VillageNow

New sentencing options for convicted criminal offenders #bcpoli

2012-03-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

March 16, 2012
Ministry of Justice

VICTORIA - Changes to the Offence Act have been passed into law to give B.C.'s courts more flexibility to manage offenders convicted under provincial statutes and help modernize and reform the province's justice system.

These changes expand sentencing options by allowing the courts to impose probation orders that are better tailored to reflect the offences and offenders' circumstances. Probation orders may include a wide range of conditions, such as community work service, requirements not to attend a specific address or to stay away from certain locations, or other conditions that a judge finds appropriate.

Flexible sentencing will help manage the behaviour of offenders in communities and enhance the rehabilitative aspects of sentencing.

The changes will come into force in June.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond -

"This act gives the courts more flexibility to ensure offenders' sentences best address the nature of the crime they have committed. This is just one of the innovative steps government is taking to make the justice system more effective and responsive for British Columbians."

Examples of types of offences that will be better addressed through improved enforcement:

* For serious Motor Vehicle Act offences, such as driving without due care, a combination of fine and probation or jail and probation creates a sentence that was not previously available to the court.

* For repeat trespass offences, offenders could be placed on probation, with court-ordered conditions to stay away from a specific area, and community work service could be imposed rather than a fine.

* For street disorder offences, charges could be laid under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act for being drunk in a public place, rather than under the Criminal Code. Offenders could be placed under probation orders with conditions, such as paying for damages, writing an apology letter and performing community work service. If individuals fail to comply, they could be charged with a breach of the probation order.

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#Esquimalt Multi-Residential Buildings Tap into Savings #yyj

2012-03-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

March 16, 2012

Owners and property managers of multi-unit residential buildings in Esquimalt have an opportunity to tap into savings this month by taking advantage of the ‘Tap By Tap’ Program. The Township of Esquimalt is partnering with City Green Solutions and the CRD Climate Action Service to provide up to 125 energy and water saving kits which include energy-saving low flow shower heads, and kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators.

“The program benefits our residents by saving them money on energy and water,” said Marlene Lagoa, Sustainability Coordinator for the Township of Esquimalt. “Through this partnership, the Township is also making progress towards achieving its community greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of 38% by 2020, and 83% by 2050.

Each individual housing unit in a multi-unit residential building can save up to 58,000 litres of water each year and reduce annual water heating bills by up to $112. The program has funding to provide up to 125 kits which would result in total annual savings of 7,320,000 litres of water and a greenhouse gas reduction of 44 tonnes within the community.

City Green, a non-profit organization specializing in innovative building energy efficiency solutions, delivers the new fixtures, picks up old fixtures, and gathers program information to measure results. Building managers install the new fixtures throughout their buildings and collect old fixtures for recycling.

The project is a partnership between the federal Department of the Environment, the Township of Esquimalt and the Capital Regional District. The City of Victoria is supporting a similar Tap by Tap program for multi-unit residential buildings within Victoria.

To learn if your building qualifies for the free kits, owners or managers of Township multi-unit residential buildings can contact Kobi Thomson at City Green, 250-381-9995 local 117 or kobi.thomson@citygreen.ca. Participants must be registered no later than Friday, March 23. Quantities are limited so call today.

For more information on the Tap by Tap Program, please visit www.esquimalt.ca/sustainability.

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Single Lane Traffic: Majestic Dr at the intersection of Larchewood Dr continues Monday #yyjtraffic

2012-03-16T13:45:00.001-07:00

UPDATE:

Single Lane Traffic Continues on Monday, March 19

8:00 am to 4:00 pm

On Friday, March 16, 2012 there will be alternating single lane traffic on Majestic Drive at the intersection of Larchewood Drive. Work is scheduled to start at approximately 8:00 am and is expected to continue until 4:00 pm.

There will be traffic control people on site to assist with traffic control. Please obey their directions and all traffic signs.

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Province of BC Proclaims BBB Week from March 17 to 23 @BBB_BC

2012-03-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA, BC – British Columbia’s marketplace is being spotlighted province wide from March 17 to 23, as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) celebrates BBB Week in recognition of the BBB’s 50th anniversary on Vancouver Island and 100th year anniversary internationally.

Better Business Bureau Week recognizes the relationship between the business community and consumers across British Columbia and shows how the Better Business Bureau has provided free, accessible information to the public, reporting on business practice and tackling misleading advertising in the marketplace.

“The BBB of Vancouver Island began in 1962 when a number of key players in the business community decided that it was of vital importance to promote ethical businesses and protect consumers from being ripped off,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of the BBB of Vancouver Island. “For 100 years, BBB has helped consumers make smarter buying decisions, our services are free to everyone and are available locally, nationally, internationally, online and in person.”

Internationally, the Better Business Bureau was founded in 1912 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The BBB encourages business self-regulation and provides a dispute resolution process and business reporting standards that are commonly followed by all BBBs across North America.

Founded in 1962, the Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island is a registered non-profit organization that is completely funded by its Accredited Businesses. Accredited Businesses contractually agree to follow the BBB Standards of Trust.

For more information about the BBB and the activities and events taking place during our anniversary year visit vi.bbb.org.

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B.C. aims to strengthen education ties with China #bcpoli

2012-03-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

March 16, 2012
Ministry of Education

VANCOUVER - Education Minister George Abbott is travelling to China today to build on British Columbia's leading role in international education.

The mission will support the BC Jobs Plan goal to increase the number of international students in British Columbia by 50 per cent over the next four years.

Abbott will build and strengthen relationships with key Chinese school districts and educational agencies, education service providers, and B.C.-offshore school administrators, students and teachers. The minister also has a national-level meeting with the Deputy Minister of the China Ministry of Education.

In addition to bringing more Chinese students to British Columbia, the meetings will seek to create more opportunities for B.C. students to study in China and expand the network of B.C.-certified schools in China. The minister will also sign memorandums of understanding that will lay the groundwork for an additional four B.C.-certified offshore schools in Shanghai, Hebei and Guangxi.

China has a new long-term education reform and development plan that aims to open up Chinese education to the outside world through student exchanges and collaboration. Chinese schools are encouraged to reach out to resources outside of the country to strengthen their English-language education programs. This is a major development since the last mission in 2008. British Columbia is in an ideal position to build on their existing relationships and help the Chinese Government meet their education objectives, while generating significant social, cultural and economic benefits for B.C. communities.

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#VIJHL Championship Series begins Sunday #yyjsports @CougarsjuniorB

2012-03-16T09:49:00.001-07:00

The Victoria Cougars will open the 2012 VIJHL Championship Series with Game 1 slated for Sunday, March 18.

Game time at the Archie Browning Sports Centre, located at 1151 Esquimalt Road, is 3:00 p.m.

Victoria’s opponent is yet to be determined.

Game 6 between the Peninsula Panthers and Saanich Braves goes tonight in North Saanich. If necessary, Game 7 will be back at the George R. Pearkes Community Recreation Centre on Saturday.

Saanich currently leads 3-2 in their best-of-seven semi-final series.

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Poison Prevention Week March 18-24 aims to prevent childhood poisonings @BCDPIC

2012-03-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

VANCOUVER, BC – On average, every hour of every day at least one child in BC is poisoned. That’s why “Children Act Fast…So Do Poisons” is the theme of this year’s Poison Prevention Week, March 18 – 24.

“Over half of all poisonings occur in children younger than six years of age and many of these poisonings can be managed at home with the advice of the Poison Control Centre,” says Debra Kent, Clinical Supervisor for the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre (DPIC). “We want to remind parents, caregivers and friends…Don’t Guess. Be sure. Phone the Poison Control Centre.”

The most common “poisons” affecting children are pain and fever medicine, plants and cleaners. Many poisonings in children occur just before lunch or dinner when children are hungry and often least supervised. In some cases parents assume that children can’t open “child-proof” caps when, in fact, caps on pill bottles are actually “child-resistant” and children can open them with enough time.

“Many poisonings can be prevented by properly following directions on product labels, ensuring hazardous substances are put away safely and keeping medicines and cleaners out of reach of young children,” says Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall. “Caregivers need to be aware that if there is a poisoning, they should call the Poison Control Centre, a key component of BC’s public health system.”

In BC, poisoning ranks third among the top 10 causes of death from injury, which also include suicide, motor-vehicle crashes, homicide, falls, drowning, and fires. It has been estimated that unintentional poisonings cost British Columbians $216 million annually in both direct and indirect costs.

“Poison Awareness and First Aid” pamphlets are now available in Chinese, English, French, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Other materials available to promote awareness include a “Plant Awareness” pamphlet, a series of informative posters, and phone stickers and magnets with numbers for the Poison Control Centre’s hotline. Materials are free of charge for BC residents and can be obtained from http://www.dpic.org/, by e-mailing info@dpic.ca, or by calling 604-707-2789, extension 3.

The Poison Control Centre at DPIC is a program of the BC Centre for Disease Control, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. The Centre offers British Columbians a 24-hour telephone support and advice line, which is staffed by pharmacists and nurses who provide expert treatment advice on chemical or drug poisonings and overdoses. If a child swallows or handles a potentially dangerous product, immediately call the Poison Control Centre hotline at 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911.

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#Camosun Chargers women's volleyball on track for 2012-13 #yyjsports @CamosunChargers

2012-03-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

While another PacWest season has come to end, it is just the beginning for coaches like Camosun’s Chris Dahl who are already in the throes of planning for the year ahead. In his second year as Head Coach of the Camosun College Chargers women’s volleyball program, Coach Dahl asserts that the program is on the right track.

With the CCAA National Championships scarcely two weeks ended, Coach Dahl is headed to Vancouver for a week to work with Volleyball BC’s High Performance programs. Today, he takes a moment to answer some questions reflecting on the 2011-12 season and to comment on next year’s prospects.

The team experienced a few different line-ups in the second half of the season as athletes adjusted positions and roles within the program. How did your young squad handle the changes?

Early in the second half of the season we lost Elizabeth Davis to injury. At the time Elizabeth was the Pac West points and kills leader and subsequently we were tasked with replacing her league leading four points per set. Hilary Graham put forth some big performances in the second semester and entered the Chargers record books with a 25 kill performance. She followed that up with matches of 20 and 16 kills. It was great to see Hilary continue to rise as a leader both on and off the court for the Chargers.

The tandem of Morgan Marshall and Jamie Fleet stepped in to increase our stuff block totals in the second half of the season. Morgan is a rare natural blocker. Her move to the middle of the court at a late stage in the season was impressive. As a coach, I’ve been able to make these positional shifts with athletes before, but rarely from the outside to the middle. It typically works in the opposite direction, but Morgan is an incredible athlete.

Similar to Morgan's move to the middle and Hilary's switch to the leftside, we also took to training Olivia Redden on the rightside and Carly Hilliard on the left.

A lot of these adjustments in roles were discussed in the fall amongst our coaching staff. We had plans to move athletes like Carly and Olivia from the middle to the wing, but not necessarily for this season. Injuries may have forced our hand and sped up the process, but the athletes responded. Olivia brings a big block to the rightside and has shown the ability to terminate the ball from that position. Carly does very much the same from the other wing, but is also developing into an athlete that can take the first contact off of serve-receive.

The ability to make these moves tells us we have a lot of young talent within our program. Our task is to continue to train behaviors that will lead to success. We feel strongly that the Chargers are on the cusp of turning the proverbial "corner". However, it's more likely that there are a number of corners and looking back on the past two seasons, we've already navigated our way through many of them. Until we reach the top, we'll continue to refer to our map and tackle the next turn with great anticipation.

Although there will be a number of athletes returning to the Chargers next year, there are some athletes moving on. How does the program handle this transition from year to year?

In my second year within the Chargers program we actually got younger, but in doing so we feel strongly that we've moved the program forward. The return of six first year Chargers with a year of PacWest experience under their belts in combination with eight newcomers comprised of Team BC alumni and some incredible athletes from across BC continued to grow our program.

Inevitably, some of our athletes will move on from the program, but the fruits of their labour and their contributions will not be lost or forgotten. Our culture is changing and they have been a part of that shift.

You just can't replace people... it doesn't happen. There's no way to find another Taylor Fedosoff and the energy and joy she brings to the team; or a Suzanna Campbell and her steadying demeanor and balance upon delivery of the ball as a setter. You just can't do it. What you do instead is expose opportunity for others within the program to step forward with their own talents.

All of the athletes moving on from the Chargers after this season do so after contributing to the development of the program. For their contributions we are grateful. Their personalities, talents and skill sets will be missed greatly.

What lies ahead for the 2012-13 season?

As much as the Chargers improved from year one to year two, so too did our league, but that's a good thing. The PacWest continues to be one of the strongest conferences in the country. We continue to attract some of the top talent in Western Canada and as we do this, our student-athletes and their experiences in the league benefit greatly.

Next fall we're looking forward to the return of a strong core from this season’s team. There will undoubtedly be an influx of new talent in the program. The commitment of 6'1” outside Erika Morris is just the start as we continue to recruit athletes that will both benefit from and contribute to our training environment. 6’2” middle Natalie Delange has been training with the Chargers this season and we're really looking forward to seeing her on the floor next year.

Our job is to fill the gym with great athletes; athletes that possess the drive and commitment to excellence on and off the court that not only leads to success, but accelerates the journey for all involved. We firmly believe that “As the tide rises, it lifts all boats.” Camosun Athletics, in partnership with PISE, Lifemark and the CSEE together with the efforts of our coaching staff and athletes continue to create an environment that people want to be a part of. I can't help but think that when you're doing that, you're on the right track.

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Fraser Institute: Recent immigrants not faring as well as those who arrived before 1987 @FraserInstitute

2012-03-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

Recent immigrants not faring as well as those who arrived before 1987, costing taxpayers more than $16 billion annually

VANCOUVER, BC—Immigrants who arrived in Canada between 1987 and 2004 received about $6,000 more in government services per immigrant in 2005 than they paid in taxes, confirms a new report released today by the Fraser Institute, Canada’s leading public policy think-tank.

“Immigrants arriving in Canada since 1987 are not doing as well economically as immigrants who arrived before 1987,” said Herbert Grubel, Fraser Institute senior fellow and co-author of Fiscal Transfers to Immigrants in Canada: Responding to Critics and a Revised Estimate (download complete report: http://www.fraserinstitute.org/research-news/display.aspx?id=18103).

“As a result of Canada’s welfare-state policies, our progressive income taxes, and universal social programs, these immigrants impose a huge fiscal burden on Canadian taxpayers of between $16 billion and $23 billion annually.”

The report is an update of a 2011 study by Grubel and co-author Patrick Grady which used publicly available data to estimate that, in 2005, Canada’s immigrant selection policies resulted in an average fiscal burden on taxpayers of $6,051 per immigrant who came to Canada between 1987 and 2004, and that the average income of those immigrants was 72 per cent of that of other Canadians.

The study is also a response to research sponsored by the government-funded Metropolis BC Project and carried out by Simon Fraser University economists Mohsen Javdani and Krishna Pendakur who examined the incomes of immigrants who arrived in Canada between 1970 and 2004. They concluded that over this period, immigrants received only $450 more in government services than they paid in taxes and that immigrants’ average incomes were 89 per cent of that of other Canadians.

“The main reason for the disparity is that our study looked at immigration data from 1987 to 2004, while Javdani and Pendakur went as far back as 1970,” Grubel said.

“According to Statistics Canada, immigrants to Canada pre-1987 had much higher incomes, and thus made higher tax payments, than those who arrived later. Javdani and Pendakur found significantly reduced transfers because these immigrants were more economically successful than the later cohort.”

Javdani and Pendakur justified their use of data from this period by claiming that the 1987 to 2004 cohort measured by Grubel and Grady underestimated the true earnings of immigrants since those individuals were younger.

“Newly available research from Statistics Canada shows that the income gap between recent immigrants and other Canadians has been increasing, regardless of gender, education, work experience and, importantly, age,” Grady said.

“In other words, the lower incomes and tax payments of recent immigrants relative to those of other Canadians are likely to persist over all stages of their lives, which invalidates Javdani and Pendakur’s criticism of our estimates.”

Grubel and Grady also reject arguments that immigrants are needed to meet labour shortages, that they bring productivity-increasing economies of scale, and that their children will repay the fiscal burden. New evidence does not provide any grounds for optimism that the children of recent immigrants are going to be able to earn enough to compensate current and future generations of Canadians for the fiscal transfers made to their parents by existing Canadians.

Grubel and Grady conclude that in order to alleviate the fiscal strain on taxpayers, Canada’s immigration selection process should be reformed to emphasize a reliance on market forces to replace the existing, failed system of using points to select immigrants. They also present new evidence suggesting that Federal Skilled Worker immigrants who were admitted on the basis of pre-arranged employment offers had much higher incomes than comparable immigrants admitted under previously existing criteria.

“The exclusive use of such job offers would result in a significant decrease, if not elimination, of the fiscal burden that exists under the present immigrant selection system,” Grubel said.

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James Keelaghan with bassist David Woodhead April 7 at Mary Winspear Centre #yyjmusic @jimmykeelo @marywinspear

2012-03-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

Deep Cove Folk Music Society presents

James Keelaghan (with outstanding bassist David Woodhead)

April 7th at 8:00 PM

Mary Winspear Centre (Sidney)

$25.00 plus HST (plus online ticketing fee if applicable)

Phone 250.656.0275 or visit the Mary Winspear Centre Box Office

or http://www.marywinspear.ca/ and click on "Buy Tickets"

A little about James

James writes songs that evoke strong emotions. Add to this that his concerts are always fun.

