Justin Samanski-Langille

Upper Fort Street in downtown Victoria was packed Saturday, June 3, for the Upper Fort StreetFest. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Fort Street packed for Upper Fort StreetFest

Saturday’s event saw a section of the street turned into a pedestrian festival and market

Upper Fort Street in downtown Victoria was packed Saturday, June 3, for the Upper Fort StreetFest. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Visitors to the annual Coast Guard Days open house in Victoria check out a display showing some of the Canadian Coast Guard’s spill response equipment Saturday, June 3. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Coast guard opens doors to public during Coast Guard Days

The Victoria base was set up with displays on all aspects of the Canadian Coast Guard’s work

Visitors to the annual Coast Guard Days open house in Victoria check out a display showing some of the Canadian Coast Guard’s spill response equipment Saturday, June 3. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Riders warm up and chat ahead of the CFB Esquimalt 2023 Navy Nike Ride at Ecole John Stubbs Memorial School in Colwood Saturday, June 3. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

PHOTOS: CFB Esquimalt Navy Bike Ride rolls through Colwood

4 km and 28 km rides were available in support of charities

Riders warm up and chat ahead of the CFB Esquimalt 2023 Navy Nike Ride at Ecole John Stubbs Memorial School in Colwood Saturday, June 3. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Huntington Hero Walk participants gather for a group photo before heading out on their five-kilometre awareness and fundraising walk Saturday, May 27 in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Huntington Heroes Walk returns to Greater Victoria for first time since 2016

The 5 km walk aims to raise funds and awareness to help find a cure for the rare disease

Huntington Hero Walk participants gather for a group photo before heading out on their five-kilometre awareness and fundraising walk Saturday, May 27 in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Racers cruise by as their sails catch the wind Saturday, May 27 at the start of the 2023 Swiftsure International Yacht Race off Clover Point in Victoria. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Yachts set sail for 78th Swiftsure International Yacht Race

Crowds lined the Clover Point waterfront to watch more than 100 vessels set off

Racers cruise by as their sails catch the wind Saturday, May 27 at the start of the 2023 Swiftsure International Yacht Race off Clover Point in Victoria. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
The new clubhouse, under construction at Jordie Lunn Bike Park, is set to open in September and will feature a bike shop, office space for Cycling Canada and Cycling B.C., and a cafe. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

Clubhouse to open in September at Langford’s Jordie Lunn Bike Park

Once finished, it will add office space, a cafe, bike shop, and possibly rentals to the park

The new clubhouse, under construction at Jordie Lunn Bike Park, is set to open in September and will feature a bike shop, office space for Cycling Canada and Cycling B.C., and a cafe. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Highland dancers perform in front of the audience and judges Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

PHOTOS: 160th Victoria Highland Games bring Celtic tradition to Topaz Park

The games got underway Saturday and are set to continue Sunday

Highland dancers perform in front of the audience and judges Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Michelle Mahovlich, a volunteer shopping coordinator with Anney’s Closet, stands in front of the ‘closet’ Saturday, May 20 with some of the items each client receives when they visit. The organization is celebrating its 10th anniversary on May 27. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

A decade of helping women: Public invited to Anney’s Closet anniversary in View Royal

The organization has dedicated itself to helping women in transition with household items

Michelle Mahovlich, a volunteer shopping coordinator with Anney’s Closet, stands in front of the ‘closet’ Saturday, May 20 with some of the items each client receives when they visit. The organization is celebrating its 10th anniversary on May 27. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Following an incident at Thetis Lake which sent two to hospital, B.C. Emergency Health Services is reminding residents of some key water safety tips ahead of the long weekend. (Courtesy CRD)

B.C residents warned to stay safe as long weekend kicks off summer fun on the water

Ambulance service urges caution as warm weather will likely see people flock to lakes and beaches

Following an incident at Thetis Lake which sent two to hospital, B.C. Emergency Health Services is reminding residents of some key water safety tips ahead of the long weekend. (Courtesy CRD)
Following an incident at Thetis Lake which sent two to hospital, B.C. Emergency Health Services is reminding residents of some key water safety tips ahead of the long weekend. (Courtesy CRD)

BCEHS reminding residents to stay safe on water following Thetis Lake incident

The organization said warm weather and the long weekend will likely see more people flock to water

Following an incident at Thetis Lake which sent two to hospital, B.C. Emergency Health Services is reminding residents of some key water safety tips ahead of the long weekend. (Courtesy CRD)
Revellers enjoy the first Friday at the Station pop-up beer and music event organized by the Victoria Beer Society and held at Langford Station Friday, May 12. At the event, the society announced the popular Langford Beer Festival is returning larger than ever July 15 to Starlight Stadium. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

Sprawling Langford Beer Festival tapped to return bigger than ever this summer

The Victoria Beer Society announced its return at the first Fridays at the Station pop-up of 2023

Revellers enjoy the first Friday at the Station pop-up beer and music event organized by the Victoria Beer Society and held at Langford Station Friday, May 12. At the event, the society announced the popular Langford Beer Festival is returning larger than ever July 15 to Starlight Stadium. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Erin Boggs is the fourth generation of the Robinson family to own and operate Robinson’s Outdoor Store since its founding in 1929. She and co-owner Matt King faced several challenges over the five-year transition, but in the first year of full ownership, the store is doing well. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

Business booming after fourth generation’s first year running almost 100-year-old Victoria store

Erin Boggs took over Robinsons Outdoor Store in 2022, navigating the pandemic while in transition

Erin Boggs is the fourth generation of the Robinson family to own and operate Robinson’s Outdoor Store since its founding in 1929. She and co-owner Matt King faced several challenges over the five-year transition, but in the first year of full ownership, the store is doing well. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Rory Smith celebrates after winning his race during the final race night at the Westshore Motorsports Park Saturday, Sept. 17 2022, as the track shuts down permanently. Smith said in a lot of ways the fact the speedway is gone has not quite hit him yet, but as what would normally be the start of his racing season approaches, the reality of the loss of such a unique and storied space is expected to sink in. (Black Press Media file photo)
Rory Smith celebrates after winning his race during the final race night at the Westshore Motorsports Park Saturday, Sept. 17 2022, as the track shuts down permanently. Smith said in a lot of ways the fact the speedway is gone has not quite hit him yet, but as what would normally be the start of his racing season approaches, the reality of the loss of such a unique and storied space is expected to sink in. (Black Press Media file photo)
The Luxton Spring Fair is back May 18-21, bringing plenty of fun for all ages. (Black Press Media file photo)

Luxton Spring Fair returns to Langford for Victoria Day weekend

May 18, 19, 20, 21 to have no shortage of fun for the whole family

The Luxton Spring Fair is back May 18-21, bringing plenty of fun for all ages. (Black Press Media file photo)
The annual Regional Emergency Preparedness Fair and Display is returning May 7 to West Shore Parks and Recreation after its pandemic hiatus, promising a day full of fun activities and important emergency preparedness information for residents. (Black Press Media file photo)

Emergency preparedness fair returns to Colwood after pandemic break

West Shore Parks and Recreation hosting free event filled with activities, important information

The annual Regional Emergency Preparedness Fair and Display is returning May 7 to West Shore Parks and Recreation after its pandemic hiatus, promising a day full of fun activities and important emergency preparedness information for residents. (Black Press Media file photo)
Jimmy Miller, president of the West Shore Skate Park Coalition, tests out the new Thrifty Foods Skate Park at West Shore Parks and Recreation Thursday, April 27, ahead of the new park’s official opening on May 13. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

‘So excited’: Long-awaited West Shore skate park gets opening date

Thrifty Foods Skate Park at West Shore Parks and Recreation a project seven years in the making

Jimmy Miller, president of the West Shore Skate Park Coalition, tests out the new Thrifty Foods Skate Park at West Shore Parks and Recreation Thursday, April 27, ahead of the new park’s official opening on May 13. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Damian Milic, a Grade 4 student at Sangster Elementary School, practices using a fire extinguisher Tuesday, April 25, during the annual Fire Safety Expo in Metchosin. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

PHOTOS: SD62 students get hands-on lessons on fire and life safety

The annual Fire Safety Expo returned to Metchosin April 25 and 26 for first time since pandemic

Damian Milic, a Grade 4 student at Sangster Elementary School, practices using a fire extinguisher Tuesday, April 25, during the annual Fire Safety Expo in Metchosin. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
In her backyard studio in Langford, Kimberly Anne Reid sculpts glass into unique jewelry artfully incorporating cremated remains to help people keep the memories of their loved ones close. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

VIDEO: Langford artist using glass sculpture and cremated remains to keep memories alive

Kimberly Anne Reid is creating one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted glass jewelry in her backyard

In her backyard studio in Langford, Kimberly Anne Reid sculpts glass into unique jewelry artfully incorporating cremated remains to help people keep the memories of their loved ones close. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Wildwood Saunas owner Josh Dupuis said he is thrilled his company has secured a spot at Royal Beach for their mobile saunas for the next six months, with regular opening hours returning Friday (April 21). (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

‘It feels really amazing’: Wildwood Saunas sets up shop at new Royal Beach home

The mobile sauna company has secured a six-month use of the Colwood space

Wildwood Saunas owner Josh Dupuis said he is thrilled his company has secured a spot at Royal Beach for their mobile saunas for the next six months, with regular opening hours returning Friday (April 21). (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
John Lukie was named best goal tender at the 2023 International Air Traffic Controller Hockey tournament, held in Charlotte, N.C. Lukie has been working toward the recognition since he first put on the pads in 2008. (Courtesy of John Lukie)

‘Totally unexpected’: Sidney man named top netminder at international hockey tournament

John Lukie has competed in five International Air Traffic Controller Hockey tournaments

John Lukie was named best goal tender at the 2023 International Air Traffic Controller Hockey tournament, held in Charlotte, N.C. Lukie has been working toward the recognition since he first put on the pads in 2008. (Courtesy of John Lukie)