Wild deer are a common sight in greater Victoria, as we humans keep building our homes in their habitat - but the immuno-contraceptive experiment in Oak Bay seems to have worked at managing the population. On this episode we check in with one of the founders of the Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society (UWSS), which came up with the plan to give birth control to urban deer. Kristy Kilpatrick also talks about how she’s seen attitudes towards deer change in the decade since UWSS started its work.

Even though it’s been three months since a B.C. Supreme Court judge ruled that Quw’utsun Nation (Cowichan Tribes, Stz’uminus First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, Halalt First Nation and Lyackson First Nation) hold Aboriginal title over some land in Richmond - the news is still making headlines, especially on the mainland. That’s because the land includes some private property. But does the decision threaten private property rights in B.C.? An island leader explains why he doesn’t think so. 

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has been trying to find a way to install shore power at Ogden Point, so that some of the cruise ships that stop there can plug in and use electricity - instead of relying on fossil fuels to keep the lights and other ship services going while the vessels are in port. But now, the GVHA has abandoned the plan. It says even with $31.5 million dollars promised by provincial and federal governments, it would need at least another $61 million dollars to do all the work needed - and it just doesn’t have the money. So what happens now?

There are unhoused people living in communities across Vancouver Island, but not every community has a place for them to go on nights when winter weather is so bad that it’s dangerous. The province provides funding for winter shelter, so why doesn’t everyone apply for it? Host Kathryn Marlow and CBC reporter Maryse Zeidler look at three areas with three different levels of support: Campbell River, Sidney, and the Cowichan Valley.

Every time the earth shakes on the island, we flock to social media to see who else felt the tremor. But did you know you can also report your experience to Earthquakes Canada, to help with future research? Seismologist John Cassidy explains how researchers like him rely on such information. Plus: the latest on the earthquake warning system. This episode originally aired October 1, 2024. 

Thousands of union members rallied at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria this week, as the BCGEU and PEA strike entered its sixth week. So what’s keeping the two unions and their employer - the provincial government - apart? And is there any sign of them reaching an agreement? In this episode, we hear from union members, the premier, and more. 

The Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM), which is located on the 900-block of Pandora, is getting ready to fully reopen the Alix Goolden Performance Hall. It’s been partially closed since the pandemic, meaning the Conservatory can’t host big concerts. But CEO Nathan Medd says once the city has done its work improving safety on the block, the VCM will be ready to open its Pandora doors, and help build a future for the neighbourhood with a focus on music and art. We hear from him, and artist Francis Dick. She recently contributed a mural to the VCM, and is excited to collaborate more to add vibrancy to downtown.

Tiny homes on wheels are technically not allowed as permanent housing - but that hasn’t stopped some people in rural B.C. communities from living in them, because they’re affordable and don’t leave a big footprint. Now, local government officials in several island communities say they’ve found a way to make them legal. On this week’s episode, we hear about the solution that representatives from Islands Trust and the Regional District of Nanaimo recently shared with local governments from across B.C. 

Some islanders are upset that a U.S. non-profit that does adventure tourism wants to renew and expand its access to crown land along the B.C. coast. National Outdoor Leadership School says its sea kayakers will use the land to camp while travelling from Washington to Alaska. But social media posts opposing the application have gone viral in island communities. On this episode we hear from the applicants themselves, and a First Nations leader who has concerns.

Public sector workers in the BCGEU (BC General Employees' Union) and PEA (Professional Employees Association) escalated job action this week. About 14,500 of those workers are islanders. On this episode we hear why the strike is happening - and when it might be resolved.