James 11th CD, House of cards was released on October 12 2009 by Borealis records. 10 new originals, some of them co-writes with such folk luminaries as David Francey, Karine Polwart and Rose Cousins make it one of his best yet. Called Canada’s finest singer-songwriter by one of the most respected music journalists of the last 50 years, James Keelaghan is an artist who has proven to be a man for all seasons.

His masterful story telling has, over the course of nine recordings, been part of the bedrock of his success, earning Keelaghan nominations and awards - including a Juno - and acclaim from Australia to Scandinavia.

Possessed of an insatiable appetite for finding the next unique story line, Keelaghan forges his pieces with brilliant craftsmanship and monogrammed artistic vision, making him one of the most distinctive and readily identifiable voices on both the Canadian and international singer-songwriter scenes.

http://www.keelaghan.com/

About David

David Woodhead is best known for his melodic and personal style on the fretless electric bass, David Woodhead has explored much musical territory on his own and with other notable travellers. His creative instrumental work has appeared on over 200 albums in the contemporary folk field, and he has worked with countless artists including Perth County Conspiracy and it's many branches, Garnet and Stan Rogers, Scott Merritt, Don Ross, Oliver Schroer, Loreena McKennitt, Gil Scott-Heron and Valdy. He has toured extensively with James Keelaghan and can be expected to accompany James on the piano as well as the bass.

http://www.davidwoodhead.com/

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Bill 22 passed by the B.C. legislature #bcpoli

2012-03-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

March 15, 2012
Ministry of Education

VICTORIA - The B.C. legislature today passed Bill 22, the Education Improvement Act. The new legislation suspends teachers' strike action, establishes a "cooling off" period and appoints a mediator to work with the parties toward a negotiated agreement.

The "cooling off" period will come into effect this Saturday, so that all strike activity must cease when schools resume following spring break.

The next step is the appointment of a mediator to work with the parties toward a negotiated settlement. Education Minister George Abbott will be writing to both the BC Teachers' Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA) tomorrow asking that they submit names to be considered as potential mediators.

Potential candidates should have a strong background in education, be held in high regard by the education community, and have effective dispute resolution and consensus building skills. The minister will consider all submissions received from the two parties by March 26, 2012.

Once appointed, the mediator will work with both parties on issues of mutual concern. This will include issues raised by the BCTF - such as classroom organization and the local/provincial split of bargaining - as well as issues raised by the BCPSEA, such as professional development and teacher evaluation.

The new legislation does not impose a new contract. Rather, it extends the existing contract to cover the mediation period. If a new agreement cannot be reached by the beginning of summer, the mediator will make non-binding recommendations to government by June 30, 2012.

Bill 22 also implements a new Learning Improvement Fund of $165 million over three years to help school districts and teachers address complex classroom composition issues. This fall, $30 million from the Learning Improvement Fund will be allocated to classrooms with the greatest need. This will be increased to $60 million the following year, and to $75 million every year after that.

Districts will be able to use the funds to:

* Hire additional teachers and special education assistants.
* Provide additional teaching time.
* Support professional development and training for teachers.

The Education Improvement Act provides for additional compensation to teachers with classes exceeding the maximum 30 students in grades four to 12.

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Blood, Sweat and Gears & Victoria Cycling at the Roxy #yyjfilm #cycling @CCNbikes @VICycling

2012-03-15T14:54:00.001-07:00

The 2012 Robert Cameron Law Cycling Series (June 1-3, 2012 in Victoria) kicks off with a launch at the Roxy Theatre and featuring “Blood, Sweat, + Gears”, a behind-the-scenes documentary of the Garmin Professional Cycling Team during the 2008 and 2009 seasons, with cameo appearances by local cycling hero, Ryder Hesjedal. Proceeds go to the Russ Hay’s Racing Cycle Club Society for projects to help local athletes develop.

Victoria’s premier cycling race series includes the Russ Hay’s Time Trial, the Metchosin Road Race (also the BC Road Cycling Championships), the Tim Horton’s Timbits Challenge and the much-anticipated 20th Anniversary of the Condo Group Bastion Square Grand Prix.

This series is the first event in the 2nd Annual Victoria International Cycling Festival, Western Canada’s biggest cycling celebration with various cycling events hosted throughout the month of June 2012.

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#VicPD Seize Thousands of Dollars Worth of Drugs Along with Weapons & Cash #yyj @Vicpdcanada

2012-03-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Victoria BC – A multitude of drugs with an estimated street value of almost $70,000 were seized last night following the execution of a search warrant at City Center Hotel, located at 1961 Douglas Street.

Police executed the search warrant around 10:30 p.m. and seized a wide range of drugs, including crack, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, GHB and an assortment of prescription pills.

Along with the drugs, police also seized nearly $10,000 cash, stolen property and weapons, including a stun gun and brass knuckles. The stolen property included identification and credit cards that were related to several recent vehicle break-ins in the region.

A 32-year-old Victoria man and a 29-year-old Victoria woman were arrested. They are facing numerous charges, including possession of a controlled substances, possession of stolen property, and several weapons-related charges.

Both are known to police and were scheduled to appear in court today.

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Victoria Palaeontology Society's 16th Fossil Fair March 24-25 #yyj

2012-03-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA – The Victoria Palaeontology will hold its 16th Fossil Fair on March 24-25, 2012, 10 am-4 pm at the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Road in Victoria. Admission is by donation.

The Fossil Fair will display a rich and diverse variety of ancient fossil animals and plants from the Cambrian (550 million years ago) to the end of the last Ice Age (10,000 years ago). Fossils will be displayed from Vancouver Island, other parts of British Columbia and other areas. The fossils include dinosaur bones, ammonites, trilobites, corals, mollusks, insects, giant palm leaves and microscopic fossils.

Special displays will include 70 to 80 million years old sea urchin fossils, sharks teeth and a large dinosaur leg bone from the late Cretaceous period.

The Fossil Fair is an educational experience for all age groups. The public is invited to bring in fossils for identification. Specific activities for children include a sandbox fossil dig, fossil scavenger hunt with prizes, fossil colouring and rubbings and looking through microscopes.

The Victoria Palaeontology Society cooperates with professional palaeontologists undertaking research on fossils collected by Society members. Information will be provided on some of the scientific contributions made by members, including the discovery and naming of new species.

All scientifically important fossils are donated to the Royal British Columbia Museum. The Society is a member of the British Columbia Paleontological Alliance, an umbrella organization representing the interests of a number of paleontological organizations in the province.

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary

3873 Swan Lake Road, Victoria

Saturday & Sunday, March 24 & 25, 2012

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Admission by Donation

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Showcase offers sneak peak at Island Music Awards Nominees #yyjmusic @VImusicawards @mcmahonryan @spaceportunion

2012-03-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

In preview of the April 21 Vancouver Island Music Awards, a Nominee Showcase will be held March 24 at The Fort Cafe in Victoria.

So, for any local music fans who are excited about rooting for their favourite Nominees and can't wait til the April 21 gala, they can get a taste of some Nominee Action to tide them over. The March 24 showcase will feature six VIMA Nominees performing in an intimate setting. The Showcase line-up:

* Ladysmith's RYAN MCMAHON - Nominated in 5 categories, including Artist of the Year.

* Nanaimo's ERIKA PHILLIPS - Nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year.

* Victoria's MICHAEL TENSION (formerly of rockers Jeffery Sez) - Nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year.

* Nanaimo's CHASING SATELLITES - Nominated for Male Songwriter of the Year.

* Nanaimo's BETH MARIE ANDERSON - Nominated for Song of the Year.

* Victoria's SPACEPORT UNION - Nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and Male Songwriter of the Year.

...and a few other Nominees just may make surprise appearances as well. Everyone is welcome.

Nominee Showcase in Preview of Island Music Awards

Ryan McMahon, Erika Phillips, Michael Tension, Chasing Satellites, Beth Marie Anderson, Spaceport Union.

Saturday March 24, 2012, 7:30pm Doors, 8pm Show.

The Fort Cafe, 742 Fort St, Victoria.

Tix: $7 at the door.

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Mustard Seed to receive proceeds of community bins at Victoria Bottle Depot locations #yyj @MustardSeedVic

2012-03-15T13:21:00.001-07:00

The Mustard Seed will receive proceeds of community bins at all Victoria Bottle Depot locations for March 2012

Victoria’s Bottle Depots are collecting returnable beverage containers in aid of The Mustard Seed for the month of March 2012. The Mustard Seed will receive the proceeds of all returnable beverage containers donated at community bins located at Victoria locations of The Bottle Depot.

The Bottle Depot provides community bins at all locations to give their customers the option of donating their beverage containers to local charities.

The Mustard Seed Street Church is a community-supported charity that provides services to people living in poverty in a compassionate and dignified community environment. Services include a food bank, counseling, outreach, a drop-in centre (healthcare, clothing bank, haircuts and meals), Hope Farm Healing Centre and a new family centre.

Community bins are available 24 hours a day. Returnable beverage containers will be collected for The Mustard Seed until March 31, 2012.

All Victoria Bottle Depot Locations

Glanford Bottle Depot 4262 Glanford Avenue

Quadra Bottle Depot 3961 Quadra Street

Downtown Victoria Bottle Depot 655 Queens Avenue
(next to The Mustard Seed)

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#Camosun students host Environmental #Sustainability Day #yyjevents

2012-03-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

Sustainability education day

10am, Thursday, March 15, 2012

Fisher Courtyard, Lansdowne campus

Students, teachers, and community members

Victoria—The Camosun Students for Environmental Awareness will be holding a sustainability education day at Camosun College to educate the campus community about the importance of sustainability, including composting and going bottled-water free.

The day will include food, speakers and activities all centered around sustainability. The keynote speaker for the day is Guy Dauncey of the BC Sustainable Energy Association.

The Camosun College Student Society represents 8500 students at Camosun College, and is Local 75 of the Canadian Federation of Students. The Canadian Federation of Students is composed of 600,000 students from over 80 universities and colleges in all ten provinces. Post-secondary students in Canada have been represented by the Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organizations since 1927.

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Panel to perform independent review of BC Transit #bcpoli

2012-03-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

March 15, 2012
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

VICTORIA - Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Blair Lekstrom has selected three people with expertise in finance, transit and municipal affairs to conduct the BC Transit Independent Review.

Lekstrom called for an independent review after listening to the concerns of some mayors and other locally elected officials about BC Transit's performance and operations. The minister welcomes the opportunity to support the communities' efforts to improve transit services.

Local governments identified representatives of the Regional District of Nanaimo and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to work with the ministry to develop the terms of reference and identify potential panel members.

The three panel members are Chris Trumpy, Catherine Holt and John King. Trumpy will chair the panel.

Over the next several months, the panel members will be seeking input from local governments and BC Transit. The panel will be focusing on the following:

* Operations and performance: examining the efficiency and effectiveness of transit services.

* Governance: examining the existing structure, processes and policies in place for BC Transit, as well as the Capital Regional District's request that the regional district perform the functions of the Victoria Regional Transit Commission.

* Funding relationships between BC Transit and local governments: examining the processes for capital planning, budgeting and operating expenditures and how transit service is allocated, priorities set, charges imposed and expenditures monitored. Increases to provincial and local government funding will not be included in the review.

* Communications and consultation between BC Transit and local governments.

The panel will submit a report to government by the end of August 2012. The Province will ensure the report is available to the public and will consider all recommendations.

BC Transit is the provincial Crown corporation responsible for co-ordinating transit service with local government funding partners in over 50 communities in British Columbia, outside of Metro Vancouver.

The independent review will not include Metro Vancouver transit service.

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Enforcement streamlined for natural resource acts #bcpoli

2012-03-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

March 15, 2012
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

VICTORIA - The Natural Resource Compliance Act, introduced in fall 2011, is now in effect, making it easier for compliance and enforcement officers to hold offenders accountable for violating natural resource legislation.

The act establishes a new designation - natural resource officer - and authorizes ministry personnel to enforce a broader range of legislation across the natural resource sector. Compliance and enforcement officers can enforce only those acts that they are specifically designated to uphold, but now there is a single, streamlined process for making those designations.

Implementing this single-designation process means that staff will be able to take action more quickly and efficiently to deal with violations that span more than one natural resource act. A single natural resource officer can now respond to such incidents, instead of the three or four staff that may have been required previously.

Officials from other areas of government, such as BC Parks staff, will also be able to assist in enforcing Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations legislation, resulting in better on-the-ground coverage.

Concurrently, amendments have been made to the Special Accounts Appropriation and Control Act and the environmental remediation sub-account. These changes make it easier for ministry staff to allocate funding for complex investigations or cover environmental remediation costs for infractions in the natural resource sector.

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Victoria Pride presents "WHAT!" benefit, variety show & auction Mar 25 #yyjevents @VictoriaPride

2012-03-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: $25 Ticket Special!

"WHAT!"

A Benefit, Variety Show, & Auction

March 25

530pm-10ish

In support of South Island Pride Center; Victoria Pride is pleased to present an evening bursting with entertainment (such as the fabulous Miss Rosie Bitts), delish food (From The Reef!) and just enough sassy class to make for one heck of a night out.

For the itty-bitty cost of a $50 ticket you will not only make change and provide much needed support to our LGBTQ youth here in Victoria; you will do so dressed in your finest duds all while schmoozing with other like minded fantastic folk who want to do the same!

For more information and to purchase your tickets (They are limited!) please visit http://www.southislandpride.com/

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Adonis Puentes Live at Hermann's Jazz Club March 23 #yyjmusic @HermannsJazz

2012-03-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

ADONIS PUENTES SET TO PERFORM LIVE AT

HERMANN' JAZZ CLUB

Friday, March 23 - 8PM

Tickets:$20 • General Admission / All Ages

Advance tickets are available at:

Long & McQuade and Hermann's Jazz CLub.

Doors Open at 7PM.

Grammy Nominated vocalist, Adonis Puentes will showcase his exciting new music and include a few traditional Cuban tunes.

The evening's line up of musicians includes:

Adonis Puentes - vocals and guitar
Pablo Cardenas - piano
Nicolas Marquez - conga
Amine Said - electric guitar
Jason Cook - drums
Mark Beaty - bass

Adonis Puentes, born into an atmosphere charged with Cuban sounds, was drawn to music at a young age, by his father’s guitar playing and growing up in a house across the street from his hometown of Artemisa’s Cultural Centre. At age 6 Adonis joined a Children’s Guitar Ensemble formed by his father, Valentin, and by the time he was 14 he was singing and writing his own music.

At 21 Adonis became a finalist in a national televised singing competition and his notoriety began to soar. In 1998 Adonis moved to Canada and now splits his time between the USA and Canada where he continues to compose, sing and perform internationally, staying true to his Cuban Roots with contemporary influences. Adonis is an award winning vocalist and artist proud to present his music and culture to the world.

www.facebook.com/adonispuentes

www.reverbnation.com/adonispuentes

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Success story for Greater Victoria’s vulnerable citizens receives critical funding #yyj @uwgv @VicFoundation

2012-03-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

Streets to Homes: A success story for Greater Victoria’s vulnerable citizens receives critical funding from United Way of Greater Victoria and the Victoria Foundation

Victoria, BC—Two years after its launch as a pilot, the Streets to Homes (S2H) program is excited to build on its successes thanks to funding from the United Way of Greater Victoria and the Sun Star Fund through the Victoria Foundation. The funding will allow S2H to continue to assist people experiencing homelessness with finding and maintaining stable housing.

Using a “Housing First” approach, S2H moves people with barriers to stable housing, such as poverty, mental health and/or substance use challenges, directly into private market housing obtained through a comprehensive landlord support system. S2H provides a rent subsidy, as well as case planning and supports to ensure participants remain housed and progress towards self-sufficiency.

To date, the S2H program has housed a total of 86 people who were previously living in homelessness. 72 of these individuals were housed in private market housing, 12 in supported housing and 2 were moved into transitional housing. Significantly, the retention rate for those housed in private market units for six months or more is 91%.

“Without Streets to Homes, I wouldn’t be here. I’m accountable and on track with what I’m doing. I never had respect for authority in the past, but now I feel this is the key to keep me on track and I don’t want to get off,” says Mike, a Streets to Homes participant.

While S2H remains a strong community initiative, Pacifica Housing has assumed administrative responsibility from the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness (Coalition) as the program shifts from its pilot phase to permanent program status. The Coalition’s Leadership Council, co-chaired by Mayor Dean Fortin and Eric Jordan, recently approved additional funding from the Coalition to ensure S2H meets its target of housing 120 people.

“We are thrilled with the program's success to date and know its making a significant contribution towards bringing about long-term change in people's lives," says Karyn French, executive director of Pacifica Housing.

Other strategic partners include the Ministry of Social Development, BC Housing, Our Place Society, Salvation Army ARC, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Victoria Cool Aid Society, Victoria Native Friendship Centre and Rental Owners and Managers Society of BC.

Pacifica Housing is a non-profit charitable organization incorporated in 1988. Its mission is to provide innovative, affordable housing opportunities and support to people in need of such services. Pacifica Housing further provides advocacy and referral services for those who need it through the Downtown Outreach Services office.

The Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness is a partnership of local service providers, non-profit organizations, all levels of government, and the business, post-secondary and faith communities. The Coalition’s vision is to end homelessness in the Capital Region by 2018.

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Alternating Single Lane Traffic: Laval Ave between Loyola St & Gordon Head Rd March 13-23 #yyjtraffic

2012-03-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, March 13, 2012 through to Friday, March 23, 2012 there will be alternating single lane traffic on Laval Avenue between Loyola Street and Gordon Head Road. Work is scheduled to start at approximately 8:00 am and is expected to continue until 4:00 pm.

There will be traffic control people on site to assist with traffic control. Please obey their directions and all traffic signs.

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Mt Douglas Parkway OPEN between Ash Rd & 4550 Cordova Bay Rd #yyjtraffic

2012-03-14T16:00:00.001-07:00

UPDATE - Parkway is now OPEN

(4:00pm March 14)

Due to tree failures there will be a full road closure on Mt Douglas Parkway between Ash Road and 4550 Cordova Bay Road.

We anticipate the road to reopen by early evening.

All vehicles including emergency vehicles will not have access. Please use alternate route.

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CRD Seeks Members for Regional Deer Management Citizens Advisory Group #yyj

2012-03-14T15:57:00.001-07:00

Victoria, BC – The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board of Directors today approved of the Terms of Reference for the development of a Regional Deer Management Strategy. To guide the development of this strategy, the CRD is seeking 11 representatives from the public to volunteer for a Citizens Advisory Group.

The Citizens Advisory Group will prepare and recommend the management strategy and action plan to address deer-human conflicts in the region, and will include representatives from the Core, Peninsula, and West Shore sub regions, with at least three members from the commercial farming sector.

Favourable consideration will be given to those who demonstrate knowledge or experience with deer related matters and to First Nations applicants. The Citizens Advisory Group will be supported by CRD Regional Planning Staff and an Expert Resource Working Group assembled from Federal, Provincial and Academic organizations.

Participation is voluntary and members must be prepared for up to five hours of weekly meetings and materials review between April and July 2012, including the reading and comprehension of approximately 200 pages. Interested parties are invited to review the Regional Deer Management Strategy and Citizens Advisory Group Terms of Reference and submit an application through the CRD website at: http://www.crd.bc.ca/deermanagement. The deadline for applications is Monday, March 30, 2012.

“An encroaching population of deer in agricultural and urbanized areas has been identified as an on-going issue in the Capital Region,” said CRD Board Chair Geoff Young. “We are pleased to be moving forward with the development of a regional strategy to address deer-human conflicts.”

The CRD is committed to ensuring early and ongoing communications regarding the development of the Regional Deer Management Strategy. Information and resources are available on the CRD website: http://www.crd.bc.ca/deermanagement, which will be continuously updated as the deer management strategy evolves.

A dedicated email address: deermanagement@crd.bc.ca, will be the principal venue for members of the public to submit input. Input and feedback opportunities and channels will be rolled out as the strategy progresses. Updates will be distributed through this email address regularly, providing information on relevant developments, opportunities for input, requests for feedback and key dates.

The Regional Deer Management Strategy will consider relevant solutions from the region’s in-progress goose management strategy, applicable deer control measures identified in the B.C. Ministry of Environment’s Urban Ungulate Conflict Analysis Report, the geographic areas where deer management strategies are most needed and how to address partnership arrangements for technical expertise, funding and implementation strategies.

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Victoria Camera Club Photo Exhibit @heronrockbistro starts March 22 #yyj #photography

2012-03-14T15:18:00.002-07:00

The Victoria Camera Club is presenting an exhibition and sale of Club members' work at the Heron Rock Bistro, 435 Simcoe Street, from March 22 to April 30. Opening reception and cash bar Thursday March 22 from 7-9pm.

Motion Picture Act to be modernized #bcpoli

2012-03-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

March 14, 2012
Ministry of Justice
Consumer Protection BC

VICTORIA - The Province has introduced amendments to the Motion Picture Act to give Consumer Protection BC the tools it needs to better protect the interests of individuals and families, and to adapt to changing technology. The last time any significant changes were made to the act was in 1986.

The act introduces a modern compliance and enforcement model that provides a range of sanctions and monetary penalties that do not involve the courts. This approach has proven to be effective in the other sectors Consumer Protection BC regulates -such as debt collection and funeral services - and has been shown to encourage a high level of voluntary compliance.

Previously, the only enforcement options available under the act were licence suspension or cancellation, seizure, or the levy of a fine that involved the court system. The new model allows for penalties that better reflect the seriousness of the infraction. In addition:

* The act will reduce the licensing requirements for theatre owners, who will no longer be forced to hold a separate licence to screen movies that have a restricted classification. One licence will be all that is needed to screen both general release and restricted classification movies. This will save operators and retailers both time and money.

* The act will allow greater protection of the public interest as a result of amending the section of the Act dealing with obscenity. The definition of obscenity contained in the provincial Act is now aligned with the obscenity and child pornography provisions in the Criminal Code of Canada.

* The act is being amended to capture changes in the way movies are distributed to theatres, for example by satellite and digital distribution. Definitions under the act for terms, such as 'film' and 'motion picture', have been clarified to eliminate confusion.

Once the amendments are passed, Consumer Protection BC will work with stakeholders to ensure they are aware of the new standards.

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Chargers take a second swing at Bear Mountain Collegiate #yyjgolf @CamosunChargers

2012-03-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

The Camosun College Chargers golf team will be hitting the links against some of the best teams from BC and Alberta at the second annual Bear Mountain Collegiate Golf Tournament this weekend, March 17-18.

Developed by John Randle (Camosun College Chargers Head Coach and Academy Director at the Bear Mountain Resort) the tournament was very successful last year and organizers are looking forward to another great event.

“Bear Mountain Resort is really pleased to be hosting this event once again,” said Coach Randle. “The course is in great shape and promises to be a great test.”

The 2011 PACWEST Men’s Champion Chargers will tee-off against the Grant MacEwan Griffins (2011 ACAC Gold Medalists), the Vancouver Island University Mariners (2010 PACWEST Gold Medalists), the UBC-Okanagan Heat (5th in PACWEST) and Kwantlen College (7th in PACWEST).

Also competing in the tournament is the UBC-O women’s team who won this year’s PACWEST conference title and an individual golfer from Grant MacEwan’s women’s squad which captured Gold at the 2011 ACAC Championship.

In all, 32 golfers are scheduled to tee-off this weekend starting on Saturday.

Making up the Chargers roster are 5th year veteran Kevin Walz (Qualicum), 2nd year PACWEST Athlete of the Week Jared Hundza (Pacific Christian), 5th year Jordan Krulicki (Red Deer, AB), 3rd year Justin Deol (Cowichan) and rookie Brady Stead (Vernon).

“We are happy to be playing this time of year and we’re looking forward to a great event,” said Coach Randle. “It’s our last event of the year so our seniors want to go out with a win.”

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City Seeks Feedback on Draft Plan for Pioneer Square: Open House March 28 #yyj @Cityofvictoria

2012-03-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

March 14, 2012

VICTORIA, BC – Based on community input, City Parks staff have developed a draft plan for improving Pioneer Square. The goal is to create a plan that respects the site’s heritage and meets the needs of the surrounding community.

Drop by an open house to learn more and provide feedback on proposed improvements such as a strategy to preserve historic markers; guidelines for future commemorative monuments; the resurfacing of trails; closing a portion of Rockland Avenue to develop a multi-use pathway; and installing additional lighting and new seating in the park.

Join us Wednesday, March 28, 2012 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Christ Church Cathedral, Chapter Room, 930 Burdett Avenue. (Please use side entrances.) Take the opportunity to participate in “Part II” of the planning process. View displays, meet Parks planners, ask questions, and complete a short survey. Registration is not required. Refreshments will be served.

Pioneer Square is a small, rectangular park adjacent to Christ Church Cathedral. Known as the “old burying ground,” it served as a cemetery from 1855 to 1873. A City park since 1908, Pioneer Square features mature trees and plantings and is home to close to 1,300 interments, marked by a number of heritage gravestones and bench tombs.

Community feedback will help inform the management plan for Pioneer Square, which will be presented to City Council for consideration in late spring. For more information, visit: http://www.victoria.ca/

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How do I get my home or business in the movies? Find out March 22 #yyjfilm @FilmVictoriaBC

2012-03-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

You Oughtta be in pictures…

or at least your property should be!

How do I get my home or business in the movies?

Come spend an hour with The Vancouver Island South Film and Media Commission and learn how to register your property as a potential film location.

Film Commissioner Kathleen Gilbert will tell you everything you need to know about having your property used a film location including what you can expect from the time a location scout shows up at your door right through filming and the final clean-up. She’ll also tell you what you should know about insurance, permits and compensation. She will guide you through the steps of photographing and registering your home or business. Learn what attracts producers and what makes them run for cover. Find out why certain houses and locations get used over and over and why some get “black listed” after only one use.

Kathleen Gilbert has over 20 years of experience as a location manager and scout.

Thursday, March 22, 5 – 6pm

Esquimalt Recreation Centre, Senior’s Centre

This seminar is free but you must pre-register.

To register please e-mail admin@filmvictoria.com

or call Jennifer at 250-386-3976.

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Birding in Uplands Park March 25 #yyj

2012-03-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

Birding in Uplands Park

Join Birder Ralph Archibald of the Friends of Uplands Park in a bird walk from Cattle Point through Uplands Park. Meet at Cattle Point by the kiosks. Bring binoculars, bird books or checklists or simply show up to enjoy the outing, rain or shine.

Sunday March 25, 2012

7:30 am

FREE

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Time to Wake Up Your Garden! Free Workshop March 24 #yyj @Cityofvictoria

2012-03-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

March 14, 2012

VICTORIA, BC — Victoria’s trademark cherry blossoms are a sure sign it’s time to prepare your garden for spring in the Capital City.

Attend a free, two-hour workshop in Beacon Hill Park on Saturday, March 24, from 10 a.m. to noon and learn about irrigation, weed control, and simple garden design tips. You’ll also have an opportunity to “ask an expert” as the three-station workshop will be led by City gardeners.

Participants are to meet at the Beacon Hill Park Service Building located on Bridge Way near the public washrooms and play area in the middle of the park. The workshop will take place rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. No registration required.

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Paul Rodgers Tix available - #yyjmusic #paulrodgers @playinvictoria

2012-03-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.paulrodgers.com/

Paul Rodgers

with opening guest, The Flu

Sunday March 18, 2012

Royal Theatre

Doors 6:30pm - Show 7:30

We are doing a favor for one of our supporters at Play In Victoria helping her un-load some tickets she has for this show. As you know, tickets are going fast, if they aren't already sold out by the time you read this. Emma has 4 seats together on the main floor:

Row T Seats 30-31-32-33 MAIN FLOOR

She says she will sell all four together or break them apart into pairs. She is selling them for face value of $83.00 per seat.

If you are interested, please contact her at: 250-217-8658 or by email at: boadicea21@gmail.com

Paul Rodgers website: http://www.paulrodgers.com/

The Flu website: www.supernova.com/thefluofficial

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#Saanich Offering New Pilot Program for Youth at Risk #yyj

2012-03-14T11:28:00.001-07:00

Coast Capital Savings, the Victoria John Howard Society & Saanich Parks and Recreation Partner to Help Youth at Risk

March 14, 2012

The primary objective of this new co-created pilot program is to involve youth at risk with healthy and positive lifestyle activities. Tom Bryce, Manager of Saanich Commonwealth Place said “The program targets youth that are required to fulfill community service hours through the John Howard Society. The selected youth will spend 1/3 of their community hours involved in healthy activities based out of Saanich Commonwealth Place.

Typical activities include working out with weights, swimming lengths or taking part in exercise classes. Participants help plan their activity options based on their personal interests and the times they are available to participate”.

In order to encourage maintenance of their healthy lifestyle, once the youth participants have successfully completed all of their required community service hours, they are also provided with a 3 month Saanich Recreation Access Pass, valid at all Saanich Recreation centres including Cedar Hill, Gordon Head, Pearkes and Saanich Commonwealth Place.

Kim Fagerland supervisor, of the Youth Program at the Victoria John Howard Society said, “This type of healthy lifestyle experience through direct participation creates extremely valuable opportunities for youth to learn about positive lifestyle choices and is exactly what has been needed for a long time.”

Doug Henderson, Director of Saanich Parks and Recreation stated “Saanich has long recognized the need to provide positive opportunities for youth in our community. Our staff leading this program at Saanich Commonwealth Place know that one of the important keys to success is the quality of the one on one relationships developed with the youth.

It’s also critical to establish trust with Commonwealth Place as a safe location to spend time while choosing to participate in positive and healthy activities. It is our hope that we can eventually expand this pilot to all our centres to make it as convenient and easy to access as possible for the participants”

The District of Saanich and the Victoria John Howard Society wish to acknowledge the generous financial support provided through Coast Capital Savings that made this program possible.

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Dining Out For Life March 29 #yyjevents @DineOut4Life @AIDSVanIsle #DiningOutForLife

2012-03-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

March 29, 2011

On Thursday, March 29th, thousands of islanders will fill their plates to fight AIDS. 65 restaurants will donate 25% of your food bill to AIDS Vancouver Island.

Invite your friends, colleagues and family to join you to dine out and fight aids for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner!

Diners will have the chance to win a luxury cruise for two courtesy of Expedia CruiseShipCenters (Vancouver Island) and Azamara Club Cruises. As well, Stella Artois will donate $1 from every sale of their beer in participating restaurants on March 29th.

http://www.diningoutforlife.com/

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/316052091778371/

Twitter: @AIDSVanIsle #DiningOutForLife

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Citizen input provides feedback to improve municipal services #yyj #Saanich

2012-03-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

Saanich Council Surveys Residents

Citizen input provides feedback to improve municipal services.

March 14, 2012

Saanich Council has released the results of a comprehensive survey of citizens’ ideas and opinions of Saanich as a community. The 2012 Saanich Survey was mailed to a random selection of 2100 households in early January.

The survey asked respondents to share their perceptions on the quality of municipal service delivery, to indicate their preferences on the allocation of municipal resources, and to tell Council what direction the municipality should head in the future. A total of 607 surveys were completed – a response rate of 29%.

Survey results show that 92% of respondents rate the overall quality of life in Saanich as “good” or “very good”, with 89% rating it a good place to raise children, 85% a good place to retire and 72% a good place to work.

When asked to rate 58 different local government services, Saanich residents rated 86% of them as meeting or exceeding their expectations. Residents have again given particularly high praise to Saanich’s garbage collection, and the drinking water quality. As well, they think parks and trails, libraries and fitness, and heath and wellness programs offer a high quality of service. Conversely, residents again consider key challenges to include street repair and sidewalks, as well as land use planning, emergency preparedness and travel by bicycle.

Not surprisingly, residents voiced a strong preference for the same level of property taxes and with limited or no reduction in services, preferring instead that a greater percentage of revenue be raised through government grants.

When asked to spend an imaginary $100 on a selection of municipal projects, residents allotted the largest portion to roads and traffic control, followed by the municipal sewer, drainage and water systems. Parks and trails received a bump in support from previous years, perhaps reflecting a trend towards affordable outdoor recreation as a growing community preference.

When asked to give overall ratings of the performance and direction of the District of Saanich, residents were generally pleased, with 69% agreeing or strongly agreeing Saanich government is doing a good job.

Mayor Frank Leonard said the public opinion survey results are an important part of the Municipality’s Strategic Plan. “Council and staff will use this public feedback to guide corporate decision making and the financial planning process.”

The complete report on the Saanich 2012 Citizen Survey is available for download from the Saanich website at http://www.saanich.ca/ or by contacting municipal staff at (250) 475-5494 extension 3488.

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Art-in-the-Park Drop-in Event at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park March 22 #yyjparks

2012-03-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

Art-in-the-Park Drop-in Event at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park

Thursday, March 22, 2012

11am-2pm

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park (Saanich)

Drop-in Event

All ages

Join a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist to create nature-inspired crafts. Drop by anytime between 11am and 2pm. Meet at the Beaver Lake nature centre off the main parking lot.

Please leave your pets at home. For inquiries contact CRD Regional Parks at 250.478.3344 or visit http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/events

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Seniors continue to be victims of a classic scam #fraudpreventionmonth

2012-03-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

March 14, 2012
Ministry of Justice
Consumer Protection BC

VICTORIA - Scam artists continue to target British Columbian seniors through deceptive 'sweepstakes' opportunities that come through the mail. It's an age-old trick and unfortunately seniors continue to be victims of this type of scheme.

March is Fraud Prevention Month and the Province is teaming up with Consumer Protection BC to provide tips to help British Columbians avoid becoming victims of these types of fraud.

This is how the scam works: Martha is 82 years old and lives alone. She receives a letter in the mail saying she has won $2.5 million. All she has to do is send $30 in the mail as a 'processing fee' and include personal details, such as her telephone number and birth date.

Martha takes some money from the bank, pops it into an envelope and sends it off. Not only is Martha out some crucial money from her limited budget, she has also been added to a 'sucker list' and receives more and more offers like this one in the mail. Of course, she never sees any winnings.

Just last year, Vancouver Police broke up a lottery mail-out scam that was pulling in thousands of dollars a day from seniors around the globe.

