Saanich Peninsula

Photo shows a section of Chalet Road that was washed out by Chalet Creek during intense rains on Nov. 15, 2021. (Courtesy of David Tonken)

North Saanich’s Chalet Creek getting a fish-focused atmospheric river repair job

Larger culvert aims to create a more natural creek bed after last fall’s collapse

 

Triple Threat Performers brings the iconic musical Grease to Brentwood’s Pioneer Park over two weekends in August. (Courtesy Triple Threat Performers)

Upcoming Events: Lots to do and see on the Saanich Peninsula in August

Musical theatre, art exhibit, car show and more on tap this month

 

Residents at Legion Manor Retirement Living in Saanichton spent the pandemic learning to play the ukulele and held their first concert on Aug. 2. (Courtesy of Paula Hosking)

‘It’s just lovely’: Saanichton seniors take up the ukulele

Legion Manor Retirement Living residents held their first concert Aug. 2

 

Former chamber of commerce boss Denny Warner is the new executive director for the Mary Winspear Centre. (Photo submitted)

Familiar face arrives at Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre

Former chamber head Denny Warner installed as new executive director at the centre

Former chamber of commerce boss Denny Warner is the new executive director for the Mary Winspear Centre. (Photo submitted)
A horse that had slipped into a ditch sometime overnight Thursday was on the road again Friday morning, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and Central Saanich firefighters. (Central Saanich Fire/Twitter)

Horse rescue all in a day’s work for Central Saanich firefighters

Animal had slipped into a ditch, but was pulled out safe and sound

A horse that had slipped into a ditch sometime overnight Thursday was on the road again Friday morning, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and Central Saanich firefighters. (Central Saanich Fire/Twitter)
Paul Fussell and Cathy Jansen are hosting the Didenko family (center), who fled to Canada after Ukraine was invaded by Russia. (Black Press Media)

Ukrainian couple, daughter land in North Saanich with hopes of building a ‘big, happy family’

The Didenkos hope to rent a unit nearby as their 5-year-old daughter enters kindergarten

Paul Fussell and Cathy Jansen are hosting the Didenko family (center), who fled to Canada after Ukraine was invaded by Russia. (Black Press Media)
The Central Saanich Fire Department and the surrounding community are mourning the loss of former Assistant Chief Forrest Owens. (Central Saanich Volunteer Firefighters Association/Facebook)

‘A true legend’: Forrest Owens’ contributions remembered in Central Saanich

Memorial service for former assistant fire chief Aug. 14 at Saanich Fairgrounds

The Central Saanich Fire Department and the surrounding community are mourning the loss of former Assistant Chief Forrest Owens. (Central Saanich Volunteer Firefighters Association/Facebook)
The 2022 edition of the Torque Masters Sidney Summer Car Show brings classic restored vehicles and newer models to Beacon Avenue on Sunday, Aug. 7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Torque Masters car club)

Car show set to sizzle on the streets of downtown Sidney

Torque Masters summer car show takes over Beacon Avenue on Aug. 7

The 2022 edition of the Torque Masters Sidney Summer Car Show brings classic restored vehicles and newer models to Beacon Avenue on Sunday, Aug. 7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Torque Masters car club)
Central Saanich Fire Department’s Capt. Brennan Gummer and firefighter Ryan Vantreight were deployed on Monday, Aug. 1, with the department’s new tender truck to assist BC Wildfire Service efforts in the Okanagan. (Central Saanich Volunteer Firefighters Association/Facebook)

Greater Victoria firefighters deployed to Okanagan to aid in B.C. wildfire battle

Region’s departments aim to provide resources on the ground to help wildfire crews

Central Saanich Fire Department’s Capt. Brennan Gummer and firefighter Ryan Vantreight were deployed on Monday, Aug. 1, with the department’s new tender truck to assist BC Wildfire Service efforts in the Okanagan. (Central Saanich Volunteer Firefighters Association/Facebook)
John Reischman and the Jaybirds hit the stage at Butchart Gardens on Aug. 5. (John Resichman and the Jaybirds/Bandcamp)

Saanich Peninsula shows making summer music memories

Variety of musical performances scheduled, some free, others ticketed

John Reischman and the Jaybirds hit the stage at Butchart Gardens on Aug. 5. (John Resichman and the Jaybirds/Bandcamp)
Parking Lot A, at the corner of Second Street and Bevan Avenue in Sidney, is changing from long-term paid parking to free three-hour parking. (Google Maps)

