Michael John Lo
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journalist for the @timescolonist daily newspaper in Victoria, Canada. ✍️ also in @globeandmail @TheTyee @capitaldailyvic. he/him
Articles by Michael John Lo
Supporting military families a priority for new base commander
Supporting military families a priority for new base commander Supporting military families Michael John Lo / Times Colonist - Nov 1, 2026 / 8:35 am | Story: 636381 Photo: Darren Stone, Times Colonist Navy Capt. Douglas Layton began a three-year term as CFB Esquimalt base commander this summer. The new commander of CFB Esquimalt says his priority over the next three years at the helm will be to support military families so soldiers can focus on the job at hand. Navy Capt.
Supporting military families a priority for new base commander
The new commander of CFB Esquimalt says his priority over the next three years at the helm will be to support military families so soldiers can focus on the job at hand. Navy Capt. Douglas Layton’s role includes being caretaker of the base’s roughly 1,500 buildings and helping to make sure ships are mission-ready with sufficient power and water.
Lime bike hit 2,000 trips in a day not long after launching: planner
Complaints about Lime bikes have largely subsided as the service hit a milestone of more than 2,000 trips in a day not long after it launched, a City of Victoria transportation planner told an active transportation conference this week.
Vehicle of missing woman, 71, found in Jordan River Original
The RCMP have located the vehicle of a 71-year-old woman who was reported missing on Wednesday in Jordan River Regional Park. Meike Mantai was last seen about 11 a.m. Tuesday, driving a white 2018 Toyota RAV4. Her vehicle was located near Sandcut Beach in the Jordan River area on Friday morning, but Mantai was not with the vehicle and remains missing. Police are concerned for her safety. Police dogs, search-and-rescue teams and RCMP air services were deployed after her vehicle was found.
Fundraising total nears $20M as Desert Bus marks two decades
If you tune in to the Desert Bus for Hope livestream, you’ll find none of the clickbait reels, AI slop and addictive algorithms that are all too common online today. Instead, you’ll see a room full of friends taking part in what has become the world’s longest-running annual internet gaming fundraiser, now in its 20th year.
Police suspend use of Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers after data breach
The Saanich Police Department is pausing use of the Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers program after a data breach reportedly exposed more than a million tips made through the platform. Saanich police act as the host agency for Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers, which works with five police departments in the region to provide a way for the public to provide anonymous tips.
'Packed to the windshield': More cancelled buses expected amid job action
The union representing B.C. Transit drivers and mechanics says about 100 bus trips a day are being cancelled in Greater Victoria due to ongoing job action, and the situation could worsen if things don’t change in negotiations.
Vancouver Island man killed by drone while rescuing animals in Ukraine
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Dangerous driving charge laid in death of man, 23, in Nanaimo
A man has been charged in connection with the death of a 23-year-old man who was struck and killed while walking along the Island Highway at the north end of Nanaimo last November. Nanaimo RCMP said in a statement that Wail Hmaied has been charged with one count of dangerous driving causing death, and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 10. A warrant was issued for Hmaied’s arrest last Wednesday after an extensive investigation that involved other agencies, Nanaimo RCMP said.
Vancouver Island man killed by drone while rescuing animals in Ukraine Original
A Greater Victoria man who was killed Sunday by a Russian drone while helping evacuate animals in eastern Ukraine is being remembered as “a kind, compassionate and truly remarkable human being” by the Ukrainian organization he was volunteering for. Animal Rescue Kharkiv said Jesse Adams was in a vehicle that had just been loaded up with animals for evacuation in the frontline city of Kramatorsk when a drone hit the windshield. Adams was taken to hospital, but died of his injuries.
Ex-electoral area director gives up Sooke bingo calling to head to legislature
Mike Hicks has to resolve one big issue before he heads to the legislature as the new Conservative MLA for Juan de Fuca-Malahat: Who will take over as caller for the weekly Seniors for Seniors bingo game at Sooke Community Hall? “Now I have to break the news to the group that I might not be able to carry on as the bingo caller,” the former Capital Regional District electoral director quipped when he was reached on Sunday after his election win.