Here are some tips to protect you and your family from deceptive mail-outs and lottery scams:

* Do not pay up-front for any prize. A legitimate prize offering will never require you to pay anything.

* Be suspicious of free gifts.

* Be careful if an offering asks for you to send personal information.

* Before responding to a company you have never heard of, contact organizations such as Consumer Protection BC, Canada's Anti-Fraud Centre or your local Better Business Bureau to see if they have received any complaints about the company.

* Do not fill out surveys or questionnaires asking questions about gambling, puzzles or sweepstakes.

* If you are getting rid of documents that have your personal information on them (e.g., bills and bank statements), shred them.

* Do not be fooled by glossy and colourful mail-outs. Scam artists are professionals and know how to make things look real.

* Sit down with family members who might be vulnerable and explain how these types of scams work.

* Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

March is Fraud Prevention Month - know your rights!

If you have questions about your rights and responsibilities as a consumer in British Columbia, please contact Consumer Protection BC toll free at 1 888 564-9963, or visit: http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/

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#VicPD Launches New Way to Report Crime Online #yyj @Vicpdcanada

2012-03-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Victoria BC – VicPD’s online crime reporting is to receive a major upgrade during the month of March.

In an effort to better serve our community, VicPD is launching a new online reporting software. The CopLogic reporting software will now let the citizens of Victoria and Esquimalt report many more crime types, file traffic complaints and other non-emergency files.

Report Crime Online: https://www.vicpd.ca/how-do-i/report-a-crime-online.aspx

To expand on our fight against graffiti, CopLogic will also allow citizens to report those mischief calls and upload pictures for our Community Resource Officer and Graffiti Expert Cst. Chantal Ziegler.

This online reporting upgrade will streamline this program for both the citizens of Victoria and Esquimalt and for VicPD officers.

VicPD launched online reporting in 2008 and receives over 200 reports per year through this system.

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Amazing Race Drop-in Event at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park March 21 #yyjparks

2012-03-14T09:19:00.001-07:00

The All New Amazing Race Drop-in Event
at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

11am-2pm

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park (Saanich)

Drop-in Event

All ages

Challenge yourself on this ‘skill-testing’ and fun jaunt through the forest. Drop by anytime between 11am and 2pm at the nature centre in the main Beaver Lake parking lot and get the scoop from a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist.

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West Coast leaders launch plan to create a million new jobs by 2020 #bcpoli

2012-03-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
Office of the Premier of British Columbia
Offices of the Governors of California, Oregon and Washington

VANCOUVER, B.C. - Gathering on the eve of the GLOBE Conference on Business and the Environment, leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon and Washington today endorsed a bold new action agenda to grow the clean economy along the West Coast.

"B.C. is proud to host this year's Leaders Forum," said British Columbia Premier Christy Clark. "The Pacific Coast Collaborative is a unique and innovative vehicle for West Coast leaders to identify collaborative strategies in a face-to-face setting. Today's meeting is the culmination of months of work within our four jurisdictions on an action plan to create jobs and strengthen the economy of our shared mega-region."

To guide the 2012 West Coast Action Plan on Jobs, Pacific Coast Collaborative Leaders commissioned an economic analysis of the clean economy to identify the most promising markets for job creation, including energy- efficient buildings and advanced transportation. All told, the new report, West Coast Clean Economy: Opportunities for Investment & Accelerated Job Creation, released today, found that the $47-billion clean economy sector could triple in size by 2020, given the right policies and partnerships.

"We have proof that our actions are already working," said Washington Governor and Pacific Coast Collaborative Chair Chris Gregoire. "Now we want to go even faster - and create up to one million jobs in the next decade through the 2012 Action Plan on Jobs. Through collaboration and low-carbon innovation, we have developed a win-win competitive strategy that will continue to work well for all of our jurisdictions."

The 2012 West Coast Action Plan on Jobs outlines a series of measurable commitments by each jurisdiction for retrofitting state-owned buildings, fleet purchasing of advanced technology vehicles, and creating world-class energy standards to incentivize private sector leadership and advanced manufacturing.

For example, each of the four jurisdictions has pledged to implement strategies to move the public building stock toward net-zero energy building performance, beginning with a commitment to achieve at least a 20 per cent improvement in energy use by 2020, within the context of programs within each jurisdiction.

"We have come together here in Vancouver to reject the myth that jobs and the environment are in conflict," said Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber. "More than 500,000 Pacific Coast residents are cashing clean economy paychecks right now. And job creation rates in the clean economy are well above those for other shrinking sectors of the economy, pay better, and have been more resilient to the recent economic downturn."

"California already gets 20 per cent of our energy from renewables, and by 2020 we'll achieve 33 percent or more," said California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. "Our policies are building new markets and spurring creativity globally. By working collaboratively with our Pacific Coast neighbours, we can set the terms for long-term job growth and economic strength."

Additionally, each jurisdiction today agreed to work together to manage potential marine debris from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan that may wash up along the West Coast. By working collaboratively, the forum regions seek to improve efficiency, create uniform messages about Japanese tsunami debris and reduce duplication in the work.

The Pacific Coast Collaborative was established to address the unique and shared circumstances of the Pacific coastal areas and jurisdictions in North America by providing a framework for co-operative action, a forum for leadership and the sharing of information on best practices, and a common voice on issues facing coastal and Pacific jurisdictions.

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Spring Fling Drop-in Event at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park March 20 #yyjparks

2012-03-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

Spring Fling Drop-in Event at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

11am-2pm

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park (Saanich)

Drop-in Event, All ages

Come and explore the sights, sounds and smells of spring! Join in the celebration with CRD Regional Parks’ naturalists for exhibits, crafts, activities – fun for the entire family! There wil be guided walks at 11:15am and 1:15pm. Meet at the Beaver Lake nature centre off the main parking lot.

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Waiting Game may soon be over for the Victoria Cougars #yyjsports #hockey @Cougarsjuniorb

2012-03-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES COULD START THURSDAY, MARCH 15

The waiting game may soon be over for the Victoria Cougars.

If Saanich defeats the Peninsula Panthers tonight, Victoria will then host the Braves in Game 1 of the 2012 VIJHL Championship Series beginning Thursday, March 15.

Game time at the Archie Browning Sports Centre,

located at 1151 Esquimalt Road, would start at 7:15 p.m.

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Village 900 embraces evolution to digital #yyj @Camosun #camosun #socialmedia

2012-03-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

Village 900 embraces evolution to digital

Invites listeners to join the media revolution

Victoria, B.C. - Victoria’s Global Roots music station Village 900 announced today that preparations are complete and on March 4th the station will move its activities entirely onto its digital distribution platform villagenow.net.

“The media landscape is evolving and so are we,” said Brad Edwards, Village 900 Station Manager and executive director of the CKMO Radio Society which operates the station. “Several years ago we realized we needed to do business differently, to stay relevant, both for our listeners and for the students in the Applied Communication Program at Camosun College who use Village 900 as part of their training.”

Edwards says the society has been building the station’s online community and network and they are now ready to fully embrace the new media world. “We’re excited to move from a traditional broadcast model of one-to-one, to a new collaborative model of many-to-many.

Edwards invited supporters, listeners and others who want to share their voice, co-create and engage, to join their media revolution online. “VillageNow.net will not only continue to live stream the music and programming Village 900 listeners have come to love, but it will also act as a media centre and idea sharing community hub,” Edwards said.

Edwards said the change will not affect the strong partnership the station has with Camosun College and students in the Applied Communication Program (ACP).

“We think the changes Village 900 is moving towards reflect a trend in media and we’re quite excited about what it means for our students,” said Andy Bryce, ACP chair. He said today’s employers are looking for employees who are skilled communicators familiar with all forms of new media.

“With VillageNow.net our students will have the chance to participate in and see how the audio, video and publishing content they produce can come together in one place.” He said as the online community grows and the sharing of content expands, feedback and comments would be valuable real-life evaluations. “That applied learning experience will be significant.”

Edwards said their partnership with Rogers Communications over the last 12 years has been “substantial” and when the society really needed support last year, the company’s general manager came through.

“Rogers radio stations have employed some amazing Applied Communication Program graduates, many of whom got their start on Village 900,” said Jim Schneider, General Manager of Rogers Communications in Victoria. “When we realized early last year the society wouldn’t be in a position to take over and run the AM transmitter site, we didn’t want to leave them hanging.”

Schneider’s company had been running the AM transmitter for CKMO under a ten-year agreement. When that agreement ended they stepped up and kept the transmitter operating while the society built its resources and developed a solution that worked for ACP students and Village 900 listeners. “We see now their time has come,” Schneider said.

Meanwhile, Edwards said an audio documentary highlighting broadcast education at Camosun would be aired during the weekend of Village 900’s final terrestrial broadcast March 4, 2012. “We wanted to reflect on the last 40 years and look ahead to the next 40,” Edwards said. “A lot of technological changes have taken place over the years. This is just another step in that evolution and I can’t wait to see where it will take us.”

The CKMO Radio Society, a registered non-profit society, operates Village 900 and VillageNow.net. Its mandate is threefold: to provide an alternative radio service to the people of Victoria; to train broadcast students in co-operation with the Applied Communication Program at Camosun College; and to produce and air educational programming for university transfer credit. Under VillageNow.net, the online media centre will continue to help train new media students and offer a venue to showcase their produced content.

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A Brief History of Radio at #Camosun College #yyj #Documentary @Airchecker

2012-03-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Just for fun! We found a tremendous collection of old media hiding around the station. Some of these old tapes and discs held some real treasures, so we decided to make a time capsule to share and celebrate the history of Village 900 CKMO and CAMO through the years.

Enjoy!

Tia Brazda "Cabin Fever" arrives at VillageNow! @tiabrazda

2012-03-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

More new music just in the door - Tia Brazda to be exact!

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Energy and Mines Statutes Amendment Act introduced #bcpoli

2012-03-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

March 13, 2012
Ministry of Energy and Mines

VICTORIA - The Province today introduced Bill 30, the Energy and Mines Statutes Amendment Act, 2012, to streamline and clarify regulations in four existing acts - the Oil and Gas Activities Act, the Utilities Commission Act, the Clean Energy Act and the Strata Property Act.

Changes to the Oil and Gas Activities Act will clarify the rules for municipalities and third parties doing work around a pipeline. The amendments will also simplify the BC Oil and Gas Commission's role with National Energy Board regulated pipelines, broaden the rules for industry consultations, adjust maintenance requirements for industry roads on private land, and provide the commission with the authority to regulate the harvest of timber for oil and gas activities. These amendments will increase the efficiency of the commission and improve its ability to oversee responsible oil and gas development in the province.

Amendments to the Utilities Commission Act will empower the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) to levy administrative penalties for non-compliance with the act. The maximum fine will be $1 million per day.

The amendments will give the BCUC an effective tool to ensure utility companies, natural gas marketers and ICBC comply with the act. These changes bring B.C. in line with other similar Canadian and U.S. commissions.

The Clean Energy Act amendment will redefine self-sufficiency as recommended by last year's BC Hydro review, eliminating the requirement for BC Hydro to acquire an extra 3,000 gigawatt hours per year of insurance energy by 2020. The change is designed to ensure B.C. families continue to enjoy some of the lowest electricity rates in North America.

Minor changes will also be made to clarify accountability under the Strata Property Act, allowing government to regulate when new strata corporations must prepare their first depreciation report. Strata corporations will also be required to prepare audited financial statements and distribute those reports to strata lot owners within four months of the fiscal year end. The amendments are designed to ensure strata corporations report financial information to their members in a timely fashion.

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Saanich Police bike squad has equipped their bikes with emergency lights #yyj #cycling @Saanichpolice

2012-03-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

Saanich Police bike squad has now equipped their bikes

with emergency lights.

As a result of suggestions from bike squad officer, the frontline police bikes have now been outfitted with emergency lights. These lights on the bikes are the first of their kind in the Capital Region.

Some of the benefits of the newly installed lights are:

• Increased safety for the rider

• Increased safety for the public

• Compliance with the MVA in stopping a vehicle

• Assist with visibility during traffic control duties

Remember, if you see one of these bikes behind you with emergency equipment activated, you must yield and pull over to the nearest edge of the roadway.

If you see one of our bike squad officers out on patrol, stop them and have a look at the new lights.

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Head of Provincial Office of Domestic Violence appointed #bcpoli

2012-03-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

March 13, 2012
Ministry of Children and Family Development

- The Ministry of Children and Family Development has appointed the director of investigations from the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth to lead the newly created Provincial Office of Domestic Violence.

This office will be accountable for ensuring all domestic violence policies, programs and services are effective and delivered in a comprehensive and unified way across government.

Cory Heavener, currently the Director of Critical Injury and Death Reviews and Investigations for the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth, will take on this new role effective March 26, 2012. In her current role, she has led two significant investigations and reports dealing with domestic violence, 'No Private Matter: Honouring Christian Lee', and most recently 'Honouring Kaitlynne, Max, and Cordon - Make Their Voices Heard Now', a report on three children who were killed by their father, Allan Schoenborn.

As part of Heavener's role with the Representative's Office, she has engaged and worked with experts in domestic violence to analyze and recommend improvements to systems in addition to analyzing domestic violence programs, services and policies. Heavener, who has worked with the Representative for Children and Youth since 2007, was previously the Associate Provincial Director of Child Welfare in the Ministry of Children and Family Development and has over 23 years of child welfare experience in British Columbia.

The immediate responsibility for the Head of the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence will be to focus on identifying the gaps in policies, practices and services across government that support children and families experiencing domestic violence. Heavener will also lead the development of a comprehensive action plan in collaboration with a team of six deputy ministers that will respond to the recommendations made by the Representative in the Schoenborn report. The action plan will include specific targets and timeframes and be presented to the Representative by July 31, 2012, with implementation to begin immediately.

The new office will be the permanent lead for government, focused on strengthening the services and supports available for children and families affected by domestic violence. The office's responsibility will be to ensure co-ordination and collaboration throughout government in order to ensure an improved system around domestic violence. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting out on progress will be key functions of the office.

The Provincial Office of Domestic Violence will be a permanent addition within the Ministry of Children and Family Development, reporting to the deputy minister, to ensure continued leadership and accountability within government.

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Garden Suite Display Tours to be Held in Centennial Square through March 17 #yyj

2012-03-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

Victoria, BC – The Capital Regional District (CRD) Housing Action Team invites residents to tour a garden suite display in Centennial Square from Tuesday, March 13 to Saturday, March 17. Suite owner Small Modern Living Inc. will be onsite to facilitate the tours and answer questions about this new affordable housing opportunity. Tours will run daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Garden suites are self-contained second dwelling units that are separate, subordinate in size and accessory to the principal dwelling unit. The unit may be a free-standing structure, or may be located beside or behind the principal dwelling unit.

The housing concept of a garden suite has been popular in Europe, Australian and North American municipalities for decades and is currently gaining traction in the Metro Vancouver area, with an estimated 1,500 garden suites approved.

Growth management, increased housing options, and the use of existing infrastructure are key benefits of these units. The suites also offer comfortable living conditions in energy efficient and cost effective spaces.

The CRD Housing Action Team was created in late 2007. The purpose of the team is to work as a catalyst and initiator of development, retention and acquisition of housing that is affordable for those households in the region with low or moderate household incomes.

Implementation of garden suites in the CRD requires municipal approval.

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Alternating Single Lane Traffic: Braefoot Rd between Mckenzie Ave & Cedar Hill Cross Rd Mar 8-13 #yyjtraffic

2012-03-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, March 8, 2012 to Tuesday, March 13, 2012 there will be alternating single lane traffic on Braefoot Road between Mckenzie Avenue and Cedar Hill Cross Road. Work is scheduled to start at approximately 8:00 am and is expected to continue until 4:00 pm.

There will be traffic control people on site to assist with traffic control. Please obey their directions and all traffic signs.

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John Hart Project brings jobs and reliable electricity to Vancouver Island @BCHydro

2012-03-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

Campbell River – BC Hydro is proceeding with an environmental and regulatory review application for the John Hart upgrade. It is also posting a project procurement RFQ on BC Bid later today. BC Hydro’s largest capital project, the proposed John Hart project, is now one step closer to construction.

The John Hart Generating Station has provided clean, reliable power for more than 65 years and, on behalf of its customers, BC Hydro is making a major investment of about $1.35 billion in the facility to ensure it continues to deliver value for years to come.

The project will create about 400 jobs a year over the five years of construction. First Nations, the Campbell River community and the surrounding region will have an opportunity to be directly involved and benefit economically from the project construction.

BC Hydro, in partnership with the Campbell River and District Chamber of Commerce, Vancouver Island Construction Association and Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, has launched a web portal site that provides an online registration forum for businesses and suppliers.

BC Hydro continues consultation with First Nations, stakeholders and the general public on the safety, reliability and potential environmental impacts of the John Hart Generating Project, a process started in 2007. BC Hydro is also negotiating impact benefit agreements with First Nations potentially impacted by the project.

BC Hydro’s goal is to complete the regulatory processes and award the construction contract by summer 2013. BC Hydro is working towards having the first replacement generating unit in-service by 2017. The project is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2018.

Key Project Information:

• The project will include replacing the existing three 1.8-kilometre long penstocks with a 2.1-kilometre tunnel through bedrock, constructing a replacement generating station beside the existing station, constructing a replacement water intake at the John Hart Spillway Dam, and building a new water bypass facility.

