ETA: I am not the owner, just sharing.

Text: It's with a very heavy heart, an extremely tired brain and a very empty bank account that I have made the decision to close the shop. I will be open for the next month or so, selling everything for a large discount to help pay the debt that has accrued in my life since breast cancer.

I am so incredibly thankful for everyone that came and saw what I was trying to do in this world of Amazon packages and Costcos. Your support, friendships and ongoing cheerleading has been noted.

I am not a fighter. I am a gentle empath. And fighting every day to keep my doors open has depleted me.

This city and all of its beauty deserves better ~ and now it's up to you stronger, healthier, younger ones to bring the magic back.
I love Victoria, but man, you have broken my heart.

Okay, “constant” anxiety might be an exaggeration…but it is on my mind.
I know that rent is expensive for businesses (it’s expensive for regular renters too) and costs are high. I’m just always so paranoid about closures and often local faves do permanently close.
I still yearn for Lotus Pond.
Is there any way, in addition to visiting and spending money, to support them and ensure long-term stability? Is anyone running on ‘supports for small local businesses’ campaigns? What would that even look like? I’m guessing this is just how it is and how it will be.
I’m so bummed about Thunderbird Chicken. Just yesterday I was going to order from them but decided to be “healthy” and “financially responsible”.
Idiot.

The suspect remains at large as investigators continue to gather evidence.

1. I would run on a platform of installing sidewalks on all the streets in Gordon Head.

2. The wand wash in Shelbourne and Hillside would have a maximum bay usage time of 15 mins, no drying your car with a shammy, no reloading. Each additional minute spent in the want wash bay would result in 1 hour of community service.

3. I will spend whatever it take to make all lakes in the Greater Victoria area swim worthy during the Summer. If I have to drain the lake and turn it into a big swimming pool, I will do it!

For what it's worth, I've put together a long blog post on Victoria's new bike share. There seems to be a lot of confusion about what bike shares are, how this one works, how the selection process was managed, etc. So… I spent several days researching all of that, and made a blog post.

I've included references and tried to separate my opinions (well run bike-shares are really useful and a great fit for Victoria) from facts (pricing, links to council meetings, etc.).

I hope people find it useful. My only request is to, please, keep the responses civil.

https://www.boomin-in-victoria.ca/2026/08/jim-takes-bike-share.html

Sure feels like Autumn out there.

This morning I had to run a gauntlet of six male deer hanging out at the golf course. They were play fighting on the green and then came up on the trail to forage. They seemed super-uninterested in me.

Terrible video I know.

Hopefully the contract gets done before school starts

That's all. Support your bus drivers they don't deserve this bullshit either.

Is it that bad? I don’t hear much about it. I have a teen attending next week and they are convinced it’s rampant with drug use and knife and bear spray attacks.

edit.- looking for recent experiences. I also went to high school 25 years ago. Not exactly relevant now.

Glad to see someone actually running against Kevin Murdoch in Oak Bay!

Hey Victoria, the traffic lights are out at the major intersection at Shelburne at McKenzie. Just a friendly reminder, when traffic lights go out, it becomes a FOUR 👏 WAY 👏 STOP 👏. You DON’T get to drive through the intersection with the person in front of you. Apparently most drivers don’t know this. Learn to drive. This has been a PSA.

I want to get the most out of my cherry tomato’s this year.

Heavy Rain With Strong Gusty Winds is on its way for Vancouver Island on Wednesday September 2, 2026 and it will bring a lot ofvrain and wind especially in Victoria British Columbia and Port Renfrew Sooke Saanich Colwood Sidney Duncan Ladysmith Nanaimo Parksville Qualicum Beach Port Alberni Tofino Courtney Comox Campbell River Port MacNeil and Port Hardy and Be prepared have your rubber boots Rain coats and rain suits ready and don't walk through the puddles and don't drive your car through the puddles either Winds and rain will also hit west coast of Vancouver Island as well Be prepared stay dry and be safe.

I’m in the Victoria area and wondering if anyone has actually done the Victoria–Nanaimo commute 5 days a week. Was it manageable for a few months, or did you find it too much? I won't be able to take the Brentwood Bay ferry.

I am worried about on my body and my car, though it is only 4 months.

I’d especially love to hear from people who have actually done this commute even if for just a few months.

Update: Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! I really appreciate all the input. I think I have enough information now to make my decision (sounds brutal!).

anyone know any gluten free donut shops in the city?…. specifically like the sour cream donut from tim hortons i can’t find any

As the negotiations continue between Unifor and BC transit the noose is tightening. OT Ban is in effect starting tomorrow, and this is a significant pressure point and will result in lost service throughout the region as OT amounts to on average 60+ hrs per day.

Please continue to be patient and understanding as this negotiation continues and know that this will lead to better working conditions not just for our drivers but all citizens.

I understand your frustrations as I am a rider as well but also a driver and have experienced both sides of the coin, and just ask again that you do your best to be patient.

Thanks for your time :)

Solidarity!

I’ve been on the hunt for the Tofino Brewing Spruce Tip Ale for a gift and I can’t find it anywhere. I think it’s seasonal, but does anyone know where I could find it anywhere that I could call that MIGHT have it? thanks in advance!