This is Vancouver Island

It’s not just Greater Victoria’s big municipalities that are building new kinds of housing - some of the mid-sized ones, like Esquimalt, are too. On this week’s episode hear mayor Barb Desjardins talk about the range of housing styles; how the Department of National Defence is adding housing; and about a planned co-housing project where residents would share some common rooms with their neighbours.

Local officials are trying to get a safe, secondary road connecting the west coast to the rest of the island, after wildfires blocked the main routes in 2023 and 2025. But which route is best? And what will it take to make it happen? We hear from John Jack with Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Bob Beckett from the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, and Judi Thomas of the Ditidaht First Nation about the work they’re doing - and how it will support communities like Bamfield, Tofino/Ucluelet, and Port Alberni. Check out this article to see a map of the possible routes, and listen to this previous episode to hear why wildfires can wreak such havoc on roads.

It's been a busy July so far in B.C. politics. This week, the attorney general said the province is preparing to sue OpenAI over the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge. And last week, B.C. and Ottawa signed a deal that will send billions of dollars of infrastructure funding westward, and also paved the way for a new pipeline to the south coast. Plus, Independent (and former B.C. Conservative) MLA Amelia Boutlbee joined the NDP caucus. So we pulled our political panel back from summer hiatus to get their takes on it all. Elizabeth Cull is a former NDP cabinet minister, Andrew Reeve is a former BC Liberal Deputy Director of Communications and Senior Consultant at Earnscliffe, and Adam Olsen is a former Green Party MLA and member of the Tsartlip Nation.

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 the 50+ island spots listed in her book. They include the Koksilah River Holes, Cameron Lake, Inland Lake, and Banfield Park.This episide originally aired July 10, 2025.

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’re changing their parks strategy to benefit multi-unit housing, and the superintendent of the Sooke school district where they’re had to change how they calculate student enrollment, and how they design schools, because more and more kids are coming from multi-unit housing.

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 of the Tsartlip Nation Adam Olsen and former BC Liberal Deputy Director of Communications and Senior Consultant at Earnscliffe Andrew Reeve.Note: the political panel will be on hiatus for the summer, but will return in September (or earlier if there are big political stories to discuss). This is Vancouver Island will still be here on Thursdays.

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 Party. Our political panel is former Green Party MLA and Tsartlip First Nation member Adam Olsen, former BC Liberal and BC United staffer Andrew Reeve, and former NDP cabinet minister Elizabeth Cull, in conversation with CBC host Gregor Craigie. 

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 against it. The panel is: Elizabeth Cull (former NDP cabinet minister), Andrew Reeve (former press secretary and deputy director of communications with the BC Liberal and BC United parties), and Adam Olsen (former Green Party MLA and member of the Tsartlip Nation), in conversation with CBC host Gregor Craigie. 

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 Andrew Reeve (former press secretary and deputy director of communications with the BC Liberal and BC United parties), Adam Olsen (former Green Party MLA and member of the Tsartlip Nation), and Elizabeth Cull (former NDP cabinet minister), in discussion with CBC's Gregor Craigie.

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.Our political panel discusses it all with CBC's Gregor Craigie. The panel is former Green Party MLA and Tsartlip First Nation member Adam Olsen, former BC Liberal and BC United staffer Andrew Reeve, and former NDP cabinet minister Elizabeth Cull.

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 secretary and deputy director of communications with the BC Liberal and BC United parties), and Adam Olsen (former Green Party MLA and member of the Tsartlip Nation), in conversation with CBC host Gregor Craigie. 

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 Mahdavi has a weather forecast for the island’s summer, and Erika Berg from the B.C. Wildfire Service gives an update on this summer’s firefighter staffing. 

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 Andrew Reeve (former press secretary and deputy director of communications with the BC Liberal and BC United parties), Adam Olsen (former Green Party MLA and member of the Tsartlip Nation), and Elizabeth Cull (former NDP cabinet minister), in discussion with CBC's Gregor Craigie. 

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 sport.

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 political panel is: former Green Party MLA and Tsartlip First Nation member Adam Olsen, former BC Liberal and BC United staffer Andrew Reeve, and former NDP cabinet minister Elizabeth Cull, speaking with CBC's Gregor Craigie. If you want to hear Gregor's interview with a doctor that's referenced in the panel, you can find it here.

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 discusses it all: Andrew Reeve (former press secretary and deputy director of communications with the BC Liberal and BC United parties), Adam Olsen (former Green Party MLA and member of the Tsartlip Nation), and Elizabeth Cull (former NDP cabinet minister), speak with CBC host Gregor Craigie. 

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, former BC Liberal and BC United staffer Andrew Reeve, and former NDP cabinet minister Elizabeth Cull.

