Author: Mateo Rivera

One person has died following a single-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon on the Trans-Canada Highway near Victoria, Saanich police said. The crash closed northbound lanes between McKenzie Avenue and Helmcken Road, causing major traffic delays for hours. Police said the incident occurred just after 2 p.m., when a vehicle heading northbound veered into a ravine. B.C. Emergency Health Services transported two patients to hospital. One remains in serious condition, while the other is expected to recover. Insp. Damian Kowalewich said the crash is suspected to have been caused by a medical event affecting the person in the vehicle, but he did…

Saanich council has approved an amendment to a Housing Agreement for a 119-unit non-market housing project at 2249 McCoy Road, making the development eligible for a reduction in development cost charges. The vote, held on September 15, was unanimous. The project, originally approved in May 2024, consists of two six-storey apartment buildings managed by the Capital Region Housing Corporation, a non-profit subsidiary of the Capital Regional District. The Housing Agreement previously ensured rental tenure for all units but lacked specific affordability provisions required to qualify for financial incentives. The amendment now guarantees that all units will be rented at rates…

Many residents have noticed that the current Saanich parks strategy focuses more on people than on the natural environment. Based on extensive observations and personal efforts to support sustainability, it appears the remaining natural ecosystems are not receiving enough attention. As someone who regularly documents wildlife and habitats while walking a dog, and who volunteers with local environmental and neighbourhood groups, I have observed that human activity often dominates park spaces. This emphasis on recreation and pets can put pressure on fragile ecosystems that still exist in Saanich parks. The evidence suggests that protecting natural areas should be a higher…

Saanich is a district municipality and the largest community on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Located within the Greater Victoria area, it is home to over 114,000 people. The area is known for its mix of urban neighborhoods and rural land, offering scenic parks, trails, and beaches that make it a key residential and commercial hub in the region. The name “Saanich” comes from the Straits Salish language, meaning “elevated.” It refers to the First Nation people who originally lived in the area and may also highlight higher lands such as Mount Newton, which are part of the region’s…

Eight dollars may not seem like much, but for nine-year-old Izack Manluyang of Saanich, it is his life savings. He has decided to give it all to help other children. Izack has been saving money by collecting refundable recyclables with his mother, Bernie Manluyang. Their original plan was to use the funds to buy a ticket to the Philippines to visit relatives Izack has not met. But when Izack learned that more than 50 children were on the waiting list for Mustard Seed’s Fair Start for Kids program, he had a new idea. “He told me, ‘We have to help…

A well-known trail in Saanich, British Columbia, has been temporarily closed following the discovery of a body. Police confirmed that the body was located near Cuthbert Holmes Park, close to the Trans-Canada Highway. The Galloping Goose Trail is one of the most popular outdoor routes in the region, often used by walkers, cyclists, and joggers. On Friday, officials announced that a section of the trail between Burnside Road West and the highway would remain closed until further notice. The closure comes as officers investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery. Authorities from the Saanich Police Department reported that the body was…

Saanich police are investigating a serious collision between a cyclist and a pickup truck that left the cyclist in critical condition. Authorities are seeking witnesses and video footage to better understand how the crash occurred. The incident happened on July 28 around noon at the intersection of Greenridge Crescent and Quadra Street. This location is where the Lochside Regional Trail crosses the road. The Saanich Police Major Crime Unit is leading the inquiry, supported by the Traffic Safety Unit. Experts from traffic safety are helping with crash analysis and forensic work to piece together the exact events. Police urge anyone…

A cyclist has died after a collision with a pickup truck in Saanich, the BC Coroners Service confirmed. The crash happened on July 28 around 11:45 a.m. at the intersection of Greenridge Crescent and Quadra Street, near the Lochside Regional Trail connection. Emergency crews responded quickly, and the cyclist was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Sadly, the cyclist passed away, with the death confirmed by the coroner on August 5. Details remain limited as the investigation continues. Quadra Street was closed in both directions while police and investigators worked at the scene. The Saanich Police Major Crime Unit…

A cyclist has died after a serious crash with a pickup truck in Saanich, British Columbia. The incident happened at around 11:45 a.m. on July 28. It took place at the intersection of Quadra Street and Greenridge Crescent, close to the Lochside Trail crossing. This area is often used by both cyclists and pedestrians. Emergency crews arrived quickly after the collision. Two ambulances and a paramedic supervisor were sent to the scene. The injured cyclist was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts to save the individual, the cyclist later died from their injuries. On August 5, the…

A long-time University Heights resident has raised serious concerns about pedestrian safety and affordable housing in the Saanich area. After living in the neighbourhood for 43 years, the resident, who has mobility challenges, shared their experience with the changing community and new developments. The resident walks the area several times a week and closely watches the redevelopment of the Saanich Works Yard property. While supporting the need for more affordable housing, they question how the current plans will help students or lower rent costs. “Rooms in a house on our street rent for between $900 and $1,000 a month,” they…