This is Vancouver Island
Islanders - this is a podcast for you. Life on Vancouver Island isn’t all sunset strolls and forest bathing - it can be frustrating, isolating, and expensive. We're going to talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between. Hosted by Kathryn Marlow, every Thursday.
Thu, April 17, 2025
Why some islanders can't decide how to vote
The federal election is less than two weeks away, but many voters on the island are struggling to decide how to vote. For some it’s down to Liberal versus Conservative, for others NDP versus Liberal, for some it’s still a total toss up. We’ll hear from folks in Esquimalt, Campbell River, Ucluelet, and more about what issues have them stuck.
Thu, April 10, 2025
The latest on the Greater Victoria school board drama
The school board and the B.C. ministry of education were at odds for six months, until the province fired the elected trustees in January. Now the newly-appointed trustee is getting down to business, and the old trustees are going to court in hopes of getting their jobs back. We recap the SD61 drama, hear the latest on the safety plan and police in schools, and learn what official trustee Sherri Bell is thinking about for the future of the Greater Victoria school district. Note: This is Vancouver Island has a new release day! We'll come to you on Thursdays now, instead of Tuesdays.
Tue, April 01, 2025
Why some people feel unsafe in the Cowichan Valley
It’s not just big cities where public safety is a concern. In the Cowichan Valley, for example, there’s an area surrounding the Trans-Canada Highway where some residents and business owners say crime, drug use, and street disorder mean they don’t feel safe in their own community. It’s in the region’s urban core, where North Cowichan, Duncan, and Cowichan Tribes land meet. On this episode we talk to some of those people, as well as to those working to try and change things. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Want to hear some good news out of the Cowichan Valley? Check out these stories: Fresh Vancouver Island food delivered straight to your doorstep This native plant nursery will bring traditional foods and medicines to the Cowichan Valley
Tue, March 25, 2025
This shop owner says it’s harder than you think to ditch U.S. products
A Victoria small business owner just got her first tariff bill. But even with the $1200 hit, she’s reluctant to stop importing products from her customers in the U.S. She says she’s worked hard to fill her shop with quality goods made by small businesses she believes in - and while many of those are Canadian, some happen to be in the United States. On this episode, we hear from the owner of Luna Collective about the tough decisions people like her have to face amidst the trade war, and what she hopes islanders will consider when they’re deciding where to shop.
Tue, March 18, 2025
Island Crime: a true crime podcast focused right here on the island
This month marks the 34 years since 4-year-old Michael Dunahee disappeared from a Victoria playground. It’s arguably the most well-known missing person case from the island, but it’s far from the only one. Laura Palmer produces “Island Crime,” a podcast that investigates true crime from our region, and she’s our guest this week. We talk about some of the cases she digs into, but also about how families and police feel about her work, and why she thinks some cases get more attention than others.
Tue, March 11, 2025
How to buy local on the island
Sure, you know about the seafood. But did you know islanders make things like crackers? And mattresses? With everyone’s attention on “buy BC” and “buy Canadian,” we thought we’d zoom in even more and talk about how to “buy island.” We check in with two people who focus on island-made goods.
Tue, February 25, 2025
You elected them: now what are your island MLAs doing?
The B.C. Legislature is in session again for the first time in 9 months. We hear from some island MLAs, new and old, to hear what they’re up to so far - and what they think should happen next. They talk about changes to forestry and health care, and ways to make it easier to buy Canadian.
Tue, February 18, 2025
Bike theft is down in Victoria: here’s why
Bike theft has long been a concern of cyclists in Victoria, but new data shows there are fewer reasons to worry: 2024 saw the fewest reported stolen bikes in over a decade. On this episode, we look into why the number is dropping - and if cyclists feel more comfortable leaving their bikes downtown now. Plus: how to choose a good bike lock.
Tue, February 11, 2025
Why ferries can fill up with reservations (leaving you to wait multiple sailings)
How is it that you can show up to the ferry terminal, not see many cars, but still have to wait multiple sailings? We hear how (and why) B.C. Ferries is allotting more and more space for drivers with reservations. Plus: why isn’t there a buffet on ferries anymore? And what’s replacing it? And a few other ferry-related tidbits.