This week, our political panel covers: the discussions between First Nations and the provincial government about changing the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act to give the province more clarity, the province's quiet elimination of a climate action agency, and the job cuts coming to the Agricultural Land Commission. Former Green Party MLA and Tsartlip First Nation member Adam Olsen, former BC Liberal and BC United staffer Andrew Reeve, and former NDP cabinet minister Elizabeth Cull discuss with CBC host Liz McArthur.

The Hub, a temporary winter shelter and drop-in centre in Nanaimo, is closing at the end of March. The social service organizations that run it have a plan to move to a new permanent location— they just need the funding from B.C. Housing. We’ll hear about the plan, why they want the City’s support, and why not everyone is on board.

This week our political panel discusses: David Eby's response to the federal government's plan to expand the temporary foreign workers program for rural employers, the province's plan to change the rules for FOI (freedom of information) requests, and the news that B.C. has hired more than 400 health care workers from the U.S. over the past year. Former Green Party MLA and Tsartlip First Nation member Adam Olsen, former BC Liberal and BC United staffer Andrew Reeve, and former NDP cabinet minister Elizabeth Cull discuss with CBC host Liz McArthur.

Ninety-seven American healthcare workers have accepted jobs on Vancouver Island since the province began recruiting across the border last spring. That includes a nurse practitioner from Kentucky, who was inspired by Nanaimo content creator Tod Maffin to make the move. We’ll hear from them both, as well as B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne on what’s needed to address the systemic issues still plaguing the island’s health staffing shortages.

This week on our B.C. politics episode, the panel tackles Premier David Eby's concerns about sluggish housing starts, a plan to create bubble zones around places of worship, and the fact that the province's post-secondary institutions are struggling financially. Our political panel is Andrew Reeve (former press secretary and deputy director of communications with the BC Liberal and BC United parties), Adam Olsen (former Green Party MLA and member of the Tsartlip Nation), and Elizabeth Cull (former NDP cabinet minister.)

The Canadian government is currently deciding between two bids to both renew, and expand, the country’s submarine fleet - a project that will cost more than $20 billion. While both bids are from international companies, the economic development arm of the Songhees Nation is involved in one of them. In this episode, we learn how the Songhees Development Corporation hopes the submarine deal could help both its members, and the region as a whole.

This week our political panel looks at how the provincial government fumbled news of an Aboriginal title agreement between the federal government and the Musqueam Indian Band; new legislation to help organizations that run supportive housing; and why B.C. chose now to change our time zone. Our panel is Adam Olsen (former Green Party MLA and a member of the Tsartlip Nation), Andrew Reeve (former press secretary and deputy director of communications with the BC Liberal and BC United parties) and Elizabeth Cull (former NDP cabinet minister).Want to hear that inteview they refererred to, about the supportive housing changes? Listen here.

We went to Quw’utsun Secondary in North Cowichan to talk to three First Nations students about storytelling. They shared traditional stories from their communities (plus a new one about a raven who mountain bikes!) and talked about why it's so important to them to share stories and the lessons that can be learned from them. This was part of a bigger CBC Victoria project looking at the role of storytelling in community. Listen to a live recording of our afternoon radio show, All Points West, from the Cowichan library here. 

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar got endorsements from five of his colleagues this week in the race to replace John Rustad as leader of the B.C. Conservatives. The decision will be made in May - but does this make him the front runner? Our political panel discusses the state of the leadership race, concerns about ChatGPT and the Tumbler Ridge shooter, and business community frustrations about the expansion of the PST. 

There is global demand for critical minerals, and those can be found right here on the island. This week, we hear about two proposals to mine critical minerals, including one that uses a process called “re-mining”. This is where gold and copper would be extracted from the waste piles of an old mine at the same time as hazardous materials are removed. That’s at the old Mount Sicker site in the Cowichan Valley. Plus, we’ll hear about the proposed Northisle copper and gold mine near Port Hardy.

The B.C. government is facing a record-setting deficit, but didn’t announce drastic cuts in this week's budget. While there are some job cuts and tax increases, there’s also spending on health care and education. Our three political insiders have different takes on whether they made the right moves. Former Green Party MLA and Tsartlip First Nation member Adam Olsen, former BC Liberal and BC United staffer Andrew Reeve, and former NDP cabinet minister Elizabeth Cull discuss with CBC host Gregor Craigie.

The province recently announced new funding to support families of children with disabilities. It means some children who live with conditions such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and fetal alcohol syndrome will get support they’ve never had before - but it also means some families of children with autism will lose that funding. We’ll hear from two Vancouver Island parents with two different perspectives on the news. Here’s the province’s website with information about the new program, and the transition away from the autism funding.

From Victoria to the Peace, the entire province is mourning the events and loss in Tumbler Ridge. The Province revamped its Throne Speech and start of the session, to support the community.Former Green Party MLA and Tsartlip First Nation member Adam Olsen, former BC Liberal and BC United staffer Andrew Reeve, and former NDP cabinet minister Elizabeth Cull weigh in on the week's top political stories with CBC host Gregor Craigie.

