Megan Atkins-Baker

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Residents express concern for pedestrian safety on Sayward and Alderley roads where the route is heavily used for industrial travel. (Photo courtesy of Vina Moldoveanu)

3 Saanich topics to watch for in 2022

Environment versus development, safer roads and the looming election will spur headlines next year

Residents express concern for pedestrian safety on Sayward and Alderley roads where the route is heavily used for industrial travel. (Photo courtesy of Vina Moldoveanu)
Jacques Lemay, theatre professor at UVic, was one of 135 honourable people appointed to the Order of Canada on Dec. 29. (Photo courtesy of Christian Tisdale Photography)

Governor general appoints 3 University of Victoria leaders to the Order of Canada

One of Canada’s highest civilian honours goes to trio from UVic community Dec. 29

Jacques Lemay, theatre professor at UVic, was one of 135 honourable people appointed to the Order of Canada on Dec. 29. (Photo courtesy of Christian Tisdale Photography)
Greater Victoria residents continue to pay high gas prices as 2022 approaches.(The Canadian Press/Graham Hughes)

Greater Victoria gas prices ring out 2021 on a high note

Provincial average 119.83 cents per litre in 2020 versus 149.79 cent average in 2021

Greater Victoria residents continue to pay high gas prices as 2022 approaches.(The Canadian Press/Graham Hughes)
Firefighters responded to a report of an ‘explosion’ Apr. 9 at Uptown Walmart. The call turned out to be a car driven through a wall and ultimately trapping store employees in a freezer. The account was one of Saanich News’ most read stories in 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)

Looking back on the top Saanich stories of 2021

6 stories that captured the interest of Saanich News readers over the past year

Firefighters responded to a report of an ‘explosion’ Apr. 9 at Uptown Walmart. The call turned out to be a car driven through a wall and ultimately trapping store employees in a freezer. The account was one of Saanich News’ most read stories in 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)
Kevin Henry was last heard from on Nov. 27 and was reported missing on Dec. 11. (Photo courtesy of VicPD)

Friends and family launch fundraiser for missing Kevin ‘Bear’ Henry last seen near Fairy Creek

Funds raised will go toward the hiring of private search-and-rescue (SAR) teams

Kevin Henry was last heard from on Nov. 27 and was reported missing on Dec. 11. (Photo courtesy of VicPD)
Great blue herons are often seen in Greater Victoria near wetlands. (Photo by Robert Fraser)

Saanich photographer captures photos of beautiful birds in a winter landscape

Taking photos and getting close to nature is a way to ease anxiety, he says

Great blue herons are often seen in Greater Victoria near wetlands. (Photo by Robert Fraser)
Winter road maintenance in Saanich is budgeted, and certain routes are prioritized in the wake of hazardous conditions. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich crews work around the clock to tend to winter weather conditions

Major and collector streets, designated bus routes and steep hills priority

Winter road maintenance in Saanich is budgeted, and certain routes are prioritized in the wake of hazardous conditions. (Black Press Media file photo)
Skaters enjoy a game of hockey on Saanich’s Panama Flats, Dec. 29, in the early afternoon. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Skaters enjoy outdoor Saanich ice rink in the wake of below freezing weather

Environment Canada issues another snowfall warning Dec. 29

Skaters enjoy a game of hockey on Saanich’s Panama Flats, Dec. 29, in the early afternoon. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
102 million winning tickets sold to players by BCLC in 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)

Record-breaking $100.4 million won in lottery tickets on Vancouver Island in 2021

Total of $891 million paid to lottery winners across all of B.C.

102 million winning tickets sold to players by BCLC in 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)
Those with mobility challenges continue to encounter utility poles on sidewalks in Saanich, like this one on an often-busy Cedar Hill Road near Mount Douglas Cross Road near two large trees. Mobility advocates say the district needs to do more work to address such safety issues in its road and sidewalk planning. (Photo courtesy of Dean Murdock)

Saanich disability advocate calls for more inclusive sidewalk, roadway designs

Utility poles on sidewalks one area of improvement needed to help those with mobility challenges

Those with mobility challenges continue to encounter utility poles on sidewalks in Saanich, like this one on an often-busy Cedar Hill Road near Mount Douglas Cross Road near two large trees. Mobility advocates say the district needs to do more work to address such safety issues in its road and sidewalk planning. (Photo courtesy of Dean Murdock)
Lifetime Networks of Victoria executive director Wendy-Sue Andrew (left) celebrates fellow staffer Melissa MacDonald, winner of Community Living BC’s Widening Our World award, in a modest ceremony Dec. 8. (Photo courtesy of Caitlyn Sassaman/Community Living BC)