'We will defend every service': Green leader takes aim at Conservatives Original
B.C. Green Leader Emily Lowan struck a defiant tone in a speech to supporters after winning a seat in Saanich North and the Islands, one of two Green seats in the province amid a Conservative sweep. “We will fight for you in the legislature and we will fight for you in the streets,” she said.
Nicolas Jimenez out as B.C. Ferries CEO Original
Nicolas Jimenez is out as CEO of B.C. Ferries in a sudden “leadership transition” initiated by the B.C. Ferries board on Tuesday. Jimenez’s ouster was announced in a statement by board chair Cathy McLay. Brian Anderson, the ferry company’s vice president of strategy and planning, has been appointed interim CEO. Dallyn Willis, the company’s executive vice-president and chief financial officer, will assume Anderson’s responsibilities.
Emily Lowan wins Saanich North and the Islands to lead B.C. Greens in legislature
Emily Lowan is headed to a seat in the legislature representing Saanich North and the Islands after spending a year without a seat as leader of the B.C. Green Party. Lowan, 26, said she expects to be stretched thin as one of only two Green MLAs in the legislature, based on preliminary results.
Conservative Mike Hicks emerges victorious in Juan de Fuca-Malahat race
Former Capital Regional District electoral director Mike Hicks is headed back to elected office after a tight race for Juan de Fuca-Malahat. Hicks, who was running for the Conservatives, captured about 42 per cent of the vote, ahead of New Democrat incumbent Dana Lajuenesse of the NDP, with about 38 per cent. David Evans, who ran for the B.C. Greens, received about 17 per cent of the vote.
Candidates turned to AI to help with municipal campaigns
One candidate used it as a de facto campaign manager, scouring the internet for local election news. Another, who has a learning disability, deployed it to polish her responses to public inquiries. A third used it to make his campaign logo. AI was still fermenting in Silicon Valley when B.C.’s local elections were last held in 2022. Four years later, many candidates have accepted it as part of politics.
Candidates turned to AI to help with municipal campaigns
One candidate used it as a de facto campaign manager, scouring the internet for local election news. Another, who has a learning disability, deployed it to polish her responses to public inquiries. A third used it to make his campaign logo. AI was still fermenting in Silicon Valley when B.C.’s local elections were last held in 2022. Four years later, many candidates have accepted it as part of politics.
Langford firefighters to include bus drills in training, after deadly Calgary fire
Langford firefighters will be conducting drills on how to respond to a bus explosion involving compressed natural gas, in the wake of a deadly crash in Calgary. Last week, a transit bus in Calgary hit several vehicles before rear-ending a parked bus that was powered by compressed natural gas, igniting an explosion that killed three and left more than a dozen others injured. Local police said one officer was taken to hospital with injuries after running toward the bus as the fire erupted.
Snap election call dashes family's hopes of passing Xavier's Law
Friends and family of a 12-year-old killed in a dangerous driving incident in the Cowichan Valley last year had expected to fill the legislature chambers this week for the third reading of a law named after him. Xavier Rasul-Jankovics was killed by a speeding driver while out rollerblading near his home with his father and brother on Aug. 25, 2025.
Outgoing Esquimalt mayor says goodbye after more than 20 years in office
Midway through more than two decades in municipal office, Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins’ personal and professional life was in turmoil. In January of 2017, daughter Genevieve Alsone Desjardins, an artist, singer and actor, had died of cancer at the age of 32. The next month, plans for the township’s most controversial project, a treatment plant for the region’s sewage, were finalized after years of intense debate and public opposition.
Highlands councillor unseats three-term mayor, after split over ex-landfill
Gord Baird, who narrowly upset three-term mayor Ken Williams in Highlands, said he is looking forward to advocating for district priorities at the Capital Regional District. The 57-year-old three-term councillor was coy about whether he would run to be chair at the CRD, joking on Sunday that he was still busy looking for lost signs in the municipal election. Baird served as chair of both the CRD and Juan de Fuca water commissions for years and says Highlands deserves a louder voice at the CRD.
