Public safety
LETTER: Victoria spends double the average on police. Are we twice as safe?
Send your letter to editor@vicnews.com
VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA / THE LOCAL EDITIONSaturday, October 31, 2026
Victoria, BC news & local updates
Catch up on local headlines for Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, with publication dates and original reporting links. Public sources are checked daily.
Arts & culture
Cecilia brings warmth, vibrancy of Celtic, Quebecois music to Victoria
'We love meeting people and sharing our traditional music with enthusiastic audiences'
Arts & culture
Matisse to Ansel Adams, Wosk Collection adds wonder to Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Into the Wosk Collection: Discovery & Wonder opens at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Nov. 7
Community
Improv whodunit takes audiences through Victoria’s iconic Craigdarroch Castle
Inspired by Agatha Christie, Murder on Paper Street takes place throughout Craigdarroch Castle
Community
Nearly 380 Greater Victoria bus trips cancelled amid overtime ban
An ongoing labour dispute is disrupting bus service across Greater Victoria
Public safety
Update: Victoria police arrested man who pled guilty to child sexual offences
James Richardson failed to appear for his sentencing hearing on Oct. 29
Community
Halloween Safety Reminder: Fireworks Prohibited in Victoria, Increased Park Patrols Planned
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 29, 2026 Victoria, B.C. – As Halloween approaches, the Victoria Police Department (VicPD) and the City of Victoria are reminding the public that fireworks are prohibited within city limits year-round. Over Halloween,…
Community
Drones in First Response: A New Era of Public Safety for VicPD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 29, 2026 Victoria, BC – The Victoria Police Department's (VicPD) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), or drone program, has evolved into a new era for public safety, expanding to frontline patrol operations. The…
Community
City Invests in Youth of African Descent
VICTORIA, B.C. — Five projects that celebrate and empower youth of African descent in Victoria have each been awarded $5,000. “Our whole community benefits when young people can shape the future of our city,” said Mayor-elect Marianne Alto. “The…
Public safety
VicPD Investigating Queens Avenue Building Fire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 26, 2026 File: 26-45101 Victoria, B.C. – The Victoria Police Department and Victoria Fire Department are investigating a structure fire in the 700-block of Queens Avenue that started around 3:50 a.m. on October 24,…
Public safety
Update on Fire at Former Travellers Inn at 760 Queens Ave.
VICTORIA, B.C. — The Victoria Fire Department continues to extinguish the large fire at the former Travellers Inn at 760 Queens Ave. Portions of the building have collapsed and heavy machinery is in use for controlled demolition. Fire crews will…
Community
Traffic Disruptions Expected for Wicked Victoria on Sunday, October 25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 23, 2026 Victoria, B.C. - Costumes? Check. Candy? Check. Traffic detours? Check. Downtown Victoria is getting wicked this Sunday, October 25, for the 12th Annual Thrifty Foods Wicked Victoria! With creative costumes,…
Community
Applications Open for 2027 Cultural Infrastructure Grant
The City of Victoria is investing in arts and culture spaces that support creativity, connection and a vibrant city. The Cultural Infrastructure Grant supports non-profit organizations to create and improve arts and culture spaces that are safe,…
City hall
Victoria Election 2026 Preliminary Results
The preliminary results for the City of Victoria’s 2026 Local Government Election have been tabulated from 12 voting places, five advance voting opportunities, special voting opportunities and mail ballots. Preliminary results are: MAYOR: ALTO,…
Community
Free Bus Service at James Bay Community School to Vote at Crystal Garden
UPDATE (3 p.m.): An internet connectivity issue at James Bay Community School is slowing voter check-in and registration.While we work to fix the issue, a free bus service is available to take voters to Crystal Garden to vote and then return to…
Community
Leaf Collection Starts October 19
The City’s annual leaf collection program starts October 19 and will continue until January. Crews will start leaf collection in your neighbourhood zone on the collection start date (listed below) and will take three to four weeks to complete each…
Community
VicPD Seeks Bystanders to Government Street Incident
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 13, 2026 File: 26-43441 Victoria, BC – The Victoria Police Department is looking to speak with witnesses to a physical altercation in the 1200 block of Government Street, around 7:00 a.m. on October 13, 2026. Upon…
Community
Drop, Cover and Hold On: ShakeOut Earthquake Drill
Victoria has a one-in-three chance of experiencing a damaging earthquake in the next 50 years. The best way to be safe is to get prepared. Join thousands of British Columbians in the Great BC ShakeOut earthquake drill on Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m. During…
City hall
Victoria Election 2026: Don’t Miss Out on Voting due to Canada Post Mail Ballot Delay
VICTORIA, B.C. — The City has learned of a delay in Canada Post delivering requested mail ballots for the 2026 City of Victoria Local Government Election. Completed mail ballots must be received by the City by 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, to…
Community
The Royal Victoria Marathon - Event Details and Traffic Advisories
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 9, 2026 Victoria, B.C. – Traffic disruptions, temporary CCTV cameras, and a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) will be deployed to support public safety and maintain traffic flow during the Royal Victoria Marathon…
Community
VicPD Seeks Public Assistance in Locating Wanted Person
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 9, 2026 File: 26-42925 Victoria, B.C. – The Victoria Police Department (VicPD) is asking the public for information on the whereabouts of 48-year-old Mitchell MOISE, who is unlawfully at large and wanted on a…
Community
Thanksgiving Day Hours of Operation
The City of Victoria will observe the holiday schedule below for Thanksgiving Day. Police, Fire and emergency streets and utility services are available 24/7. Closed on Monday, Oct. 12: City Hall Beacon Hill Park maintenance yard Public Works yard…
Community
Victoria Seeks Next Poet Laureates
VICTORIA, B.C. – The City of Victoria is inviting poets from across the Capital Regional District to apply to become the next poet laureate and youth poet laureate. Each laureate position gives poets a platform to share their work and bring poetry…
Short excerpts link to original publishers.