‘Raven and the Duke’ duo perform at Parksville arts centre on April 10
Husband and wife plan eclectic show at McMillan Arts Centre
News
RSSLocal
Qualicum Beach to seek First Nation’s advice on new town crest
Aim to make crest more ‘respectful, inclusive and reflective of the community’
Oceanside Music announces spring concert series in Parksville
Shows scheduled through May
WHAT’S ON: A list of PQB community events, week of March 29, 2026
Send your community event listings to editor@pqbnews.com
Canada’s oldest Black WWII veteran dies at 104
Alvie Burden of Armstrong, B.C. passed away Thursday, March 26
Five Guys to open first Vancouver Island location in Greater Victoria
The restaurant will be one of 73 locations in Canada and more than 1,700 worldwide
City of Duncan establishes community heritage register
19 significant properties listed so far
Man missing from Port Alberni since Feb. 25 found deceased
Family thanks searchers, RCMP for their efforts to locate man
Oceanside Minor Baseball to kick off season with Easter Egg hunt
Association looking for 15U coach
Island school sends 3 teams to world’s largest robotics championship
The Claremont Secondary School squads will compete against 800 teams from over 50 countries
Man who assaulted sex trade workers in Nanaimo to be released in Abbotsford
Stephen Ewing sentenced in 2021 after pleading guilty to 6 charges
Campbell River depot welcomes first donor at new breast milk collection depot
‘It’s rewarding. It feels good to be able to do it,’ says Quadra Island mother
Crowd gathers in Esquimalt to remember Michael Dunahee’s disappearance
The 35th annual Keep the Hope Alive walk/run raises awareness about Michael Dunahee
Vancouver Island
VIBE: Barr Brothers bring their new album to Victoria Sunday night
This week’s featured hot ticket items for the weekend and beyond. Brought to you by CHEK Arts & Entertainment producer Steve Grebanier. The post VIBE: Barr Brothers bring their new album to Victoria Sunday night appeared first on CHEK.
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.
UVic Vikes fall to UBC in 2026 annual Brown Cup rowing race Saturday
At Victoria's Inner Harbour, a solid back-and-forth battle on the water played out between the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria but in the end, the annual Brown Cup went to the out-of-towners on Saturday. The post UVic Vikes fall to UBC in 2026 annual Brown Cup rowing...
Islands Trust to explore partnership with UBC biologist
Islands Trust is exploring options to work with the University of British Columbia (UBC) Conservation Decisions Lab headed by Salt Spring Islands resident Tara Martin. The post Islands Trust to explore partnership with UBC biologist appeared first on CHEK.
Magnitude 4.3 earthquake strikes off coast of northern Vancouver Island, B.C.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake has struck off the northern coast of Vancouver Island, B.C. The post Magnitude 4.3 earthquake strikes off coast of northern Vancouver Island, B.C. appeared first on CHEK.
CHEK to broadcast, livestream Brown Cup rowing race this Saturday
The annual Brown Cup rowing race is returning to the waters of Victoria’s Inner Harbour this weekend, pitting the University of Victoria against the University of British Columbia, and CHEK will broadcast and livestream the event. The post CHEK to broadcast, livestream Brown Cup rowing race this...
More cars than people added to CRD between 2024-25
New ICBC data shows that from 2024 to 2025, more cars than people were added to the Capital Regional District (CRD). The post More cars than people added to CRD between 2024-25 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.
Vancouver Island seismologist reflects on anniversary of 1964 Alaska earthquake that shook Port Alberni community
A Victoria-based seismologist with Earthquakes Canada says this week's anniversary of the 1964 Alaska earthquake and tsunami that damaged Vancouver Island communities is an important reminder though rare, subduction earthquakes are the largest kind, and certain to happen again. The post Vancouver...
Campbell River buys subdivided portion of curling club property
The City of Campbell River has bought a key piece of land along one of its busiest corridors, positioning itself for future development aimed at addressing housing needs. The post Campbell River buys subdivided portion of curling club property appeared first on CHEK.
