Local Business

The commission charged with proposing a new electoral map for British Columbia’s federal ridings will be in Victoria on Wednesday, June 8 for one of 27 public hearings in the province. The Saanich Peninsula (not seen on this map courtesy of Elections Canada) will remain part of Saanich-Gulf Island with the riding moving further south.

Saanich Gulf Island federal election riding retains Sidney, North Saanich and Central Saanich

Commission in charge of federal electoral MP in Victoria on June 8 after stops in Courtenay, Nanaimo

The commission charged with proposing a new electoral map for British Columbia’s federal ridings will be in Victoria on Wednesday, June 8 for one of 27 public hearings in the province. The Saanich Peninsula (not seen on this map courtesy of Elections Canada) will remain part of Saanich-Gulf Island with the riding moving further south.
Greg and Ken Banner worked with their father, Bob, at Bob’s Repair Center since their teens. The shop on Idlemore Road closed for good at the end of May after serving the Sooke community for 40 years. (Rick Stiebel-Sooke News Mirror) Greg and Ken Banner worked with their father, Bob, at Bob’s Repair Center since their teens. The shop on Idlemore Road closed for good at the end of May after serving the Sooke community for 40 years. (Rick Stiebel-Sooke News Mirror)

Historic fixture in Sooke auto repair closes doors

Owner of Bob’s Repairs hangs up tools after 40 years

Greg and Ken Banner worked with their father, Bob, at Bob’s Repair Center since their teens. The shop on Idlemore Road closed for good at the end of May after serving the Sooke community for 40 years. (Rick Stiebel-Sooke News Mirror) Greg and Ken Banner worked with their father, Bob, at Bob’s Repair Center since their teens. The shop on Idlemore Road closed for good at the end of May after serving the Sooke community for 40 years. (Rick Stiebel-Sooke News Mirror)
(Black Press Media file photo)

The holy virgin – of the kitchen

Extra virgin olive oil not only ensures a fresh, rich taste but also provides health benefits

  • May 29, 2022
(Black Press Media file photo)
Corey Bradder, left, and Aaron Colyn show off Twin City Brewing’s national awards, while Robin Miles and Andy Richards hold up their hardware from the recent Canadian Brewing Awards. (Courtesy of Twin City Brewing)

From lagers to IPAs, Island beers take top honours at Canadian Brewing Awards

9 Island breweries bring home prizes from 2022 Canadian Brewing Awards

Corey Bradder, left, and Aaron Colyn show off Twin City Brewing’s national awards, while Robin Miles and Andy Richards hold up their hardware from the recent Canadian Brewing Awards. (Courtesy of Twin City Brewing)
Fresh berries may be among the items on offer at a newly approved roadside stand in Saanich. (Black Press Media file photo)

Roadside stand approved for 2022-23 by Saanich council

Leslie Drive homeowner gearing up to offer local goods to neighbourhood

Fresh berries may be among the items on offer at a newly approved roadside stand in Saanich. (Black Press Media file photo)
Business owners Lorna Ketler (left) and Jennifer Brewerton moved businesses from downtown Victoria to Oak Bay Avenue because of the existing community vibe. (Vivienne McMaster photo)

Oak Bay village draws businesses from the city

2 new shops fill empty spaces on Oak Bay Avenue

Business owners Lorna Ketler (left) and Jennifer Brewerton moved businesses from downtown Victoria to Oak Bay Avenue because of the existing community vibe. (Vivienne McMaster photo)
Victoria City Council approved the expansion of the Downtown Victoria Business Association’s boundaries on May 12. (Black Press Media file photo)

Downtown Victoria Business Association expands boundary

The decision automatically makes new members DVBA funders and was made after a reverse petition

Victoria City Council approved the expansion of the Downtown Victoria Business Association’s boundaries on May 12. (Black Press Media file photo)
Rockheights principal Aaron Maxwell (left), Nathan Bird of Eagle Wing Tours and Quadra elementary principal Connor McCoy. (Courtesy BC Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association)

Educators honour Greater Victoria businesses for improving students’ lives

Langford, Victoria businesses provide warmth, outdoor opportunities

Rockheights principal Aaron Maxwell (left), Nathan Bird of Eagle Wing Tours and Quadra elementary principal Connor McCoy. (Courtesy BC Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association)
A treehouse-style home in East Sooke has been selected as the top new host in Canada by Airbnb.