Tue, February 04, 2025
Need a new place to eat? Check out these island restaurants
A Mexican restaurant between two gas stations? A hole-in-the-wall you might have walked right by? Food blogger Sarah Au-Yeung (@NanaimoNoms) joins us to shout out some of her favourite restaurants in Nanaimo and beyond. If you’re looking to have a little escape with a meal out, “Dine About Mid-Vancouver Island” and “Dine Around Greater Victoria” are underway until February 9. Here are the restaurants she mentions, in order: Nori Japanese Restaurant (Nanaimo) Horang Market (Nanaimo) Danpung Momiji Korean (Nanimo) Momoville (Shawnigan Lake) Pho V.Ta VietNamese (Nanaimo) Truong Thanh 2 (Nanaimo) Mahle House (Cedar) Camas (Lantzville) Bin 4 Burger Lounge (Nanaimo) Bistro Taiyo (Nanaimo) Gina's Mexican Cafe (Nanaimo) Nanoose Bay Cafe (Nanoose Bay) Qualicum Beach Cafe (Qualicum Beach) Deez Bar & Grill (Qualicum Beach) Jas Cafe (Ladysmith) Jalapenos Mexican (Nanaimo) JLA Foodtruck (Nanaimo) The View Oceanside Grill (Nanaimo) Embers Wine & Charcuterie Cellar (Nanaimo)
Tue, January 28, 2025
What is the Crystal Pool referendum all about?
On February 8, Victoria residents will decide whether the city can borrow up to $168.9 million to build a new Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre. They can also weigh in on which of two locations they'd prefer: on the site of the existing pool, or right beside it. Because Greater Victoria residents often cross municipal boundaries to use pools, the results could impact swimmers across the region. On this episode: what exactly the ballot questions are asking, and some arguments for and against each option.
Tue, January 21, 2025
The birth of the Victoria Queer Run Club, and how it could inspire you
The Victoria Queer Run Club launched in the summer of 2024 with two runners. Six months later, it has three regular run groups and a budding community. We hear how it started, and learn how anyone could be inspired to start their own community group - running or otherwise.
Tue, January 14, 2025
Rise in violent incidents taking toll on understaffed Victoria libraries
An investigation by CBC Victoria’s Emily Fagan found a rise in violent, threatening incidents facing staff at Greater Victoria Libraries. While it makes up a percentage of overall library visits, it is contributing to burnout and fatigue amongst library staff. She tells us about it.
Tue, January 07, 2025
A look at what did - and didn't - burn at Telegraph Cove
News broke on New Year's Eve that the historic boardwalk and buildings at Telegraph Cove, on the north island, were burning. The photos were dramatic, and made it easy to assume the village was gone. But the people there want you to know: it didn't all burn! On this episode, we hear about what was lost, what remains, and what the future holds for Telegraph Cove.
Tue, December 24, 2024
A 35-year-long thank you and other wholesome moments of kindness
On this episode: three stories of island-based acts of kindness to make you feel warm and fuzzy, no matter what you are (or aren’t) celebrating this December.
Tue, December 17, 2024
Hear B.C.'s new public safety minister respond to safety concerns in Nanaimo
A recent attack on a city worker in Nanaimo renewed calls for help from the provincial and federal governments. Concerned residents want action to tackle what they say are unsafe streets. We ask B.C.'s new public safety minister what he'll do to help.
Tue, December 10, 2024
An island's quest to get rid of its deer
Mayne Island is the latest island facing deer troubles. In this episode we learn about what makes fallow deer such a challenge, why Mayne Islanders are asking for help, and what’s happening with the troubled efforts to remove invasive deer from Sidney Island.
Tue, December 03, 2024
A new way to tell B.C. Ferries what you think? (And an end to Ferry Advisory Committees)
B.C. Ferries says it is ending the Ferry Advisory Committees. For over 30 years, they’ve been the way that 13 ferry-dependent communities could formally comment on the service they get, and request changes. But B.C. Ferries says it's time to modernize the way it engages with the public, and to open the door wider so more people can weigh in. We hear from people who are disappointed with the news, those who are optimistic, and we get some ideas on how the new system should work.
Tue, November 26, 2024
Secrets of living with long power outages
With storm season underway, more than 150,000 BC Hydro customers in the Island region have already lost power at some point. So we head to a place where long outages are the norm in winter, to get some tips on how to deal with them. (Here’s a hint: the words “community” and “coffee” come up a lot.)
Tue, November 19, 2024
Should we move to the island from Alberta?
Right now Grace and James Phelan live just outside of Edmonton. They're thinking of moving to Vancouver Island, but can't decide if life here would be better than life in Alberta. In this episode, we help them weigh the pros and cons.
Tue, November 12, 2024
Could Langford and the West Shore separate from Greater Victoria?
As the communities of the West Shore continue to grow, would it make sense for them to quit being suburbs and instead form their own region apart from Greater Victoria? On this week's episode, we look at the pros and cons of working together as a capital region - and ask the existential question "is the West Shore part of Greater Victoria?"
