Parksville & Qualicum Beach, BC
Spring keeping us in layers
Yesterday's snow reminded us the coast plays by its own rules—winter doesn't always give way quietly. Today's wind is pushing hard off the water, making 6 degrees feel sharper. It's the kind of morning that keeps your jacket zipped and your pace brisk.
Still, the days are noticeably longer now, and there's green showing up in the gardens if you look. The shoreline and parks are drawing people out despite the chill—something about spring on the ocean gets into you, even when it's not being particularly warm about it.
March · Spring · Brant Wildlife Festival · Cherry blossoms
March · Spring
Brant Wildlife Festival · Cherry blossoms · Garden planting begins — Brant geese arrive, wildflowers in Rathtrevor
‘Raven and the Duke’ duo perform at Parksville arts centre on April 10
Husband and wife plan eclectic show at McMillan Arts Centre
WHAT’S ON: A list of PQB community events, week of March 29, 2026
Send your community event listings to editor@pqbnews.com
Indigenous partnership takes the helm at Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish
Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc., a well-known coastal seafood processor and retailer, has officially transitioned to Indigenous ownership, marking a milestone for B.C.’s seafood industry. The post Indigenous partnership takes the helm at Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish appeared first on CHEK.
Outdoor survival school proposal inside East Sooke Park gets sharp criticism
A commercial land use application for an outdoor survival school has received sharp criticism, with concerns that it'll negatively impact trail and park access if approved. The post Outdoor survival school proposal inside East Sooke Park gets sharp criticism appeared first on CHEK.
‘It’s scary’: Cowichan farmers outraged by planned zoning changes to limit farms
Rural residents are outraged about proposed changes to zoning in the Cowichan Valley Regional District that would restrict property use. The post ‘It’s scary’: Cowichan farmers outraged by planned zoning changes to limit farms appeared first on CHEK.
Danielle Smith says diverse opinions welcome after MLA supports separatist petition
Alberta's premier says she welcomes diverse opinions in her caucus after a legislature member of her United Conservative Party opined a referendum on separation is good for the province. The post Danielle Smith says diverse opinions welcome after MLA supports separatist petition appeared first on...
Vancouver Island diver discovers ‘ancient’ rare cloud sponges in Saanich Inlet
A Vancouver Island diver has captured rare footage of ancient cloud sponges deep beneath the water of the Saanich Inlet, part of a fragile reef system once thought extinct. The post Vancouver Island diver discovers ‘ancient’ rare cloud sponges in Saanich Inlet appeared first on CHEK.
‘That feeling of not knowing’: Mother of missing son Michael Dunahee keeps hope alive with Sunday’s memorial run in Esquimalt
The Michael Dunahee Keep Hope Alive five-kilometre run and walk takes place in Esquimalt on Sunday, marking 35 years since Dunahee disappeared from a playground in Victoria. The post ‘That feeling of not knowing’: Mother of missing son Michael Dunahee keeps hope alive with Sunday’s memorial run in...
Uptown pickleball courts closing to make way for housing development
A popular recreational hub in Greater Victoria is set to close its doors this spring, marking the end of a short but impactful chapter for the local pickleball community. The post Uptown pickleball courts closing to make way for housing development appeared first on CHEK.
Avi Lewis is the new NDP leader in first ballot victory
Filmmaker Avi Lewis has been elected as the NDP's new leader defeating his four rivals on the first ballot with nearly 40,000 votes. The post Avi Lewis is the new NDP leader in first ballot victory appeared first on CHEK.
European Parliament member Rima Hassan says she was denied entry to Canada
A French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament says she was denied entry into Canada only days before she was scheduled to participate in conferences in Montreal. The post European Parliament member Rima Hassan says she was denied entry to Canada appeared first on CHEK.
Pet CHEK: Dee Dee aka Ruby Roo is one of many dogs rescued from being strays near Lytton
PET CHEK: Six-month-old Dee Dee, whose nickname is Ruby Roo, is a former stray with a lovely temperament. The post Pet CHEK: Dee Dee aka Ruby Roo is one of many dogs rescued from being strays near Lytton appeared first on CHEK.
Burnaby mayor slams province for cutting funding for affordable housing
Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley has written an open letter criticizing B.C. for pulling back its funding for affordable housing. In the Province’s Budget 2026, it states that it is “slowing the pace of new housing projects,” including “reallocating nearly $1.4 billion across the fiscal plan.” According...
Residents discuss best B.C. rural spots near Vancouver to live in
Vancouver might be the place where everything is happening, but some B.C. residents were recently engaged in a discussion about the best rural places to live near the city. An Ontario resident asked the British Columbia subreddit about places to live that aren’t too far from a moderately sized...
Hidden gem bed and breakfast named best hotel in Vancouver
Vancouver was recently crowned Canada’s hottest hotel market as the busy travel season nears, and one bed and breakfast with just eight rooms has topped a new list of best spots to stay in the city. National Geographic Traveller recently curated its list of 10 of the best hotels in...
Canadians are getting lots of government benefit payments in April
Spring is finally here, and eligible Canadians can expect another round of government benefit and credit payments deposited into their bank accounts. From subsidies for seniors to financial support for parents, these benefit and credit payments aim to make life a little more affordable in...