East Sooke treehouse retreat tops Airbnb list

Vacation property earns accolades for a desirable destination

A treehouse-style home in East Sooke has been selected as the top new host in Canada by Airbnb.
Ride-hailing stalls will soon be designated in the short-term parking lot at Victoria International Airport to accommodate Lucky to Go ride-share service. (Black Press Media file photo)

First ride-sharing app approved to operate at Victoria International Airport

Lucky to Go will soon have stalls in YYJ’s short-term parking lot

Ride-hailing stalls will soon be designated in the short-term parking lot at Victoria International Airport to accommodate Lucky to Go ride-share service. (Black Press Media file photo)
Victoria’s Sprott Shaw College is hosting open houses at their Bastion Square campus for medical office and health unit administration programs every Friday this month. (Courtesy of Sprott Shaw College)

Victoria college recruiting for in-demand medical admin programs

Need desperate in region for people to take on such roles, Sprott Shaw director says

Victoria’s Sprott Shaw College is hosting open houses at their Bastion Square campus for medical office and health unit administration programs every Friday this month. (Courtesy of Sprott Shaw College)
Destination Greater Victoria named Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites general manager Brenda Ollis recipient of the 2022 Miracle Award and Harbour Air Group CEO Randy Wright the recipient of the Life Member Award. (Photos courtesy DGV)

Longtime Greater Victoria tourism leaders honoured for career contributions

Chateau Victoria’s Brenda Ollis, Harbour Air’s Randy Wright earn prestigious awards

Destination Greater Victoria named Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites general manager Brenda Ollis recipient of the 2022 Miracle Award and Harbour Air Group CEO Randy Wright the recipient of the Life Member Award. (Photos courtesy DGV)
A BC Transit bus leaves its garage. (Black Press Media file photo)

BC Transit opens new avenue for user feedback through online platform

Voice of the Rider platform allows feedback on projects from transit services to infrastructure

A BC Transit bus leaves its garage. (Black Press Media file photo)
Steven Threadkell, manager of the BC Boat Show scheduled for May 12-15 at Port Sidney Marina, says recreational boating has grown significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

Port Sidney Marina to host largest in-the-water boat show on West Coast

BC Boat Show comes to Saanich Peninsula May 12-15

Steven Threadkell, manager of the BC Boat Show scheduled for May 12-15 at Port Sidney Marina, says recreational boating has grown significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
Ile Sauvage Brewing is among the dozen breweries involved in the Victoria Ale Trail tasting passport this month. (Courtesy BC Ale Trail)

BC Ale Trail brews pints for prizes with Victoria tasting passport

12 breweries 2 taphouses participate in tasty scavenger hunt

Ile Sauvage Brewing is among the dozen breweries involved in the Victoria Ale Trail tasting passport this month. (Courtesy BC Ale Trail)
Bill Singer checks for proof of vaccination at the doors of the Rumrunner Pub, which he owns and manages in Sidney. His decision to keep the vaccination requirement in place has sparked online criticism but also earned praise from customers. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

Sidney restaurant still checking vaccine passports receives support from patrons

Owner Bill Singer thought other establishments would make the same decision

Bill Singer checks for proof of vaccination at the doors of the Rumrunner Pub, which he owns and manages in Sidney. His decision to keep the vaccination requirement in place has sparked online criticism but also earned praise from customers. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
For Mother’s Day, people are pretty open to a beautiful bouquet in a variety of blooms as long as it’s nice, bright and cheerful, says one Saanich Peninsula floral supplier. That’s a good thing with weather and supply chain shortages. (Courtesy Eurosa Gardens)

Blooms may vary this Mother’s Day: Greater Victoria floral designer, supplier

Flowers in abundance for Mother’s Day but now is the time to order

For Mother’s Day, people are pretty open to a beautiful bouquet in a variety of blooms as long as it’s nice, bright and cheerful, says one Saanich Peninsula floral supplier. That’s a good thing with weather and supply chain shortages. (Courtesy Eurosa Gardens)
Owner Kathy Banks (front), employees Kaylyn Paterson (left) and Sherry Bell (right), and Banks’ husband James Anson were all smiles earlier this spring when Sidney councillors signalled support for zoning and OCP changes that could have allowed the business to operate in an industrial-zoned space. However, a legislative reversal led Banks to seek space elsewhere. (Black Press Media file photo)

Dog grooming business digs up new home in Central Saanich

Pooch Parlour had previously operated illegally out of Sidney industrial zone

Owner Kathy Banks (front), employees Kaylyn Paterson (left) and Sherry Bell (right), and Banks’ husband James Anson were all smiles earlier this spring when Sidney councillors signalled support for zoning and OCP changes that could have allowed the business to operate in an industrial-zoned space. However, a legislative reversal led Banks to seek space elsewhere. (Black Press Media file photo)
Voting for the 2022 Best of the City awards is open until midnight on May 15. Winners will be featured in a special publication this summer. (Don Denton/Black Press Media)

Still time to vote in 2022 Best of the City awards

May 15 voting deadline for Greater Victoria favourites quickly approaching

Voting for the 2022 Best of the City awards is open until midnight on May 15. Winners will be featured in a special publication this summer. (Don Denton/Black Press Media)
Baere Bikes co-founder Nicholas Jensen with one of his company’s electric cargo bikes on Oak Bay Avenue. (Jake Romphf/News Staff)

Victoria cargo e-bike company ready to change how families get around town

Jensen brothers’ Baere Bikes inspired by cycling-loving, former Oak Bay mayor dad

Baere Bikes co-founder Nicholas Jensen with one of his company’s electric cargo bikes on Oak Bay Avenue. (Jake Romphf/News Staff)
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