Local News

The Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach has temporarily closed its doors to the public as of Nov.18. (Mandy Moraes photo)

COVID-19: The Old Schoolhouse Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach closes until 2021

TOSH takes proactive approach to ‘protect the well-being of the community’

2020 Arts Alive sculpture Counterpoise by Richard Young is now on display in Haynes Park along Beach Drive. (Travis Paterson/News Staff)

Voting now ready for Oak Bay’s Arts Alive 2020 sculptures

Audio and written descriptions posted for all 10 sculptures

Longevity John Falkner, left, artistic director for the 39 Days of July, and operations manager Trevor Linde go over details of the event’s final days this year. (Robert Barron/Citizen)

Cowichan’s 39 Days of July deemed a success, despite COVID-19

Musical productions live streamed from the Duncan Showroom this year

Former Kwalikum Secondary student Harrison Houde has found success as an actor. (Submitted photo)

Former Vancouver Island student makes his mark in Hollywood

Qualicum’s Harrison Houde an inspiring act for youngsters to follow

Former Kwalikum Secondary student Harrison Houde has found success as an actor. (Submitted photo)
Parksville’s McMillan Arts Centre will open again on June 18. (File photo)

Parksville’s McMillan Arts Centre set to reopen on June 18

Local artists will have work on display; COVID-19 protocols observed

  • May 30, 2020
Parksville’s McMillan Arts Centre will open again on June 18. (File photo)
Brian Butler (left) and Mayor Lisa Helps at the 2019 Victoria Book Prizes Announcement Gala. (File contributed/Victoria Book Prize Society)

City seeks submissions for annual Victoria Book Prizes

City of Victoria Butler Book Prize, Children’s Book Prize each come with $5,000

Brian Butler (left) and Mayor Lisa Helps at the 2019 Victoria Book Prizes Announcement Gala. (File contributed/Victoria Book Prize Society)
video
Penny Hart issues plea for help to find her son Sean
Federal public health officials release new data that shows how COVID-19 is being spread
Furstenau says Greens no longer limited to Vancouver Island
Furstenau says NDP engineered election to wipe out opponents
See More Videos 
Neighbours gathered to enjoy a musical tribute on the bridge leading to a home on Brookview Drive in Metchosin. The band played John Prine songs in memory of the singer-songwriter who died on April 7. Less than one year ago, their bridge was host to a memorial for their neighbour, Martin Payne, who was found dead in his home in July. (Shalu Mehta/News Staff)

‘The stream is my medicine’: Payne, Prine and the healing power of music in Metchosin

Metchosin neighbours host musical tribute on bridge where memorial was held last summer

Neighbours gathered to enjoy a musical tribute on the bridge leading to a home on Brookview Drive in Metchosin. The band played John Prine songs in memory of the singer-songwriter who died on April 7. Less than one year ago, their bridge was host to a memorial for their neighbour, Martin Payne, who was found dead in his home in July. (Shalu Mehta/News Staff)
Scott Stanton and Salina Hoffman tied the knot on Saturday and were surprised by friends and family who had gathered outside to watch the ceremony from a distance. (Provided by Scott Stanton)

Friends, family suprise Current Swell singer and new wife with socially distant wedding

‘We just thought we were going over there to have a glass of champagne and do some paperwork’

Scott Stanton and Salina Hoffman tied the knot on Saturday and were surprised by friends and family who had gathered outside to watch the ceremony from a distance. (Provided by Scott Stanton)
All 12 GVPL branches closed after tonight amidst COVID-19 fears. (Black Press Media file photo)

Greater Victoria libraries shut doors until further notice

All GVPL, VIRL branches close after tonight amidst COVID-19 fears

All 12 GVPL branches closed after tonight amidst COVID-19 fears. (Black Press Media file photo)
Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama’s talk at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on March 31 has been postponed due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. (Black Press Media file photo)