Incoming Metchosin mayor says financial review a priority
Metchosin’s incoming mayor says one of his first priorities will be to order a “complete overview” of district finances. Steve Gray, a councillor in the last term, handily unseated Marie-Térèse Little after campaigning against her push for a new fire hall. Gray received 77 per cent of votes cast in the mayoral race, while Little received 19.4 per cent.
Cordial Esquimalt council-elect includes five women
Esquimalt candidates got along with each other so well in the race, nearly all of them went out for drinks after polls closed to Saxe Point pub, where outgoing mayor Barb Desjardins also popped in. Incoming mayor Duncan Cavens said he “didn’t hear a negative word from anybody the entire time” during the campaign. Cavens cruised to the mayor’s seat on Saturday with more than 90 per cent of the preliminary vote, with the balance going to newcomer David Gauthier.
Esquimalt election results 2026: Cavens cruises to victory as mayor
Duncan Cavens cruised to the mayor’s seat in Esquimalt on Saturday with over 90 per cent of the preliminary vote. Cavens recieved 4,407 votes for mayor, while David Gauthier received 434. Cavens, first elected to Esquimalt council in 2022, is stepping into the role with the departure of Barb Desjardins, who has been mayor of Esquimalt for 18 years.
Metchosin election results 2026: Councillor Steve Gray unseats Little as mayor
Councillor Steve Gray unseated Marie-Térèse Little for the mayor’s seat in Metchosin after campaigning against her push for a new fire hall. Gray received 77 per cent of votes or 1,724 of votes cast in the mayoral race, while Little only received 19.4 per cent or 434 votes. Shawn Melinchuk, the third candidate, received three per cent of the vote — 68 votes.
Highlands election results 2026: Baird edges three-term mayor Williams
Gord Baird, a three-term councillor, has narrowly unseated three-term mayor Ken Williams in Highlands, with a 29-vote edge in preliminary results. Highlands council also saw a shakeup for the first time in 12 years. Incumbents Leslie Anderson, Karel Roessigh and Ann Baird were re-elected, but Marcie McLean did not make the cut.
Island Conservative candidate under fire for citing need to 'conquer' First Nations Original
First Nation leaders are criticizing an Island Conservative candidate for suggesting at an all-candidates meeting that First Nations need to be “conquered” for economic development to happen, a comment that the candidate says was taken out of context.
Next Sidney council to decide on new town hall, future of pier
Sidney’s incoming mayor says the next council will have to make big decisions in the next four years on the future of the Anacortes ferry terminal and Beacon Wharf, as well as plans for a new town hall. The ferry terminal hasn’t been used since the COVID-19 pandemic and is in need of major upgrades to stay compliant with U.S. Homeland Security standards. Citing a vessel and crew shortage, Washington State Ferries has said the route would resume no earlier than 2030.
Police seek help identifying woman found dead at waste disposal facility
Police are working to identify a woman who was found deceased at a waste disposal facility in Central Saanich on Tuesday morning. Employees were stationed at the DL Bins dropoff facility at 6844 Oldfield Rd. on Tuesday evening to let police officers into the gated facility. Several officers, as well as a Central Saanich police vehicle and one unmarked police pickup were seen inside the compound. A notice on the DL Bins website its Oldfield Road yard is closed due to an emergency.
Police seek help identifying woman found dead at waste disposal facility
Police are working to identify a woman who was found deceased at a waste disposal facility in Central Saanich on Tuesday morning. Employees were stationed at the DL Bins dropoff facility at 6844 Oldfield Rd. on Tuesday evening to let police officers into the gated facility. Several officers, as well as a Central Saanich police vehicle and one unmarked police pickup were seen inside the compound. A notice on the DL Bins website its Oldfield Road yard is closed due to an emergency.
Police seek help identifying woman found dead at waste disposal facility
Police are working to identify a woman who was found deceased at a waste disposal facility in Central Saanich on Tuesday morning. Employees were stationed at the DL Bins dropoff facility at 6844 Oldfield Rd. on Tuesday evening to let police officers into the gated facility. Several officers, as well as a Central Saanich police vehicle and one unmarked police pickup were seen inside the compound. A notice on the DL Bins website its Oldfield Road yard is closed due to an emergency.