An independent forestry panel released its report to the B.C. government this week, saying massive change is required to fix the industry in this province. We ask our political panel what they make of the recommendations, plus the latest political moves to deal with the ongoing extortion crisis in Surrey and beyond and just how austere they think the B.C. budget will be when it's released on February 17. Former Green Party MLA and Tsartlip First Nation member Adam Olsen, former BC Liberal and BC United staffer Andrew Reeve, and former NDP cabinet minister Elizabeth Cull weigh in on the week's top political stories with CBC host Gregor Craigie.

Sport fishers in B.C. are raising concerns about proposed changes to the salmon allocation policy for B.C. - which Fisheries and Oceans Canada (aka DFO) uses to determine which who gets priority access to different types of Pacific salmon. A court ruling in 2018 said the federal government had to add First Nations' commercial rights to the list, and the ministry has been working with First Nations, sport, and commercial fishers to review the overall policy - which is nearly 30 years old. Sport fishers say a new discussion paper shows their rights are at risk - but First Nations say that's not the case. We walk you through it. 

B.C. Premier David Eby, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, met with the prime minister this week in Ottawa. Eby called the conversations "borderline friendly" - but he also used the word "treason" in response to Alberta separatists earlier this week. Our political panelists have thoughts about the word treason, and the current state of B.C./Alberta/Canada relations. Plus, they weigh in on the growing list of candidates in the race for B.C. Conservative leader. Hear political insiders Andrew Reeve (former press secretary and deputy director of communications with the BC Liberal and BC United parties), Elizabeth Cull (a former NDP cabinet minister), and Adam Olsen (former Green Party MLA, and a member of the Tsartlip Nation) speak with CBC host Gregor Craigie. 

This week a group of Parksville-Qualicum residents presented a petition to their MLA, calling for more respite for caregivers who look after their aging loved ones. It came as B.C.’s seniors advocate pointed out there are nowhere near enough publicly-funded long term care beds to match the growing number of seniors in the province. Some island communities have the highest populations of seniors in Canada, so on today’s episode we hear from folks in Parksville-Qualicum and the Comox Valley about how some people are struggling to look after their aging spouses, with few opportunities for a break. We’ll also speak with the head of an island hospice society about how non-profits like hers are trying to support people, and their loved ones, and the end of their lives.

The whole world is talking about that speech the Prime Minister made at Davos this week - including our B.C. politics panel. They also weigh in on Premier Eby's confirmation that his government will amend the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) this spring. Hear from our political insiders Elizabeth Cull (a former NDP cabinet minister), Adam Olsen (former Green Party MLA, and a member of the Tsartlip Nation), and Andrew Reeve (former press secretary and deputy director of communications with the BC Liberal and BC United parties).

This week Lighthouse Brewing in Esquimalt announced it’s shutting down operations and selling its brand - saying it costs more to brew beer than they can bring in by selling it. On this week’s episode we hear from co-owner Ben Thomas about the difficult decision, and how the BCGEU strike was the breaking point. Plus, we talk to Chris Bjerrisgaard of Sidney’s Small Gods Brewing about how they’re managing to stay afloat as beer sales decline across the country. While you’re here, check out this previous episode of This is Vancouver Island, about how two local breweries are expanding into non-alcoholic drinks to adapt. 

Welcome to a new edition of This is Vancouver Island! Starting today, we'll bring you a weekly dose of B.C. politics with our political insiders. Hear former Green Party MLA Adam Olsen, former BC Liberal and BC United staffer Andrew Reeve, and former NDP cabinet minister Elizabeth Cull weigh in on the week's top stories with CBC host Gregor Craigie. This week: the end of decriminalization, Prime Minister Carney's meeting in Prince Rupert with Coastal First Nations, and post-secondary institutions (like North Island College) worry about further cuts. 

A plan to redevelop the Capital Irons lands, at the north end of downtown Victoria, got an important vote of confidence from city council this month. It means that hundreds of units of housing will likely be built, as well as a new home for the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and a place where a local fish company can dock its boats, and process and sell its stock. We get the details on this week's episode.

Whether you commute by bike, bus, or car, you’ve likely encountered detours and delays in Greater Victoria lately…and that’s not going to change in the short term. A number of construction projects have lanes closed and/or detours in place. On this week’s episode: are construction closures becoming more common? And what could ease traffic? We ask Susan Brice, a current Saanich councillor and Capital Regional district director, and longtime local politician who’s also worn many other hats.BTW, if you want info on the BC Hydro-related road closures we mention in the episode, check them out here. Get updates on the Galloping Goose closure here. The city of Victoria also has some upcoming work on both Blanshard and Bay, details should be posted here.