Saanich Peninsula

Via Choralis, here with most of its members, will perform its first public show in more than two years on May 1 at Sidney’s St. Elizabeth’s Church on Third Street. (Photo courtesy of Nick Fairbanks)

Via Choralis community choir back on stage in Sidney for the first time in two years

St. Elizabeth’s Church will host the Saanich Peninsula community choir May 1 at 2:30 p.m.

Via Choralis, here with most of its members, will perform its first public show in more than two years on May 1 at Sidney’s St. Elizabeth’s Church on Third Street. (Photo courtesy of Nick Fairbanks)
Council renewed the leases for the Satellite Fish Market operating out of the blue building on the northern side of the wharf and Pier Bistro Restaurant operating on the southern end. This decision means that the current status of wharf won’t change until after 2025. (Black Press Media file photo)

Sidney renews leases for Beacon Wharf businesses while raising their rates

Renewal until the end of 2024 means wharf remains unchanged until 2025

Council renewed the leases for the Satellite Fish Market operating out of the blue building on the northern side of the wharf and Pier Bistro Restaurant operating on the southern end. This decision means that the current status of wharf won’t change until after 2025. (Black Press Media file photo)
After a two-year break, the Louisiana Hayride Show is rolling across western Canada and will stop in Sidney on May 2 in paying tribute to the giants of classic country and rockabilly. (Photo courtesy of Louisiana Hayride Show)

Louisiana Hayride Show rolls into Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre

Tribute show highlights the countless stars that rocked to stardom on the legendary broadcast show

After a two-year break, the Louisiana Hayride Show is rolling across western Canada and will stop in Sidney on May 2 in paying tribute to the giants of classic country and rockabilly. (Photo courtesy of Louisiana Hayride Show)
Adam Olsen is the MLA for Saanich North and the Islands. (Black Press Media file photo)

MLA REPORT: Lack of family doctor means diminished quality of life

Family doctor system is no longer feasible for most doctors today

  • Apr 2, 2022
Adam Olsen is the MLA for Saanich North and the Islands. (Black Press Media file photo)
North Saanich Coun. Patricia Pearson, here seen with daughter Emma Pearson, husband Aaron Pearson and son Addysen, hopes that her decision to take a parental level will inspire further changes to help reconcile personal lives with public service. (Krystle Schofield/Submitted)

North Saanich councillor hopes her parental leave helps remove candidate barriers

Coun. Patricia Pearson has begun a three-month leave after family adopts infant son

North Saanich Coun. Patricia Pearson, here seen with daughter Emma Pearson, husband Aaron Pearson and son Addysen, hopes that her decision to take a parental level will inspire further changes to help reconcile personal lives with public service. (Krystle Schofield/Submitted)
The floating structure moored off North Saanich’s Lillan Hoffar Park where a couple had lived on and off for several years is gone after Cold Water Divers removed it last week. (Black Press Media file photo)

Floating structure towed out of North Saanich bay after long dispute

Removal of structure comes months after RCMP, Beacon Community removed occupants

The floating structure moored off North Saanich’s Lillan Hoffar Park where a couple had lived on and off for several years is gone after Cold Water Divers removed it last week. (Black Press Media file photo)
North Saanich is in the process of revising its tree protection bylaw. The municipality is currently inviting residents to participate in the next round of feedback. (Courtesy of District of North Saanich)

Next round of feedback sought on North Saanich tree protection bylaw

Resident survey, plus virtual (March 30) and in-person open houses planned

North Saanich is in the process of revising its tree protection bylaw. The municipality is currently inviting residents to participate in the next round of feedback. (Courtesy of District of North Saanich)
Logan Speirs, here seen Friday, scored two goals Sunday as the Peninsula Panthers beat the Oceanside Generals 2-1 to win Game 3 of the VIJHL finals. They could sweep the Generals and win the league Monday night. (Courtesy Christian J. Stewart Photography)

Peninsula Panthers on verge of winning VIJHL final

Panthers could sweep Generals with home ice advantage in Game 4 at Panorama Recreation Centre

Logan Speirs, here seen Friday, scored two goals Sunday as the Peninsula Panthers beat the Oceanside Generals 2-1 to win Game 3 of the VIJHL finals. They could sweep the Generals and win the league Monday night. (Courtesy Christian J. Stewart Photography)
A new report finds Sidney’s downtown a strength, but also cautions about the effect of changes to the retail environment in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

Sidney’s downtown identified as an economic strength, but challenges also found

Report to council the first of two informing Sidney’s economic development strategy

A new report finds Sidney’s downtown a strength, but also cautions about the effect of changes to the retail environment in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
A woman holds a dog while crossing the Irpin River on an improvised path under a bridge as people flee the town of Irpin, Ukraine. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

B.C. author in western Ukraine says potential for greater conflict very real

Ukrainians appreciate international support, lament lack of physical military aid

A woman holds a dog while crossing the Irpin River on an improvised path under a bridge as people flee the town of Irpin, Ukraine. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Sidney resident and author Michael Bociurkiw is analyzing the Russian invasion while based in Lviv, Ukraine, a western city hit by Russian missiles last week. (Black Press Media file photo)

Sidney author in western Ukraine says potential for greater conflict very real

Ukrainians appreciate international support, lament lack of physical military aid

