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The Victoria Pride Parade and Festival is happening this Sunday, turning downtown and MacDonald Park into a colourful, family-friendly party.

If you’re looking for Pride-themed gatherings before Sunday, there are some fun-looking comedy shows happening this week. Check out our Things To Do section for details on those.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

Today: ☀ 24 / 14

Tomorrow: ⛅ 22 / 12

Day after: ⛅ 19 / 13

7-day forecast

The Victoria Foundation has announced the recipients of this year’s Community Grants Program, with 243 local charitable organizations receiving a total of $6.19M through its Vital Stream. 

The annual program donates funds to Victoria’s charitable sector, which organizations can use for any operational or programming needs. Grants are capped at $30K per organization, with seven receiving the maximum amount. 

“In a time when more people than ever face food insecurity, housing uncertainties, economic challenges and more, the Community Grants Program helps alleviate the burdens that many charitable services face in supporting our community,” said Victoria Foundation CEO Ian Bird.

A study conducted by the foundation and UVic found that charitable organizations contribute $5.4B to the CRD’s economy, but 88% of them are in need of reliable core funding to achieve their long-term goals.

One organization looking for a boost is Big Brothers Big Sisters Victoria (BBBSV), which recently said it must raise $250K by the fall to keep its programs running. The nonprofit is now $30K closer to its fundraising goal.

Burnside Gorge Community Centre, which received $20K, will put its funding toward its youth support program, says executive director Suzanne Cole. 

“Our Youth Self-Sufficiency (YSS) Program helps youth secure stable housing, employment, or education, ensuring they have the foundation needed for long-term success,” says Cole. 

Community theatre is also getting some love, with Theatre SKAM taking home $30K. Logan Swain, the theatre’s managing director, says the grant will keep its Rental Access Program going, allowing “equity-deserving artists” to use rehearsal and creation spaces for free. 

See the full list of grant recipients here.

Saanich single-lane traffic overnight: Northbound Hwy 17 between Haliburton and 6183 Pat Bay Hwy, today and tomorrow. 10pm-6am.

Major delays on Cook: Between Slater and Tolmie, today and tomorrow. 7am-7pm. [City of Vic]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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If you’re in the downtown core this Sunday morning at 9:30, you’ll likely hear a prolonged and deep, thunderous ringing of church bells.

That’ll be a special bell-ringing performance—a quarter peal—emanating from Christ Church Cathedral on Quadra and Burdett to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the cathedral’s tower bells.

A quarter peal is a specific type of elite and uninterrupted performance lasting roughly 45 minutes, featuring 1,260 changes, or bell-ringing patterns, in a complex, orchestrated composition.

Its original eight tower bells were modelled after the bells at London’s Westminster Abbey to mimic their sound. The bronze bells, which can weigh anywhere from 225 kg to 1,500 kg, were cast at London’s Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1935.

The bells were then transported by boat to the Island, installed the following year, and first rang out on July 12, 1936.

In 1983, two more treble bells, the smallest of the set, were added and dedicated in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who arrived for a visit to Victoria on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Christ Church Cathedral is one of only seven sites in Canada where live change ringing summons people to worship on a regular basis. 

The cathedral has a group of ringers who practise every week. It takes eight to 10 members to ring the bells, located in the belfry of the north tower.

Christ Church Cathedral offers tours up the 71-step staircase to see the bells. The next one is on Saturday, Aug. 15 when the cathedral is scheduled to host a block party.

Shawnigan Retreats offers the perfect cozy retreat for family gatherings or romantic getaways. Nestled by the serene Shawinigan Lake, our luxurious accommodations feature a sauna, hot tub, games room with ping pong, cards, and board games, and even a private pickleball court. Enjoy nearby hikes through breathtaking nature and unwind in comfort. With space for up to 18 guests, Shawnigan Retreats promises an unforgettable experience.

Explore Shawnigan Retreats and plan your getaway today. Learn more about Shawnigan Retreats.

