A big thank you to everyone who donated to our Back to School Supply Drive!

A big thank you to everyone who donated to our Back to School Supply Drive in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters Victoria. We were able to collect both cash and school supply donations and everything was dropped off on the first week of school. BBBS was very grateful for all of the donations and said that they come as big help for those in need, especially this year as they've seen many families face employment struggles due to Covid-19. Much appreciated!

- Danielle & Blake

A greater commitment to development required to balance local housing market

October 1, 2021  A total of 761 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this September, 23.1 per cent fewer than the 989 properties sold in September 2020 and 8.4 per cent fewer than the previous month of August. Condominium sales were up 9.3 per cent from September 2020 with 306 units sold. 11.3 per cent fewer condominiums sold in September 2021 than in the previous month of August. Sales of single family homes were down 38.6 per cent from September 2020 with 331 sold. 7.3 per cent fewer single family homes sold in September 2021 than in the previous month of August.

"We are in a situation this month that is very similar to last month," said Victoria Real Estate Board President David Langlois. "We have seen a lot of demand for homes of all types, but very little inventory come onto the market. And just like last month, it would be inaccurate to say that the market has slowed down and certainly an oversimplification to say the market is experiencing traditional seasonal slowing. What we are experiencing is a continued response to long-term low inventory levels."

It’s that time of year again… pumpkin time!

Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin candles and pumpkin patches!

This year, many of your favourite pumpkin patches are back offering U-Pick after taking a hiatus due to COVID-19. 

Get your family and friends together to enjoy a perfect fall day on a hayride, in a corn maze and picking out the perfect pumpkin. 

Here are 5 places to pick the perfect pumpkin in and around Victoria this festive season:

It’s that time of year again… pumpkin time!Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin candles and pumpkin patches!This year, many of your favourite pumpkin patches are back offering U-Pick after taking a hiatus due to COVID-19. Get your family and friends together to enjoy a perfect fall day on a hayride, in a corn maze and picking out the perfect pumpkin. Here are 5 places to pick the perfect pumpkin in and around Victoria this festive season:

Pumpkinfest at Galey Farms

Pumpkinfest at Galey Farms starts this Saturday, October 2nd!This year, Galey is offering combo tickets which include a train ride past the pumpkin patch and through the Halloween displays and two-hectare corn maze.Guests are then invited to visit the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin!No walk-ins will be accepted, tickets must be purchased online prior to attending. 

• Hours: Every October weekend, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Last train ride at 4 p.m.)
• Location: 4150 Blenkinsop Road
• Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online here. 

Michell’s Farms Market

Michell Farms has been growing on the Saanich Peninsula for over 150 years and is a local favourite for pumpkin picking! Visit their farm to grab some fresh, local produce and the perfect pumpkin.

• Location: 2451 Island View Road

• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday

Ocean View Estates

Ocean View Estates’ pumpkin patch is now open! Buy your general admission ticket to secure your time. They also have an on-site photographer if you’re looking for the perfect fall photo op!

• Location: 7979 Central Saanich Road

• Hours: Pumpkin Patch hours begin at 9:30 a.m.  and close at 6:30 p.m.

• Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online here. 

Silver Rill Corn

This year, Silver Rill is offering U-Pick pumpkins for the first time ever! Pick your pumpkins and visit with the goats and chickens for the perfect fall day.Visit the patch to choose your own pumpkin or purchase a pre-weighed pumpkin at the Market. 

• Location: 7117 Central Saanich Road
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Sunday

McNabs Corn Maze

McNabs Corn Maze is back!Bring the whole family to enjoy the corn maze, puzzles and the pumpkin patch!Pumpkin picking begins today, September 29th.

• Location: 4613 Yellow Point Road, Ladysmith
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily in October
• Tickets: Tickets can be purchased here. 

Unfortunately, there are still some local farms that are not offering U-Pick this year, such as Longview Farms. This year, their pumpkins will be sold at Thrifty Foods, but don’t worry, they plan to be back next year for U-Pick!

Source: Victoriabuzz.com