Oli Herrera

6 days ago | cheknews.ca | Oli Herrera

After falling victim to theft countless times, consignment store owners in Victoria are changing how customers see and access their products — and teaming up to protect their stores. After nearly a decade of running Thistle and Wren, owner Candace Negm is updating her store’s appearance to her customer base, a decision she’s making to protect her business. “I think to some level [if] you work in retail, it’s always there and it’s an unfortunate part of it,” said Negm.

3 weeks ago | cheknews.ca | Oli Herrera

Following a deadly attack at a block party in Vancouver, the Greater Victoria Festival Society (GVFS) says it’s placing additional measures for upcoming events. The 125th Victoria Day parade is nearing, which will have an anticipated 4,000 participants according to the society. The parade is happening on Monday, May 19. “We usually start working on the parade, maybe the week after the parade ends, so it’s a 12-month process,” said executive director Kelly Kurta.

3 weeks ago | cheknews.ca | Oli Herrera

An Esquimalt councillor’s push for a ward system to vote for Greater Victoria School District board trustees could be in place soon after garnering support from regional municipalities and First Nations. The Township of Esquimalt has begun to receive further support for one councillor’s motion to change the electoral system letter in the Greater Victoria School District (SD61).

4 weeks ago | cheknews.ca | Oli Herrera

Riders who use handyDART say that for the last two weeks, they’ve struggled to book rides and show up to appointments on time. To get a ride onboard BC Transit’s handyDART service, users like Marilyn Wolovick have to typically call two weeks in advance, which has accustomed her to scheduling her day-to-day ahead of time. “I’ve got going to the opera, I’ve got doctor’s appointments….I got choir practices all on this sheet of paper,” said Wolovick.

1 month ago | cheknews.ca | Oli Herrera

A Saanich stained glass artist is on the hunt for a new home for his family and his artwork, which has largely remained hidden from the world. Buzz Rivest secretly knew he always had a passion for the arts. By trade, he worked in construction, and whenever he had time, he explored art through various mediums. “Nothing caught though. When I cut my first piece of glass, it was a wonderment. Because it worked and that was it, that’s all it took,” said Rivest.