🎵 Oak Bay Summer Concerts in the Park: Tonight, 6-7:30pm at Willows Beach

🌿 Tree trimmings needed: Wild ARC is looking for greenery donations, including cedar branches or other native plants, to create a comforting home for animals in recovery. [Details]

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Parade and Festival is on Sunday, beginning at 11am.

🏊 Victoria Half Triathlon will be at Elk/Beaver Lake this Sunday. [Info]

Former government workers’ union leader Stephanie Smith dies
Smith, who passed away Monday in her mid-sixties, was the first woman elected president of the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) in the organization’s 100-year history and served from 2014 to 2024. Born in Montreal and raised in New Zealand, Smith, a mother of two and former teacher, was an advocate for affordable child care. She also championed reconciliation and strengthened relations between the union and First Nations. Premier David Eby called Smith a fearless advocate who never backed down. [BCGEU]

Man charged with murder after Quadra attack victim dies of injuries
The assault happened on Quadra near McKenzie on July 3 around 5pm, and it left the victim in critical condition. The victim, who police said was known to their aggressor, has since succumbed to their injuries. Saanich Police have upgraded charges against Suleyman Budak, 30, from aggravated assault to murder. The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) has taken over the investigation from Saanich PD. [Saanich PD]

Saanich agrees to allow short-term rentals for up to 120 days
Saanich staff are drawing up changes to the district’s bylaws to allow residents to rent their homes for up to 120 days. The council agreed to try the new program—which could launch by January—for two years before reviewing it. The current ban on short-term rentals will remain in place until then. It hasn’t been determined whether the new bylaws will apply to secondary suites or be limited to principal residences. [Times Colonist]

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🎵 Skye Alexander: Check out this free lunchtime folk concert at Fort Common today. 12-1pm. [Info]

🧘 All Levels Flow Yoga: Drop in for a free outdoor flow yoga class with One Yoga at Ship Point today. 12-12:45pm. [Info]

🎶 Sue Decker & Gavin Hodgins: The duo will perform a free roots blues concert at Ship Point today. 5:30-7pm. [Info]

🎸 Garden Session All-Stars: Catch this one-night pop-up bringing together three former Garden Sessions-featured artists for a full-band showcase at The Coda tonight. 6:30-8:30pm. [Info]

💃 Swingin' in the Shell: Join the Swing Dance Association of Victoria for a one-hour beginner lesson, followed by social dancing, at Cameron Bandshell tonight. 7–9:30pm. [Info]

🏳️‍🌈 PRIDE-A-LICIOUS @ The Vicious: This queer comedy and drag show will feature Tik Toker Nico Marchant, standup Julya Van Der Sloot, and headlining comedian Robert Watson at The Vicious Poodle tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

😆 Improv Comedy Live at The Mint: Victoria's longest-running improv show returns with a standup comedy-inspired evening featuring Shane Priestley and the regular cast at The Mint tonight. 8pm. [Info]

🧘 Mindful Movement: Relax in the fresh air with like-minded individuals through guided meditation and Qigong movements, outside the Crystal Pool. Saturday. 11:11am. [Info]

🤣 Pride Week at Hecklers: This lineup features hilarious queer talent, including Victoria-raised Jess Lupini and headliner Steve Letts. Saturday. 8pm. [Info]

Tuesday’s headlines: Toddler loses part of his ear in a dog attack in Central Saanich; Orca sightings surge in the Salish Sea; Seeds aplenty at the library starting Friday. [July 8]

Peacock Paintings: Artist returns to billiards hall to paint another van Gogh-inspired mural. [CHEK] 

Snake study: Researchers want the public on the lookout for rubber boas. [Times Colonist]

Changes: Hwy 1 on-ramp at Helmcken. [CTV]

Saanich road closure: Nicholson, today, 8am-4pm.

Picnic With the Herd is Saturday 11:30am-2pm in Saanichton.

Ross Bay Villa Historic House Museum Garden Party is on Sunday 1-4pm.

Victoria’s Fairmont Empress Hotel is named top hotel in Canada for 2nd year in a row by Travel + Leisure. 

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