Community

Jessie Simpson blowing kisses to the camera. (Sue Simpson/Facebook)

Call for cards as Kamloops attack victim turns 26

Sue Simpson requests cards every Christmas and every July for Jessie’s birthday

  • May 29, 2023
Register online for the 2023 Navy Bike Ride, with events taking place in Colwood June 3. (Navy Bike Ride/Facebook)

Navy bike ride pedals through Colwood streets Saturday

Free, family-friendly event includes a barbecue

National Range Day opens an opportunity for people to see a range in operation with lawful use of firearms. (Courtesy Victoria Fish and Game Protective Association)

Victoria, North Saanich shooting clubs open doors to guests for National Range Day

B.C. Wildlife Federation fish and game clubs open doors to those looking to learn about firearms

Grey Canal Coldstream Valley Estates Trail and interpretive sign. (ROGTS photo)

Celebrate B.C.’s Trails Day in the capital – Vernon

Ribbons of Green Trails Society invites community out for International Trails Day

Grey Canal Coldstream Valley Estates Trail and interpretive sign. (ROGTS photo)
A large crowd gathered in Victoria’s Chinatown for the Awakening Chinatown Festival Sunday (May 28). (Brendan Mayer/News Staff)

Asian Heritage Month celebrated in Victoria at Awakening Chinatown Festival

The event was organized by the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society

A large crowd gathered in Victoria’s Chinatown for the Awakening Chinatown Festival Sunday (May 28). (Brendan Mayer/News Staff)
A participant runs during the 17th annual Oak Bay half marathon. (Brendan Mayer/News Staff)

Oak Bay half marathon sees record participation

Approximately 200 volunteers made the event possible

A participant runs during the 17th annual Oak Bay half marathon. (Brendan Mayer/News Staff)
Huntington Hero Walk participants gather for a group photo before heading out on their five-kilometre awareness and fundraising walk Saturday, May 27 in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Huntington Heroes Walk returns to Greater Victoria for first time since 2016

The 5 km walk aims to raise funds and awareness to help find a cure for the rare disease

Huntington Hero Walk participants gather for a group photo before heading out on their five-kilometre awareness and fundraising walk Saturday, May 27 in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Sidney firefighters will be collecting donations at the Beacon Plaza and Thrifty Foods. (Sidney Fire Department/Facebook)

Greater Victoria firefighters filling their boots for MD

Annual boot drive for Muscular Dystrophy Canada goes this weekend

Sidney firefighters will be collecting donations at the Beacon Plaza and Thrifty Foods. (Sidney Fire Department/Facebook)
Western Brook Lamprey Morrison Creek population– “silver form” (top) and non-silver, traditional looking Western Brook Lamprey. Photo by Jay Wade

Community effort protects rare fish species found only in Vancouver Island watershed

Morrison Creek Headwaters, home of the western brook lamprey, now a protected area

Western Brook Lamprey Morrison Creek population– “silver form” (top) and non-silver, traditional looking Western Brook Lamprey. Photo by Jay Wade
View Royal resident Kyle Porter shot this video of a sea otter travelling along the road on May 17 near his house. (Courtesy of Kyle Porter/Facebook)

VIDEO: Otter out for a walk in View Royal

Resident caught otter running past his house in View Royal

View Royal resident Kyle Porter shot this video of a sea otter travelling along the road on May 17 near his house. (Courtesy of Kyle Porter/Facebook)
Spring swarms are not unusual, says Victoria beekeeper Bill Cavers, seen here dealing a swarm of his own bees that landed in the neighbour’s plum tree. (Courtesy Bill Cavers)

Victoria beekeeper shares sweet tips on handling swarm season

Clouds of honeybees a healthy sign as Island hives fare well with warmer weather

Spring swarms are not unusual, says Victoria beekeeper Bill Cavers, seen here dealing a swarm of his own bees that landed in the neighbour’s plum tree. (Courtesy Bill Cavers)
Community members from across the Capital Region show support for the family of Steve Seekins – the Oak Bay public works employee killed on the job May 17 – during a fundraising barbecue on the lawn of municipal hall May 25. (Gui Santos/Black Press)

