Author: Jacob Martin

Hundreds gathered at the Scottish Community Centre in Victoria on October 5 to remember the victims of the Hamas attacks in Israel two years ago. Local politicians and faith leaders joined members of the Victoria Jewish community, including many Israeli expatriates, to commemorate Oct. 7. Anglican priest Philip Wadham said he attended to support the Jewish community in their struggle against Hamas and the ongoing threat of antisemitism. Rabbis from the city’s three synagogues led attendees in prayers, and images of hostages were displayed as their names were read aloud. The bright early fall day, overlooking a nearby waterway and…

Starbucks is closing two Victoria locations this weekend as part of a larger plan to improve its financial performance. The affected stores include the Cook Street Village outlet and the downtown location at Blanshard and Fort streets. Both are part of 20 Starbucks outlets serving the Victoria area. Seattle-based Starbucks announced it will lay off 900 non-retail employees while also closing some stores across Canada and the U.S. These moves are part of a restructuring plan reportedly worth $1 billion. Signs posted on the doors of both Victoria locations explained the decision, calling it “incredibly difficult.” “We know this may…

As families in Greater Victoria settle into their back-to-school routines, traffic across the region is growing heavier. With more cars on the road and a surge in construction projects, road safety experts are calling on drivers to slow down and protect roadside workers. A new initiative, the Work Zone Safety Campaign, is raising awareness about the dangers faced by those working close to moving traffic. The campaign, launched by Road Safety at Work, stresses the need for patience and focus during this busy season. Officials warn that a mix of warm weather, returning commuters, and holiday travel increases risks for…

Victoria’s own rock band Three Sailing Wait is back in the spotlight this weekend. The group will celebrate a brand-new record with a show at the Phoenix Bar & Grill on Saturday, August 23. Sharing the stage with them will be local favorites Conjure Hand Music and Odd Sum Band. The performance comes one day after the band launched its latest project, a six-track extended play called Marsec Level 2. For the four-piece rock outfit, the release is both a milestone and a way to connect with their growing fan base. The group’s journey began in an unusual setting. Instead…

The University of Victoria has dismissed Robert Gifford, one of its longest-serving professors, following confirmed allegations of sexual harassment involving two women, including a graduate student. The decision came after a formal investigation that revealed repeated misconduct and a failure to uphold professional standards expected of senior faculty members. Gifford, 78, was a professor at the university for 45 years and was well-known for his work in environmental psychology. He helped shape the field, attracting students worldwide to study human behavior, climate change anxiety, and the relationship between people and their surroundings. Despite his long academic career and international recognition,…

Temperatures are set to climb across Greater Victoria on Monday, bringing one of the hottest days of the summer so far. Residents are being advised to stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and limit outdoor activity during peak hours. Environment Canada forecasts that Greater Victoria, including Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Sidney, and Langford, will see daytime highs reach 29 C. Meanwhile, Sooke is expected to be slightly cooler, with temperatures peaking around 26 C. After Monday’s heat, temperatures will gradually ease. Tuesday will bring highs of 25 C in Greater Victoria and 23 C in Sooke. By Wednesday, the mercury is…

Police in Victoria have shared video footage of a man suspected of vandalizing a synagogue in the city’s downtown area. The incident took place on August 2, early in the morning. The suspect, dressed all in black and riding a bicycle, is accused of spray-painting hateful messages on the outside of Congregation Emanu-El. The graffiti included references to genocide, sparking concern among the community. Earlier, police had released a still image of the man but now hope the video will help identify him more quickly. The vandalism happened near the corner of Blanshard Street and Pandora Avenue, in the 1400…

Barbara Donaldson, an 84-year-old woman from Victoria, British Columbia, has already spent months waiting for a space in a long-term care facility and could face as much as two more years before one becomes available. She has advanced Parkinson’s disease and needs specialized support that is only available in a long-term care setting. For the past six months, she has been in a hospital bed while waiting for placement. Her daughter, Laura Kyle, has been pushing for faster action since last summer, but says she has faced constant delays despite long-standing warnings from experts about the needs of an aging…

Early Saturday, members of the Congregation Emanu-El synagogue in Victoria found hateful graffiti on a pillar at the entrance. The disturbing message targeted the Jewish community and referenced the Israel-Palestine conflict. The graffiti read, “Jews are evil! Because genocide is evil!” and ended with, “Palestinians will get their revenge against you child-killing Jew monsters.” The offensive message has since been painted over. Rabbi Harry Brechner, leader of the synagogue, spoke out about the incident. He said the vandalism was not a constructive way to address the Israel-Palestine conflict. “If this person wanted to do something for the Palestine/Israel conflict, there…

British Columbia’s police watchdog is investigating after a man was hurt during an arrest in downtown Victoria. The Victoria Police Department received a 911 call around 3:45 p.m. about a man carrying a weapon near Douglas Street and Pandora Avenue. Officers, including the Emergency Response Team, quickly responded to the scene. Upon arrival, police found the man with what seemed to be a weapon. Patrol officers tried to arrest him and used a less-lethal round during the encounter. The suspect was taken into custody safely. Police confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. The injured man was…