• The estimated cost of the John Hart Project is $1.35 billion, one of the largest capital projects BC Hydro is undertaking as it invests in critical infrastructure to ensure sufficient, safe and reliable electricity both now and for the future.

• Once complete, the project will increase the reliability and power supply of the generating station, improve the seismic safety of the facility, and enhance water flows to fish habitat.

• Next project steps include filing a federal Environmental Assessment Report with Fisheries and Oceans Canada later this month and filing a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) Application with the British Columbia Utilities Commission later this spring.

Additional project background:

• John Hart Generating Station is located on Vancouver Island near Campbell River. It has been operating since 1947 and is one of the oldest generating facilities in BC Hydro’s hydroelectric system.

• John Hart is currently a 6-unit, 121-megawatt generating facility that produces 778 gigawatt hours per year. This configuration will be replaced with three 46-megawatt units that will produce 835 gigawatt hours per year – enough electricity to supply approximately 80,000 homes.

• BC Hydro reviewed a number of possible project alternatives to replacement, including deferral, rehabilitation and decommissioning. After weighing the financial, environmental and social considerations of these options, the BC Hydro Board approved the facility replacement alternative.

• To view the John Hart project video that illustrates the construction that will be taking place at the facility over the coming years and for more information on the project, please visit www.bchydro.com/energy_in_bc/projects/john_hart_generating.html.

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Too Hot for Tots: Program aims to educate parents about childhood burns @BCCHF

2012-03-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

Too Hot for Tots!

New BC Children’s program aims to educate parents

about common causes of childhood burns

VANCOUVER – Now, a new resource is available to BC parents and caregivers of children to help educate and prevent serious burn injuries before they occur.

Burns are one of the leading causes of injury for children under the age of five. Each year, BC Children’s Hospital may care for as many as 130 young children with burns.

Scalds from hot liquids, hot tap water and hot surfaces are the most common causes of burns for young children – not fire, as most parents may believe.

More than 90 percent of these injuries are considered preventable as the majority of burns take place in the home – in the kitchen, bathroom, or family room with a fireplace – where safeguarding measures can be taken.

“A child’s skin is four times thinner than an adult’s,” says Dr. Cindy Verchere, Director of BC Children’s Burn Unit. “Heat moves very quickly to the lower layers and can cause significant damage in a matter of seconds.”

The majority of burns result from children pulling on a cord or reaching for something on a countertop and accidentally spilling hot liquid on their face, chest or arms; or playing in a bathtub alone and accidentally adding scalding hot water from the tap; or touching hot surfaces such as fireplaces or oven doors.

The THFT program includes:

- A 17 minute educational DVD which includes burn prevention tips and personal stories from parents with a child who has experienced a burn.

- A brochure which includes a handy temperature card, which enables parents to check the temperature of their hot water tank (a safe hot water tank temperature is 49 degrees C; a safe bath temperature is 37 degrees C)

- Resources for educators to use in public health classes for new parents

“After viewing the video and reading the brochure, parents will be armed with the 3 Bs of Burn Prevention,” says Frances MacDougall, a nurse with the BC Children’s Burn Unit, and developer of the THFT program. “Parents should be aware of the burn hazards in the home; be within arm’s reach when a child is near or around a burn hazard, and burn proof the family home.”

“We, at the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, are thrilled to have partnered in the development and launch of this valuable program with BC Children’s Hospital, says Tim Baillee, Director BCPFF Burn Fund. “As first responders to the home when a burn injury occurs, we know the importance of an education program to help parents keep children safe from unnecessary burns.”

BC Children’s Hospital, with financial support from the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund and BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, is distributing the THFT materials to public health units and educators, including St. John’s Ambulance, across B.C.

The Too Hot for Tots! video and materials can be viewed on the BC Children’s website at www.bcchildrens.ca/safestart.

The video is translated in Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Spanish and French, while the brochures and posters are translated in traditional and simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Spanish and French.

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Impaired Driver Runs into IRSU Roadblock #yyj @Vicpdcanada

2012-03-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

Victoria BC – On 2012-03-09 at 10:30pm, members of the CRD Integrated Road Safety Unit were conducting an Impaired Driver Check Stop in Victoria on Blanshard near Bay Street. While officers were checking on drivers their attention was drawn to an SUV that had rear ended another vehicle in the line of cars waiting to be checked.

The 37 year old male driver from Victoria was heavily intoxicated and was quickly arrested by officers. The collision speed was estimated to be at 60km/h by the officer who witnessed the crash. The suspect driver provided breath samples that were over twice the legal limit and has been charged criminally with Impaired Driving, having blood alcohol content over .08 and Dangerous Driving. The victim vehicle sustained severe damage and was a write off. The driver of the victim vehicle (who coincidentally was a doctor) luckily only sustained minor injuries.

A third vehicle which was directly in front of the vehicle that was heavily damaged was also hit but did not remain at scene. Police would like to speak with the occupants of that vehicle in relation to this incident and are urged to contact Constable Ann Piper of the Integrated Road Safety Unit at (250)995-7728.

"Thankfully this driver was taken off the road before he did more damage. Clearly he should not have been behind the wheel at all. Given his state of gross impairment he could have very easily killed someone". Cpl. BACICA CRD IRSU.

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District of #Saanich invites public input into mapping #yyj

2012-03-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

The District of Saanich has produced an Environmentally Significant Areas (ESA) Atlas since 1999. While the atlas contents have expanded over the years, some of the original inventories have not been updated. In order to improve our mapping, members of the public are invited to assist.

Until March 26, 2012, members of the public can fill out and submit Site Forms to point out special, natural areas in Saanich. Residents are encouraged to visit our website to gain more understanding of the mapping project, view our atlases, and fill out a Site Form. Site Forms are also available at the Planning Department counter.

The information collected will be used to guide our biological consultant to areas that may be useful additions to our existing inventories and mapping. The consultant will consider our priorities, the condition of the site, and the scientific merit of including the site as a potential ESA.

Recommendations will be considered to determine if the site is an ESA and if it should appear in one of our atlases.

The District of Saanich appreciates all submissions, however not all sites will be visited or considered for ESA potential for a variety of reasons. Please be respectful of private property and natural areas if filling out a Site Form.

For more information, please see

http://www.saanich.ca/living/natural/envplan.html

and click on the ESA Mapping Initiative button.

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H.M.S. Pinafore in Concert March 24-25 #yyjtheatre

2012-03-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

This coming season the Victoria Gilbert and Sullivan Society and Victoria Civic Orchestra will tackle a concert version of H.M.S Pinafore, once again helmed by George Corwin. Pinafore, subtitled The Lass that Loved a Sailor, tells the tale of the beautiful Captain’s daughter who is betrothed to Sir Joseph Porter but is in love with the lowly sailor Ralph Rackstraw. This tortured love story is soon turned around in Gilbert and Sullivan tradition and ends in mistaken identities, silly plot twists, and hearty fun.

Corwin is known for leading both orchestral and choral groups to excellence in sound and he returns with the Civic Orchestra to give this concert version a grand feel. The society fosters young talent and a concert version of fifty singers allows returning and new members the rare opportunity to take on singing alongside a fifty piece orchestra. Get your tickets early to ensure your chance to experience superb music by lovers of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave. Sidney

Sat. March 24 2012 2:00pm
Sun. March 25 2012 2:00pm

Oak Bay High School, 2151 Cranmore Rd, Victoria

Sat. March 31 2012 2:00pm
Sun. April 1 2012 2:00pm

Tickets: Adults $27; Seniors & Students $25 and available at

• Ivy's Book Store, 2188 Oak Bay Avenue;
• Long & McQuade, 756 Hillside Avenue;
• Munro's Books, 1108 Government Street;
• Larsen Music, 1833 Cook Street;
• Lyle's Place, 770 Yates Street;
• The Shieling Cards & Gifts, Cadboro Bay Village; and
• Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue

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MMBC's 9th Annual Garage Sale April 21 #yyj @MaritimeMusBC

2012-03-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

March 5th, 2012

You’ve been asking for it and here it is again! The Maritime Museum of BC in partnership with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is holding its 9th Annual Massive Marine Outdoor Garage Sale located at the warehouse building on Pier A at Ogden Point terminal on April 21st from 9 am to 1 pm.

Whether you are a buyer or have something to sell, this is a sale not to be missed. We accept all kinds of outdoor and marine related gear as sale items. Find everything from fishing gear to boats, sails to motors, and all things in between!

Entrance fee for buyers is just $5 (children under 12 are free). Table rental, boats on trailers, car toppers and items displayed outdoors is $35 for sellers with a $25 early bird fee option if table rental purchase is made before April 16th. All commercial tables are $80.

Donation of items to the sale may be dropped off at the Maritime Museum of BC at 28 Bastion Square. If you require pick-up, please call 250-385-4222, ext. 111 to arrange. Proceeds from the Garage Sale and items donated go to support the Museum’s ongoing Exhibits, Programming and Community Outreach.

Parking is free.

Pack it in and Pack it out: any unsold items must be removed by the seller at the end of the sale. To register, contact ajones@mmbc.bc.ca or phone 250-385-4222, ext. 111

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Chaotic Scene for #VicPD Officers in Hotel Stabbing #yyj @vicpdcanada

2012-03-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

VicPD officers were called to Capital City Centre Hotel on Thursday for reports of a woman running around the threatening people with a knife.

Just after 8 p.m. VicPD received a 911 call reporting a woman banging on a door to a suite on the 4th floor yelling and brandishing a knife. When officers arrived at 1961 Douglas St, they were told someone had been injured in a fight on that floor. As they approached the room, a woman fled from the suspected suite and officers noted blood on the walls and floors.

Officers entered the suite and found a distraught man who was the victim of the suspect’s rage. He had been able to fend off her attack, and she had left the suite just prior to police arriving.

Officers located the suspect, a 39-year-old Victoria woman, in an adjacent suite. She had suffered a minor injury in the scuffle and was arrested without incident. She was taken to the hospital for medical attention.

The suspect was held for court this morning on recommended charge of assault with a weapon.

This case highlights the amount of front-end work an incident like this takes for police. Within two hours of this file being called in, 17 VicPD officers had a hand in working on it. From scene containment to interviews, investigations to photographs, officers are tasked with numerous jobs to ensure that a case like this gets to the courts with the best possible facts.

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Wind Damage Keeping Officers Busy #yyj @Vicpdcanada

2012-03-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

VicPD has received a few calls relating to the high winds the capital region is experiencing today.

At approximately 7 a.m. Officers were called to the 800-block of Fisgard Street when someone reported a tree had fallen on some overheard wires. Officers attended, along with Victoria Fire Department and determined that a branch had fallen on a cable television wire. There was no risk to the public so the appropriate agencies were called and officers were able to leave the scene.

The second call was received later in the day reporting a sailboat that had come loose from its moorings and was drifting in the Gorge waterway. Officers attended and ensured that there was nobody aboard or in distress. The boat had run aground and was now not a hazard in the waterway. Officers attempted to contact the owner but were unsuccessful.

The final weather related incident took place at Discovery Street and Store Street at 9 a.m. VicPD was called to the area when a witness reported seeing construction items flying in the wind. One of these items contacted the live power lines and created an explosion. When our officers surveyed the damage it appeared that none of the power lines had been affected.

VicPD wants to remind drivers and pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings and the fact that debris could be picked up in the wind. Wind gusts are forecasted to last throughout the day.

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Panorama Recreation Centre is Now Open #yyj @SliderPenguin

2012-03-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

March 12, 2012, 1:25pm

Due to a power outage, Panorama Recreation Centre on the Saanich Peninsula was closed to public access earlier today. Power has now been restored to the facility and operations have resumed in all areas but the aquatic centre. The pool will re-open at 2pm for lengths and leisure only. The 2:00pm Light and Easy Aquafit is cancelled for today.

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Patrol sergeant in the right place...owner foils a fraud ring #yyj @SaanichPolice

2012-03-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening, three fraud suspects were chased from the Qoola store at Uptown by the owner.

Saturday evening March 10th, just after 10pm, three suspects were seen by the owner of the Qoola store at Uptown Centre attempt to steal the pin pad. He confronted the trio who fled the store.

As luck would have it, a Saanich Police patrol Sergeant who was driving by was flagged down by the owner who had followed the suspects out of the store. The owner provided descriptions and where the suspects were last seen.

The Sergeant then entered the underground parkade and found the three suspects standing near a Mercedes. All three were arrested without incident with the assistance of other officers and the car was impounded.

As part of the investigation, a search warrant was executed at a local hotel yesterday afternoon by Saanich Police Detectives. Evidence recovered from the hotel room included stolen point of sale machines and parts, computers, tools and equipment used to compromise the devices. While at the hotel, a fourth suspect arrived and was arrested by detectives.

Charges suggested by detectives include:

- 16 counts of identity theft
- Theft and possession of stolen property
- Possession of instruments used to forge credit cards
- Various breach charges pertaining to court orders

Charged are four men from the Lower Mainland area, ranging from 24 to 40 years of age.

Retailers are asked to:

- inspect your point of sale device to ensure it has not been replaced or tampered with;

- train employees to keep a careful watch on the devices;

- if a card error occurs do not offer to swipe the card at the till. This may be a violation of your agreement with card companies and businesses may be out the money;

- do not manually input the number. This also may be a violation of your agreement;

- if your business does not have chip enabled technology or the customer does not have a chip card, compare the last four numbers on the card to the printed receipt. When it is a fraudulent transaction, often they do not match.

Did you know that Saanich has an anti fraud program for retailers using point of sale devices, called the Saanich Police Pin Watch. Over 400 Saanich retailers are currently involved. It involves a visit from our Crime Prevention Officer and tamper proof stickers applied to your pads.

If you are a local retailer using pin technology and are not part of the program, please contact our Crime Prevention office at 250-475-4346.

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Policy change opens up options for woodlot licensees #bcpoli

2012-03-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

VICTORIA - A regulatory change allowing the removal of private land from a woodlot licence will give woodlot holders more flexibility in how they manage their assets, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson announced today.

In fall 2011, an amendment to section 47.1 of the Forest Act was introduced to allow private land to be removed from a woodlot. That change is now in effect.

All potential private land removals will be at the discretion of the

minister of forests, lands and natural resource operations (or a delegate determined by the minister) following public consultation. The following requirements must also be met:

* The private land has been part of a woodlot licence for at least 10 years.

* The woodlot holder has provided notification and advertised their intent.

* The licence is in good standing with no overdue payments, no major contraventions of forestry legislation, or outstanding obligations.

* Access to Crown land via existing roads on the private land has been adequately addressed.

* Private land removed from an existing woodlot can't be used by the owners to apply on new woodlot licence opportunities.

The policy change was requested by the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities was consulted, and helped develop the guidelines for a private land deletion.

Most, but not all, woodlot licences include private land. Some licenseeshave expressed a desire to diversify their operations and pursue other economic opportunities with their private land such as agriculture and ranching. Others have indicated they want to sell their private land for financial reasons such as retirement planning.

The amount of private land in an individual woodlot varies, ranging from zero hectares up to 1,400 hectares. The average area of private land per individual woodlot is 108 hectares.

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Calling All Young Artists: The Maritime Museum Needs You! #yyj @MaritimeMusBC

2012-03-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

March 5th, 2012

Attention Parents! Does your child love being on the ocean? Do they love the beach? Are they crazy about art? If your child is 5 to 12 years old, the Maritime Museum of BC needs you! We are accepting artwork − be it a drawing, painting, picture of a sculpture or photograph − that represents what it means to live by the ocean in a maritime city.

The artwork must include reference to the water or something nautical, such as kayaking or beach-combing, boating or fishing, etc. It can even be about the environment, as long as it is related to the ocean. The chosen art will appear in our 16-Month School Calendar which will be printed and available for sale through the Museum.

Two top prizes of an Eagle Wing Tours Whale Watching Adventure and lunch at Barb's Place at Fisherman’s Wharf will be given. Submissions may be dropped off, mailed or emailed to the Museum no later than June 30th, 2012. Winners will be announced in July, 2012.

Partial proceeds of the sale of this calendar will go to the SALTS Sail and Life Training Society, a nonprofit providing youth with life-changing adventures. All entries will temporarily be on display at the Museum after June 30th. To electronically send in a submission, or for more information please contact mdieno@mmbc.bc.ca or call 250-385-4222. You can also visit mmbc.bc.ca.

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BC Coroners Service confirms identity of avalanche victim

2012-03-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

March 12, 2012
Ministry of Justice

KELOWNA - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of the snowmobile operator who died in an avalanche southeast of Sparwood on March 9, 2012.

The deceased is Steven Burke Hall, aged 33, of Birchcliff, Alberta.

Mr. Hall was one of a party of six snowmobilers riding in the South Corbin Road area on the afternoon of March 9. Three of the party had stopped for lunch. The other three, including Mr. Hall, were continuing uphill when an avalanche struck.

Investigation into the case continues.

The BC Coroners Service expresses its sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Hall, and also our appreciation to the avalanche technicians, search-and-rescue teams and volunteers who worked so diligently on the rescue and recovery efforts.

The BC Coroners Service would also like to take this opportunity to encourage all users of B.C.'s back country to heed the recent avalanche warnings issued by the Canadian Avalanche Centre. The centre states that the risk of avalanches in much of B.C. is now high.