‘She’s always in my heart’: Cowichan’s Rosemarie Harry now missing 2 months
The family of missing Cowichan woman, Rosemarie Harry, hiked out of Duncan Saturday, combing river banks and trails for any clues to her disappearance. The post ‘She’s always in my heart’: Cowichan’s Rosemarie Harry now missing 2 months appeared first on CHEK.
Maple cuttings return to Gorge Park, reconnecting Japanese Garden to its roots
Two maple cuttings have been planted in the Japanese Garden at Esquimalt Gorge Park, restoring a living connection to the site’s early history and the family who once helped shape it. The post Maple cuttings return to Gorge Park, reconnecting Japanese Garden to its roots appeared first on CHEK.
British Columbia
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...
Vancouver City Council to consider new ongoing fund to keep major public events alive
British Columbia’s largest free public events are facing an existential crisis. A growing number of cancelled or significantly scaled-back events and public appeals from longtime event organizers have put pressure on the City of Vancouver to rethink how it supports major public events and...
'Closed-door politics': B.C. Conservatives accuse NDP of secrecy over proposed DRIPA changes
The official opposition party in the provincial legislature is raising concerns about transparency in the BC NDP-led government’s handling of proposed amendments to a key reconciliation law, arguing the process has been conducted largely out of public view. The Conservative Party of B.C. asserts...
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...
Ex-Vancouver Canucks reporter lands new job with another NHL team
A former Vancouver Canucks reporter has landed a new NHL gig with a Western Conference rival. Kate Pettersen parted ways with the Canucks following the 2023-24 season and has gone on to appear in a variety of different roles. The veteran reporter continued her work as a hockey reporter with the...
Westham Island Bridge fully reopens 67 days after barge strike, extensive repairs
Westham Island Bridge has officially fully reopened to vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist traffic after a vessel collision more than two months ago prompted a comprehensive structural integrity assessment and intensive emergency repairs — restoring a critical transportation link for residents and...
6 of the best things we ate in Vancouver this month
Vancouver is full of plenty of excellent restaurants, and we’re reminded of that every time we go out to eat. Whether you’re looking for something cozy and comforting to get you through the dreary rainy weather or something a little bit fancier to celebrate a special occasion, Vancouver has a place...
Vancouver city councillor pitches 7% property tax hike, with rebates for most homeowners
A new member motion from COPE councillor Sean Orr is putting the spotlight back on how the City of Vancouver covers its operating expenditures, with a proposal that would shift more of the property tax burden onto higher-valued property owners, multiple property owners, and/or non-resident...
24-storey student housing tower proposed near Phibbs bus exchange in North Vancouver
Toronto-based Forum Asset Management is proposing to build a significant student housing tower next to Highway 1’s Keith Road interchange, just beyond the north end of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. This would be a redevelopment of 1578-1590 Hunter St. — replacing four single-family lots — into...
Vancouver Canucks' Braeden Cootes has dream start to WHL playoffs
The Vancouver Canucks won’t participate in the NHL playoffs, but postseason action is already underway for some of their prospects. Arguably, there’s no Canucks prospect worth following on their postseason journey more than Braeden Cootes. It’s been an eventful season for the 19-year-old, who...
Canada Soccer drops new slogan ahead of the FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup started to feel like more of a reality for soccer fans in Canada on Saturday. Canada battled against Iceland at the recently expanded BMO Field in Toronto. They clawed back from an early 2-0 deficit, with Jonathan David scoring on two penalty kicks to help Canada earn a 2-2...
Canadians win big after buying lottery ticket from Shoppers Drug Mart
Three Canadian women have a reason to celebrate after buying a winning lottery ticket during a routine stop at Shoppers Drug Mart. For Manitoba residents Kelly Rowsell, her mother Marilyn Webster, and friend Judy Mager, buying a lottery ticket has long been a shared tradition — one they always...
Evgeny Kuznetsov suspended for making crude gesture towards ex-Canucks player in KHL
Two former NHLers have endured strange seasons in the KHL, but things just got even weirder. Former Stanley Cup champion Evgeny Kuznetsov hasn’t avoided drama this season, after he had a falling out with his head coach, Andrei Razin of Magnitogorsk Metallurg. During one October game, he...