Michelle Obama talk in Victoria postponed amidst COVID-19 concerns

Province bans gatherings of more than 250 people

Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama’s talk at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on March 31 has been postponed due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. (Black Press Media file photo)
I Never Sang for My Father opens at St. Luke’s Players Community Theatre on March 11. (Photos from St. Luke’s Players)

St. Luke’s Players bring heartwarming drama to the stage in Saanich

‘I Never Sang for My Father’ is deeply moving, strikes universal chord on the topic of aging parents

I Never Sang for My Father opens at St. Luke’s Players Community Theatre on March 11. (Photos from St. Luke’s Players)
Michelle Obama: In Conversation in Victoria, March 31

Michelle Obama: In Conversation in Victoria, March 31

Former First Lady hosted by Victoria Chamber for moderated event at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

Michelle Obama: In Conversation in Victoria, March 31
Acclaimed Cuban jazz pianist Pablo Cardenas is one of the performers taking part in We Are One! at First Metropolitan United Church on Saturday, Nov. 30. (Photo contributed by West Coast Reach Association)

We Are One! celebrates solidarity, inclusion with song and dance

Nov. 30 performance includes performers from across Greater Victoria

  • Nov 18, 2019
Acclaimed Cuban jazz pianist Pablo Cardenas is one of the performers taking part in We Are One! at First Metropolitan United Church on Saturday, Nov. 30. (Photo contributed by West Coast Reach Association)
Audience members at the Vic Theatre frequently dress up like characters from The Rocky Horror Picture Show when attending the film. (Photo via Victoria Film Festival)

Advice for first-time Rocky Horror Picture Show attendees

Get ready to dance, sing and throw toast

Audience members at the Vic Theatre frequently dress up like characters from The Rocky Horror Picture Show when attending the film. (Photo via Victoria Film Festival)
Kathy Page (left) and Aidan Cassie each walked away with the Victoria Book Prize on Wednesday night. (Facebook/Victoria Book Prizes)

Two local authors walk away with Victoria Book Prize

Kathy Page and Aidan Cassie each walked away with a literary award

Kathy Page (left) and Aidan Cassie each walked away with the Victoria Book Prize on Wednesday night. (Facebook/Victoria Book Prizes)
The cast of Sooke Harbour Players upcoming attraction practices their lines as they prepare for the show. (Contributed)

Sooke Harbour Players head outdoors

A duo of comedies the latest offering from local theatre company

The cast of Sooke Harbour Players upcoming attraction practices their lines as they prepare for the show. (Contributed)
Sooke artist Sheila Thomas with her pet poodle Stroodle. Thomas wants to live the life of Canadian art icon Emily Carr for one year. (Contributed)

In the footsteps of Emily Carr

Following in a hero’s footsteps sometimes means filling some pretty big shoes.…

Sooke artist Sheila Thomas with her pet poodle Stroodle. Thomas wants to live the life of Canadian art icon Emily Carr for one year. (Contributed)
Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone was released on June 26, 1997. (IMDB Photo)

Making Millennials feel old: the first Harry Potter book was released 22 years ago

Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone was released on June 26, 1997

Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone was released on June 26, 1997. (IMDB Photo)
Calgary Flames center Derek Ryan (10) tries to get a shot past Vancouver Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) during first period NHL action at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Wednesday, Oct, 3, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Feed your hunger for Canucks hockey in Victoria this September

NHL team to host camp at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, exhibition vs. Calgary set for Sept. 16

Calgary Flames center Derek Ryan (10) tries to get a shot past Vancouver Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) during first period NHL action at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Wednesday, Oct, 3, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
The Gettin’ Higher Choir will perform it’s 22nd annuual Spring Benefit Concert for Mozambique on June 15 at the Alix Goolden Hall. (Black Press Media File Photo)

Folk troubadour joins Gettin’ Higher Choir for Victoria concert

June 15 performance at Alix Goolden Hall will benefit Mozambique

The Gettin’ Higher Choir will perform it’s 22nd annuual Spring Benefit Concert for Mozambique on June 15 at the Alix Goolden Hall. (Black Press Media File Photo)