Nov 6 - November events in Greater Victoria

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Good morning !

Hold on, folks—strong winds and rain will hit Victoria today with no signs of letting up until later in the evening. If you’re headed to the ferry today, you may want to double check that your planned sailing is still a-go.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧️ 11 / 8

Tomorrow: ⛅ 11 / 7 

Day after: ⛅ 10 / 10

NEWS

November events happening in Greater Victoria

It may seem like November is a quieter period that falls between the holiday-focused months of October and December, but in Victoria, it’s a time for cozy indoor markets, festive holiday celebrations, and world-class performances as the season shifts toward winter. 

From beloved Leonard Cohen tributes to enchanting ballet and experimental theatre, there's something to warm every heart during the cooler evenings. 

In addition to the community fun, it’s also a time for remembrance and reflection—we’ll have a special roundup of Remembrance Day ceremonies coming later this week.

Mark your calendars for these local events that showcase our community's vibrant arts scene and holiday spirit. 

Check out the full list of events here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Flood watch: Greater Victoria is among Island communities that could experience coastal flooding today. [Environment Canada]

Strong winds: Check BC Ferries for possible sailing cancellations. 

Saanich road closure: Maddock W. between Tillicum and Orillia for paving, through tomorrow, 7am-5pm, weather permitting.

Saanich single-lane alternating traffic: near 3970 Wilkinson, today, 9am-3:30pm.

Have your say: CRD provisional 2026-2030 financial plan.

NEWS

Let’s all avoid falling this autumn

Footing can be a little fleeting this time of the year with lots of rain and slippery surfaces to navigate, so it’s an appropriate time for a reminder to all—particularly seniors—to be mindful about the possibility of falling. 

According to the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), falls are the leading cause of injury‐related hospitalizations, disabilities, and deaths for BC residents over the age of 65.

“When an older person falls, it can have a lasting and detrimental impact—resulting in injury, loss of mobility, a reduced quality of life, and, in severe cases, even death,” said Dr. Shelina Babul, director of the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit at BC Children’s Hospital.

On any given day, an average of 42 older adults in BC are hospitalized because they fell, the authority said. 

It’s BC Seniors’ Fall Prevention Awareness Week, and public professionals have some safety tips.

Staying active with strength and balancing exercises is helpful. It’s also important to get one’s eyesight checked once a year, it said. 

None of this is rocket science, but there’s a lot you can do to lower the chances of taking a tumble, simply by making your home safer:

• Clear clutter from walkways and stairs

• Install handrails on both sides of the stairs

• Keep walkways, steps, and handrails in good repair

• Install grab bars in your bathroom

• Remove carpets or rugs that present a tripping hazard

• Use only non-slip rugs on the kitchen and bathroom floor and non-skid mats, decals, or abrasive strips in the bathtub and shower

• Install night lights in the bedroom, bathroom, and hallways

Last year, BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) responded to 55,602 calls related to falls among adults aged 66 years or older, the PHSA said.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🧼 Soap for Hope fundraising to provide vulnerable seniors with hygiene products. [Silent auction]

🎶 A fizzy, funky night of song as Heather's voice soars! Catch her with her friends live at Hermann’s Jazz Club, Thursday, November 13 at 7pm.*

🦐 Skeleton shrimp: See the strange creatures as they swim near a marina in Ladysmith. [Facebook video] 

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🎸 The Offspring is coming to Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, with openers Bad Religion. [Jan. 22]

🥚 Her father farmed on Vancouver Island with a simple idea: food should be local. Today, Kieran carries that work forward in Terrace. Read her story.*

🌚🌃 Telescope talk: Maximizing image resolution using Adaptive Optics. [Nov. 12 at UVic]

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🗞️ In Other News

Almost 1 in 3 young people in BC have vaped, says study
A survey of 2,784 Grade 7 to 12 students (aged 12-19) found that 31% of respondents have vaped at least once in their lives, 19% have smoked tobacco, and 11% have used a nicotine pouch. Among those who said they have vaped, 32% said they do so every day. There were more female vapers (29%) than male (22%), while 39% of non-binary students said they had tried it  As to why they vaped, 40% said because their friends were doing it, and 34% said the colours and flavours attracted them. A similar percentage, 34%, said they felt addicted. [CHEK]

Oak Bay Police remind drivers not to leave valuables in parked vehicles and to lock doors
It’s a good reminder, as the Christmas season isn’t too far away, and it comes after a series of smash-and-grabs. There were thefts—and attempted thefts—from vehicles on Oct. 27, 28, and 29, as well as on Sunday, in the 2000 blocks of Oak Bay, Brighton, Oak Bay again, and Chaucer, respectively. Gym equipment and a pair of binoculars were taken in two of the incidents, while nothing appeared to be stolen from the other two. Vehicle windows were shattered in all four cases. [OBP]

Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in BC sea otters
UBC researchers found that otters near BC cities, including Victoria, had triple the average toxic load of remote animals. Concentrations weren’t high enough for “immediate concerns” but could inform the “bigger picture of sea otter health” and monitor any changes, the study’s lead researcher said. PFAS have also been found in orcas in the Salish Sea and are believed to be a contributing factor in the high mortality rate of Southern Resident killer whales. [UBC]

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🗓️ Things To Do

🌱 Fernwood Meadow Work Party: Help plant the final bulbs, shrubs, and native seedlings of the season at Fernwood Neighbourhood House today. 10:30am-12pm. [Info]

🎤 Stan Walker with Seven Suns: Experience the award-winning New Zealand R&B and pop artist's powerful vocals and dynamic performance in an unforgettable evening at Capital Ballroom tonight. 8pm. [Info]

🎬 Story Pole: Indigenous Veterans: Watch this powerful documentary that follows a mystery plaque at Beacon Hill Park's to uncover stories of Indigenous veterans and reconciliation in Canada and the Netherlands in Windsor Park Pavilion tonight. 7-9pm. [Info]

🔍 Murder at the Queenie: Solve a hilarious mystery through original songs and satirical comedy at Theatre Quadra tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. Various times. [Info]

🎄 Yuletide Market Series at Bilston Creek Farm: Shop rotating local vendors at one of Victoria's favourite Christmas markets at Bilston Creek Farm. Tomorrow-Sunday. 10am-4pm. [Info]

📑 The Soft Storm: Join the Victoria Downtown Residents Association for a dreamlike multi-sensory experience at Kirk Hall. Nov. 15. 6:30pm-9:45pm. [Info]

🍷 Cinq à Sept Launch Party: Kick off Intrepid Theatre’s Incoming Festival with drinks and conversation while meeting new Victoria arts leaders at Intrepid Studio and lobby. Nov. 19. 5-7pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: Hand, foot, and mouth disease detected at undisclosed SD62 schools; Developer goes after Langford, companies over Danbrook One tower problems; Special needs hockey players’ equipment stolen in Westshore. [Nov. 5]

Sidney family loses work permits and MSP coverage while facing hefty health costs. [CHEK]

Strike over: Workers at Coast Victoria Hotel in James Bay expected back today after 2+ months on pickets. [Times Colonist]

Dog treat Recall: Certain Puppy Love and Puppy World Brand raw pet treats recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Free BC Ferries, BC Transit, and TransLink services for veterans on Nov. 11.  

2025 Greater Victoria Little Free Library Awards voting ends at midnight.

That’s it!

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