Police seek help identifying woman found dead at waste disposal facility
Police are working to identify a woman who was found deceased at a waste disposal facility in Central Saanich on Tuesday morning. Employees were stationed at the DL Bins dropoff facility at 6844 Oldfield Rd. on Tuesday evening to let police officers into the gated facility. Several officers, as well as a Central Saanich police vehicle and one unmarked police pickup were seen inside the compound. A notice on the DL Bins website its Oldfield Road yard is closed due to an emergency.
Police seek help identifying woman found dead at waste disposal facility
Police are working to identify a woman who was found deceased at a waste disposal facility in Central Saanich on Tuesday morning. Employees were stationed at the DL Bins dropoff facility at 6844 Oldfield Rd. on Tuesday evening to let police officers into the gated facility. Several officers, as well as a Central Saanich police vehicle and one unmarked police pickup were seen inside the compound. A notice on the DL Bins website its Oldfield Road yard is closed due to an emergency.
Police seek help identifying woman found dead at waste disposal facility
Vendors can use your data to provide services. Declining a vendor can stop them from using the data you shared. Exponential Interactive, Inc d/b/a VDX.tv Cookie duration: 90 (days). Data collected and processed: IP addresses, Device identifiers, Probabilistic identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Non-precise location data, Users’ profiles, Privacy choices more Cookie duration resets each session. View details | Storage details | Privacy policy Index Exchange Inc. Cookie duration: 365 (days).
Police seek help identifying woman found dead at waste disposal facility
Police are working to identify a woman who was found deceased at a waste disposal facility in Central Saanich on Tuesday morning. Employees were stationed at the DL Bins dropoff facility at 6844 Oldfield Rd. on Tuesday evening to let police officers into the gated facility. Several officers, as well as a Central Saanich police vehicle and one unmarked police pickup were seen inside the compound. A notice on the DL Bins website its Oldfield Road yard is closed due to an emergency.
Metchosin mayoral hopefuls divided on how to replace fire hall
A Metchosin councillor is challenging the incumbent mayor in the Oct. 17 election over how the district should replace its ageing fire hall. Coun. Steve Gray criticized the project as Mayor Marie-Térèse Little’s push for a “big-city fire hall” and wants council to revisit the plan next term.
Police seek help identifying woman found dead at waste disposal facility
Police are working to identify a woman who was found deceased at a waste disposal facility in Central Saanich on Tuesday morning. Employees were stationed at the DL Bins dropoff facility at 6844 Oldfield Rd. on Tuesday evening to let police officers into the gated facility. Several officers, as well as a Central Saanich police vehicle and one unmarked police pickup were seen inside the compound. A notice on the DL Bins website its Oldfield Road yard is closed due to an emergency.
Body of woman found at Central Saanich waste disposal facility
The body of a woman was discovered at a waste disposal facility in Central Saanich on Tuesday morning. Central Saanich Police were alerted on Tuesday morning, and the case has been turned over to the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit. Investigators are asking for the public’s help identifying the woman, who is possibly in her 30s. She is described as heavy-set and about five-foot-nine, with brown hair and blond highlights and a horizontal scar on her inner right forearm.
Police looking for witnesses to Tuesday morning fight on Government Street
Victoria police are looking for witnesses to a fight on Government Street that sent one person to hospital on Tuesday morning. Officers were called to Government and Yates streets at 7 a.m. and found a person with non-life-threatening injuries from an altercation. The person was taken to hospital by paramedics for assessment, VicPD said in a statement. The other person involved in the altercation left the area before officers showed up, police said. No further details about the fight were given.
Allenby Road near Duncan to remain closed until next spring
A road closure near Duncan has been extended until the spring for repairs related to mudslide damage. Allenby Road, from Boys Road to Miller Road, will be closed to allow crews to finish permanent repairs, said the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. Drivers should continue to use the Trans Canada Highway as an alternative route. Local access to the road, which runs through Cowichan Tribes lands, will be maintained, the ministry said. The road has been closed to two-way traffic since April 13.
