This is Vancouver Island

Are you an ocean, lake, or river swimmer? This week we share one of our favourite summer episodes, where we took a break from the news to celebrate some of the many outdoor swimming spots on the Island - in all types of water. Alex McKeen, co-author of “Swimming Holes and Beaches of Southwestern British Columbia,” shares her love of swimming as a way to explore a new place and talks about some of...

We're taking a short break as we shift into summer, but we'll be back soon. Make sure you're following us in the podcast app of your choice, so our next new episode automatically shows up in your feed.

An amalgamation question will go to people in both municipalities in the upcoming fall elections. But the question will be non-binding after a decision from the province that more work needs to be done. In this week’s episode Gregor Craigie hears from politicians in both communities, Premier David Eby and a bit about what people on the street had to say about the issue.

How you get on and off the ferry can make a big difference in your experience. This week, we'll hear from a BC Ferries terminal attendant on what goes into guiding your car onto each vessel, as well as what Swartz Bay foot passengers think could make the walk-on experience better.

It’s getting more and more common for families to live in multi-unit housing - think apartment or condo buildings, or townhouse complexes. It doesn’t just mean adjustments to their lifestyle, it also means cities and even school districts are making changes. This week we hear from a family living in a one-bedroom apartment in Victoria’s James Bay neighbourhood, a councillor in Langford where they’...

The BC Conservatives finally have their new leader, so our political panel discusses what they expect from Kerry-Lynne Findlay. They also talk about what MLAs will be up to this summer (hint: it likely involves BBQs), and just how much money the World Cup will end up costing the province.  Our political panel is former NDP cabinet minister Elizabeth Cull, former Green Party MLA and a member o...

As Macaulay Point Park’s climbing wall in Esquimalt celebrates a 30 year milestone, we'll hear how the climbing community fought to keep the wall available, and how a new group is building community by and for racialized climbers in Greater Victoria. Plus, some tips on hot island climbing spots to check out.

There was a lot of news this week about David Eby's meeting with the western premiers, especially Alberta's Danielle Smith. But it was also the last week of the spring B.C. legislative session - so we ask our political panel to share their highs and lows of the session, plus weigh in on the latest interactions between Eby and Smith and the upcoming leadership transition at the B.C. Conservative Pa...

The Ministry of Education has re-instated the School District 61 trustees who were fired a year and a half ago. In this episode, we’ll look at the background of the case and what it means. We’ll also speak to Nicole Duncan, one of the reinstated trustees, about where the board goes from here.

Prime Minister Mark Carney made a quick trip to B.C. this week, after several substantial meetings - and MOU signings - with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. On today's episode, our political panel discusses where David Eby and B.C. fit into the pipeline discussion, how likely two MLA recall campaigns are likely to succeed, and why the Site C dam is now named after John Horgan - who once fought aga...

A new Langford bylaw limits construction noise and debris. CBC Victoria’s Roszan Holman tells us why. Plus, City Councillors Colby Harder and Kimberly Guiry share what they hope the bylaw accomplishes, and Rachael Sansom from the WestShore Developers Association gives her take on what this could mean for growth in the region.

Have you ever found out your sailing has been cancelled due to bad weather, despite the perfectly calm conditions right outside your window? There’s more science behind it than you think. CBC meteorologist and science reporter Johanna Wagstaffe joins to tell us about her visit to the B.C. Ferries ‘command room’, where she met the people who make those calls and found out how they’re made. 

Our political episode is a few days early this week due to scheduling issues. In it, we get reaction to news that B.C. Nurses’ Union members have voted overwhelmingly (98.2%) in favour of taking job action. We also talk about the provincial costs of the upcoming World Cup matches in Vancouver, and whether B.C. Ferries can handle what’s set to be another busy summer.  Our political panel is An...

MLAs were burning the midnight oil this week, as the NDP's proposed changes to Freedom of Information (FOI) laws continue to gather criticism. Bill 9 wasn't the only thing on the parliamentary plate this week: Kennedy Stewart, a former Vancouver mayor and former NDP MP, made allegations of foreign interference, and there were changes to the B.C. Prosecution Service's Victims of Crime policy....

This weekend’s Buccaneer Days in Esquimalt will go ahead without its signature parade, days after Oak Bay Tea Party announced they’d also forgo theirs. So why are local parades struggling? We’ll hear from event organizers on how new safety regulations, a lack of consistent funding, and a dip in volunteers could be factors. 

Our political panel weighs in on the current state of the health care file given concerns over a drop in federal funding, and a possibly looming nurse's strike. Plus, they discuss tension over overlapping treaty claims and whether the province should try to keep the Vancouver Whitecaps in B.C.  The panel is: Elizabeth Cull (former NDP cabinet minister), Andrew Reeve (former press se...

There’s been nearly a dozen wildfires on the island so far this year and, after a dramatic few seasons, communities across the island are getting ready for the one ahead. In this episode, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council president Judith Sayers and Dashwood Fire Chief Nick Acciavatti consider how last year’s Mount Underwood and Wesley Ridge fires should inform this summer’s response. Plus, Darius Mah...

The ongoing, and ever-changing, provincial plans on DRIPA (the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act) may have actually come to a short-term pause this week. Our political panel discusses that, as well as pushback to proposed changes to B.C.'s Freedom of Information rules, and whether U.S. alcohol may return to B.C. liquor stores.  Our political panel is Andr...

Pacific FC scored the world’s first "daylight" offside goal this weekend- with the eyes of the soccer world watching. The rule is being trialed in the Canadian Premier League (or CPL) for potential use in leagues around the world. We’ll hear from Pacific FC’s first assistant coach, and the president of the club’s supporter group, on what this means for the Island’s own team and the future of the s...

Every week this month, B.C. Premier David Eby has announced a new version of his plan to amend, or pause, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Our political panel discusses his latest announcement, plus the 10-year anniversary of the toxic drug crisis becoming a public health emergency, and the announcement of a new task force to look at the impact of the Iran war on B.C. Our p...

April 14th marks ten years since the province of B.C. declared a public health emergency for the toxic drug crisis. We’ll hear from islanders mourning their loved ones through shared art, First Nations leaders creating culturally safe responses, and service providers reflecting on what has changed… and whether it’s enough.

This week Premier David Eby gave more details on his new plan to pause some sections of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, or DRIPA. Plus, federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre went to Richmond to weigh in on the private property rights discussion connected to the Cowichan decision. And: B.C.'s credit rating was dropped again.  Our political panel d...

The Hollywood comedy star and Islander Zach Galifianakis has a new Netflix show… and it’s all about the gardeners of Vancouver Island. In this episode, we hear from Galifianakis and Arzeena Hamir, one of the farmers profiled on "This is a Gardening Show".

The District of North Saanich is dismantling its pickleball courts, which have sat empty since they were closed due to neighbourhood complaints. In this episode, we hear why they made that final decision, what’s happening next, and why the sport draws both lovers and and haters across the island.

Provincial NDP leaders have mixed reviews on Avi Lewis as the new leader of the federal party. We ask our B.C. politics panelists, of all party stripes, what they think he means for our province. Plus, they weigh in on a B.C. Conservative leadership candidate's plan to cooperate with OneBC.  Our political panel is: former Green Party MLA and Tsartlip First Nation member Adam Olsen, forme...