After 20 years organizing the Victoria Day and Santa Claus parades, Ron Butlin is stepping down. The long-time volunteer leaves big shoes to fill and, possibly, a need for a cash infusion by the City of Victoria. "It's been a labour of love and a lot of volunteer work," said Kate Friars,...

Langford employees and volunteer firefighters Josh Montgomery and Matt Landry (unseen) change lights on the big tree near Veterans Memorial Park on Thursday.

Premier Gordon Campbell says 'global unanimity' isn't necessary to take action on climate change. VICTORIA – Premier Gordon Campbell heads to the United Nations climate conference in Denmark next week to talk up B.C.'s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

others also read... In one breath, Marcus Stusek manages to drop in three plant puns. “Lots of room for growth,” “putting down some roots” and “branching out in new directions” are some of the advantages of pulling the strings as puppet master in Little Shop of Horrors.

Oak Bay-raised comedian Todd Allan returns for two more nights this weekend with his solo show Who the Hell is Todd Allen? at Intrepid Theatre. others also read...

Gaden Jangtse Monks perform a ritual ceremony to dismantle their sand mandala Saturday at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. others also read...

others also read... The other side of the rainbow holds no magic solution for Victoria's harbour. After 18 months investigating a conflict between the harbour airport and waterfront communities, city council found no easy solutions.

others also read... The Saanich branch of a national mortgage company spent Tuesday (Dec. 8) as Angels in the Night, delivering needed items to homeless shelters in Victoria.

others also read... Why not green roads instead of changing them at Beacon Hill Park to accommodate vehicles -- a plan currently being prepared to which the public has been invited to contribute and indicate their preferences? Staff mentioned traffic-calming speed bumps and roundabouts.

others also read... Yes, of course, Shelbourne Street and Hillside Avenue is Victoria’s worst intersection. If Hillside Avenue between Cook Street and as far down as Thrifty Foods on Hillside, one block west of Shelbourne Street, was paved properly it would be a different story.

others also read... Most have heard that even though you cannot control the things that happen around you, the one thing you are always in control of is your attitude. What if I say that you can effect things around you with your attitude.

others also read... Typical: A lady trips on our poorly maintained sidewalks. The judge throws out her little lawsuit. I wonder if she had been riding a bike on the sidewalk and fell she would have been pandered, too.

others also read... While consumers are getting down and dirty with holiday shopping, one Victoria retailer is cleaning up with something she calls "Oprah soap."

others also read... Though ALS took George Brice's speech, his ability to swallow and to offer a handshake or a slap on the shoulder, it couldn't take away his personality.

others also read... After 20 years organizing the Victoria Day and Santa Claus parades, Ron Butlin is stepping down. The long-time volunteer leaves big shoes to fill and, possibly, a need for a cash infusion by the City of Victoria.

others also read... A troupe of Grade 7 and 8 students march through Lansdowne middle school twice a week, carrying buckets of pennies. In pairs they knock at every classroom door, asking for spare change.

others also read... Shelby finds the perfect patch of grass for her early-morning ritual. The black, Bijan-cockapoo cross lowers her rear end toward a section of frosted grass and unloads.

others also read... Subsidized rental units are coming to the multi-tower redevelopment of the former Hudson's Bay building.

others also read... Two weeks have passed since the launch of a petition to oppose city plans to borrow $42 million to replace the Johnson Street Bridge.

others also read... Victoria will contribute $120,000 toward the purchase of 12 units in a downtown condo building currently under construction. The goal is to house 12 low-income adults with physical disabilities in the 834 building on Johnson Street.