The warning includes the mountains of the South Coast Inland, the Columbia Mountains from near Prince George in the North to the U.S. border in the south, and B.C.'s South Rockies. The centre says local knowledge and a high degree of training and experience are required to travel safely in this risky terrain.

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#BCCLA to argue police should not be involved in choosing jurors @bccla

2012-03-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

March 12, 2012

For immediate release

BCCLA to argue at Supreme Court of Canada police should not be involved in choosing jurors

Ottawa – This week, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear a series of cases involving police gathering information about potential jurors on behalf of Crown prosecutors.

Yumnu v. H.M.Q., Cardoso v. H.M.Q., Emms v. H.M.Q., Davey v. H.M.Q., and Duong v. H.M.Q. will be heard at the Supreme Court of Canada on March 14 and 15, 2012. In each of these cases, the Crown deputized the police to gather private information on prospective jurors. The police, in turn, prepared annotated jury panel lists based on this information. The Crown then used this information in deciding which jurors would be chosen during jury selection.

The BCCLA will argue that jury vetting by police to gain a tactical advantage in jury selection creates a pervasive air of unfairness and bias, and that the Crown’s conduct in these appeals would cause a reasonable person to question the fairness of the trial, thereby violating the accused’s constitutional rights.

The BCCLA is represented by Gerald Chan and Nader Hasan of Ruby Shiller Chan Barristers.

The BCCLA’s argument in the case is available here >>

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Inclement Weather May Result in Blue Box Pickup Delays #yyj

2012-03-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

Public Service Advisory

For Immediate Release
March 12, 2012

Due to inclement weather, residents located on the Peninsula may experience delays in their Blue Box recycling pickup today. Residents are reminded to ensure their recycling is packaged properly. If your curbside recycling is not collected by the end of the day, residents are advised to hold on to their recyclables until their next collection day.

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"?WHAT" - Ticket Special for March 25 #yyjpride

2012-03-12T00:03:00.000-07:00

"?WHAT" - $25 Ticket Special!

A Benefit, Variety Show, & Auction

March 25

530pm-10ish

We at Victoria Pride recognize that South Island Pride offers a safe space for our GLBTQ youth and allies to find support and guidance through the year.

As a thank you and appreciation to venues that have provided to the community safe spaces - these businesses will have available to the public tickets to the benefit supporting LGBTQ youth programming at 50% off!

Patrons to this formal event will dine on a Caribbean buffet catered by The Reef, enjoy a variety show including local musical performances, burlesque, spoken word - and take part on bidding over $2000 worth of silent auction donations!

Where does a person go to get a ticket for themselves to this AMAZING event, SATURDAYS only??...

Out Of The Closet Renew Boutique

Located Here

1736 Douglas St

(250) 590-2719

Papparazzi Nightclub

Located Here

642 Johnson Street

(250) 385-6533

The Castle Video Bar & Nightclub

Located Here

1900 Douglas Street

(250) 382-9231

The Ledge

Located Here

1140 Government Street

(250) 384-6835

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Agreements with #Camosun, Okanagan & New Caledonia faculty ratified under net-zero #bcpoli #education

2012-03-09T13:52:00.001-08:00

March 9, 2012
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Advanced Education

VICTORIA - The Post Secondary Employers' Association (PSEA) has ratified two-year collective agreements with faculty associations at Camosun College, Okanagan College and College of New Caledonia under government's 2010 net-zero mandate, announced Finance Minister Kevin Falcon.

The PSEA is the accredited bargaining agent for B.C.'s post-secondary sector, which includes 19 colleges, institutes and teaching universities. Through collaborative discussions in December 2011, the PSEA reached an agreement with the Federation of Post Secondary Educators and the BC Government and Service Employees' Union on the faculty common table agreement.

The common faculty table includes nine colleges and institutes with 13 bargaining units that voluntarily participate in negotiations primarily related to the monetary aspects of an agreement. That agreement provides a "common" portion to each faculty settlement for those participants. The remainder of the post-secondary faculty in the sector, as well as the research universities, bargain separately.

Following local ratification by the parties, the PSEA board ratifies each agreement.

The three collective agreements cover approximately 1,500 faculty instructors working in post-secondary institutions around the province.

Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon:

"I congratulate the institutions and the negotiators at these tables for reaching another three agreements under the 2010 net-zero mandate."

Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto:

"I'm pleased to hear that these agreements are in place for both the benefit of faculty and the students they instruct."

* While there are outstanding agreements still being negotiated with some unions under the 2010 mandate, virtually all of B.C.'s public-sector collective agreements covered by the 2010 mandate are now settled for two years of net-zero.

* Those agreements expiring in 2012 will be negotiated under the Cooperative Gains Mandate. Government has been clear that there is no new money to fund wage increases and won't download those costs onto families or future generations. Cooperative Gains gives public sector employers the ability to look for operational savings that may be applied to modest wage increases as long as services are maintained and costs are held to existing budgets.

* There are about 300,000 unionized workers employed in the public service, at Crown corporations and agencies, and in the K-12, post-secondary, health and community social services sectors. An increase of one per cent in total compensation for all unionized public sector employees would cost the Province approximately $196 million each year.

If applied to non-union and management groups, this increases to about $237 million annually.

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University Profs Declare 2012 Year of Governance #education

2012-03-09T12:12:00.001-08:00

VANCOUVER -- Citing growing dissatisfaction amongst academic staff and students over the governance of their universities, the organization representing professors and other academic staff at BC's research and doctoral universities has declared 2012 to be the "Year of Governance."

"The Year of Governance is about understanding the sources of dissatisfaction with campus governance and developing tools and governance models that can constructively move us forward," said Dr.

David Mirhady, President of the Confederation of University Faculty Associations of BC (CUFA BC).

"There are many challenges facing our universities," Dr. Mirhady continued. "If we are to deal effectively with these challenges while ensuring that we maintain high educational standards, research integrity and academic freedom, then the whole university community needs to work on improving governance."

CUFA BC is kicking off the Year of Governance with a conference at the SFU Harbour Centre Campus on March 9th and 10th called Academic Governance 3.0.

"The purpose of the conference is to bring together academic staff, students, administrators, board of governors members, senate members, and governance researchers to discuss much needed reforms to university governance," said Dr. Rick Kool, CUFA BC's President-Elect.

"Academic Governance 3.0 needs to be more responsive to changing economic, social and political realities, while at the same time respecting the traditional values of scholarship and high quality that make universities vital to our society," Dr. Kool said.

Other activities CUFA BC have planned for the Year of Governance include a survey of members of boards of governors and senates in British Columbia, a new website with university governance resources, and facilitating networking amongst board of governors and senate members across Canada.

"University governance is not easy and we're stepping in to help by providing resources and encouraging board of governors and senate members, from across the country, to talk to one another", Dr. Mirhady explained. "We have no doubt this will lead to better decisions and better universities."

CUFA BC represents 4,600 university professors, instructors, academic librarians and other academic staff at SFU (Burnaby, Vancouver and Surrey campuses), UBC (Vancouver and Kelowna campuses), UNBC (Prince George, Terrace, Fort St. John and Quesnel campuses), UVic, and Royal Roads University.

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B.C. steps up legal action against tobacco companies #bcpoli

2012-03-09T11:38:00.001-08:00

March 9, 2012
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Health

VICTORIA - British Columbia has partnered with five other Canadian provinces to retain a national legal consortium to prosecute health- care cost-recovery claims against Canadian tobacco manufacturers.

Bennett Jones LLP and Siskinds LLP will represent B.C., New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island on a contingency fee basis to pursue the individual claims of all of these provinces. Given the many common elements of the claims, combining forces with other provinces and co-ordinating legal resources will expedite getting these cases to trial.

British Columbia was the first province to pursue litigation against the three major Canadian tobacco manufacturers and their foreign affiliates. The Province is seeking recovery of health-care costs resulting from what B.C. - and now other Canadian provinces - are alleging is the wrongful conduct of these parties in the manufacture, promotion and sale of tobacco products spanning many decades.

In 2010, B.C. initiated talks with other provinces to co-ordinate the prosecution of tobacco health-care cost-recovery litigation.

The British Columbia firm of Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP will continue to act as local counsel in the B.C. litigation, working with the national consortium.

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ICBC: Many B.C. drivers feel less alert at the start of Daylight Savings Time @icbc

2012-03-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

ICBC survey finds many B.C. drivers feel less alert

at the start of Daylight Savings Time

As we get ready to put our clocks forward an hour this Saturday night for the start of Daylight Savings Time (DST), a new ICBC survey reveals that one-third of B.C. drivers admit to feeling less alert after the time change.

According to the survey, 34 per cent of drivers said the time shift does affect them and make them feel less alert even though many are also making an effort to help their bodies adapt.

"We're actually encouraged to see that many drivers have the self-awareness to know that they may have a diminished capacity to drive safely immediately following the time change," said Dr. John Vavrik, a psychologist with ICBC. "This is a much better attitude to have than being over-confident that you're not affected which tends to increase your crash risk."

ICBC's survey also found that females report being more negatively impacted by the change even though they generally have a lower crash risk compared to males. More than half of male drivers report getting enough sleep during the time change, which is good news as they tend to have a higher crash risk.

Studies show that the switch into Daylight Savings Time can have a dramatic effect on disrupting our regular sleep cycle as it puts us out of sync with our circadian rhythm.

"The change in our sleep cycle can cause unique dangers on our roads as some drivers will feel more fatigued than usual," said Vavrik. "Given that, it's also encouraging to see that almost one-third of drivers actually go to bed earlier to adapt to the change."

The biggest impacts of the time change on drivers can be felt on some of the key skills that affect the quality of our driving – poorer concentration, alertness behind the wheel and reaction time to potential hazards.

The real danger can be that people often believe if they don't feel tired then they aren't fatigued but this isn't the case – the time change can make us feel more fatigued without us even knowing it.

Here are ICBC's tips to help adjust to the time change:

If you make an effort to adapt to the time change then it can really pay off. Plan to get to bed earlier on Saturday evening and go to bed at your regular time on Sunday to be ready for the Monday morning commute.

Be aware of how your own body adapts to the time change and how that may affect your ability to concentrate and avoid hazards. Studies have shown that time changes can have an impact on the quality of our sleep due to more nighttime restlessness.

After many weeks of earlier sunrises, now's the time to plan ahead for some darker morning commutes, particularly as we can expect more vulnerable road users – cyclists and pedestrians – on the road.

Prepare your vehicle for the change in conditions, particularly the darker morning commutes. Clean your vehicle's headlights and check they are all working properly, especially your rear lights.

Get some good sleep this weekend and drive smart.

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Concerned citizens Take Aim at City Hall for Discriminatory Bylaws #yyj @VIPIRG

2012-03-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

Concerned citizens Take Aim at City Hall for Discriminatory Bylaws

Speakers at March 8th city council meeting demand the repeal of bylaws that promote police discrimination against people who are street-involved

March 9, 2012, Victoria - A recent report from the Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group (VIPIRG) demonstrates that the VicPD disproportionately stops, harasses, tickets and arrests people who appear to be homeless. These discriminatory actions are promoted by City bylaws that criminalize poverty and individuals who use public space to meet everyday needs.

Thirty or so individuals concerned about these policing practices spoke to city hall last night, demanding the city take immediate action to end discrimination against the street community by repealing bylaws that specifically target people living in poverty. "City bylaws, particularly what's known as the 'chattel' bylaw, allow police to steal the belongings of people living in extreme poverty, sometimes simply because a person has put their backpack down and isn't directly holding onto it," said Mark Willson, Research Coordinator at the Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group. "This often leads to people needlessly losing their ID and personal belongings, or having to pay $40 or more to get these items back. The city can show a commitment to ending these discriminatory practices by repealing a bylaw that has no useful function and that is frequently abused by police enforcement."

VIPIRG sees the repeal of this bylaw as a first step in a longer-term commitment by city council to take action to end discrimination against people living in extreme poverty in Victoria.

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BC Hydro offers seasonal tips and in-store lighting specials #daylightsavings @PowerSmartBC @bchydro

2012-03-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

Turn daylight savings into energy savings

Vancouver, B.C. – Early this Sunday clocks spring forward, and it’s time to put that extra hour of sunlight and longer days to work by springing into energy savings:

• As temperatures warm up, turn down your thermostat. Adjust your programmable thermostat to daylight savings time.

• As the days get warmer, hang laundry outside to dry on sunny days. After the refrigerator, a clothes dryer typically uses the most electricity of any appliance in a home.

• Harness the sun's natural energy with simple solar-powered lights to illuminate landscapes and paths (and yes solar-powered lights will still charge in overcast skies).

• Install lighting controls such as dimmers, timers and motion sensors.

Lighting:

The next best thing to daylight is energy-efficient lighting.

There is a greater availability than ever of ENERGY STAR LED products in stores across British Columbia. BC Hydro Power Smart is partnering with over 300 retail outlets across the province to offer instant rebates on energy-efficient lighting.*

Rebates run from March 1 to April 30 and include:

• Up to $10 off select ENERGY STAR LED bulbs;

• Up to $15 off select ENERGY STAR fixtures;

• $3 -$6 off select ENERGY STAR CFL specialty bulbs.

*Products, stock and pricing vary by retailer.

ENERGY STAR LEDs are growing in popularity as they:

• Use at least 75 per cent less energy than incandescent lighting;

• Can last about 20 years (25,000 hours) based on average household use;

• Come on quickly, are durable and are good for dimming;

• Are available in traditional bulb shapes and fit easily into many existing fixtures.

Consumers should always look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing lighting products as they have been tested to meet strict energy efficiency, operating, and reliability criteria.

For more information, visit www.powersmart.ca/lighting

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West My Friend CD Release Show & Bike Ride April 5 #yyjmusic @carliandjulie @GVCC

2012-03-09T08:37:00.001-08:00

Revolutions Propel Cycle-Friendly Roots Musicians

Victoria roots quartet West My Friend – recently nominated for a Vancouver Island Music Award - are not your ordinary folk band, and their upcoming CD release for their debut album Place will be no ordinary event. The theme of the special April 5th evening at cozy Hermann’s Jazz Club will be revolutions – the revolutions of a bicycle wheel, the revolutions of a CD or 45 RPM Record, and the small but monumental revolutions that eco-friendly community members create every day when they bike or walk to work or play…or, in this case, bike to their CD Release Party.

As a means of raising awareness for Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition, the members of West My Friend - along with an entourage of supporters they pick up along the way – will cycle from Fernwood Square to Hermann’s Jazz Club shortly before taking the stage for their release show. In addition, the GVCC will receive one dollar for every admission to the event.

The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition - established in 1991 - is a non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of cyclists in the region. The GVCC has played an integral role in the creation of regional trails, bicycle infrastructure and facilities, laws that protect cyclists, and programs that promote cycling and educate cyclists.

The pre-show bike ride starts at 6:00pm at Fernwood Square (Fernwood and Gladstone), with stops to pick up other cyclists at Cook Street Village (McKenzie & Cook), Irving Park in James Bay (Menzies and Michigan), and Centennial Square (Pandora and Government). Helmets and bike lights are a must.

Eden Oliver, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist for the band, explains how the bike idea initially started at the end of January when she moved all of her belongings to a new house…by bicycle.

"When I moved my house by bike, I was shocked at the community support and at the amount of people who were stoked to do without cars. I'm hoping I'll be just as shocked at our pre-show bike ride."

The revolutions continue following their show, as the two digital singles the band is releasing – Tic-a-Toc and Hesitate – will arrive in Music Directors’ inboxes across Canada in the form of a virtual 45 RPM record.

Since West My Friend was conceived in a Victoria café in 2009, they’ve emerged as a unique voice in the city’s music scene. Described as everything from indie-roots to chamber-folk, their acoustic blend of instruments and four-part harmonies challenges the conventions of popular music . Their debut album Place sees a collaboration with producer Adrian Dolan (The Bills, Mark Atkinson) and Juno-Award winner David Travers-Smith (The Wailin’ Jennys, Oh Susannah), providing a strong underpinning of experience in folk-roots music for this up-and-coming band.

West My Friend’s April 5h CD Release event at Hermann’s Jazz Club will be a community-level musical revolution, complete with an adventurous bike ride, a community fundraiser, and a roots music show that promises to…turn some heads. You say you want a revolution? Look no further than Victoria’s West My Friend.

West My Friend

accompanied by Kovich String Quartet

with special guests Carli & Julie Kennedy

CD Release Show & Bike Ride

Thursday April 5, 2012.

• Pre-Show Bike Ride: 6pm

• CD Release Show: 6pm Doors. 8pm Show.

• Pre-Show Bike Ride: Starts at Fernwood Square (Fernwood & Gladstone)

• CD Release Show: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St.

Tickets: Available at Long & McQuade, Larsen Music.

Advance: $8. At the door: $10.

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Fraud Suspect Arrested #yyj @Saanichpolice

2012-03-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

March 08, 2012

On March 08, 2012 members of the Saanich Police Department, Regional Crime Unit, and West Shore RCMP arrested a thirty-year old adult female for numerous financial crimes dating back to early February 2012. The female committed numerous crimes in the Greater Victoria area and elsewhere throughout the province. The suspect is being held in custody for a court appearance on March 09, 2012. Numerous fraud related charges will be recommended to Crown Counsel.

