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Pride Month kicked off yesterday, and although Victoria’s biggest festivities won’t take place until July—the Pride parade and festival are happening July 12—events are popping up around town for the next few weeks.

We’ll keep you posted on all the fun Pride gatherings and more in our Things To Do section.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

Today: ☀ 26 / 13

Tomorrow: ⛅ 18 / 12

Day after: ☀️ 18 / 11

7-day forecast

Victoria’s entry in the West Coast League begins its 14th year (12th if you subtract two seasons lost to the pandemic) in the summer collegiate circuit with the confidence befitting an organization that has made the post-season seven of its last eight summers.

“I don't see why it would be any different,” is GM Christian Stewart’s smiling response when asked if the HarbourCats will be a contender this season.

The ‘Cats have about a dozen returning players—including pitchers Shea Lake, Austin Lindsay, and BC boy Marcus Janovsky, along with catchers Dillon Lopez, Jacob Silva, and Victorian Jai Berezowski—and some newbies excited to be here. 

“The nice thing is those guys hear about what it's like to play in Victoria, and they know what to expect coming in,” Stewart says. “They know what a great place this is to play.”

There have been a few enhancements to Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP, including an upgraded double-decker lounge, field-level seating along the first baseline, and standing room in a new left-field bleacher, designated for charities.

“People were up there earlier—it looked really cool to see people's heads above the fence line and being ready to catch a home run out there,” Stewart said. 

The HarbourCats kicked off their season in Portland, dropping two of three weekend games to the Pickles, and will welcome the Edmonton Riverhawks for tonight’s 6:35pm lid lifter. 

The Cats are set to host the WCL All-Star Game and home run derby in mid-July, and the first of three fireworks nights is this Saturday, when the Kelowna Falcons—managed by former Blue Jays broadcaster Gregg Zaun—supply the opposition.

Victoria traffic alert: Hillside, between Doncaster and Shelbourne, will have reduced lanes for approximately one week, starting yesterday. 

Saanich Engagement: Interurban-Wilkinson Project, today, 4-8pm. 

Saanich road closure: Roy at Elizabeth, today, 8:30am to 3:30pm.

Saanich Single-lane alternating traffic:

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The facility, to be built at 2805 Carlow, is expected to feature affordable child care for 73 kids and become the permanent location for Foundry West Shore, providing free mental health services for young people aged 12 to 24 

Construction is slated to begin early next year, with Langford eyeing a spring 2028 opening date. The property is currently home to the Centennial Centre for Arts, Culture and Community, which is scheduled to relocate to Glen Lake Road in early 2027. The arts centre will continue to operate as usual until the end of this year.

The project is being jointly funded by the city and both federal and provincial governments, including $7.1M from BC. 

The wellness centre is a shift from Langford’s original plans for the site, which were supposed to be a six-storey, 40-unit affordable housing development. The city says changes to the pace of provincial housing funding led to the redirection.

The building will instead be two storeys, with child-care facilities on the first floor and Foundry on the second floor.

This would be the second Foundry centre for Greater Victoria and the first for Westshore communities. Foundry centres operate across the province, providing mental-health supports for youth and their families. The centres are run by different organizations, and Langford’s will be overseen by Thrive Social Services, a Victoria-based nonprofit.

Scott Bradford, executive director of Thrive, says the site was chosen after an “extensive” search for a permanent Foundry West Shore location. 

“This project highlights what can be achieved through community partnerships,” said Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson. 

“Co-locating child care and youth wellness services at this central location maximizes community benefit and ensures families can access essential services in a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment.”

As BC looks to expand its child-care offerings, the province is gathering feedback from the public on future plans. Share your thoughts via the child-care survey, open now through July 9.

Experience enchanting Night Illuminations at The Butchart Gardens from Wednesday to Sunday evenings at dusk, with over 3,000 lights elegantly transforming the gardens. Complete your evening with dinner at The Dining Room Restaurant from 5pm to 8pm; reservations are recommended. Discover the unforgettable beauty of summer nights at The Gardens.

🧓 BC Seniors Week: This year’s theme is Experience Matters.

