Community

Future grads at Oak Bay High will have greater scholarship opportunities available through the Oak Bay Rotary Club. (Black Press Media file photo)

Private donor quadruples donations to Oak Bay Rotary scholarship funds

The club has awarded more than $25,000 to Oak Bay High students

Nicky Cook and Kelly Yee set up their stand at Peninsula Country Market. (Black Press Media file photo)

Peninsula farmers markets ready to welcome back patrons

Both the Peninsula Country Market and North Saanich Farm Market plan to expand offerings in the summer

(Black Press Media file photo)

FRESH AND LOCAL: Greater Victoria farm markets ready to greet shoppers

A list of markets on the go this spring and summer, right into fall

A client and a staff member embark on an art project at Oak Bay United Church. (Christine van Reewyk/News Staff)

VIDEO: Oak Bay group of adults with developmental disabilities promotes community inclusivity

Victoria Community Connections moved to Oak Bay late last year

A client and a staff member embark on an art project at Oak Bay United Church. (Christine van Reewyk/News Staff)
The barred owl is the most likely to be spotted in the south Island. (Ann Nightingale photo)

Barred owls dominate Greater Victoria owl-scape

Western screech owl population decimated, partly due to barred owls

The barred owl is the most likely to be spotted in the south Island. (Ann Nightingale photo)
Oak Bay Rotary Club member Lorna Curtis takes over as District Governor of Rotary District 5020 on July 1. (Courtesy Lorna Curtis)

Former Oak Bay recreation director goes international with Rotary

Lorna Curtis takes over as district governor on July 1

Oak Bay Rotary Club member Lorna Curtis takes over as District Governor of Rotary District 5020 on July 1. (Courtesy Lorna Curtis)
The 14th annual Oak Bay Young Exceptional Star (YES) awards June 3. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)

Oak Bay celebrates its Young Exceptional Stars with outdoor award ceremony

Nine young people recognized in 14th annual awards

  • Jun 13, 2021
The 14th annual Oak Bay Young Exceptional Star (YES) awards June 3. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)
Jada Benwell and Connor Larkey are the valedictorians of the 2021 graduating class at Parkland Secondary School. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

Pandemic taught lessons in perseverance for North Saanich high schoolers

Parkland Secondary School to release 2021 grad ceremony video on June 25

Jada Benwell and Connor Larkey are the valedictorians of the 2021 graduating class at Parkland Secondary School. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
Victoria’s Taya Lee, left, won Innovator of the Year in the 16 to 19 age category of the 2021 Youth Innovation Showcase, while Cranbrook’s Keanu Chan, right, won Innovator of the Year in the 12 to 15 age category.

Science Fair Foundation BC announces winners in third annual Youth Innovation Showcase

Keanu Chan and Taya Lee each win $5,000 for their innovations

  • Jun 14, 2021
Victoria’s Taya Lee, left, won Innovator of the Year in the 16 to 19 age category of the 2021 Youth Innovation Showcase, while Cranbrook’s Keanu Chan, right, won Innovator of the Year in the 12 to 15 age category.
The Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra launches its 21st annual Sooke Secret Garden Tour this weekend. (Pixabay.com)

Sooke Secret Garden Tour goes online

21st annual event features gardens from Otter Point, Sooke and East Sooke

The Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra launches its 21st annual Sooke Secret Garden Tour this weekend. (Pixabay.com)
Library takes shape The new Vancouver Island Regional Library in Sooke is reaching skyward. The $7.5-million project is on schedule with an anticipated opening date of spring 2022. Work completed to date includes bringing services to the site, pouring the slab, and installing the timbers. Wall framing and roof building are now the focus. Library officials say the project is on budget. “At this stage, the building’s circular design is clear to see, and it is so exciting to watch this iconic amenity take shape for the community,” said David Carson, VIRL’s media spokesperson. The new library is along Wadams Way. (Kevin Laird – Sooke News Mirror)

