women’s Hospital, and one in six struggle with infertility. This year’s Healing Hearts run and walk takes place Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. at Royal Roads University. (Black Press Media file photo)
The 29th annual Great Canadian Beer Festival will run from Sept. 8-9. (File contributed)

Islanders offered first taste of the Victoria Great Canadian Beer Festival

The festival, which runs Sept. 8-9 and features 80 breweries, has announced its lineup

The 29th annual Great Canadian Beer Festival will run from Sept. 8-9. (File contributed)
Spanning 18 venues, Flavour Trails gives locals and visitors a chance to interact with and learn about the region’s food and beverage producers. (Courtesy Flavour Trails)

North Saanich Flavour Trails Festival is about experiences

With 18 vendors, there is a range of activities and locally produced farm-fresh goods to explore

Spanning 18 venues, Flavour Trails gives locals and visitors a chance to interact with and learn about the region’s food and beverage producers. (Courtesy Flavour Trails)
Flowers in bloom at The Chinese Cemetery. (Sam Duerksen)

Victoria’s cemeteries hold hidden messages

Local historian says cemeteries were designed as places to visit

Flowers in bloom at The Chinese Cemetery. (Sam Duerksen)
Willows Beach offers views of Mount Baker. (Samantha Duerksen)

6 amazing beaches in Greater Victoria to experience

Here are some of the region’s best beaches and some lesser-known facts about them

Willows Beach offers views of Mount Baker. (Samantha Duerksen)
The Roasty Toasty at Little Jumbo. (Harry Tham, @_harrytham)

Goat cheese? Fire? These are the wildest cocktails in Greater Victoria

Horchata foam, goat cheese, fire and more to excite your palate in ways you never thought possible

The Roasty Toasty at Little Jumbo. (Harry Tham, @_harrytham)
Pat Patterson is a beloved volunteer at Saanich Volunteer Services Society. (Courtesy of Saanich Volunteer Services Society)

Saanich volunteer changes lives from behind the wheel

Pat Patterson finds happiness as a Saanich Volunteer Services Society volunteer for 18 years

Pat Patterson is a beloved volunteer at Saanich Volunteer Services Society. (Courtesy of Saanich Volunteer Services Society)
Victoria Pride Week runs June 29 to July 9, 2023. (Courtesy KZ Photography/Victoria Pride Society)

‘There’s no wrong way to love’: Victoria Pride Festival returns June 29

Popular parade, taking place July 9, has a new route this year

Victoria Pride Week runs June 29 to July 9, 2023. (Courtesy KZ Photography/Victoria Pride Society)
Many B.C. festival favourites return this summer, including Laketown Shakedown, Sunfest, Shambhala and Nanaimo Blues Festival. (Courtesy Laketown Shakedown)

Road trip? Here’s some B.C. festivals to visit this summer

This festival preview features music and art festivals, from day trips to full-on camping weekends

Many B.C. festival favourites return this summer, including Laketown Shakedown, Sunfest, Shambhala and Nanaimo Blues Festival. (Courtesy Laketown Shakedown)
From left: Maureen, Emily, Jamie, Daniel and Wayne Ralph. The Ralph family, including daughter Kirstie (not pictured), has worked together to create Victoria Cider Co. (Nicole Crescenzi)

Victoria Cider Co. took a risk making keeved cider, but the results set them apart

A lifelong dream creates prize-winning keeved cider

From left: Maureen, Emily, Jamie, Daniel and Wayne Ralph. The Ralph family, including daughter Kirstie (not pictured), has worked together to create Victoria Cider Co. (Nicole Crescenzi)
Pulcherie Mboussi organizes AfriCa Fest to help newcomers feel at home. (Kazakiz)

‘A space for me to feel at home’: AfriCa Fest set for May in Victoria

AfriCa Fest’s Pulcherie Mboussi uses dance, music and food to bring together small but diverse African community

Pulcherie Mboussi organizes AfriCa Fest to help newcomers feel at home. (Kazakiz)
Artist Marcela Strasdas shows art in her home during the Hills to Shore Artists Tour, which runs over Mother’s Day weekend. (Carol Sherwood photo)
Artist Marcela Strasdas shows art in her home during the Hills to Shore Artists Tour which runs over Mother’s Day weekend.

Five ways to treat mom this Mother’s Day in Victoria

High tea, gardens, annual art tours and more

Artist Marcela Strasdas shows art in her home during the Hills to Shore Artists Tour, which runs over Mother’s Day weekend. (Carol Sherwood photo)
Artist Marcela Strasdas shows art in her home during the Hills to Shore Artists Tour which runs over Mother’s Day weekend.
Leave a Legacy Month marks a time for donors to consider options for legacy giving and what matters to them. (Image supplied by Victoria Foundation)

‘Everyone has been touched by somebody else’s generosity’: May marks Leave a Legacy Month

As Canadians see largest generational transfer of wealth, local charities say legacy giving has huge impact

Leave a Legacy Month marks a time for donors to consider options for legacy giving and what matters to them. (Image supplied by Victoria Foundation)
Anya Goldin, animal care and facility technician, holds Dugle, who came to North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre as a juvenile raven. (Photo by Agatha Lloveras Delgado)

VIDEO: Island rehabilitation centre gives spring tips on helping injured wildlife

North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre identifies ways to help injured animals or unnested birds

Anya Goldin, animal care and facility technician, holds Dugle, who came to North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre as a juvenile raven. (Photo by Agatha Lloveras Delgado)
George Millar and Ian Millar, lead singers of The Irish Rovers. Millar, an Irish Rover all his life, wrote the song Hey Boys Sing Us A Song as a response to the Covid-19 years, and includes the refrain “We all need some happiness back in our lives!” The song is nominated Canadian Folk Music Awards, SINGLE OF THE YEAR. (Hamish Burgess)

‘Absolutely wonderful’: Victoria Irish Rovers co-founder celebrates nomination

Popular Irish-Canadian band rings in 60 years of uplifting spirits with a tour, award nomination

George Millar and Ian Millar, lead singers of The Irish Rovers. Millar, an Irish Rover all his life, wrote the song Hey Boys Sing Us A Song as a response to the Covid-19 years, and includes the refrain “We all need some happiness back in our lives!” The song is nominated Canadian Folk Music Awards, SINGLE OF THE YEAR. (Hamish Burgess)
Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest crowd. (Victoria Ska Reggae Fest photo)

Victoria’s 2023 Ska & Reggae Fest is high-energy fun

Headliners include Maxi Priest, the Aggrolites, Kid Koala and more

Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest crowd. (Victoria Ska Reggae Fest photo)
Priscila Kumar and Teale Phelps Bondaroff distribute I Remember to a free little library. (Samantha Duerksen)

Teen author distributes book on Victoria-based choir empowering those with dementia

Voices in Motion Choral Society and Greater Victoria Placemaking Network are helping to spread the message

Priscila Kumar and Teale Phelps Bondaroff distribute I Remember to a free little library. (Samantha Duerksen)