Author: Nathan Brooks

A mild earthquake struck near Sidney, British Columbia, early Monday morning, briefly shaking homes across southern Vancouver Island and parts of the Lower Mainland. Officials say there were no reports of damage, and the tremor serves as a reminder to stay prepared for future seismic activity. According to Earthquakes Canada, the 4.1-magnitude quake occurred at 5:02 a.m. Pacific Time on March 3, 2025. The epicenter was located about 42 kilometers east of Sidney, near Orcas Island in Washington state, close to the Southern Gulf Islands. The earthquake was originally recorded at magnitude 4.5 but later revised to 4.1 after further…

A 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck 42 kilometres east of Sidney, British Columbia, early Monday morning. The tremor occurred at 5:02 a.m. PT and was lightly felt across Victoria, Vancouver, and surrounding areas. The earthquake’s epicentre was near Orcas Island, Washington, located between Vancouver and Seattle, just south of B.C.’s Southern Gulf Islands. It was initially reported as a 4.5-magnitude quake but was later revised to 4.1. Officials confirmed there are no reports of damage, and a public alert was not issued, as the earthquake’s magnitude and intensity were below thresholds that could cause harm. Authorities also noted there was no tsunami…

Residents in Sidney were on high alert after a juvenile cougar was seen wandering through local neighborhoods, prompting both concern for safety and the animal itself. The young female cougar was safely captured and relocated on Thursday, May 22, following multiple sightings in the area. The first report came from Jodie Siverns, who spotted the cub from her kitchen window at 4:45 p.m. in a cul-de-sac on Grover Crescent near Roberts Bay. “I was standing in my kitchen eating a snack when I saw a huge cat walking by,” Siverns said. She immediately worried about her neighbors and took swift…

A 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck 42 kilometers east of Sidney, British Columbia, early Monday morning. The tremor occurred at 5:02 a.m. PT and was lightly felt in nearby areas, including Victoria and Vancouver, according to Earthquakes Canada. The initial report listed the earthquake at magnitude 4.5, but the measurement was later revised to 4.1. The epicenter was near Orcas Island, Washington, located between Vancouver and Seattle, just south of B.C.’s Southern Gulf Islands. Officials confirmed that no damage has been reported. No public alert was issued, as the earthquake’s magnitude and intensity were below the levels that could cause harm. Authorities…

Sidney and North Saanich RCMP officers are now using body-worn cameras as part of a wider provincial rollout. This new technology aims to increase transparency and safety in policing. The cameras remain powered on throughout each officer’s shift in a buffering mode. However, they only begin recording audio and video when activated by the officer. This ensures that critical interactions are captured while maintaining operational control. BC RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald explained that the rollout started in late 2024. He emphasized that body-worn cameras are a key step in modernizing police work and enhancing public trust. The introduction of…

A fire broke out in a Sidney business undergoing renovation on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a fast response from local fire crews. The incident occurred on Beacon Avenue in a building located between Resthaven and Fifth Street. Thanks to quick action by firefighters, the blaze was contained to a single unit and did not spread to other businesses in the strip mall. Sidney Fire Chief Brett Mikkelsen said his department received a call about a commercial structure fire at around 2:30 p.m. Crews arrived minutes later and saw smoke rising from the soffits of the building. Two engines and a tower…

Sidney’s downtown streets were filled with joy on Tuesday, June 24, as the community celebrated the graduating class of 2025 from Parkland Secondary School. The first-ever Grad Walk turned Beacon Avenue into a lively parade route, giving graduates a special moment before their official ceremonies at the University of Victoria later in the day. Hundreds of residents lined the sidewalks, waving and cheering as students dressed in gowns and suits proudly walked through the heart of Sidney. Young students from Sidney Elementary School held handmade “congratulations” signs, adding excitement and energy to the event. Kindergarten teacher Carla Coppock explained the…

The Sidney Auto Extravaganza is set to return on August 2 and 3, promising an exciting weekend for car lovers. This event will transform Beacon Avenue in downtown Sidney into a massive outdoor car display. Organizers expect at least 20,000 visitors to come and enjoy the show. More than 350 vehicles will be on display, from classic hot rods to the newest Corvettes. The cars will be lined up along Beacon Avenue, stretching from Fifth to Second streets. Jim Clayton, president of the Torque Masters Car Club and the event’s lead organizer, stressed the importance of community involvement this year.…

Sidney’s art community is preparing for a vibrant celebration of nature as the ArtSea Gallery hosts a new exhibition, The Wild and the Cultivated, from August 8 to 14 at Tulista Park. This unique event will feature three talented local artists who each explore the natural world through their own creative lens. Visitors to the Sidney ArtSea Gallery Show can expect to see a rich mix of pottery, jewellery, and paintings. Each artwork offers a personal interpretation of nature, blending wild beauty with the peaceful charm of cultivated spaces. The show is free to attend and open daily, giving everyone…