Tue, November 05, 2024
How to feel good about the rain
We know rain is a fact of life here on the Island - but in the rainy season, it can still get you down. So on this episode of This is Vancouver Island, host Kathryn Marlow seeks inspiration from people who appreciate and rely on the rain. This episode originally aired February 6, 2024. We'll be back with a new episode next week.
Tue, October 29, 2024
Why the Island is a great place for ghost stories
Shanon Sinn loves ghost stories: for both the mystery, and the history, they provide. He researches and writes about ghost stories based right here on the Island, and joins the podcast to share a story, and talk about why he finds the island so eerie (in a good way).
Tue, October 22, 2024
Let’s celebrate some of the island’s many authors
The island is full of authors of all kinds: poets, novelists, children’s and non-fiction writers, and more. Many of them were honoured with literary awards this fall - including Kathryn Mockler, Raina Delisle, Ian Kennedy, Jordan Scott, and the late Darrell J McLeod. On this episode, we ask a librarian to share some of her favourite local authors.
Tue, October 15, 2024
It's voting time. Are you ready?
B.C. election day is October 19, though advanced polls are already open. This week, we take a look at where the major parties stand on some of the big issues.
Tue, October 08, 2024
Another Victoria music venue is closing. Now what?
The Victoria Event Centre (V.E.C.) was a non-profit venue for music and arts for 21 years - but it just announced it's closing, after its landlord says it can no longer help subsidize its rent. It’s just the latest music venue to close in the city. On this episode, we’ll find out if the people behind the V.E.C. might pop up elsewhere, and we’ll get the latest on the city of Victoria’s plans to revive another venue.
Tue, October 01, 2024
Did you feel it? Why it helps researchers when you report earthquakes
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.
Tue, September 24, 2024
What makes islanders vote?
Candidates are vying for votes in 15 provincial ridings on the Island. In recent elections, voters in their 30s and 40s have been least likely to show up at the polls - so we ask three islanders in that age category why they vote, what turns them off certain candidates, and what helps them decide who to choose. Plus, VIU professor Paula Waatainen on how to talk to kids and teens about elections.
Tue, August 27, 2024
Kady Dandeneau reps Pender Island at the Paralympics
She may live in Spain, and be competing in Paris, but wheelchair basketball star Kady Dandeneau got her start on Pender Island, population 2773. She talks to Kathryn Marlow about going for gold at the Paralympics, why she loves the game, and what it was like learning to play on Pender.
Tue, August 13, 2024
Catching up on Vic PD’s Pandora safety plan
The 900-block of Victoria’s Pandora Avenue is often in the news, but it can be hard to keep track of the actions taken (or not) to manage the block where people who are homeless often congregate, and camp. On August 13, the Victoria Police Department released its new safety plan for Pandora - a plan written after a paramedic was assaulted while providing medical care. In this episode we recap the plan, and some of the reaction.
Tue, July 16, 2024
Canadians are buying less beer: a look at how craft breweries on the Island are adapting.
Some of Canada's first craft breweries are here on Vancouver Island - but business isn't booming quite like it used to. In fact, the latest statistics show that per capita beer purchases are the lowest they've ever been in Canada. So we meet up with the folks at two Victoria breweries - Spinnakers and Phillips - to learn how they're branching into the world of non-alcoholic beverages.
Tue, July 09, 2024
POD SHARE: Why does France like Saskatchewan's mustard so much?
Hey Vancouver Islanders! This week we're sharing an episode from one of our CBC local podcast friends, "Good Question Saskatchewan." Farmers in that province grow A LOT of mustard seed - and then ship it to France where it gets turned into the condiment you know and love. Why? Listen to find out.
Tue, July 02, 2024
The best (and worst) of summer on the Island
It’s summer on the Island! A time for beaches and forests…and tourists and ferries. Three islanders join host Kathryn Marlow to talk about what they love (and hate) about Island summer, what’s on their summer fun list, and how to find your new favourite places away from everyone else.
Tue, June 25, 2024
Victoria isn’t afraid of nitty-gritty, gender-bending drag
One of Canada's best-known drag queens, Jimbo, is based right here in Victoria. But the Victoria drag scene is more than just Jimbo. On this episode, local drag king Sylvester Stalletto talks about the differences between the glamour of Drag Race and the nitty-gritty of the Victoria drag scene. He also chats with producer Stevie Welland about what makes drag so popular here, how it’s helped him find his gender expression, and how he pulls inspiration from Chilean macho men.
