Events
Ocean Week events happening in Greater Victoria this week
From family-friendly festivals to educational talks, find new ways to discover our blue backyard.
Robyn Bell·Wednesday, May 27, 2026·7 min
Environment.
Recent environment coverage from the newsroom — newest first.
Latest
Climate experts: El Niño won’t affect Island weather this summer, but a warmer winter is coming
The impact of the incoming El Niño won't be apparent on the BC Coast until the end of the year.
Robyn Bell·Wednesday, June 3, 2026·5 min read
Travel
Tourists chasing a viral BC beach are blowing tires on remote logging roads
Many visitors are arriving in low-clearance cars or rentals that are not allowed on service roads, or vehicles equipped only with temporary spare tires.
Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada's National Observer·Sunday, May 24, 2026·10 min
Climate Change
Climate experts: the Island’s early heatwave was notable, but not a major cause for concern
It’s too soon to say whether this spring heatwave will lead to summer droughts and increased fire risk, says BC Wildfire Service
Robyn Bell·Tuesday, May 5, 2026·4 min
News
Sea Vancouver Like Never Before
A tour of Vancouver’s waterways showcases what makes the West Coast city one of the most beautiful in the world.
Prince of Whales·Wednesday, April 8, 2026·3 min
News
Nature cleanups: good for the forest, great for your brain
It sure is easy to feel that giving back to nature can create some seriously positive vibes.
Mark Brennae·Monday, April 6, 2026·2 min
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News
Conflict in the Middle East underlines trend to shift away from fossil fuels, says climate change expert
As gas prices rise across the Island, experts say relying on a fossil-fuel economy is becoming increasingly risky.
Nora O'Malley, Local Journalism Initiative, Ha-Shilth-Sa·Sunday, March 22, 2026·4 min
News
UVic-led study highlights the species hit hardest by the 2021 heat dome
Nearly all Bay mussels in BC were killed off during the weeklong event, but sea lettuce thrived.
Robyn Bell·Sunday, March 15, 2026·3 min
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News
A fungus that could wipe out Island bat colonies detected in Metro Vancouver
White-nose syndrome has devastated bat populations throughout North America—and it's inching closer to the Island.
Robyn Bell·Tuesday, March 10, 2026·3 min
News
Saanich mayor condemns vandalism at PKOLS Mount Douglas Park
“We want people to continue to be able to exercise their dogs, but the alternative may be to have dogs on-leash only, which nobody wants.” — Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock
Mark Brennae, Local Journalism Initiative·Friday, March 6, 2026·3 min
News
A Year of Coastal Forest Wonder
Some memberships collect dust; this one collects views.
Malahat Skywalk·Sunday, March 1, 2026·2 min
News
Native plant seeds from critically endangered Garry Oak ecosystems to be preserved
Seeds from the meadowlands will be preserved in the event of an environmental disaster.
Hope Lompe, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder·Thursday, January 22, 2026·3 min
News
Victoria council wants BC marine strategy to become law
Council voted unanimously, directing Mayor Alto to write a letter urging the province to codify its strategy.
Robyn Bell·Thursday, January 8, 2026·2 min
News
Independent review of CleanBC highlights financial benefits of sustainability
The report found the province's investment in LNG projects could cost more down the line.
Robyn Bell·Tuesday, November 25, 2025·3 min
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News
New Southern Resident orca census confirms population growth remains stunted
Researchers say urgent conservation policies must be enacted to save the unique population.
Robyn Bell·Monday, October 13, 2025·3 min
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News
Mount Underwood wildfire threatens to wash out Bamfield's summer season
August is an important money-making month for Bamfield businesses. But smoke and power outages from the nearby fire have left its tourism industry high and dry.
Rochelle Baker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada's National Observer·Tuesday, August 19, 2025·4 min
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News
Scotch broom increases wildfire risk. What can we do about it?
Scotch broom has been ravaging Vancouver Island since the 19th century. Its high oil content could feed the flames of wildfires.
Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Discourse·Sunday, August 17, 2025·7 min
News
‘Reverse Goldilocks’: Black bear enters Ucluelet home through dog door
The bear tested each room and consumed hundreds of dollars of food—and weed.
Nora O'Malley, Local Journalism Initiative, Ha-Shilth-Sa·Thursday, August 14, 2025·5 min
News
Algae bloom turns coastal waters off Vancouver Island tropical blue
The turquoise blue waters are so bright you can see them from space.
Nora O'Malley, Local Journalism Initiative, Ha-Shilth-Sa·Tuesday, July 29, 2025·3 min
News
UVic releases groundbreaking study on the cost of the 2014-2016 marine heat wave
The Blob reshaped how ecosystems in the Pacific Ocean functioned—and climate change makes it likelier that these extreme weather events will return
Robyn Bell·Wednesday, July 23, 2025·5 min
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News
Signals in the dark: How Comox Valley volunteers monitor bats against a devastating disease
Citizen scientists are keeping track of the Island's bat population—and have their eyes peeled for signs of white-nose syndrome.
Dave Flawse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Discourse·Monday, July 14, 2025·5 min
News
Orcas sharing prey with humans may be their way of learning about us
Scientists studied two decades of interactions where orcas appeared to share food with people.
Robyn Bell·Thursday, July 3, 2025·5 min
News
Victoria mayor apologizes for Dowler Place rollout
Mayor Alto says the access hub has helped 75 people so far, but North Park residents previously criticized the lack community engagement
Robyn Bell·Wednesday, June 11, 2025·4 min
News
UVic study: understanding kelp forests could be key to Canada's net-zero emissions goal
Early research suggests Canada's kelp forests can capture a combined 40K-400K tonnes of carbon each year.
Robyn Bell·Thursday, June 5, 2025·4 min