parks

The artist rendered Sadie with a few more ribs and wrinkles than she had in real life, and with the fading of her paint she looks a little sad. But real-life Sadie was an energetic hunting dog, her owner Cliff Curtis said. (Zoe Ducklow/News Staff)

Dog sculpture at Glen Lake Park based off a happy hunting hound

Sadie the dog was not as old as the concrete art looks almost 20 years later

 

Advocates working to secure the purchase of the Kings Park greenspace in Saanich are calling on council to extend the fundraising deadline and allocate $1.75 million to the cause. (Image via Mayor’s Standing Committee on Fundraising for Kings Road Community Nature Green Space presentation)

Kings Park advocates call on Saanich to extend fundraising deadline, contribute $1.75 million to save greenspace

Fundraising efforts halted by pandemic, deadline passed March 31

 

A food truck operated by the Songhees First Nation can often be found at the Inner Harbour and in other parts of Greater Victoria. (Songhees Event and Catering/Facebook)

Saanich considers rolling out food truck pilot program this summer

Temporary permits would allow up to two food trucks in five parks

 

A Twitter user sparked a conversation about potential future uses for James Houlihan Park in Saanich after noting that the large, empty field is underused. (@QuenchWines/Twitter)

Residents, councillors dig into potential uses for empty park in Saanich

James Houlihan Park a 1.9-hectare open field with paved walking path

A Twitter user sparked a conversation about potential future uses for James Houlihan Park in Saanich after noting that the large, empty field is underused. (@QuenchWines/Twitter)
The District of Saanich has swapped out playground sand for wheelchair-friendly wood chips in dozens of its parks and plans to do the same in Layritz Park, Brydon Park, Gorge Waterway Park, Mount Douglas Park, Hyacinth Park, Normandy Park and Allenby Park in 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich playgrounds’ sand base to be replaced with wheelchair-friendly wood chips

Braefoot Park among dozens of parks to receive wood chips for increased safety, accessibility

The District of Saanich has swapped out playground sand for wheelchair-friendly wood chips in dozens of its parks and plans to do the same in Layritz Park, Brydon Park, Gorge Waterway Park, Mount Douglas Park, Hyacinth Park, Normandy Park and Allenby Park in 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)
This dead fir tree is one of many in Mount Douglas Park. Nine dead trees will be removed from the Douglas Creek site starting March 8 to make way for the construction of a new pedestrian bridge. (Photo courtesy Jason Clarke)

Nine hazardous dead trees to be removed from Saanich park ahead of bridge construction

Felling begins March 8, minor trail interruptions expected in Mount Douglas Park

This dead fir tree is one of many in Mount Douglas Park. Nine dead trees will be removed from the Douglas Creek site starting March 8 to make way for the construction of a new pedestrian bridge. (Photo courtesy Jason Clarke)
The construction zone remains for now at Clover Point, but plans for a new pedestrian zone and partially closed traffic loop were approved by Victoria councillors on Thursday. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)

Victoria council compromises with partial closure of Clover Point

Option preserves parking 14 spots facing ocean, creates more pedestrian space

The construction zone remains for now at Clover Point, but plans for a new pedestrian zone and partially closed traffic loop were approved by Victoria councillors on Thursday. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)
Where the Dude Chilling Park sign used to live. (Cara McKenna/Twitter)

Famous Dude Chilling Park sign stolen again in East Vancouver

The Parks Board will replace the apparently popular sign for at least the third time

Where the Dude Chilling Park sign used to live. (Cara McKenna/Twitter)
The Churchill Drive gate in Mount Douglas Park will be closed over the B.C. Family Day long weekend. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich closes Mount Doug to vehicle traffic over long weekend due to snow, increased pedestrian use

Park-users reminded to avoid illegally parking on road edges, use designated lots

The Churchill Drive gate in Mount Douglas Park will be closed over the B.C. Family Day long weekend. (Black Press Media file photo)
Plans for Clover Point Park will be determined at a later date, after Victoria council asked staff to bring back more options for the site. (Black Press Media file photo)

Victoria council wants more options for Clover Point Park redesign

Discussion on closing loop section to traffic fails to achieve consensus, more discussion coming

Plans for Clover Point Park will be determined at a later date, after Victoria council asked staff to bring back more options for the site. (Black Press Media file photo)
A ditch marks the Canada-U.S. border and separates people walking on the road, right, in Surrey, British Columbia, and those gathered at Peace Arch Historical State Park, left, in Blaine, Wash., Sunday, July 5, 2020. Although the B.C. government closed the Canadian side of the park in June due to concerns about crowding and COVID-19, people are still able to meet in the U.S. park due to a treaty signed in 1814 that allows citizens of Canada and the U.S. to unite in the park without technically crossing any border. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

B.C. premier says calling for closure of Peace Arch State Park a federal responsibility

Horgan said he would ‘take action’ if Canada-U.S. border park is flagged as problem by PHO