Tue, June 18, 2024
We love the Island for its independent bookstores
When it comes to bookstores, islanders are beyond lucky. Our region has more independent bookstores than some entire provinces! In this episode, host Kathryn Marlow and her colleague Gregor Craigie dig into their love for bookstores, and share thoughts from the owners of Ivy's Bookshop in Oak Bay and Laughing Oyster Book Shop in Courtenay.
Tue, June 11, 2024
Women's sports are dominating, and they are here to stay
Carolyn Sutherland and Rhiannon Ware are athletes, entrepreneurs, and sports management students at Camosun College. They join Kathryn Marlow to talk about the current excitement over women’s sports (think PWHL and the WNBA), why the excitement needs to be more than just a moment, and the work they’re doing to help girls in greater Victoria develop a lifelong love for sport and fitness through their program PowHer Performance.
Tue, June 04, 2024
Would you put carrot slices on a bagel?
Vegans may be familiar with the idea of "carrot lox," but Aki Kaltenbach wants everyone to eat more plant-based seafood. She tells host Kathryn Marlow about her island-based company's carrot-based smoked salmon and jackfruit-based tuna - and her plans to expand into the U.S. market, while still keeping headquarters in greater Victoria.
Tue, May 28, 2024
How to recharge your soul in the Comox Valley
We talk about where to see live music in the Comox Valley, how you can watch it affordably, and why it’s worth getting off the couch to see something in person. Plus, why some local cultural organizations are lobbying for better public transit in the region.
Tue, May 21, 2024
The cost of living on the island can leave you feeling stranded
Financial planner and millennial mom Courtney Castledine talks with host Kathryn Marlow about all the ways life has become less affordable - and jokes that if it weren't for the rising cost of one particular toddler-friendly food item, she might actually be able to retire.
Tue, May 14, 2024
What would a dream music venue look like in Victoria?
Longtime music fans were thrilled recently when Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder shouted out a legendary Victoria music venue. Harpo's Cabaret closed in 1995, but fans still reminisce about shows they saw there. So what made Harpo's so special? And what would the ideal music venue look like in 2024? We ask local musician, and Seaside Music Festival artistic director, Oliver Swain.
Tue, May 07, 2024
What else is as iconic as London Drugs?
When London Drugs closed for a week due to a cyberattack, many of us realized what a unique role it plays in our lives. Where else could you get a vacuum, toothpaste, and (once upon a time) an Atari 2600? On this episode we talk London Drugs - and other iconic brands on the Island.
Tue, April 30, 2024
Is the Sunshine Coast Trail too perfect?
Hiking the Sunshine Coast Trail can be a transformative experience for locals and visitors alike. Learn more about the multi-day journey, its history, and things you can expect to see along it.
Tue, April 23, 2024
POD SHARE: Why are so many Montreal apartments rented without appliances?
Hey Vancouver Islanders! This week we're sharing an episode from another island: Montreal. Enjoy this exploration from our CBC local podcast friends, "Good Question Montreal." Every July 1, many Montrealers find themselves on the move, not just with their tables, chairs, couches and beds, but with their fridges and stoves too. Apartments here are often rented without appliances included, which does not seem to be a common practice elsewhere in Canada. We’ll explore some of the reasons this might be, and what this says about Montreal’s unique (but changing) rental culture.
Tue, April 16, 2024
Is it weird to love a tree?
This spring, a few dozen people gathered in Oak Bay to say goodbye to a tree. The 200-year-old Garry Oak was cut down because of safety concerns. It's not the first time Islanders have mourned a tree - and it won't be the last. But we're also still a region that relies on forestry for thousands of jobs. So how do we reconcile a love of trees, with a need to cut some down?
Tue, April 09, 2024
Sictoria? Vaanich? The Victoria-Saanich Amalgamation discussion is finally about to begin
Nearly six years ago, voters in Saanich and Victoria said yes to an independent study of the pros, cons, and costs of amalgamation — after decades of debate and discussion of the idea. Now, invites are set to go out to join the citizen’s assembly. The body of randomly selected residents will spend eight Saturdays studying the matter, and then come up with a recommendation: to become one city, or not. In this episode, we hear how organizers are trying to make sure everyone has a chance at joining the assembly, including people who are unhoused. We’ll also get some of the arguments for and against combining Victoria and Saanich.
Tue, April 02, 2024
The Salish Sea doesn’t care about international borders
The waters between Vancouver Island, mainland British Columbia, and Washington State are known collectively as the Salish Sea. The flora and fauna that live in that sea face similar threats, regardless of which side they're on. The Biodiversity Action Network is working to increase collaboration between researchers on both sides of the border - something they say is crucial for building resilience in the face of climate change.