The female used stolen credit card information to purchase money orders, merchandise and lottery tickets from many different retailers across British Columbia . She would enter the premises often with another female accomplice and pretend to use a debit card for the purchase but in fact would over-ride the point of sale terminal by manually entering stolen credit card information.

The Saanich Police would like to advise retailers to monitor customers using their point of sale terminals and check that the debit or credit card information matches the receipt.

The Saanich Police department would also advise the public to be vigilant in protecting their debit and credit card information.

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Qristina & Quinn Bachand March 10: Enter here to win tickets! #yyjconcerts

2012-03-08T15:36:00.000-08:00

Qristina & Quinn Bachand

with guests

St. Patrick's Celtic Concert

March 10

Fairfield United Church

Email info@villagenow.net with Qristina & Quinn

in the subject line to be entered to win tix

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Youth in Parks-Southern Vancouver Island Info Meeting March 14 #yyjparks

2012-03-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

The Capital Regional District, BC Parks and the Boys & Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria have teamed up for an exciting youth project in Southern Vancouver Island: the Youth in Parks Team!

We are looking for passionate young people, ages 13-18, who want to share their love of parks and the outdoors with other youth and their community. Joining the team offers youth an opportunity to meet other like-minded youth, gain leadership skills and contribute to parks in the community! And of course…have lots of fun, too!

Join us an information session to find out more:

Wednesday, March 14

7-8:30pm

Boys and Girls Club, 1240 Yates Street, Victoria

Visit our website for all the details http://www.crd.bc.ca/youthinparks.htm

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Social Justice Film Night: Granito March 15 #yyjfilm

2012-03-08T12:30:00.001-08:00

Social Justice Film Night Presents

"GRANITO: How to Nail a Dictator"

7pm Thursday, Mar. 15 - 2994 Douglas (BCGEU Hall)

"GRANITO" shadows a haunting crime across four decades. As activists, experts and lawyers build an international human rights case against a Guatemalan military dictator. Recording the search for truth and accountability, Granito captures the arc of history as it bends towards justice. This film is about the ongoing efforts to bring to trial in an international court of law José Efraín Ríos Montt, the Guatemalan dictator and military commander responsible for genocide in that country.

Admission by donation

Social Justice Film Night is on the 3rd Thurs. of every month

Sponsored by Friends of Cuba

More info at: http://victoriafriendsofcuba.wordpress.com/

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Flower Count 2012 Final Tally & Municipal Winner #yyj

2012-03-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

2 Billion Reasons to Visit Victoria

Victoria, B.C. – The total number of blooms counted in this chilly 2012 during the 36th Annual Greater Victoria Flower Count was 2,043,380,013. That’s right two billion blooms – nearly 8 times the number of blooms from last year. The city of Victoria came in as the leading municipality with 731,226,432 blooms for the second year in a row.

“The annual flower count is a great reminder that Victoria really is the best bloomin’ city in Canada.” said Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce chair John Espley. “Thanks to everyone who participated in the count again this year – it is a wonderful way to welcome in the Spring.”

The classroom competition for a trip to Butchart Gardens via LA Limousine was won by a class at Willows School . The competition was open to grades four and five who practiced using their multiplication tables to participate.

The Greater Victoria Flower Count is a light-hearted event meant to promote Victoria as an attractive shoulder-season holiday destination. Citizens across the municipality are invited to count their blossoms and report their count. The flower count is jointly presented by the regional chambers of commerce, Tourism Victoria, and The Butchart Gardens.

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Esquimalt Life Mark Health 5K: Drivers Advised to Exercise Caution on Race Route #yyj

2012-03-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

March 3, 2012

Come on out and cheer on participants in the LifeMark Health Esquimalt 5k Fun Run and Walk, being held Saturday, March 10th.

The Kids 1K Fun Run starts at 7:45 a.m., while the 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m. Some 500 runners and walkers are expected to take part in the event.

The race route, starting from the Esquimalt Recreation Centre, comprises Lyall Street, Grafton Street, Admirals Road, Clifton Terrace, Lampson Street, and Munro Street as well as Saxe Point Park and Macaulay Point Park.

Drivers will still have access to these areas during the event, but are asked to exercise caution while participants are on the course. Traffic controllers wearing safety vests will be directing vehicles at intersections, and there may be delays while runners pass through, particularly at the starting area at the corner of Lyall and Fraser.

Residents living on the race route are also advised to use caution when pulling out of their driveways and to watch for participants.

Register Here

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Mystery Creature Guided Walk at Witty's Lagoon Regional Park March 13 #yyjparks

2012-03-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

1-2:30pm

Witty's Lagoon Regional Park (Metchosin)

Guided Walk - All ages

Solve the riddles to find the clues hidden along the trail with a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist. At the end, piece the puzzle together to discover who the mystery creature is. Meet at the Witty’s Lagoon nature centre off Metchosin Road.

Please leave your pets at home. For inquiries contact CRD Regional Parks at 250.478.3344 or visit http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/events

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Green Index offers a helping hand in sustainable business practices #yyj @myDVBA

2012-03-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

Victoria, BC: A new initiative from the Downtown Victoria Business Association is aiming to help local businesses on the path toward sustainable practices. The Green Index has been developed by the DVBA with the help of local environmental consultants, Synergy Enterprises. The Index brings together, in one convenient online resource, information on sustainable alternatives in seven themed chapters, with four downtown case studies, along with networking opportunities and grant programs.

"The DVBA recognizes the increasing importance for businesses to engage in responsible environmental practices," says Chair, Martin Leclerc. "Many of our downtown businesses have already received top honours for their environmental standards, many more are working hard to do the same. We hope the Green Index will help those who are wanting to find out more about what they can do."

The Green Index covers sustainable products and practices in the categories of Construction, Repairs & Retrofits, Energy, Heating & Cooling, Purchasing & Packaging, Transportation, Waster, and Water. Information is highlighted with four case studies of local businesses which have implemented their own environmental upgrades and are able to speak to what it has done for their businesses. Featured businesses are the Delta Ocean Pointe, Mountain Equipment Coop, Canoe Brew Pub, and Red Fish Blue Fish.

"The Green Index is aimed at helping more businesses keep on top of what will help them become more sustainable," says Ken Kelly, DVBA General Manager. "There is a large amount of information out there and it was our goal to condense much of it to be more relevant to the majority of our downtown businesses."

Also included in the Index are lists of local networking opportunities, grant programs, and other resources available to businesses in the region. The Index is available on the Downtown Victoria Business Association website at www.downtownvictoria.ca/GreenIndex

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Masked Bandit Guided Walk at Devonian Regional Park March 12 #yyjparks

2012-03-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

Masked Bandit Guided Walk

at Devonian Regional Park

Monday, March 12, 2012

1-2:30pm

Devonian Regional Park (Metchosin)

Guided Walk - All ages

A CRD Regional Parks' naturalist will lead you on a raccoon trail for a day in the life of these little rascals. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off William Head Road.

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Friends of Uplands Park present The Changing Landscape, Mega Fauna & Humans March 8 #yyj

2012-03-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

Friends of Uplands Park present Grant Keddie, Curator, Archaeology, Royal BC Museum will speak on The Changing Landscape, Mega Fauna & Humans – the last 22,000 Years.

Grant will amaze you with new archaeological and geological discoveries of our local areas from the Ice Age to Fort Victoria.

Thursday, March 8, 2012 

7:00pm – 9:00/9:30 

Windsor Park Pavilion – Upstairs Meeting Room (equipped with overhead projector)

Map: http://recreation.oakbaybc.org/maps.html

Open to everyone.

Refreshments.

Donations welcome.

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Victoria cougars host @KPIslanders in game 3 Tonight #yyjsports @CougarsJuniorB

2012-03-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA COUGARS HOST THE KERRY PARK ISLANDERS IN GAME 3

The Victoria Cougars welcome the Kerry Park Islanders for Game 3 in their best-of-seven semifinals series tonight.

Game time at the Archie Browning Sports Centre, located at 1151 Esquimalt Road, is 7:15 p.m.

Victoria leads their playoff series 2-0 following wins of 4-3 and 3-1.

Game 4 goes Saturday in Kerry Park and if necessary, Game 5 will be back at the ABSC Sunday afternoon.

The winner of this series will meet either the Peninsula Panthers or Saanich Braves in the 2012 Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League Championship.

Peninsula won its game last night to even their series at 1-1.

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Victoria – First round playoff bye. Kerry Park – Eliminated the Comox Valley Glacier Kings 4-3

TEAM LEADERS: Victoria – Christopher Bannister, Samuel Rice, 2 goals; Robert Zadra, 3 assists; Robert Zadra, 8 penalty minutes. Kerry Park – Cole Peterson, 6 goals; Josh Garneau, 8 assists; Kevin Woodyatt, 43 penalty minutes

GOALTENDERS: Victoria – Bryce Halverson (2.00 goals against average, .913 save percentage); Evan Roch (no appearances). Kerry Park – Matt Chester (3.74 goals against average, .908 save percentage); Jackson Jane (5.47 goals against average, .860 save percentage)

POWER PLAY: Victoria – 9.9 percent (2-for-22). Kerry Park – 12.5 percent (5-for-40)

PENALTY KILLING: Victoria – 100 percent (9-for-9). Kerry Park – 87.7 percent (50-for-57)

PAST RESULTS/FUTURE MEETINGS:

Game 1. March 4, 2012. Kerry Park Islanders 3 @ Victoria Cougars 4
Game 2. March 6, 2012. Victoria Cougars 3 @ Kerry Park Islanders 1
Game 4. March 10, 2012. Victoria Cougars @ Kerry Park Islanders
Game 5 (if necessary). March 11, 2012. Kerry Park Islanders @ Victoria Cougars
Game 6 (if necessary). T.B.A.
Game 7 (if necessary). T.B.A.

HOME/AWAY RECORDS: Victoria – Home, 1-0. Kerry Park – Away, 3-2
STREAKS: Victoria, 2-0. Kerry Park, 0-2
LAST TEN: Victoria, 2-0. Kerry Park, 4-5

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Veteran Traffic Safety Unit officer shocked during routine traffic stop #yyj @Saanichpolice

2012-03-07T15:10:00.000-08:00

A veteran Traffic Safety Unit officer is shocked during routine traffic stop.

Yesterday, in the early afternoon, two Traffic Safety Unit officers were monitoring speeds in the 5000 block of Cordova Bay road in the school zone. They observed a Buick Century travelling 50km northbound through the school zone.

The car was stopped and the driver handed over his license. The officer was then shocked to see the driver had a 1911 birth year!

The Saanich centenarian had a perfect driving record. The Traffic Safety Unit officer wrote a warning ticket and issued a finger wag.

“I was shocked, not only at the 100 years of age, but the brand new 5 year renewal driver license,” says Cst. Janice Carmena.

Here’s hoping we all drive for that long……….

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Legislation to limit liability on resource roads #bcpoli

2012-03-07T14:14:00.000-08:00

March 7, 2012
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

VICTORIA - Amendments updating a number of resource-related acts were introduced today, including changes to the Occupiers Liability Act that will reduce liability concerns arising from the public use of resource roads.

Proposed amendments to the Occupiers Liability Act will:

* Reduce third-party liability to both the government and forest road maintainers on resource roads by aligning liability limitations with existing liability limitations on rural agricultural land and marked recreational trails.

* Reduce the number of resource roads that are closed due to concerns regarding third party liability.

Other legislative amendments introduced include:

* A proposed Forest Act amendment will remove the requirement to notify the public of forest service road closures in the Gazette or local newspapers, and instead have the option of using modern media technology and road signage.

* Proposed amendments to the Forestry Service Providers Protection Act will strengthen implementation of the act with provisions dealing with how liens and charges under the act will be registered and tracked.

* Proposed Wildfire Act amendments will provide additional clarity on the obligations to reduce potential fire hazards when a secondary tenure is issued, typically for the bio-energy sector. This will help facilitate the timely utilization of slash materials following harvest, better protecting communities and natural resources from fire hazards.

* Of the estimated 450,000 kilometres of resource roads, 58,000 are Forest Service roads, close to 200,000 are permit or licence roads and the balance are orphan or "non-status" roads.

* The 450,000 kilometres of resource roads in B.C. are equivalent in length to about 56 times the length of the Trans-Canada Highway.

To view a copy of the bill, visit: http://www.leg.bc.ca/39th4th/votes/progress-of-bills.htm

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VicPD Statement on Conviction of Guy Seguin #yyj @Vicpdcanada

2012-03-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Victoria BC – “Early yesterday evening Guy Hervey Seguin was found guilty of attempted murder for his unprovoked and vicious attack on Cst. Lane Douglas-Hunt.

It was through Lane’s physical strength and incredible determination that she was able to fend off this attack. We are grateful that she is back serving with the VicPD family.

That day challenged all the members of VicPD but our officers and civilian staff pulled together to support Lane and her family while undertaking the extensive task of investigating this crime. Any major file like this takes a team to see it through to the end. VicPD would like recognize the civilians who came to Lane’s aide, Crown Prosecutors, and the host of others who helped us through this file.

We are confident that justice has been served.”

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Computer tech support #scam targets British Columbians

2012-03-07T11:49:00.000-08:00

March 7, 2012

Ministry of Justice
Consumer Protection BC

VICTORIA - For several months, phone scammers have been targeting British Columbians by pretending to be with a reputable computer software company, asking to perform urgent software updates and requesting hundreds of dollars as a fee for their service.

In response to this and other frauds, the Province and Consumer Protection BC are teaming up during Fraud Prevention Month to provide tips to help British Columbians fraud-proof themselves.

Fraud Prevention Month is a national initiative with the goal of fighting fraud aimed at businesses and consumers. This phone scam is a prevalent one. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says it currently accounts for 70 per cent of all fraud complaints in Canada.

The phone scam works like this: Tom, a B.C. resident, receives a phone call at dinner time. The caller explains he is from 'Microsoft Tech Support'. He asks Tom whether his computer is running slowly and encourages him to download software right away to fix his computer. Tom has found that his system has been sluggish lately so he follows the caller's instructions and bills the new 'software' to his credit card. The total bill is in the hundreds of dollars.

Unfortunately, Tom has been scammed and has installed spyware, or malware, on his computer. The corrupt program can potentially monitor what he is typing on his computer, including personal information like banking details and passwords.

Here are some tips to protect you and your family from becoming a victim of this 'virus-fixing' scheme:

* If you receive one of these unsolicited phone calls, hang up and do not download anything onto your computer.

* Do your research and ask questions around all unsolicited phone calls.

* Get the name, phone number and website address of any company that calls you. Check to see if it is a legitimate company or if a real company's name is being used as part of a scam. The Internet has a great deal of useful information on scam avoidance.

* Do not provide any personal information, especially your credit card number.

* To stay informed about possible scams and to warn others:

o Visit Consumer Protection BC on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ConsumerProtectionBC

o Report any fraudulent activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1 888 495-8501.

* Know your rights! If you have questions about your rights and responsibilities as a B.C. consumer, please contact Consumer Protection BC, toll-free at 1 888 564-9963 or online at: http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/

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Alternating Single Lane Traffic: 4201 Blenkinsop Rd March 6-7 #yyjtraffic

2012-03-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, March 6, 2012 and Wednesday, March 7, 2012 there will be alternating single lane traffic at 4201 Blenkinsop Road. Work is scheduled to start at approximately 8:00 am and is expected to continue until 4:00 pm.

There will be traffic control people on site to assist with traffic control. Please obey their directions and all traffic signs.

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City Report Reinforces Chamber Call for Sustainable Budgets #@yyj @Chambervictoria

2012-03-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

March 7, 2012 – Victoria, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce agrees with a City of Victoria report that highlights the need to manage municipal finances in a more sustainable way, but is concerned that continually slashing capital budgets and reserves will only make things worse in the future.

“For sometime now tax hikes have been far in excess of the GDP, average wage increases or any other economic indicators available.” said Bruce Carter, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “Most businesses and residents have had to adjust the way they operate in the current environment, finding ways to do more with less. The Chamber recognizes the tough economic conditions that the region has faced, and we believe that there needs to be a stronger emphasis on controlling spending amongst all municipalities, and a serious look at how those services are delivered.”

The Chamber’s ongoing “Our Vibrant Community” campaign focuses on the pillars of affordability, accountability, transparency and collaboration. Supported by an overwhelming number of successful Councillors in the last municipal election, the Chamber’s initiative calls for municipalities to:

Keep tax increases and spending within our means

• Cap municipal budget increases at the rate of real GDP growth plus a factor for population growth and inflation

• Fund new program spending out of current operational savings

• Create programs to examine service delivery models for new and existing programs

Build our quality of life and save for the future

• Focus operational spending on core municipal service priorities

• Allocate sufficient funds to address aging infrastructure

• Clearly identify core and discretionary municipal services

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce with nearly 1,500 members and is the voice of business for Greater Victoria, and has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

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Uno Fest 2012 Line Up Announced #yyjtheatre @IntrepidTheatre

2012-03-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

Intrepid Theatre presents:

The 15th Annual Uno Fest

May 24 – June 3, 2012

VICTORIA, BC - Metro Studio & Intrepid Theatre Club

Intrepid Theatre announces the line-up of performers for the 15th Annual Uno Fest, which features an eclectic mix of North America’s finest solo artist including 2012 CBC Canada Reads winner Carmen Aguirre (Vancouver); Dora Award nominee Megan O’Shea (Toronto); acclaimed dancer and choreographer Deborah Dunn (Elegant Heathens); and Julia Mackey, who returns for a 5th anniversary performance of Jake’s Gift, which premiered at Uno in 2007.