Victoria woman awarded for uplifting vulnerable communities during pandemic

Dozens have received support from Melissa MacDonald and her Lifetime Networks Victoria team

Lifetime Networks of Victoria executive director Wendy-Sue Andrew (left) celebrates fellow staffer Melissa MacDonald, winner of Community Living BC’s Widening Our World award, in a modest ceremony Dec. 8. (Photo courtesy of Caitlyn Sassaman/Community Living BC)
J.B. Williams is a Greater Victoria ethnobotanist who spreads his knowledge about native plants. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

Indigenous ethnobotanist dedicated to preserving traditional plant knowledge in Greater Victoria

J.B. Williams shares his knowledge of native plants across Southern Vancouver Island

J.B. Williams is a Greater Victoria ethnobotanist who spreads his knowledge about native plants. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
Catherine Border (left) and her children, Frances and Lucas Border, sort through non-perishable food items donated by residents of the surrounding Gonzales community for distribution by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. (Photo courtesy of Catherine Border)

Victoria siblings experience holiday generosity of neighbours during food drive

Donated non-perishables, cash delivered to St. Vincent de Paul in time for Christmas

Catherine Border (left) and her children, Frances and Lucas Border, sort through non-perishable food items donated by residents of the surrounding Gonzales community for distribution by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. (Photo courtesy of Catherine Border)
The Russow family took to creativity this holiday season to raise money for Thrifty’s holiday food bank fundraiser. (Photo courtesy of Soren Russow)

Gratitude rocks painted by Victoria family raises money for Thrifty’s holiday food bank

Inspirational quotes encourage a message of love and gratitude in times of adversity

The Russow family took to creativity this holiday season to raise money for Thrifty’s holiday food bank fundraiser. (Photo courtesy of Soren Russow)
Students from Lake Hill Elementary combined to win their category in the CBC 2021 Canadian Music Class Challenge. (Photo courtesy of CBC Music Class/YouTube)

Saanich K-3 music group wins CBC’s Canadian Music Class Challenge

Lake Hill music teacher calls primary instrumental category win a huge accomplishment

Students from Lake Hill Elementary combined to win their category in the CBC 2021 Canadian Music Class Challenge. (Photo courtesy of CBC Music Class/YouTube)
The bottom section of the concrete stairs leading to Mount Douglas Beach are listing, with soil underneath undermined by high water flows from Mount Douglas Creek and the ocean. (Photo courtesy of Darrell Wick)

Saanich park watchdog calls for replacement of Mount Douglas beach stairs

Erosion from water flows causing safety concerns, says Darrell Wick

The bottom section of the concrete stairs leading to Mount Douglas Beach are listing, with soil underneath undermined by high water flows from Mount Douglas Creek and the ocean. (Photo courtesy of Darrell Wick)
The University Heights redevelopment project is an example of a compact, multi-family living space that accommodates other community needs nearby, Mayor Fred Haynes said. (Rendering courtesy Wesbild Holdings Ltd.)

Saanich council hopes broader planning approach will address urgent need for housing

Council supports priority shift from local area plans to focus on high-growth areas

The University Heights redevelopment project is an example of a compact, multi-family living space that accommodates other community needs nearby, Mayor Fred Haynes said. (Rendering courtesy Wesbild Holdings Ltd.)
Coldwater swimming is becoming a popular practice as many find that it benefits their state of mind. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

VIDEO: Polar bear dippers tout benefits of cold water swimming this winter solstice at Mile 0

A winter solstice swim and dance party brought together over 80 people safely outdoors

Coldwater swimming is becoming a popular practice as many find that it benefits their state of mind. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
General manager of Stone Ground Pizza, Morgan Watson, shows off their stone-fired pizza oven, a feature of their new location inside the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in downton Victoria. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

New Greater Victoria food businesses ready to ring in the new year

Newcomers range from fast-food chicken to cheese and wine bistro

General manager of Stone Ground Pizza, Morgan Watson, shows off their stone-fired pizza oven, a feature of their new location inside the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in downton Victoria. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
A group called the Mile Zero Minnows do cold dips year-round no matter the weather. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

Polar bear swims are back in Greater Victoria – here’s what you need to know

Find events at Esquimalt Lagoon, Sidneys Glass Beach, and more

A group called the Mile Zero Minnows do cold dips year-round no matter the weather. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)