Tue, March 26, 2024
Learning traditional and cultural skills, plus English and social studies, while out on the land
In the qathet School District on B.C.’s north Sunshine Coast, a group of Indigenous high school students attend a special land-based learning program. They get many of their required subjects covered, while also learning traditional skills like hunting, fishing, and preparing community meals. Kathryn Marlow headed out on the water with the GIJE (Land) Program.
Tue, March 19, 2024
What makes immigrants choose greater Victoria as their new home?
Over 10,000 people immigrated to Greater Victoria between 2016 to 2021. But why did they come here, over other Canadian regions? And what makes them stay - or move on to other cities? This is Vancouver Island host Kathryn Marlow speaks with two immigrants, Hostion Ho and Andrea McCoy (who also co-host a podcast about immigration called “Canadian Salad”).
Tue, March 12, 2024
How to rewild an industrial space
Right now on Vancouver Island there are several projects underway to turn urban or industrial spaces back into natural places or parks. But what does it take to go from asphalt and buildings, to water and plants? In this episode, host Kathryn Marlow dives deep on one such project in the Comox Valley: Kus-kus-sum .
Tue, March 05, 2024
Do small towns really need councils?
Things are tense at the council table in the tiny village of Sayward. It's not the first time things have gotten ugly in a small community's government, and it won't be the last - leaving one resident asking if the village council should disband. CBC reporter Justin McElroy walks us through what this could look like, and if it's something the people of Sayward even want.
Tue, February 27, 2024
Giselle Vriesen's debut novel is set on the Island, but mixes mythologies from around the world
Debut novelist Giselle Vriesen read fantasy books as an escape when she was a teen on Salt Spring Island, but she never saw her heritage reflected. Young adult fantasy is a popular book genre, but it’s often rooted in Greek, or other western mythologies. On this episode of This is Vancouver Island, she talks about building worlds based on mythology from her own Jamaican, Chinese, and European-Canadian backgrounds — and how she couldn’t help but include some rainforests and oceans too. Her first book, called Why We Play with Fire, is out now.
Tue, February 20, 2024
Pender Island: wheelchair basketball hotspot?!
This year, a fifth of the wheelchair basketball players at the B.C. Winter Games are from Pender Island — but Pender has nowhere near a fifth of the province’s population. Kathryn Marlow looks into the basketball boom for the latest episode of This is Vancouver Island.
Tue, February 13, 2024
The business of making art on the island
As an islander, you may dabble in painting, or photography, or poetry, because you just can’t help but be inspired by our gorgeous surroundings. But what happens when you’re in a creative industry on the island, making stuff here to sell elsewhere? Does island living create an added layer of complication? Aunalee Boyd-Good, co-director and designer with Ay Lelum: The Good House of Design in Nanaimo, and Victoria-based Faisal Sethi, founder, CEO and creative director of game company Frosty Pop, weigh in.
Tue, February 06, 2024
How to feel good about the rain
We know rain is a fact of life here on the Island — but in the depths of winter, it can still get you down. So on this episode of This is Vancouver Island, host Kathryn Marlow seeks inspiration from people who appreciate and rely on the rain.
Tue, January 30, 2024
Could this be the beginning of Greater Victoria's light rail dream?
Two local transit advocates talk about plans for a new regional transit body in Greater Victoria — plans the mayor of Saanich says could one day lead to an actual, funded plan to build light rail. Plus: they tell us about their favourite bus stops. Yes, they have favourite bus stops.
Tue, January 23, 2024
Working together to bring W̱SÁNEĆ culture back to Mayne Island
Did you know that when you drive from the ferry terminal on Mayne Island, into its village centre, you're driving past reserve land held by the Tsartlip First Nation? You might not. Because of colonization there have been very few signs of the W̱SÁNEĆ people's long history on the island, even though it's part of their unceded territory. But that's changing. In this episode, host Kathryn Marlow meets a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people working together to put W̱SÁNEĆ culture back on the island. The project is called “Walking Forward with the Past” and has a list of upcoming events on its website.
Trailer · Tue, January 16, 2024
Introducing: This is Vancouver Island
We love island life because it's not life on the mainland. But it's not all sunset strolls and forest bathing - it can be frustrating, isolated, and expensive too. Host Kathryn Marlow is ready to explore it all on This is Vancouver Island.
Tue, January 16, 2024
Islanders and ferries: A love-hate relationship
Ferries - we love them, we hate them, but we can’t live without them. We dive into the ups and downs aboard ‘the people’s yacht.’ From the food to the signage to getting a spot on board. And will the ferries ever get good WIFI? Host Kathryn Marlow is joined by colleague Rohit Joseph this week.
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