🏳️‍🌈 Saanich Pride in the Park: June 17 in Beckwith Park [Details]

🎉 Esquimalt Block Party is June 13 at Bullen Park.

🚻 More washrooms on Dallas: Three public washrooms will be opening along the road later this summer. [City of Vic]

Come join the Canadian Club of Victoria Luncheon Meeting on June 9 from 11:45 am - 1:30 pm at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Celebrating Victoria Foundation's 90th anniversary with their CEO, Sandra Richardson.

Deadline to register is June 5 at noon. Non-members are welcome to attend. Details here.

$154.7M Camosun student housing project breaks ground
Construction is underway on Camosun College’s first-ever housing facility. The six-storey, 429-bed development is being built on the Oak Bay side of the college’s Lansdowne campus. It will feature a coffee shop, study spaces, and temporary accommodation for students in crisis. The facility is slated to open in early 2029. BC is providing $151.7M for the project, with Camosun funding the remaining $3M. [BC Gov]

Victoria records one of the driest Mays on record as drought and wildfire concerns grow
The weather station at YYJ saw just 4.2 millimetres of rain last month, which is only 12% of the normal amount for May (36.5 millimetres), making it the third-driest May on record for the YYJ station. The Victoria Gonzales station recorded five millimetres in May—18% of its usual average of 27.5 millimetres—making it the fifth-driest on record for the area. Weather records date back to the late 19th century. [CHEK]

Municipal workers in Colwood to take strike vote next Tuesday
CUPE Local 374 says Colwood is trying to remove an existing worker benefit—paid time off for medical appointments. Local president Shireen Clark calls Colwood’s insistence on rolling back that benefit especially tough, considering how challenging it can be to access medical care. Colwood says its wage offers are competitive with other regions in the CRD, but the union says any gains it makes seem countered with concessions. [CTV]

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🌊 Ocean Week Victoria: This community ocean celebration is happening all week, with festivals, excursions, and educational events running now through June 8. [Info]

🎹 The Final Wave: Night of Vocal Jazz: Oak Bay High's Jazz Wave ensemble will perform alongside a live jazz combo featuring local pianist Tom Vickery at The Coda tonight. 6:30–8:30pm. [Info]

🪡 Sea Glass Jewellery Workshop: Create a wearable piece of jewellery using locally sourced sea glass in this beginner-friendly wire wrapping workshop at Crystal Pool tomorrow. 2–3:15pm. [Info]

🩰 Vertical Performing Arts Year-End Performance: The dance school will close out its 2025–26 season with the first of two nights showcasing student work at Mary Winspear Centre. Tomorrow and Thursday. 6pm. [Info]

🎷 The Invitation Series 1: Steve Kaldestad and Owen Chow: This series, which pairs Montreal and BC jazz musicians, will kick off with saxophonist Steve Kaldestad and guitarist Owen Chow at The Coda tomorrow. 6:30–8:30pm. [Info]

🎺 Winds and Brass Collage Concert: VCM winds and brass students, from beginner to emerging professional level, will share the stage at Alix Goolden Hall tomorrow. 7–8:30pm. [Info]

❤️ Taylor: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift Music: Performer Josette will lead an international band and dancers through more than 20 Taylor Swift songs at the Royal Theatre tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]

🦸 Island FanCon: This fan convention will draw cosplayers and TV stars alike to City Centre Park in Langford this weekend. Friday-Saturday. [Info]

🏳‍🌈 Pride Beach Party: This high-energy queer dance party will feature non-stop Pride bops at Capital Ballroom. June 20. [Info]

Sunday’s headlines: Weekly roundup; Researchers are using robotics to preserve Island Indigenous carving knowledge; BC Transit drivers vote 97% in support of strike mandate. [May 31]

Events happening in Greater Victoria in June: [Capital Daily]

New rental development for Old Town: Council approves six-storey mixed-use building on Chatham. [Times Colonist]

Kerry-Lynne Findlay voted in as the new leader of BC Conservatives. [Global News]

Cat Walk: Fernwood feline party a big success. [Black Press]

GoByBike Week is on: Free transit for cyclists. [Details]

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