A ditch marks the Canada-U.S. border and separates people walking on the road, right, in Surrey, British Columbia, and those gathered at Peace Arch Historical State Park, left, in Blaine, Wash., Sunday, July 5, 2020. Although the B.C. government closed the Canadian side of the park in June due to concerns about crowding and COVID-19, people are still able to meet in the U.S. park due to a treaty signed in 1814 that allows citizens of Canada and the U.S. to unite in the park without technically crossing any border. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
Construction continues at Clover Point related to the Capital Regional District’s wastewater pump station. At its Feb. 11 committee of the whole meeting, Victoria council will discuss options for improvements to the park, one of which includes closing the south portion of the park to vehicle traffic. (Black Press Media file photo)

Pedestrian-focused improvements suggested for Victoria’s Clover Point Park

Closing the waterfront loop to vehicle traffic one of two options council will discuss Feb. 11

Construction continues at Clover Point related to the Capital Regional District’s wastewater pump station. At its Feb. 11 committee of the whole meeting, Victoria council will discuss options for improvements to the park, one of which includes closing the south portion of the park to vehicle traffic. (Black Press Media file photo)
A development proposal known as Wishart Gardens would straddle Veteran’s Memorial Parkway adjacent to Havenwood Park. An online petition calls on Colwood council to protect and preserve and park from encroachment and undue impact by the development. (Courtesy City of Colwood)

Havenwood Park supporters oppose next phase of Colwood development

Rezoning application requests jump in allowable density for lots at park’s edge

  • Jan 28, 2021
A development proposal known as Wishart Gardens would straddle Veteran’s Memorial Parkway adjacent to Havenwood Park. An online petition calls on Colwood council to protect and preserve and park from encroachment and undue impact by the development. (Courtesy City of Colwood)
Saanich parks staff will be applying a herbicide called Garlon XRT in Sayward Hill Park between Jan. 18 to 29 to control the invasive species English holly and hawthorn. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

Herbicide used to target ‘priority’ invasive species in Saanich park

Treatment applied to English holly, hawthorn stumps, in Sayward Hill Park

Saanich parks staff will be applying a herbicide called Garlon XRT in Sayward Hill Park between Jan. 18 to 29 to control the invasive species English holly and hawthorn. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)
Saanich has awarded the tender for a youth bike skills park planned for the lot next to the George Tripp BC Hydro Substation off Lochside Drive to Bike Track Ltd. for $242,000. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich selects company to build youth bike skills track at Tripp Station Park

More than $240,000 allotted for Bike Track Ltd. to design bike park

Saanich has awarded the tender for a youth bike skills park planned for the lot next to the George Tripp BC Hydro Substation off Lochside Drive to Bike Track Ltd. for $242,000. (Black Press Media file photo)
Stair care in Colwood Colwood Coun. Michael Baxter says Latoria Creek Park is now more enjoyable and safe to take a stroll through due to the latest upgrades completed on the staircase. Four long sets of nature stairs now include slip-proof metal steps. The elevated staircase also allows for better air flow to slow the rotting process, and metal handrails to prevent splinters. (Aaron Guillen/News Staff)

Colwood unveils massive upgrade to popular park staircase

Upgrades include slip-proof metal steps, metal handrails and raised design

Stair care in Colwood Colwood Coun. Michael Baxter says Latoria Creek Park is now more enjoyable and safe to take a stroll through due to the latest upgrades completed on the staircase. Four long sets of nature stairs now include slip-proof metal steps. The elevated staircase also allows for better air flow to slow the rotting process, and metal handrails to prevent splinters. (Aaron Guillen/News Staff)
(Black Press Media file photo)

Blue-green algae bloom confirmed in Elk Lake, water-based activities not recommended

Blue-green algae can be lethal to dogs, cause health issues for humans

(Black Press Media file photo)
Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes and Katie Blake, executive director of the Habitat Acquisition Trust, are calling on the community to help raise $1 million by April 22 to purchase the Mountain Road Forest and create a new regional park. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

Saanich mayor, Habitat Acquisition Trust call on residents to help raise $1M for new regional park by Earth Day

100-day deadline set to secure CRD’s $3.4-million urban forest purchase

Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes and Katie Blake, executive director of the Habitat Acquisition Trust, are calling on the community to help raise $1 million by April 22 to purchase the Mountain Road Forest and create a new regional park. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)
Former park warden George Mercer has turned to writing fiction since his retirement and move to Vancouver Island. Photograph by Lia Crowe

Into The Wild With Writer George Mercer

A passion for parks sets the backdrop for novel series

  • Jan 6, 2021
Former park warden George Mercer has turned to writing fiction since his retirement and move to Vancouver Island. Photograph by Lia Crowe
Saanich police are investigating a report of a sexual assault that occurred on Dec. 29 at Glanford Park. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich police investigating sexual assault in Glanford Park

A 19-year-old woman was attacked Dec. 29

Saanich police are investigating a report of a sexual assault that occurred on Dec. 29 at Glanford Park. (Black Press Media file photo)