Author: Isabella Chen

Isabella Chen is a dedicated local news reporter based in Esquimalt, bringing over a decade of experience in community journalism. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, she has contributed to publications such as The Tyee and CHEK News. Isabella is an active member of the Canadian Association of Journalists and is passionate about covering issues related to public health, education, and cultural diversity across Vancouver Island.

The remains of 23-year-old Kielan Hall, who went missing in March 2024, have been found near Esquimalt on Vancouver Island. The discovery was made on May 14 during a police search at a mobile home park on the Songhees Reserve Lands. Officers were carrying out a search warrant related to drug trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. During the search, they found human remains inside a leased home. Investigators later confirmed that the remains belonged to Hall. The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit is leading the investigation into the circumstances of Hall’s death. Authorities have not shared…

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The Township of Esquimalt has launched a new economic and investment attraction website to serve as a central hub for local businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, and community partners. The website, WhyEsquimalt.ca, provides a business directory, profiles of people living and working in the township, and data and resources for those interested in investing in Esquimalt. It also features an interactive community profile dashboard to explore the township’s economic landscape. “One of our goals was to give local and prospective businesses a clear, accessible starting point to explore opportunities and connect with available supports,” said Terése Finegan, Manager of Economic Development. She…

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The Township of Esquimalt has introduced a new digital platform aimed at strengthening its economic future. The website, WhyEsquimalt.ca, is designed to attract investors, support local businesses, and highlight the community’s strengths as a place to live, work, and grow. The new platform provides a central hub for businesses, entrepreneurs, and potential investors who want to learn about opportunities in Esquimalt. It includes a business directory, personal stories from community members, economic data, and an interactive profile dashboard that showcases the township’s assets. Local leaders say the website will make it easier for businesses to access support programs and resources.…

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A busy section of Esquimalt Road was closed on Sunday after police received reports of a suspected explosive device. The incident unfolded around midday and brought an immediate response from officers who secured the area, closed roads, and evacuated nearby buildings. Within a short period of time, police confirmed the suspicious object was not dangerous and the area was reopened to the public. The first report came in shortly before 12:30 p.m. Officers moved quickly to close Esquimalt Road from Lampson Street to Head Street, stopping both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Drivers were redirected and asked to avoid the area,…

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Victoria police are investigating after a pedestrian died Tuesday evening in a crash in Esquimalt. The incident happened around 7:50 p.m. when a vehicle turning left from Head Street onto Esquimalt Road struck a man. Witnesses said the man appeared to be in his 70s and was in the crosswalk at the time of the collision. The intersection where the crash occurred is controlled by traffic lights and is known to be busy during the evening hours. B.C. Emergency Health Services reported receiving a call about the crash at 7:51 p.m. Paramedics treated the pedestrian at the scene before rushing…

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A pedestrian suffered serious injuries after being struck by a driver at a busy Esquimalt intersection on Thursday morning. West Shore RCMP reported the collision, which occurred at the junction of Admirals and Maplebank roads around 10:30 a.m., near the border of Esquimalt and Songhees Nation land. Police said the vehicle involved was a white GMC Savana van. Officers requested a traffic reconstructionist to investigate the incident due to its severity. The pedestrian was taken to hospital, while the driver stayed on site to cooperate with authorities. West Shore RCMP is asking anyone with dashcam footage from the area between…

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Esquimalt Harbour became Canada’s hottest spot on Wednesday morning, March 26, with a temperature of 11 °C recorded at 6 a.m. This makes it the warmest location in both British Columbia and the country, according to hourly updates from Environment and Climate Change Canada. In contrast, Fort Nelson and Burns Lake airports reported the coldest temperatures in the province at -5.4 °C. Across the country, Eureka, Nunavut recorded the lowest temperature, plunging to -35.6 °C. The early warmth in Esquimalt follows a day of record-breaking temperatures across parts of British Columbia. On Tuesday, residents in Greater Victoria enjoyed sunny skies and mild conditions,…

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The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have found the remains of Kielan Hall, a 23-year-old who had been missing since March 14, 2024. The discovery came during a police operation at a leased home on Songhees Reserve Lands near Esquimalt. On May 14, officers executed a search warrant connected to a drug trafficking investigation under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. During this search at a mobile home park on the reserve, human remains were uncovered. This led to the issuance of an additional warrant to further investigate the site. Authorities have confirmed the remains belong to Kielan Hall. The…

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The 33rd annual Peacekeepers Memorial Parade will take place at Esquimalt Memorial Park on Saturday, August 9, at 7 p.m. This event pays tribute to Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, police, and civilians who have served in peace support operations around the world. August 9 is a significant date in Canadian peacekeeping history. It marks the deadliest single day for Canadian peacekeepers, when nine members of the Canadian Forces died in 1974 after their Buffalo aircraft was shot down over Syria. Syrian forces reportedly mistook the plane, marked with white and blue UN colours, for an Israeli fighter jet. Since…

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A historic estate in Esquimalt has found new life as the elegant Rosemead House Hotel, combining Edwardian charm with modern style. Once known as the English Inn, the property has been restored and expanded into a luxury hotel, fine dining space, and upscale condo development. Purchased in 2016 by Aargon Properties, the Lampson Street property has been carefully reimagined by owner Lenny Moy. His goal was to preserve the beauty of the original 1906 estate while adding fresh elements for today’s guests and residents. Back in 1906, the estate was called Rosemead. It was built as a peaceful place to…

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