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We’re past the halfway point of September—how did that happen? Signs of fall are popping up everywhere, Halloween costumes are hitting the shelves, and yet, it’s expected to be 24C in Victoria today. I guess fall really doesn’t start until Sept. 22.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

Today: ☀ 24 / 11

Tomorrow: ☀ 22 / 12

Day after: ☀ 21 / 12

7-day forecast

The money is to be used by the Island Corridor Foundation to conduct feasibility and technical studies, which will involve an analysis of land use, corridor planning and engagement with the community, including with First Nations.

This brings the total funding pledged for the studies to more than $1M, with the CRD contributing $523,100 to help determine the viability of bringing back passenger service.

The studies are to begin in the new year and are expected to wrap by the end of 2027, the Times Colonist reported.

“This investment will support the feasibility and technical work needed to move towards a new era of transportation and growth—all in partnership with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and communities along the corridor,” said Victoria MP Will Greaves. The federal portion will come from the federal government’s Build Communities Strong Fund.

It marks the first time since trains first began running on the corridor in 1886 that the federal government is partnering for rail on the Island.

Speaking in Esquimalt on behalf of Gregor Robertson, the infrastructure minister, Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke MP Stephanie McLean called the studies a crucial first step for the region in bringing back passenger rail service.

“The people of the Westshore and Greater Victoria deserve a transportation network that is efficient and tailored to their needs, not only for today but for generations to come,” McLean said.

“This feasibility study will help us to determine whether light rail can be part of that future.”

The last local train that ran here was the Dayliner, or Malahat train, which ran daily between Victoria and Courtenay until it was cancelled in March 2011 due to declining ridership and deteriorating tracks. 

High-risk missing person: Katie, 27, is considered vulnerable due to medical concerns. She was reported missing yesterday.  [VicPD]

Temporary closures at Thetis Lake West Beach through late September, early October. [CRD]

BC Transit has turned one of its Victoria buses into a work of art on wheels.

The heavy-duty electric bus features a design by Songhees artist Elder Clarence “Butch” Dick (Yux’wey’lupton), honouring traditional Lək̓ʷəŋən stories, including the Indigenous people's origin story. 

“Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples are wolf people, and most Coast Salish people are wolf people,” said Dick. “Our origin story is that there was a pod of whales swimming in a circle in a bay, and as they broke for shore, they transformed into sea wolves. And once they hit the shore, they turned into wolves of all different colours and then established villages along the coast.” 

Whales and wolves can be seen on the side of the bus's design, alongside Lək̓ʷəŋən phrases and their English translations. 

To transform the vehicle's exterior, Dick collaborated with BC Transit employees, including the organization’s Indigenous relations manager and a graphic designer. A plaque on board the bus shares additional information about Dick's life and background.

The elder is internationally renowned for his decades of work in carving and painting. He's also known for his commitment to knowledge sharing—he spent 25 years teaching Indigenous art in Greater Victoria schools—and his work in Indigenous language and cultural revitalization.

“It’s exciting as an artist to be involved in this project. I hope people will talk about it, because I believe art is a conduit to understanding," said Dick.

The bus is now in service and can be seen on several routes in Greater Victoria. BC Transit expects it to remain in operation for the "foreseeable future."

This is our province. Together, we’re building for what’s next and powering B.C.’s potential. Learn more.

🚌 Free transit for cyclists during GoByBike Week, Saturday to Sept. 25.

📸 Victoria archives: See photos of downtown in the early 20th century—do you recognize any of these landmarks? [Facebook photos]

📚 September reads: Find new and notable adult fiction books now at local libraries. [GVPL]

🏅 Island Design Excellence Awards nomination window closes tonight at midnight. 

🐈 Cat Video Fest 2026: Saturday and Sunday at Vic Theatre.

🧡 5th Annual South Island Powwow: The powwow returns to Royal Athletic Park on Sept. 30. [Details]

Mateína’s new Zero Sugar line delivers smooth, organic energy from yerba mate — no crash, no weird ingredients. With clean caffeine and theobromine, it supports lasting focus and mental clarity. It’s plant-powered fuel that helps you stay sharp, alert, and energized — without the sugar. Try it out today.

Greater Victoria teachers say students regularly assault them
On any given school day, there are an average of 21 incidents of student-on-teacher violence, according to the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association (GVTA). It said a Freedom of Information (FOI) request returned more than 6K reports of violent incidents in Greater Victoria District schools. A GVTA survey found 95% of the 165 teachers (out of approximately 2K in total) who responded reported they experienced violence in the classroom within the last year. Some 87% said the incidence of violence—students hitting, kicking, biting, and throwing things, for example—has increased during their careers. [CTV]

Most SD61 trustees won't run for re-election
Only one member of the Greater Victoria School Board is seeking re-election—the other eight are stepping down. This comes after nearly two years of drama, including the board's mass firing in January 2025 over disputes with the province and eventual court-ordered reinstatement after trustees fought to return to their positions. It's unclear why the trustees chose not to run, but a representative from the Victoria's teachers union said it may be due to the online vitriol they were subjected to. [CHEK]

Victoria awards nearly $1M in community housing funding
Seven recipients will split just under $1 million in renewal grants awarded by the city through the Government of Canada’s Housing Accelerator Fund. Funding ranged from $200K awarded to the Cridge Centre for the Family and Pacifica Housing for new windows, doors and frames to the $61,700 given to the Greater Victoria Housing Society to increase flood prevention measures. These one-time grants help improve living conditions for vulnerable residents and help to preserve diverse non-market housing, the city said. [City of Victoria]

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🎶 Opera 101: Join pianists Robert Holliston and Kimberley-Ann Bartczak and soprano Jennifer Turner for a deep dive into opera at the Baumann Centre today. 12pm-1pm. [Info] 

🐻 Victoria Bigfoot Town Hall: Four researchers discuss eyewitness encounters and unexplained phenomena surrounding the mythical creature at UVic's Sngequ Conference Centre today. 3-7pm. [Info]

🎸 Bahamas: The Canadian indie favourite returns to Victoria to perform at the Royal Theatre tomorrow. 8pm. [Info]

🌭 SoundBite: The food truck and music festival is back for a fifth year—this time in a new location at Danbrook Park—featuring live bands and 15 food trucks. Tomorrow & Saturday. [Info]

🎭 Menopause the Musical: This musical parody explores the challenges of menopause and features hits from the '60s, '70s, and '80s at the McPherson Playhouse. Saturday. 2pm. [Info]

🕯️ Candlelight: Vivaldi's Four Seasons: See the candlelit string performance at St. Ann's Academy. Saturday. 7pm. [Info]

🍂 Fall Fairfield: The harvest festival is back for a 16th year at Robert Porter Park. Sunday. 12-4pm. [Info]

Wednesday's headlines: SD61 supports Esquimalt high school staff after video backlash; Harbour Air acquires Pacific Coastal Airlines; VicPD finds body in burning vehicle. [Sept. 16]

Victoria ballet teacher pleads not guilty to sexual interactions with teenage student. [CHEK]

Man who killed UVic student in the 1980s has day parole extended. [Times Colonist]

Meat & Bread opens a Victoria location at Broad and View.

Sustainability Fair on Saturday at Vic West Community Centre.

Terry Fox Run is Sunday at 10am, starting at Terry’s statue at Mile Zero.

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