Port Hardy Hospital ER sees reduced hours two days in a row
The Port Hardy Hospital emergency department was closed on Sunday and Monday morning due to staff shortages. Usually open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., the emergency department was scheduled to be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday due to “temporary limited care provider availability.” Island Health said in a statement that no other inpatient services at the hospital were affected.
Esquimalt set to get first new mayor in 18 years after period of rapid growth
New residential buildings line Esquimalt’s major streets, many of them six storeys or taller. In fact, the township blew past its five-year provincial housing targets of 754 new homes by year two, with 989 new homes built in the community over the last two years. Esquimalt Town Square, home to a library, coffee shop and pub, is now a lively public plaza completed in 2022 on the site of the township’s old public works building and municipal hall.
Turfed B.C. Conservative candidate to run as independent in Victoria-Beacon Hill
The former B.C. Conservative candidate for Victoria-Beacon Hill who was dropped by the party Wednesday over online posts denigrating Pakistanis and encouraging a driver to reverse his car into a pro-Palestine march says he will continue to stand for election as an independent.
B.C. Conservatives pull Victoria-Beacon Hill candidate after posts surface
The B.C. Conservative candidate for Victoria-Beacon Hill has been dropped by the party after online posts surfaced in which Joachim Agou denigrated Pakistanis and said a driver should have reversed his car into a pro-Palestine march. “The candidate in Victoria-Beacon Hill is no longer a Conservative candidate,” Lorne Doerkson said in a statement Thursday. “There is no excuse for this. I will not tolerate it.” If elected, Agou will not be allowed to sit with the Conservatives, he said.
Lawyer argues ballet teacher only had sex with dancer when she was legal age Original
This story deals with alleged sexual offenses involving a minor. A verdict could come next week in B.C. Supreme Court in the case of the former artistic director and owner of a Victoria ballet school who is accused of sexual exploitation of his teenage dance student. David Chaplin Beales has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual interference, sexual exploitation and making sexually explicit material available to a minor in connection with alleged incidents from 2019 to 2022.
On the Street: Langford shop taking euros, new board chair at Camosun
A ramen store in Langford is now taking euros as payment in anticipation of Canada’s possible inclusion in the European Union as an associate member. Co-owner Allan Nichols says Ramen Arashi Langford will gladly accept loose bills and change from the EU at a €1 to $1.50 rate. The exchange rate is slightly lower than what one might get at a bank, but Nichols said he settled on something that would be easy for servers to calculate.
Assault on Victoria Save-On-Foods manager part of troubling trend: company
A recent assault on a manager at Save-On-Foods’ Pandora Avenue store is part of a troubling rise in aggressive and violent behaviour experienced by retailers in Western Canada, says the president of the grocery chain’s parent company. “What began as an increase in theft has evolved into something more serious,” Jamie Nelson, president of Pattison Food Group, wrote in an open letter to media.
Former Metro Studio event space set to reopen after renovations
A performance and event space at the edge of downtown Victoria is reopening Friday after a summer of renovations, with five performances scheduled as part of music-industry showcase Breakout West. The former Metro Studio, a 185-seat space at the corner of Quadra and Johnson streets, has been renamed Greenhouse by its owner, the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Intrepid Theatre, the longtime tenant of the 74-year-old converted church gym, exited the space in March.
'Very large' black bear spotted in Saanich west of Pat Bay highway
The public should stay away from a “very large” black bear spotted between Panama Flats and the Patricia Bay Highway on Wednesday, police say. The bear was last seen near the intersection of Glanford and Baxter avenues. Saanich Police said it consulted with B.C. Conservation officers and determined that no further action is needed, based on the bear’s behaviour.
The South Island Powwow continues to draw major crowds on Truth and Reconciliation Day, five years after it first started. Eugene Sam, a member of the organizing committee, said it’s great to see so many Indigenous and non-Indigenous people coming together to honour and remember residential survivors. The powwow now regularly has 20,000 attendees — surpassing all initial expectations when the Songhees Nation began hosting the event with support from the City of Victoria in 2021, he said.
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