Local News

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)
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)
Rifflandia turns 10 years old this year, and the festival’s line-up is bigger and more diverse than ever spanning country, rock, and electronic music over the four-day event. Photo contributed

Rifflandia Festival cancelled for 2019

Early Bird tickets can be refunded at point of purchase, or held and redeemed for 2020

Rifflandia turns 10 years old this year, and the festival’s line-up is bigger and more diverse than ever spanning country, rock, and electronic music over the four-day event. Photo contributed
On March 20, Judith Conway and her overdose awareness display were blessed by Pope Francis. The display is made up of flags and ribbons honouring those who have died of overdoses and those currently struggling with addiction. Photo courtesy Judith Conway

Special Report: Opioid overdose display gets blessing from the Pope, awaits a city-approved spot

Judith Conway’s large display represents people who have died from opioid overdoses

On March 20, Judith Conway and her overdose awareness display were blessed by Pope Francis. The display is made up of flags and ribbons honouring those who have died of overdoses and those currently struggling with addiction. Photo courtesy Judith Conway
Dr. Jason Wale is working to address the opioid crisis in the emergency departments at Victoria General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital. (Shalu Mehta/News Staff)

Special Report: Front line work by caring emergency doctors

Dr. Jason Wale uses unique program to help people with addictions in Greater Victoria

Dr. Jason Wale is working to address the opioid crisis in the emergency departments at Victoria General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital. (Shalu Mehta/News Staff)
Terry Marion was the first patient to walk through the doors at Aids Vancouver Island on the West Shore. At the age of 65, he has been on methadone treatment since 2002 and says life is good. (Shalu Mehta/News Staff)

Opioid Crisis Special Report: Hidden demographic served by West Shore clinic

AIDS Vancouver Island-run clinic provides opioid agonist treatment to almost 200 people

Terry Marion was the first patient to walk through the doors at Aids Vancouver Island on the West Shore. At the age of 65, he has been on methadone treatment since 2002 and says life is good. (Shalu Mehta/News Staff)
Special Report: Greater Victoria ambulance crews run off their feet with overdose calls

Special Report: Greater Victoria ambulance crews run off their feet with overdose calls

More resources and programs are helping, but they’re not the end-all solution

Special Report: Greater Victoria ambulance crews run off their feet with overdose calls
VicPD Const. Sue Hamilton talks with a client on Pandora Avenue. Hamilton says police officers joined the service to help people. (Photo courtesy of VicPD Const. Ross Smith)

Special Report: Thin blue line stretched with opioid crisis

Lack of funding, government rehab centres and increased drug potency leading to more deaths

VicPD Const. Sue Hamilton talks with a client on Pandora Avenue. Hamilton says police officers joined the service to help people. (Photo courtesy of VicPD Const. Ross Smith)
Charlene Baron (centre) works as a peer volunteer in Rock Bay Landing’s Overdose Prevention Unit (OPU). It’s part of her job to watch people using injections in case they have an overdose. (Nicole Crescenzi/ News Staff)

Special Report: Living with addiction while saving others during the opioid crisis

Charlene Baron draws on her experiences in her work with other local addicts

Charlene Baron (centre) works as a peer volunteer in Rock Bay Landing’s Overdose Prevention Unit (OPU). It’s part of her job to watch people using injections in case they have an overdose. (Nicole Crescenzi/ News Staff)
Royal and McPherson Society pleads its case to Victoria council

Royal and McPherson Society pleads its case to Victoria council

‘Dark days’ at Royal, user groups’ weekend priorities make scheduling other entertainment challenging

Royal and McPherson Society pleads its case to Victoria council
Long weekend starts with series of crashes
Long weekend starts with series of crashes
A scene from Embers and the Giants by artist Kelly Richardson. The film will be shown at the Toronto Images Festival in Toronto on Thursday. (Contributed)
A scene from Embers and the Giants by artist Kelly Richardson. The film will be shown at the Toronto Images Festival in Toronto on Thursday. (Contributed)
First cruise ship of the season docks in Victoria

First cruise ship of the season docks in Victoria

The largest ship in the schedule due to arrive on May 12

First cruise ship of the season docks in Victoria
Jon Tupper (left), director of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, with Lyn Goldman, sister of the late Anthony Thorn, and Benaron Gleiberman, Thorn’s nephew, at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria for the Anthony Thorn donation presentation. (Keri Coles/News staff)

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria receives $2.8M Anthony Thorn donation

Victoria News article inspires hefty donation for gallery expansion

Jon Tupper (left), director of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, with Lyn Goldman, sister of the late Anthony Thorn, and Benaron Gleiberman, Thorn’s nephew, at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria for the Anthony Thorn donation presentation. (Keri Coles/News staff)