Ex-Vancouver Canucks coach Tortorella back in the NHL after surprise firing
Former Vancouver Canucks coach John Tortorella is back in the NHL, and he’s joining a division rival. In a move that came out of nowhere on Sunday afternoon, the Vegas Golden Knights fired head coach Bruce Cassidy with just eight games left in the regular season. At the same time, Vegas announced...
New 189-suite Hilton hotel opens in Surrey City Centre
Surrey City Centre will gain a sizeable new Hilton-branded hotel, when it officially opens on Monday, March 30, 2026. Homewood Suites by Hilton Surrey occupies the top nine floors of the newly completed 25-storey City Centre 4 tower at 9686 137 St., located just steps from Surrey Memorial Hospital...
SkyTrain cleaners allege layoffs and 'water-only' cleaning practices under new contractor
Janitorial workers responsible for cleaning Metro Vancouver’s SkyTrain system are raising concerns about staffing levels and working conditions. Members of Service Employees International Union Local 2 (SEIU Local 2), who clean the SkyTrain stations, trains, and maintenance facilities of...
20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: March 30 to April 5
April has arrived, and it’s brought a whole bunch of fun events to Vancouver this week! Start the new month with our roundup of 20 great things to do from March 30 to April 5. Curry Cup, Insomnia Festival, and more. Be sure to view our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around...
Barnes leads Raptors in 139-87 romp over Magic
Scottie Barnes had his 28th double-double of the season as the Toronto Raptors routed the Orlando Magic 139-87 on Sunday.
Toronto Raptors go on historic 31-0 run
The Toronto Raptors made history in the first and second quarters of their 139-87 Sunday rout of the Orlando Magic and they didn't really know or care about it as it happened.
Pope uses Palm Sunday Mass to reject claims God justifies war
Pope Leo dedicated his Palm Sunday homily to his insistence that God is the “king of peace” who rejects violence and comforts those who are oppressed.
As Mideast leaders seek end to war, Iran warns U.S. against ground invasion
Pakistan said that the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt were holding talks in Islamabad without U.S. or Israeli participation.
Flames ignite offence, burn Canucks 7-3
Matt Coronato extended his point streak to five games as the Calgary Flames scored four times in the second period in a 7-3 NHL victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.
As prime minister, Mark Carney makes Question Period a low priority
A Global News analysis of Hansard shows Prime Minister Mark Carney has attended Question Period less than 30 per cent of the time, much less than either of his two predecessors.
Oilers cranking up the intensity in playoff push
The Edmonton Oilers are once again ramping it up at the right time after two consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup final.
Angus, the C. difficile sniffing dog, celebrated as he retires after a decade
Angus was trained to detect C. difficile in 2016 and has spent more than 85 per cent of his life sniffing out the superbug in Canadian hospitals and health-care facilities.
In Australia, Victoria and Tasmania Waive Transit Fares as Fuel Prices Soar
The measures in Victoria and Tasmania are temporary, but show how far and how intensely the oil shock from the war in Iran has spread.
They’ve Been Accused of Running a ‘Covert’ Operation in Greenland. It’s No Secret.
Members of President Trump’s circle, working in plain sight, have caught the eye of Denmark’s intelligence services for trying to make friends and cut deals on the Danish territory.
Gao Zhen, a Chinese Artist Accused of Mocking Mao, Goes on Trial
Gao Zhen, who emigrated to the United States years ago, was arrested during a visit to China and now faces up to three years in prison for artwork.
Netanyahu says Latin Patriarch will have full access to holy site
The Israeli PM said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa had been asked not to enter the church out of concern for his safety.
Partial government shutdown becomes the longest in US history
The 44-day funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security has led to travel chaos at US airports.
Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing nominated as president
The military leader, who has been sanctioned by Western countries, is now certain to get the job.
Iran War Live Updates: Trump Says Iran Agreed to Allow 20 More Ships of Oil Through Strait of Hormuz
The president characterized Iran’s permission as a “sign of respect.” Israel said it launched a wave of strikes targeting infrastructure in Tehran and other areas, and Iran retaliated.
Fugitive Dezi Freeman shot dead by Australian police after seven months in hiding
Freeman has been wanted since the fatal shooting of two police officers in Porepunkah in August.
He Led Congo for 18 Years. Now, Joseph Kabila Is a Hunted Man.
Joseph Kabila, the former president, faces the death penalty after the government convicted him of treason last year. He says the charges are bogus.
Fuel tax halved and free public transport offered as war pushes up prices in Australia
Victoria and Tasmania are incentivising commuters not to drive in a bid to ease cost pressures.
Prison phone call recordings raise questions over ex-Abercrombie boss' fitness for trial
Mike Jeffries' lawyers argue that he is suffering with dementia and late onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Israeli police block Latin Patriarch from Palm Sunday mass in Jerusalem
Prime Minister Netanyahu said it was a safety measure following recent Iranian strikes.
What’s Happening
All events →Explore Local
Full directory →Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
Award-winning oceanfront resort on 22 forested acres. Full-service Grotto Spa, h…
1155 Resort Dr, ParksvilleGallery on the Green
Co-op gallery featuring paintings, pottery, glass art, and jewellery from over 3…
122 Fern Rd W, Qualicum BeachQualicum Beach Cafe
Village cafe with outdoor seating on the main strip. Specialty coffees, fresh-ba…
109 Second Ave, Qualicum BeachParksville Coin Laundry & Dry Cleaning
Self-service laundromat with large-capacity washers, dry cleaning drop-off, and …
188 Middleton Ave, ParksvilleStay in the Loop
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