Clinic owner worried about impacts of Sidney parking lot switch

Lot A changing from long-term parking to free three-hour due to lease violation

Parking Lot A, at the corner of Second Street and Bevan Avenue in Sidney, is changing from long-term paid parking to free three-hour parking. (Google Maps)
North Saanich Fire Rescue is recruiting new volunteer firefighters. Orientation for successful candidates begins this fall. (North Saanich Fire Department/Facebook)

North Saanich looks to round up new volunteer firefighter recruits

Department looks after training for all new recruits

North Saanich Fire Rescue is recruiting new volunteer firefighters. Orientation for successful candidates begins this fall. (North Saanich Fire Department/Facebook)
Local groomers can offer pet-specific tips to help ease any apprehension around trimming nails. (Pixabay photo)

All About Pets: Grooming doesn’t just benefit your animals

Pet care is a responsibility of pet ownership

  • Jul 31, 2022
Local groomers can offer pet-specific tips to help ease any apprehension around trimming nails. (Pixabay photo)
Sienna Lalari of Gobind Farms passes a box of berries to a customer Saturday at the Peninsula Country Market. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Greater Victoria kicks off the long weekend with fun in the sun

The region’s parks, beaches, and markets were busy Saturday

Sienna Lalari of Gobind Farms passes a box of berries to a customer Saturday at the Peninsula Country Market. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales is coming to the Sidney/North Saanich library Aug. 4 for a free outdoor concert. (Courtesy Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales/Facebook)

Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales bringing free kids concert to Sidney library

The Aug. 4 concert starts at 10:30 a.m.

Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales is coming to the Sidney/North Saanich library Aug. 4 for a free outdoor concert. (Courtesy Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales/Facebook)
Triple Threat Performing Arts Society will be putting on several performances of Grease in August in Sidney. (Courtesy Triple Threat Performing Arts Society/Facebook)

Teenage theatre troupe bringing Grease to Sidney with outdoor shows

Performances set for Aug. 12, 13, 19, and 20

Triple Threat Performing Arts Society will be putting on several performances of Grease in August in Sidney. (Courtesy Triple Threat Performing Arts Society/Facebook)
People walk along the shoreline at Sidney Spit in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve east of Sidney, B.C., on Aug. 5, 2017. Parks Canada has launched new interpretive programming at various locations within the reserve over the summer. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

Parks Canada launches new programs at Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

The programs will run at multiple sites throughout the summer

People walk along the shoreline at Sidney Spit in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve east of Sidney, B.C., on Aug. 5, 2017. Parks Canada has launched new interpretive programming at various locations within the reserve over the summer. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)
A temporary access road and construction stakes rim what has been a popular North Saanich beach, off Madrona Drive and Norris Road. A retaining wall project underway at the rear of a Madrona Drive property has made the beach much less desirable spot, residents say. (Photo by Dave Spencer)

North Saanich beach lovers dismayed at condition of site amid construction project

Retaining wall project to address extensive erosion leaves Norris Beach a mess

A temporary access road and construction stakes rim what has been a popular North Saanich beach, off Madrona Drive and Norris Road. A retaining wall project underway at the rear of a Madrona Drive property has made the beach much less desirable spot, residents say. (Photo by Dave Spencer)
Aerial photo of the Victoria International Airport land proposed for the TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotel. (Courtesy Kothari Group)

Marriott hotel proposal announced for Victoria International Airport land in Sidney

Lease for hotel at Beacon Avenue and Stirling Way would create revenue for YYJ

Aerial photo of the Victoria International Airport land proposed for the TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotel. (Courtesy Kothari Group)
Conservation officer Peter Pauwels recently retired after 30 years of service, the vast majority of which was spent working in the Capital Region and southern Vancouver Island. (Courtesy Peter Pauwels)

The inconvenient truths about black bears in Greater Victoria

Think again if you believe development drives bears away, says former conservation officer

Conservation officer Peter Pauwels recently retired after 30 years of service, the vast majority of which was spent working in the Capital Region and southern Vancouver Island. (Courtesy Peter Pauwels)