Vancouver Island Free Daily

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Coming up in Cowichan: Art on display; play auditions; watershed meeting; women to host

2 days ago | vancouverislandfreedaily.com | Andrea Rondeau

A new exhibition by Ken Miner opened April 14 at Excellent Frameworks – Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery. The exhibition features 10 original wet collodion photographs on display until May 5. Ken Miner is a Victoria-based photographer working in the wet collodion photographic method since 2012. He has been deeply involved in this historic process, rediscovering his passion for handmade photography and reconnecting with his artistic roots, said a press release for the show.
High schoolers to bring rock show to the Port Theatre

5 days ago | vancouverislandfreedaily.com | Tyler Hay

Students from John Barsby Secondary School will bring an evening of rock and roll to the Port Theatre next week. The Grade 9-12 students are part of the Barsby School of Rock program, which stemmed from the school’s traditional band program. Music director Russ Der created an all-percussion group during the COVID-19 pandemic because he did not feel wind instruments were a safe option for students. According to a news release, the group played at events but enrolment for music did not increase.
Courtenay-Alberni candidates tackle audience questions at Port Alberni all candidates meeting

1 week ago | vancouverislandfreedaily.com | Elena Rardon

Six of seven federal candidates in the Courtenay-Alberni riding took turns answering audience questions during an all candidates meeting Tuesday, April 15 in Port Alberni. The forum took place at the RimRock Casino, hosted by the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Alberni Valley Transition Town Society.
Port Alberni's Portal Players tackle tough subject in David Harrower's 'Blackbird'

1 week ago | vancouverislandfreedaily.com | Elena Rardon

While the Portal Players Dramatic Society always aims to provide laughter to the community of Port Alberni, their latest production will be less lighthearted. Blackbird, a play written by David Harrower, opens at the Capitol Theatre on Friday, April 25. It explores the uneasy reunion between a woman and the man who sexually abused her when she was a child.
Cowichan senior warning of phone scam

1 week ago | vancouverislandfreedaily.com | Robert Barron

A Cowichan senior is encouraging people to be wary of calls they receive that claim to be from the Canada Revenue Agency. The woman, who asked not to be identified, said she had a message on her voicemail recently that purported to be from an employee of the CRA asking her to call back. The senior said she was immediately suspicious because the first digits in the phone number were 1-905, while the CRA typically uses numbers that begin with 1-800 or 1-888.
Harm reduction alliance holds grief fire in Nanaimo to mourn toxic drug deaths

1 week ago | vancouverislandfreedaily.com | Jessica Durling

Community members gathered at Vancouver Island University to solemnly grieve loved ones lost, as calenders mark the ninth anniversary since B.C. declared a public health emergency on the toxic drug crisis. The grief fire was organized by the VIU Harm Reduction Alliance and held at the university's Nanaimo campus on Monday, April 14. Those who attended wrote a name or message on a paper heart, then ignited it.
First-ever Vaisakhi parade in Port Alberni draws a crowd

1 week ago | vancouverislandfreedaily.com | Elena Rardon

Port Alberni's first-ever Vaisakhi parade drew a crowd last weekend, with hundreds of people taking to the streets to celebrate the birth of Khalsa. Parade participants walked down the streets of Port Alberni on Sunday, April 13, singing hymns and stopping along the way to watch Gatka performers demonstrate martial arts techniques. The parade started and ended at the the Guru Nanak Sikh Society gurdwara in Port Alberni, where free food was offered to participants and visitors.
Victoria runner takes first place at McLean Mill 10K in Port Alberni

1 week ago | vancouverislandfreedaily.com | Elena Rardon

Hundreds of runners braved the rain in Port Alberni for the McLean Mill 10K. The race, which took place on Sunday, April 6, 2025, marked the seventh of eight races in the Vancouver Island Race Series. A total of 412 runners crossed the finish line, which was slightly down from last year's record-setting number of 459. Organizer Sasha Visona partially attributed this to the rainy weather on Sunday. Despite this, the event was "fantastic," she said.
LifeLabs pickets rotate into Nanaimo as B.C. strike into its 8th week

1 week ago | vancouverislandfreedaily.com | Jessica Durling

Improving wages and benefits as well as addressing forced overtime are among the issues leading to LifeLabs workers walking off their job site in Nanaimo. The rotating strike is in its eighth week in B.C., and made its way to Nanaimo on Friday, April 11. About 50 people work at six LifeLabs locations throughout the city.
Upcoming VicPD chief a 'remarkable match' after national search

1 week ago | vancouverislandfreedaily.com | Bailey Seymour

Starting in the summer, a new face will lead the Victoria Police Department after current Chief Const. Del Manak steps down to retire in late August. On Friday, April 11, the upcoming Chief Const. Fiona Wilson spoke with media and presented her commitments over the coming years as she takes the helm of the department. "The vision of VicPD, a safer community together, aligns closely with my own beliefs," she said. "I'm a strong proponent of collaborative, community-informed policing.