PHOTO: Sooke library takes shape

The new Vancouver Island Regional Library in Sooke is reaching skyward. The…

  • Jun 11, 2021
Library takes shape The new Vancouver Island Regional Library in Sooke is reaching skyward. The $7.5-million project is on schedule with an anticipated opening date of spring 2022. Work completed to date includes bringing services to the site, pouring the slab, and installing the timbers. Wall framing and roof building are now the focus. Library officials say the project is on budget. “At this stage, the building’s circular design is clear to see, and it is so exciting to watch this iconic amenity take shape for the community,” said David Carson, VIRL’s media spokesperson. The new library is along Wadams Way. (Kevin Laird – Sooke News Mirror)
Yael Stevens and Lauren MacFarlane are the valedictorians of Stelly’s 2021 graduating class. They say it’s okay to take time to figure out the next steps in the face of uncertainty. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

Stelly’s valedictorians ask classmates to go with the flow in face of uncertainty

Lauren MacFarlane and Yael Stevens say it’s OK to take time to figure out the next steps

Yael Stevens and Lauren MacFarlane are the valedictorians of Stelly’s 2021 graduating class. They say it’s okay to take time to figure out the next steps in the face of uncertainty. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and legumes are ideal for a healthy diet. (Pixabay.com)

FITNESS: Diet, exercise key to good health

In North America, 1 in 10 people is diabetic and 1 in 3 is pre-diabetic

Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and legumes are ideal for a healthy diet. (Pixabay.com)
Kara Lebold, left, is teaching her mother Korrey Laberoute to drum. The family is hosting an informal song and drum gathering at Ed Macgregor Park on June 21, at 7 p.m. (Zoe Ducklow/News Staff)

Metis daughters teaching mother to drum, reclaiming their culture in Sooke

In response to the grief of the Kamloops school discovery, the family is digging into culture

Kara Lebold, left, is teaching her mother Korrey Laberoute to drum. The family is hosting an informal song and drum gathering at Ed Macgregor Park on June 21, at 7 p.m. (Zoe Ducklow/News Staff)
The First Shift program offered by the Sooke Minor Hockey Association hopes to become a launching point for young newcomers to the sport. (Metro Creative)

Sooke hosting First Shift hockey program

Hockey program for beginners starts in October

The First Shift program offered by the Sooke Minor Hockey Association hopes to become a launching point for young newcomers to the sport. (Metro Creative)
EMCS Concert Band performing last year at Band Fest at the University of Victoria. (Neal Beattie photo)

Sooke youth bands hit high notes at MusicFest

Gold standard music coming out of Sooke schools, according to national judges

EMCS Concert Band performing last year at Band Fest at the University of Victoria. (Neal Beattie photo)
Vancouver Island Better Business Bureau and Electronic Recycling Association representatives during their electronics recycling event in May. A collection of refurbished equipment was recently donated to local non-profits. (Photo courtesy Vancouver Island Better Business Bureau)

Refurbished electronics passed along to Victoria charities

Better Business Bureau, Electronics Recycling Association team up to help community groups

Vancouver Island Better Business Bureau and Electronic Recycling Association representatives during their electronics recycling event in May. A collection of refurbished equipment was recently donated to local non-profits. (Photo courtesy Vancouver Island Better Business Bureau)
Belmont Secondary School taken on Sept. 9, 2020. (Aaron Guillen/News Staff)

Let the grad times roll: first ever Belmont motorcade coming to West Shore

Parade through Langford celebrates high school grads

Belmont Secondary School taken on Sept. 9, 2020. (Aaron Guillen/News Staff)
John Fred Jauck with one of this year’s birthday cards at the Trillium Highgate Lodge. (Kiernan Green / Victoria News Staff)

Greater Victoria man celebrates 103rd, looks back on life of educational, volunteer service

During the Second World War, Fred Jauck taught Air Force members math, trigonometry

John Fred Jauck with one of this year’s birthday cards at the Trillium Highgate Lodge. (Kiernan Green / Victoria News Staff)
A sea anemone in the Discovery Passage Aquarium on June 8, World Ocean Day.

VIDEO: Island aquarium spreads the word about World Ocean Day

Highlights importance of marine conservation and what people can do to help the ocean

A sea anemone in the Discovery Passage Aquarium on June 8, World Ocean Day.