Latest from Kathryn Marlow
Transit strike in Cowichan Valley now among longest in B.C. history
Bus and handyDART drivers in the Cowichan Valley have been on strike since Feb. 8, leaving transit users without service for 137 days. Union representatives and their employer recently met with a mediator, who is currently drafting recommendations.
Victoria police officer to get 7-day suspension after death of woman
In a public hearing ordered by the police complaint commissioner, retired judge Wally Oppal ruled Sergeant Ron Kirkwood should be suspended without pay for seven days for shooting plastic bullets at Lisa Rauch in 2019. Rauch was hit in the head and died a few days later. Oppal also made several recommendations to the Victoria Police Department.
Pride celebrations get underway on Vancouver Island this weekend
The first Pride events of the season are happening on Vancouver Island this weekend — with street festivals, drag shows, and even a car wash. By the end of the summer, 2SLGBTQ+ folks will have celebrated Pride in nearly 20 island communities.
Mayor calls on province to intervene in nearly 5-month-long Vancouver Island transit strike
Transit operators with Cowichan Valley Transit walked off the job at the beginning of February in a push for higher wages, halting regular bus services and limiting HandyDART rides to people with certain medical appointments.
Police officer was 'reckless' when firing plastic bullets that killed woman: OPCC
Lisa Rauch, 43, died after she was shot by plastic bullets during a police incident in Victoria, B.C., in 2019.
HandyDART users frustrated, say it's getting harder to book rides in Victoria
HandyDART users in Greater Victoria say they are struggling to book rides they used to be able to get with no problems, and they're worried it's because of service cuts. B.C. Transit says there haven’t technically been any cuts but acknowledges there are fewer hours available now.
Cowichan Valley transit strike continues into 3rd month
Bus and handyDART workers in Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley say they’re still looking for a better wage and pension offer and washroom breaks. They’ve been on strike since Feb. 8.
Citizens' group recommends Victoria-Saanich amalgamation
A citizens’ assembly looking at Greater Victoria’s two largest municipalities says Victoria and Saanich would be better off if they amalgamated. The municipalities’ councils are expected to suggest a referendum on the matter, giving residents their say in 2026.
Fired B.C. school trustees going to court to try to get their jobs back
The Greater Victoria school trustees who were fired by the province in January have filed a court petition to try to get their jobs back.
Victoria residents vote in favour of plan to replace city's only public pool
Victoria residents gave the city the go-ahead to borrow up to $168.9 million to build a new Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre.