Author: Jacob Martin
Jacob Martin
Jacob Martin is a respected local news reporter from Victoria with 13 years of experience in journalism. He graduated from the University of Victoria and has reported for Times Colonist, Creaze News and CBC Victoria. Jacob is a member of the Canadian Journalism Foundation and actively supports reporting initiatives focused on Indigenous communities and environmental issues.
Victoria’s Pandora Avenue was closed between Douglas Street and Broad Street on Friday after a police response to a weapons call at Victoria City Hall. The closure began just before 4 p.m. when officers rushed to the scene. Three ambulances also arrived within minutes. The Victoria Police Department said officers deployed a less-lethal round. They took one person into custody. Police confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety. Police received a weapons call at about 3:55 p.m. A witness reported a person acting erratically near the steps of City Hall. Officers arrived in uniform. They set up a…
Island Health has issued a swim advisory for Banfield Park in Victoria. The warning comes after a sewage leak was discovered in the nearby Gorge Waterway. Signs were placed at the location on Wednesday afternoon to alert the public. The health authority confirmed the presence of sewage in the water near the popular swim dock. Officials say this poses a risk to public health, especially for swimmers. Exposure to contaminated water can cause skin rashes, stomach issues, and other illnesses. Island Health monitors local beaches from mid-May through the Labour Day weekend. During this period, health officers collect water samples…
The British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) is undergoing major changes that are shaping hockey in Victoria and throughout British Columbia. These shifts are influencing players, teams, and even college hockey in the United States. The BCHL is in a time of transformation. It recently left Hockey Canada to become independent. New teams from Alberta joined the league. Meanwhile, some longtime teams like the Wenatchee Wild and Merritt Centennials have left. The Penticton Vees are moving to the Western Hockey League (WHL), and there are questions about the future of the Chilliwack Chiefs. Changes in NCAA rules also affect the league’s…
Victoria Symphony Splash returns after five years for BC Day 2025. This popular summer event will take place on August 2 and 3, marking the 85th anniversary of the Victoria Symphony Association. The event will offer four live orchestral shows over two days. Performances will be held on the famous barge stage in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The Victoria Symphony and The National Youth Orchestra of Canada will both perform. Special guests will include JUNO-nominated Indigenous singers Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish. Also joining the show is BC Hall of Fame percussionist Sal Ferreras with his Latin Jazz Sextet. Cuban singer…