Vancouver Canucks goalie Lankinen holds obscure Ovechkin-related record
This probably hasn’t been the NHL season that Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen envisioned. The 30-year-old netminder has just eight wins in 38 starts this season (8-25-5). His 25 regulation losses are the most among all NHL goaltenders. While he’s been hung out to try by a porous...
Canada
Family fighting to bring B.C. senior home after she fell into a coma in China
A British Columbia grandmother is stranded in China in a coma with her family unable to pay the hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring her home via air ambulance
Site C camp to be repurposed for North Coast Transmission Line project: BC Hydro
Hydro says about 85 per cent of the camp, which includes 21 dormitories and the construction site office, will be relocated to sites between Prince George and Terrace.
WATCH: Global News Hour at 6 BC: Mar. 28
Watch the online edition of Global News Hour at 6 BC.
Cost of Premier Doug Ford’s top staff grew by 11% in 2025
The Sunshine List shows 50 individuals in the Premier's Office earned an average of $162,000 in 2025, pushing up the total compensation to over $8 million.
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.
‘Crew is ready’: Canadian set to be voice link to Artemis II mission
If all goes to plan, Calgary-born Jenni Gibbons won't be on the rocket — but she will still perform a critical role in its launch and voyage through space.
Helicopter crash kills 1 in southern New Brunswick, safety board en route
Police in Sussex got a call just before 7 p.m. on Saturday from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax about a missing helicopter with one person on board.
Dunstone suffers first loss at world championship
Matt Dunstone's Canadian crew gave up a crucial three points in the fifth end, losing their first game of the world men's curling championship 8-3 in eight ends Saturday.
Recipe: Asparagus risotto
This asparagus risotto is a great way to use that fresh asparagus that you are now seeing in the grocery store. Follow this recipe for a light and fresh meal!
Call Of The Wilde: The Canadiens dominate the Predators for their fourth straight win
Ivan Demidov raised his game — and his comfort level — on Saturday as the Montreal Canadiens took the Nashville Predators to a 4-1 loss on their home ice.
Montreal police suspend search for 18-year-old who fell through ice into river
The college student was walking with a friend on the river in the l'Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève borough when the ice gave way beneath their feet., police said.
Ever feel like a music outsider? Here’s a guide to industry jargon
The music industry has its own language, which often leaves fans out of the conversation. Let me translate.
Lewis’ election as NDP leader divides party’s Western base
While the election of Avi Lewis as the new federal NDP leader has received mixed response, Lewis says he'll focus on strengthening the grassroots before seeking elected office.
Avi Lewis vows ‘NDP comeback starts now’ after winning leadership race
Avi Lewis received more than 50 per cent of the total votes cast during the NDP leadership convention, giving him the victory on the first ballot.
World
From jammed broadcasts to a blocked website: BBC Russian's 80 years of defiance
For half a century, BBC Russian had to fend off jammers. Now its website is blocked, but millions still read it.
Looksmaxxing influencer Clavicular arrested on battery charge in Florida
Peters is accused of instigating a fight between two women and then posting a video of it on social media, authorities told the BBC.
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.
Myanmar’s Military Leader Moves One Step Closer to Becoming President
Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing stepped down as commander in chief and is expected to be installed as the next civilian leader of the country by its rubber-stamp Parliament.
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.
Latin Patriarch will have access to Jerusalem holy site after police stopped entry
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.
Three killed as unfinished building collapses on church service in Ghana
Locals say the structure, in a school complex, was in use despite lying unfinished for a number of years.
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.
Russian oil tanker reaches Cuba after Trump appears to loosen blockade
The tanker has reached Cuban waters just hours after Donald Trump said he had "no problem" with it arriving.
Can the ‘Dubai Dream’ Survive the War? Residents Say Life Goes On.
The Emirates’ largest city pitched itself to foreign workers and tourists as a sun-soaked safe haven in a volatile region. War has challenged that image.
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.
U.S. to Allow Russian Oil Tanker to Reach Cuba, Breaking Blockade
The tanker full of crude oil could reach its expected destination by Tuesday, providing a lifeline to the island amid intense U.S. pressure.
No Kings protests draw millions to rally against Donald Trump
One of the flagship No Kings rallies happened in Minnesota, where singer Bruce Springsteen performed to crowds.