Sidney resident and author Michael Bociurkiw is analyzing the Russian invasion while based in Lviv, Ukraine, a western city hit by Russian missiles last week. (Black Press Media file photo)
Hunter Jensen looks to make a pass during Game 4 of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League final Monday at Panorama Recreation Centre. The Panthers lost 5-2 to miss a chance to sweep the Oceanside Generals. (Christian J. Stewart Photography/Twitter)

Brooms set aside, but Peninsula Panthers still in driver’s seat in VIJHL final

Generals avoid sweep with 5-2 win Monday at Panorama, game 5 shifts to Parksville

Hunter Jensen looks to make a pass during Game 4 of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League final Monday at Panorama Recreation Centre. The Panthers lost 5-2 to miss a chance to sweep the Oceanside Generals. (Christian J. Stewart Photography/Twitter)
Anthony Thomas was found guilty <strong></strong>March 28 of impaired and dangerous driving causing death, related to an August 2018 crash in Central Saanich. (Black Press Media file photo)

Driver in fatal Central Saanich crash found guilty of impaired, dangerous driving

Anthony Thomas convicted for 2018 crash that killed Kim Ward, critically injured sister

Anthony Thomas was found guilty <strong></strong>March 28 of impaired and dangerous driving causing death, related to an August 2018 crash in Central Saanich. (Black Press Media file photo)
Central Saanich has welcomed the first 19 homeowners participating in a program that allows them to convert their oil heating systems to heat pumps through an interest-free loan from the municipality. (Black Press Media file photo)

Central Saanich pumps up efforts to fight climate change with heat conversion program

Municipality offers qualifying homeowners up to $12,000 through interest-free loan

Central Saanich has welcomed the first 19 homeowners participating in a program that allows them to convert their oil heating systems to heat pumps through an interest-free loan from the municipality. (Black Press Media file photo)
Captain Riley Braun scored twice and added three assists as the Peninsula Panthers beat the Oceanside Generals 6-1 Friday night at North Saanich Panorama Recreation Centre to take a two-game lead in the finals of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL). (Christian J. Stewart Photography/Submitted)

Peninsula Panthers deep-six Oceanside Generals to lead VIJHL finals by two games

The Peninsula Panthers play Game 3 Sunday in Parksville and host Game 4 Monday in North Saanich

Captain Riley Braun scored twice and added three assists as the Peninsula Panthers beat the Oceanside Generals 6-1 Friday night at North Saanich Panorama Recreation Centre to take a two-game lead in the finals of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL). (Christian J. Stewart Photography/Submitted)
Sidney’s new active transportation plan as designed by Urban Systems will include design work for a new north-south cycling corridor with Sidney’s financial plan referring to the proposed project as the Resthaven Bike Lanes. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

Sidney ponies up $180,000 for active transportation plan, including cycling corridor

Public can provide input on plan this spring; some concerned about cyclist conflicts

Sidney’s new active transportation plan as designed by Urban Systems will include design work for a new north-south cycling corridor with Sidney’s financial plan referring to the proposed project as the Resthaven Bike Lanes. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
(Top row) Jennifer Van Es of Beacon Community Services, Sidney Coun. Barbara Fallot, Central Saanich Coun. Gordon Newton, Sidney Coun. Terri O’Keeffe, (bottom row) Dave Willows of Central Saanich, Charlene Froom of North Saanich, and North Saanich Coun. Heather Gartshore helped to work toward the creation of the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee, which plans to start its work before the summer. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney look to build more inclusive communities

New Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory to help break down physical, attitudinal barriers

(Top row) Jennifer Van Es of Beacon Community Services, Sidney Coun. Barbara Fallot, Central Saanich Coun. Gordon Newton, Sidney Coun. Terri O’Keeffe, (bottom row) Dave Willows of Central Saanich, Charlene Froom of North Saanich, and North Saanich Coun. Heather Gartshore helped to work toward the creation of the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee, which plans to start its work before the summer. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
Cycling Without Age Society president Steve Duck (left) accepts a $4,000 donation from Bill Deslauries, president of the Sidney Lions Club, earlier this month. (Photo by Bob Orchard/courtesy of Steve Duck)

Cycling Without Age Society riding strong thanks to donation from Sidney Lions Club

Trishaw bike puts the wind in the hair of community members with mobility challenges

Cycling Without Age Society president Steve Duck (left) accepts a $4,000 donation from Bill Deslauries, president of the Sidney Lions Club, earlier this month. (Photo by Bob Orchard/courtesy of Steve Duck)
Save North Saanich, which organized a rally near the municipal hall last summer criticizing the municipality’s official community plan review process, is among 10 groups that will participate in the upcoming engagement phase. (Photo courtesy of Paige Gibson)

North Saanich OCP engagement to feature 9 resident groups, one advisory group

Other consultations due to start in May include three open houses, online survey

Save North Saanich, which organized a rally near the municipal hall last summer criticizing the municipality’s official community plan review process, is among 10 groups that will participate in the upcoming engagement phase. (Photo courtesy of Paige Gibson)
Owner Kathy Banks (front) with her dog Abby, along with employees Kaylyn Paterson (left) and Sherry Bell (right), and husband James Anson stand outside Pooch Parlour. The municipality closed the business earlier this month for operating without the proper business license. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

Dog grooming business in Sidney gets a life leash, but reopening months away

Councillor argued council going through ‘contortions’ to accommodate one business

Owner Kathy Banks (front) with her dog Abby, along with employees Kaylyn Paterson (left) and Sherry Bell (right), and husband James Anson stand outside Pooch Parlour. The municipality closed the business earlier this month for operating without the proper business license. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)