Good morning {{First name}}!

Please don’t shoot the messenger.
I can hear you already: “More bike lane stuff? Ugh!”
I know. I know.
But like it or not, bike lanes aren’t going anywhere. In fact, our first story tells how Victoria’s city council is looking to get another section built a bit earlier than planned.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

Today: 🌧️ 9 / 7

Tomorrow: 🌦️12 / 8

Sunday: 🌥️ 9 / 3

7-day forecast

City council wants to accelerate the expansion of bike lanes on Pandora to improve safety at what some consider to be one of the city’s more dangerous intersections for cyclists.

Currently, riders headed east on Pandora’s two-way, all-ages-and-abilities (AAA) bike lanes suddenly run out of bike lane when they hit Cook. 

That’s dangerous, said Coun. Matt Dell, who put forth the motion at yesterday’s committee of the whole meeting.

“You have to awkwardly cross traffic and go down Cook Street, which is a big four-lane road, and try to turn with traffic—it’s something that, unless you’re a competent [cyclist], you should not be doing,” he said. 

Riders can head into Fernwood, where it gets a little hilly, but that doesn’t work for people whose destination is Saanich, Oak Bay, or the Jubilee neighbourhood, he said.

“This will help keep people safe,” Dell said. “It’s definitely going to reduce accidents.”

Coun. Marg Gardiner asked how many collisions had occurred at the intersection and how the expansion would affect street parking in the area. City staff said they would have to come back with that information. They’ll also return with how fast-tracking the project would affect the 2026 municipal budget, which the council is trying to reduce. 

With that in mind, the council unanimously agreed to discuss further fast-tracking what had already been the next phase of the bike lane project. 

It’s on the city staff’s drawing board right now because it was scheduled to be built next year, but the intersection has been an issue within the cycling community, judging by the amount of email the council has received about it, Coun. Dave Thompson said.

“Many of them noted that they’ve ridden east on their bikes on Pandora, come to Cook, and then have to do some very sketchy things to continue going east.” 

Dell said he knows that for people who don’t cycle, it may not seem like an issue. “But for all the people who are using this, this is a really critical route in the city that is going to make it a lot easier to navigate—and a lot safer.” 

Thompson said closing that gap will help seniors, children—and anyone new to the bike lanes—and he said it will also be good for motorists. 

“When I’m driving on busy streets, I frankly don’t want to have cyclists mixing in with the traffic,” he said.

Recall: Various macadamia nuts and macadamia nut-containing products, due to Salmonella. [CFIA] 

Saanich extended road closures:
Kremlin between Broadmead and Kisber, 4pm-8am (overnight) until March 13
Kisber at Kremlin, 24 hours, until March 13

Saanich single-lane alternating traffic:
Admirals between Cowper and Arundel, 9am-3:30pm, until April 3
Reynolds between Cedar Hill Cross and Cumberland, 8:30am-3:30pm, until April 3

DND Night firing training in Saanich tomorrow night. [CHEK]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

March sweeps into Victoria with the unmistakable energy of a season turning. The days are longer, the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and the city's stages, galleries, and gathering spaces have events lined up and ready for you.

From world-class ballet and symphony performances to smoky jazz nights and standup comedy that will leave your sides aching, there's something to pull you out of the house every single day. 

Spring break brings family-friendly fun to museums, theatres, and community halls, while markets, workshops, and storytelling nights offer something for every kind of curious mind.

Whether you're drawn to the dance floor, the concert hall, or a cozy seat at a local venue with a drink in hand, March makes it easy to say yes to something new. So get out there and see for yourself—the city is alive.

Check out the full list of events here.

This story ran for our Insiders on March 1. Consider becoming an Insider today and be the first to receive stories every Sunday.

Response to 825 Fort is strong with 80% now leased! Featuring 119 rental homes in Victoria's most walkable neighbourhood, perfect for car-free living.

825 Fort blends heritage character with contemporary comfort from studios to penthouses with A/C and concrete construction. 

Rooftop amenities include a barrel sauna, a yoga area, gas fire pits, and stunning views. On-site Modo car and free memberships for tenants, bike storage with a repair station, EV charging, and pet-friendly suites complete the package.

Built by Salient and managed by Servissio, this boutique residence offers well-insulated, quiet living all on one of Victoria’s most desirable streets for shopping and dining.

Move in right away. Select your new home now!

🪖 First World War seminar at General Sir Arthur Currie Armoury. [Times Colonist]

💻 2026 VIATEC Awards finalists announced.

🎪 Europa Super Circus Saanichton. [March 19-29]

🌱 Make friends and remove ivy at UVic on Sunday. [Info]

🏃 2026 Goddess Run on Sunday. [Beaver Lake]

🏙️ Arden offers contemporary rental homes in Royal Bay, anchored by a resident-exclusive clubhouse with a fully equipped fitness centre, shared entertainment space, and sauna.*

*Sponsored Listing

Every Pot of Gold 50/50 ticket supports Island families facing long hospital stays and medical travel. Half the jackpot goes to the winner, while the other half helps children access the care they need. Tickets on sale until March 17! 