Fundraiser draws regional support for family of Oak Bay employee killed on the job

Online fundraiser surpasses $110,000 for family of Steve Seekins

Community members from across the Capital Region show support for the family of Steve Seekins – the Oak Bay public works employee killed on the job May 17 – during a fundraising barbecue on the lawn of municipal hall May 25. (Gui Santos/Black Press)
Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch competes in the Oak Bay Tea Party teacup race in 2022. (Black Press Media file photo)

What’s an Oak Bay Tea Party without giant floating cups?

Mayors faceoff for prosthetic clinic in Ukraine

  • May 26, 2023
Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch competes in the Oak Bay Tea Party teacup race in 2022. (Black Press Media file photo)
Madame Cola, designed by Shirley McLim. Can-can dress crafted from pop tabs and crochet thread for the bodice, and coke tins, crochet thread and stiff wire for the skirt. Hat and rose accessories made from coke tins. Model: Tiffany McLim. Photo: Bill Metcalfe

PHOTOS: Nelson fashion show features wearable art made of trash

The show attracted some very skilled designers to work with throw-away materials

Madame Cola, designed by Shirley McLim. Can-can dress crafted from pop tabs and crochet thread for the bodice, and coke tins, crochet thread and stiff wire for the skirt. Hat and rose accessories made from coke tins. Model: Tiffany McLim. Photo: Bill Metcalfe
All geared up to check out the undersea sights around Chemainus, from left, are: Philip Smith, Nancy Bremner, Doug Biffard and Kathleen Fenner. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Much to see under the sea at barges and reefs around Chemainus

Divers gravitate to sites prepared to witness diverse life that changes all the time

All geared up to check out the undersea sights around Chemainus, from left, are: Philip Smith, Nancy Bremner, Doug Biffard and Kathleen Fenner. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Attendees didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits during the 2022 Oak Bay Tea Party. (Black Press Media file photo)

Born out of celebration, Oak Bay Tea Party traditions continue for 61st year

Weekend of fun transforms Willows Beach

  • May 25, 2023
Attendees didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits during the 2022 Oak Bay Tea Party. (Black Press Media file photo)
The Swiftsure International Yacht Race had a slow start in 2019 due to light winds. (Black Press Media file photo)

World’s largest yacht race of its kind splashes back to Victoria for 78th time

More than 100 boats will take part in this year’s Swiftsure race

The Swiftsure International Yacht Race had a slow start in 2019 due to light winds. (Black Press Media file photo)
Sidney town crier Kenny ­Podmore led the 123rd Thrifty Foods ­Victoria Day Parade. (Brendan Mayer/News Staff)

Large crowd celebrates Victoria Day at 123rd Thrifty Foods parade

The Victoria Day parade featured 85 entries

Sidney town crier Kenny ­Podmore led the 123rd Thrifty Foods ­Victoria Day Parade. (Brendan Mayer/News Staff)
Mike Gee held the first annual Seamus’ Stroll last year in memory of his late son in Campbell Valley Regional Park to raise funds for the Langley Foundry facility for youth mental health in memory of his late son (inset). On June 4, the second 3K walk will take place. (Langley Advance Times files)

Remembering his son: why a B.C. dad purchases birthday cakes for strangers

Mike Gee hopes others will do the same

Mike Gee held the first annual Seamus’ Stroll last year in memory of his late son in Campbell Valley Regional Park to raise funds for the Langley Foundry facility for youth mental health in memory of his late son (inset). On June 4, the second 3K walk will take place. (Langley Advance Times files)
Highland dancers perform in front of the audience and judges Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

PHOTOS: 160th Victoria Highland Games bring Celtic tradition to Topaz Park

The games got underway Saturday and are set to continue Sunday

Highland dancers perform in front of the audience and judges Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)