“We have an extraordinary lineup planned to mark Uno's 15th anniversary," says Intrepid Theatre's Janet Munsil, Artistic Director and festival curator, "Great live shows, a new work series, performance and writing workshops to help local artists develop new skills, and the launch of Press>Play, a series of four audioplays that we have commissioned as part of the Victoria 150 Anniversary Celebrations...and there's one special announcement yet to come (very soon) about a headlining performer who'll be giving his Victoria fans an exclusive peek into his solo show in progress.”

Uno Fest also features the standout solo shows that won Pick of the Fringe awards at the 2011 Victoria Fringe, including Trent Baumann (aka The Birdmann), Michael Delamont (aka God), Julian Cervello (Canterbury Cocktails), and Dave Morris (Photobooth).

The Full Uno Fest 2012 Line Up

 Carmen Aguirre/Nightswimming (Vancouver) - Blue Box. Vancouver-based Carmen Aguirre’s sensual one-woman show about love, lust and revolution. In Feb 2012, Aguirre won CBC’s Canada Reads for her novel Something Fierce, which also looks at her remarkable experiences as a brave daughter of the Chilean resistance (image attached. Photo by Itai Erdal).
 Julia Mackey (Vancouver) - Jake's Gift. 5th anniversary! This Jesse-nominated production has toured to every part of Canada.
 Deborah Dunn/Trial and Eros (Montreal) - Four Quartets. Deborah Dunn (Elegant Heathens) returns to the Metro with this dance piece performed to the music of T.S. Eliot's poetry.
 Meagan O'Shea/Standup Dance (Toronto) - The Atomic Weight of Happiness. Interdisciplinary dance artist Meagan O’Shea is an Uno Fest returnee and Dora Award nominee. Her “whacky, whimsical, and wonderful” (The Toronto Star) autobiographical show explores global warming and achieving inner peace.
 Michael Delamont (Victoria) - God is a Scottish Drag Queen. Pick of the Fringe winner Best Solo Show, Victoria Fringe 2011.
 Trent Baumann (Australia) - The Birdmann. Pick of the Fringe co-winner Best Comedy, Victoria Fringe 2011.
 Dave Morris (Victoria) - Photo Booth. Pick of the Fringe co-winner Best Comedy, Victoria Fringe 2011.
 Julian Cervello (Victoria) - Canterbury Cocktails. Pick of the Fringe winner Best Spoken Word, Victoria Fringe 2011.
 Erin Fleck (Toronto) - Those Who Can't Do... this provocative new play about the challenges facing a high school sex ed teacher was a hit this season at Theatre Passe Muraille in Toronto.
 Andrew Bailey (Victoria) - The Adversary. The latest show from the acclaimed monologist of Scrupulosity, Limbo, and Putz - Based on his 2011 Uno Works show Diamond Tiaras in the Gutter.

• Press>Play Four short site-specific audio plays exploring historic Victoria locations, created by local playwrights and musicians, to be experienced by the solo audience member on personal audio players or cell phones. Part of the City of Victoria's 150th Anniversary through the Addressing Arts and Culture program, made possible by the Greater Victoria Spirit Committee and the Dept. of Canadian Heritage.

Uno Works – shows in development

 Missie Peters (Victoria) - Where's My Flying Car?!
 Katrina Kadowski (Victoria) - Cougar Annie Tales
 Constance Cook (choreography) / Alisoun Payne (performer) - I Be Caribou

Workshops by

 Nicolle Nattrass
 Dave Morris
 Meagan O'Shea

ABOUT UNO FEST

Established in 1997 by Intrepid Theatre, producers of the Victoria Fringe Festival, Uno Fest is North America's longest running solo theatre festival, and has presented the work of more than 280 creator/performers. Tickets for Uno Fest go on sale in early May. See intrepidtheatre.com for further information.

Intrepid Theatre's Uno Fest is made possible with the support of CRD Arts Development, The Department of Canadian Heritage, BC Arts Council, The Province of British Columbia, The City of Victoria and the Canada Council for the Arts.

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Proposed changes to PCA Act have no benefits for animals: @BC_SPCA

2012-03-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

March 7, 2012. For immediate release.

The BC SPCA says the proposed changes to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, introduced by the government today in Bill 24, have no benefits for animals in B.C.

“We are very disappointed to see these amendments, which we believe will make it more difficult for the BC SPCA to help animals in distress,” said Craig Daniell, chief executive officer of the BC SPCA. One of the significant changes introduced in the bill establishes the BC Farm Industry Review Board (BC FIRB) as the organization to hear appeals from citizens regarding animal welfare issues.

“We are fully in support of fairness and transparency and oversight through an appeal process,” says Daniell. “However we believe the current system is expedient and works extremely well. Our fear is that the new system adds layers of bureaucracy which will mean fewer animals may be rescued from suffering and fewer animal abusers brought to justice.”

Currently when animals are seized, the BC SPCA issues reasons for its decision not to return animals within 14 days on average. “If that decision is appealed it goes to the B.C. Supreme Court and a ruling is made, on average, within 75 days,” says Daniell. “Based on the reported history of BC FIRB, the shortest period before a case is heard is six months and others take much longer. This means that our shelters will be filled with seized animals awaiting rulings. This is extremely costly, it is not good animal welfare and it means we do not have room to bring in other abused and neglected animals who need shelter and care.”

He adds that the increased bureaucracy will mean SPCA constables will have to spend much more time at their computers doing paperwork rather than being out in the field responding to calls.

“The bottom line is that animals will suffer, and that is not acceptable to the BC SPCA and, we believe, to British Columbians.”

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Canadian Forces to join with US Navy for annual task group exercise @MARPAC @EsquimaltMFRC

2012-03-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

CANADIAN FORCES TO JOIN WITH U.S. NAVY

FOR ANNUAL TASK GROUP EXERCISE

ESQUIMALT, B.C. – Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Ottawa and Regina departed Esquimalt Harbour on Monday 5 March to join up with HMC Submarine Victoria to participate in Task Group Exercise 1-12 (TGEX) taking place off the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

HMCS Ottawa

HMCS Regina

In addition to anti-submarine and anti-aircraft warfare training at sea, a highlight of the exercise will be landing soldiers from ship to shore. Soldiers from two of British Columbia’s infantry regiments, the Canadian Scottish Regiment of Victoria and the Rocky Mountain Rangers of Kamloops will land on the beach at Rocky Point. Delivering troops ashore safely is a complex military operation that includes coordinating sea, land and air forces.

“The importance of interoperability between our three armed services and also with our allies cannot be overstated,” said Commodore Peter Ellis, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific. “It is evident in our shared coastline, shared challenges, and shared goals for emergency readiness. A Task Group Exercise accomplishes this, serving also to hone skills at the individual and unit levels.”

The United States Navy Ships Ford and Rentz from Everett, Washington and San Diego, California respectively and a P-3C Orion Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island are set to join the TGEX. More than 1,000 personnel from Canada and the United States will participate in the exercise that concludes March 16th.

Maritime Forces Pacific ships are joined by a CH-124 Sea King helicopter detachment from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, and a CP-140 Aurora Long Range Patrol Aircraft from 407 Maritime Patrol Squadron from 19 Wing Comox.

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Saanich Police introduce first fully electric vehicle to the fleet #yyj @Saanichpolice

2012-03-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

Saanich Police introduce a fully electric 2012 Mitsubishi Miev

Saanich Police have deployed a fully electric Mitsubishi Miev into the fleet. This vehicle will be used for the daily run to the court registry and Crown Counsel offices by members of the Court Liaison section.

The vehicle can travel up to 155km on a single charge with a top speed of 130kmh. A permanent charging station has been built at police headquarters for the car.

The cost to run the vehicle is 1/10th that of regular gas powered vehicle. Not only are savings realized on the fuel, there are no oil changes and other maintenance issues associated to a combustion engine. Regular maintenance includes largely just brakes and tires.

The Municipality of Saanich has had an electric vehicle since Jan. 2011. The Planning Department has been working on an electric vehicle strategy for 2012 to prepare the municipality for the integration of electric vehicles.

The Saanich Carbon Fund contributed to the purchase of this vehicle with $10,000.00. This fund, the first fund of its kind for a municipality, sees municipal departments divert funds into offsets for their greenhouse gas production. The municipality is leading by example to reduce the carbon footprint in Saanich.

To read more about what Saanich is doing, click the following link:

Saanich carbon fund

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Online advert hijacked #yyj @Saanichpolice

2012-03-06T15:15:00.000-08:00

A condo posted for sale on Kijiji was hijacked by someone overseas.

Yesterday, a Saanich resident contacted the Saanich Police about a Kijiji add that had been hijacked. The victim had advertised a condo for sale on Kijiji. The ad was then taken, including photos, and converted to a rental add with new contact information.

The re-posting stated there had been a sudden transfer and no time to contact a rental agent prior to leaving. The story used was that the owner was a member of the Canadian Air Force who had been posted oversees unexpectedly. This is an attempt to add to the legitimacy by the fraudster.

The posting went on to suggest sending a money transfer via an internet pay site. In turn, the keys to the condo would be sent by courier.

Scams like this largely originate overseas, which makes them nearly impossible to investigate. They also tend to target vacant units so that if someone goes by to have a look it gives the posting further legitimacy.

Some suggestions to avoid being scammed by adds like this are:

• Be wary of any ‘rushed’ adds or stories that have an element of secrecy to them

• Do your research! There are many tools available on the internet to check out current scams.

• Use a reputable rental agent if you are selling or renting. The cost may be nominal compared to getting scammed.

For more information contact the Saanich Police Financial Crimes investigators.

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Alert teller averts a fraud #yyj @Saanichpolice

2012-03-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

A Saanich senior almost withdrew $40,000.00 from a local bank last week.

On March 3rd, the Saanich Police were contacted by family members of elderly parents who had almost been the victims of fraud.

The elderly couple began receiving calls at 7am in the morning. The woman who phoned was crying and she spoke German, like the victims. She claimed to be a relative in some financial distress. During the conversation, the caller assumed the name of a niece when it was suggested by the victim.

As the story unfolded, ‘Olga’ in Germany needed immediate cash as hers was all tied up in a ‘furniture store’ purchase. The victims were entirely convinced that this was in fact a niece in German. To further aid in this fraud attempt, a second caller was introduced as the ‘lawyer’ who would assist in the transfer of funds. Even more troubling, the victims were convinced to not say anything to other family members.

The elderly couple actually went to the Coast Capital Savings branch at Shelbourne and Cedar Hill X road. When the elderly gentleman tried to take out $40,000.00 from the teller, she suggested this may be a fraud. It was then reported to the manager.

If not for the intervention of bank employees and family members, this may have been a significant fraud investigation.

Ways to avoid your parents becoming a victim of a fraud like this:

• Have a discussion with your parents and educate them.

• If someone phones needing help, make sure they consult with family members.

• If your parents are aged and their health is an issue, consider exploring ‘power of attorney’ for their affairs

For more information contact the Saanich Police Financial Crimes Section.

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Miscellaneous statutes bill introduced #bcpoli

2012-03-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

March 6, 2012
Ministry of Justice

VICTORIA - Bill 25, the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2012, was introduced in the legislature today by Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond. If passed, the amendments will affect the following provincial statutes:

Assessment Act - Amendments to the Assessment Act will provide clear authority for BC Assessment to accept, for assessment and taxation purposes, aggregate (averaged actual unit use) data in relation to strata or leasehold accommodation properties. These minor amendments continue current administrative practices.

Environmental Management Act - Amendments to the Environmental Management Act authorize the cancellation of permits by regulation. The Ministry of Environment has been moving toward a regulations-based system since 2004 to standardize requirements and provide greater certainty to industry. Stakeholders will be consulted on a sector-by-sector basis.

Local Government Act - Amendments support regional districts in providing open and transparent government and clarify accountability tools. The amendments will enable regional districts to directly engage with communities by allowing them to seek opinions on matters affecting their regions. They address requests from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and provide for greater harmonization between regional district and municipal rules.

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Act, Insurance for Crops Act and Farm Income Insurance Act - Amendments retroactively remove the requirement for orders-in-council to be created for agreements between the Province of British Columbia and Government of Canada and other provinces.

New Relationship Trust Act - Minor amendments to the New Relationship Trust Act will lengthen and stagger the terms of office for New Relationship Trust (NRT) directors from a two- to a three-year term. The NRT board requested this change to allow more continuity in management of the New Relationship Fund. The fund was created in 2006 with an initial $100 million contribution to help First Nations enhance their governance, leadership, institutional and human resources capacity to address social, cultural and economic needs and priorities.

Park Act - Housekeeping amendments to the Park Act focus on eliminating unnecessary steps in favour of more flexible methods, such as web-posting park use permits instead of placing a newspaper advertisement. The amendments rectify information on modifying the boundary of a conservancy and ensure the ability to waive park use permit fees is supported in the act. Finally, the proposed amendments will allow for a more efficient way to get reports from park facility operators.

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TV Show Seeks Victoria’s Worst Drivers #yyj @DiscoveryCanada

2012-03-06T13:49:00.000-08:00

Toronto, ON (March 5, 2012) The producers of Discovery Channel’s hit show Canada’s Worst Driver are once again calling on the people of Victoria to find the area’s most delinquent drivers. Proper Television, the company behind the show is coming to the capital city in search of candidates for the new season. Nominations are being accepted now through the end of March.

Now in its eighth season, Canada’s Worst Driver aims to improve road safety by rehabilitating the nation’s worst drivers, one bad driver at a time. Through a series of challenges and intense drivers training, motorists relearn the rules of the road while improving their core driving skills. Each episode, one person graduates and returns to city streets as a safer, more skilled motorist. At the end of the season, host Andrew Younghusband will name one lousy licensee ‘Canada’s Worst Driver’.

Submissions can be sent by email to driver@propertelevision.com or by phone 1-866-598-2591. All Victoria entries will be considered for the new season. Producers will be in the area this April to meet with the nominees. Those selected for the show will be flown to Ontario in June to take part in one of the world’s most innovative and effective driver’s training programs. Riding shotgun, the brave nominator.

And just who qualifies? Friends, relatives, husbands, wives, grandparents – anyone who would benefit from full-on, hands-on, driver’s training. “Let’s face it, everyone knows a bad driver. We’re here to help. This isn’t just about a TV show. For a lot of people, driving means freedom, and driving safely might mean saving lives,” says Guy O’Sullivan, Executive Producer of Canada’s Worst Driver.

To nominate the bad driver in your life, email driver@propertelevision.com or call 1-866-598-2591

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Helani Davidson's Daughter of Chaos: March 10 Movie Monday presentation at Eric Martin #yyjfilm

2012-03-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

DAUGHTER OF CHAOS

Saturday, March 10, 2012 @ 7:00pm

a SATURDAY LIVE! presentation by

the Movie Monday Society

Helani Davison’s “Daughter of Chaos” is a creative autobiographical performance on the topics of mental illness and addiction. A certified addictions counsellor, now writer and educator, Davison uses dramatic prose and poetry to look back on her six eventful decades. This dramatic reading describes profound struggles of her personal journey, beginning with a childhood traumatized by a mother who suffered from a painful mental illness, Paranoid Schizophrenia.

Davison's delivery is a grabber: “It's sad, it's bad. It's sexy. It's up-lifting and it’s true!” She describes a life of multiple addictions, eating disorders, deep underlying emotional challenges, and several psychiatric diagnoses including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder.

Davison describes her delivery as raucous and ribald but also deeply sensitive. Each individual vignette is delivered with passion and compelling detail.

In provocative poems like “Main and Hastings” Davison speaks of her encounters with street people. “I see broken people. Broken deeper than bones.” In an anecdotal poem about her relationship with a transient lover, Davison writes, “You Rode Me Like a Motorcycle” and goes on to say, “ours was the Harley Davidson of the love-set, honey. That great flash of silver bike, under a 14 karat sky.”

As a Public Relations Consultant for several addiction treatment centres, Davison proves her commitment to raising awareness. “Mental health and addiction are such serious issues but they are rarely personally attested to or put into a form of entertainment. I am challenging that,” says Davison. “Dry academic deliveries about mental health with a bunch of stats fall flat. People zone out.” Bold, forthright and hard-hitting true accounts by Davison tell it like it is.

“My story is not all that I am, but it is all that I have,” Davison confirms. A compelling story of 'riches to rags and the struggle to come back' offers compassionate understanding, tapping the greatest of all power sources – hope.

This is another in Movie Monday’s occasional series “Saturday Live!” that spotlights writer/performers with lived experience of mental illness and recovery. Says host Bruce Saunders, “The Eric Martin Theatre was originally built in part as a venue to explore psycho-drama. It’s great to revive this powerful process, to make art out of experience, and to share lessons learned with the public.”

An audience discussion with writer/performer Helani Davison will follow the performance. This event, and all Movie Monday events, are by donation.

Daughter of Chaos is on Saturday, March 10th at 7:00pm at the Movie Monday Theatre in the Eric Martin Pavilion - 1900 Block Fort St. For more details: http://www.moviemonday.ca/ or visit the Facebook event page: Daughter of Chaos Live!

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