Victoria council cuts $7M to lower property tax hike to 7.28%—for now
That’s a reduction from the initially proposed increase of more than 10%. Most of the cuts are to the city’s parking services infrastructure and debt repayments, and $344K was saved by cutting back on police patrol officer hires. Mayor Marianne Alto said the current figure is not as low as it should be, nor is it as high as it could be. She said the one-shot reduction to four reserves will lead to “impacts down the road.” City staff said an 11% property tax increase anticipated for 2027 is now likely to be closer to 14%. The council will continue crunching numbers as it works to land on a projected tax rate by the May 15 deadline. [Times Colonist]

BC looks to double tourism revenue over the next 10 years
The province’s plan includes improving access to popular destinations, hosting events, and attracting private-sector investment. Tourism Minister Anne Kang called the plan “ambitious” because it seeks to more than double the industry’s annual revenue from $23B in 2024 to $48B in the next decade. Destination Greater Victoria (DGV) has a 10-year plan, too, and CEO Paul Nursey says the tourism board is on the same page. DGV has long said the region badly needs more hotels, having lost 2K hotel rooms over the last 15 or so years. [CHEK]

Ratified: BC teachers finalize new 4-year deal, with 3% annual raise
The union representing 52K teachers has voted in favour of the deal tentatively agreed upon last month. The BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) said 91% agreed to the proposal, which also comes with a lower-end wage bump to attract new teachers. BCTF president Carole Gordon says the province agreed to increase the number of counsellors, special education resource teachers, and learning assistance instructors. The deal is retroactive to July 1, 2025. It provides more prep time for elementary teachers, special allowances for Indigenous teachers and psychologists, and increases for teachers in remote communities. BC’s 60 boards of education (the employer) are slated to vote on the proposed deal today. [BCTF / BC Gov’t]

In Big Stuff, married couple Matt and Naomi have “inherited” all of their parent’s stuff! She wants to keep it all—he wants to toss it. You’re the deciding vote!

In Benevolence, Kevin's journey of discovery leads him to the Tam Kung Temple in Victoria's Chinatown.

🎻 Victoria Symphony: Vivaldi's Four Seasons: Nanaimo-born violinist Aisslinn Nosky leads the Victoria Symphony through Vivaldi's beloved classic alongside works by Rameau and Emily Doolittle. Charlie White Theatre. Today. Doors 7pm, show 7:30pm. [Info]

🎤 Dominique Fils-Aimé: Juno Award-winning Montreal soul and jazz singer Dominique Fils-Aimé brings her powerful, genre-spanning voice to Victoria in support of her newest album. Studio 919, Strathcona Hotel. Today. 7:30pm. [Info]

🩷 HOT PINK! Burlesque Fundraiser for Peers Victoria. The 13th HP! celebrates 20 years of the Cheesecake Burlesque Revue and 30 years of Peers Victoria. Belfry Theatre. Tonight. 8pm. [Info]

🗞️🎵 The Paperboys: The beloved Canadian band celebrates its 30th anniversary with a special show featuring guest alumni, spanning their genre-defying catalogue of Celtic, Mexican folk, and bluegrass. The Coda. Today. Doors 9pm, show 9:30pm-1:30am. [Info]

🤣 Graham Clark: A night of standup comedy with Graham Clark—known for CBC's The Debaters and Just For Laughs. Hecklers Bar & Grill. Tomorrow at 7pm & 10pm. [Info] 

⚡🎵 TnT–The Bon Scott Revue: An AC/DC tribute band celebrating 11 years of rock ‘n’ roll mayhem, playing Bon Scott-era material exclusively. The Coda. Tomorrow. Doors 9pm, show 9:30pm-1:30am. [Info]

👯 GALLIM Mixed Program: New York contemporary dance company GALLIM, led by choreographer Andrea Miller, makes its Victoria premiere with a bold mixed program exploring movement, music, and emotion. Royal Theatre. Today & tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

🧑‍🎨 Artist Talk with Paul Walde: Intermedia artist, composer, curator, and UVic professor, Paul Walde, gives a talk about his video installations, Of Weather and Tom Thomson Centennial Swim. Legacy Gallery. March 14. 1-2pm. [Info]

📯Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra: Victoria musician Nicholas Fairbank will conduct his last concert as chorus director. On the program will be two premières. With the École Poirier Choir. Sooke Community Hall. March 22. 2:30-4:30pm. [Info]

Thursday’s headlines: International Women’s Day events; Malahat SkyWalk to add suspended glass viewing cube; and Central Saanich mulls over 7.37% property tax hike. [March 5]

Scam targeting owners of missing cats suspected in Central Saanich. [CHEK]

Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins wants an apology from plum tree branch-breakers. [Times Colonist]

Oak Bay bike lane construction starts on Tuesday. [Info]

Tuesday’s blood moon is seen above the Parliament Buildings. [Doug Clement] 

Hola Mohalla final day: Holle Mohalle di Vadhai!

Give like a drunken sailor. [Maritime Museum of BC fundraiser]

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