Latest news with #RoyalBCMuseum
Vancouver Sun
05-08-2025
- Science
- Vancouver Sun
The Home Front: How PARC is reshaping B.C.'s story
A striking new building is quietly taking shape in Vancouver Island's city of Colwood, which is near Victoria. The Royal BC Museum PARC Campus (short for Provincial Archives, Research and Collections) offers a fresh take on how we preserve and share our history, says architect Michael Green of MGA, who designed this building. PARC will house collections currently stored at the Royal BC Museum's aging downtown Victoria site, giving much-needed room to archives, conservation labs and storage. But it's more than a warehouse, it's a storytelling loop, says Green. You walk through a path of time — from geology and dinosaurs to First Nations history and present-day culture, he says. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Every object stored or studied in the PARC campus tells a piece of the B.C. story, says Green. Researchers will be able to study species that may now be extinct and see how life has changed. 'It's very important for scientific research. It's very important from a historical context and from a cultural point of view, of really understanding who we are and where we came from,' says Green. Visitors won't just see finished exhibits. Glass-lined labs will give people a window into real-time work. You'll see people working with bones, rare books, birds, or geological samples; doing the research that shapes how we understand the past, says Green. Unlike traditional archives that are hidden behind closed doors, the PARC campus is designed to draw people in. 'It's on one level. You walk straight in. It feels human, warm and connected to nature,' says Green. It's also designed with all ages and abilities in mind. 'We've made sure there are flexible spaces for school visits and learning, indoor and outdoor garden classrooms, and the highest standards for accessibility,' says Green. Inside the building, 140 timber columns have been used to represent the 14,000 years First Nations have had a presence in B.C., says Green. 'We're going to write a century — 100, 200, 300, 400, and so on — down each column, and as you look down this long corridor, and you turn and there's another corridor, and another long corridor, and each of those columns represents a century. That's the time the First Nations, people, the Indigenous people, have lived here, at least, maybe more, and then there's only two columns that represent the time when settlers have been here,' he says. They're using building design to help convey a sense of time, scale and story, for adults and children alike, says Green. The building will have flexible spaces, where lectures and dinners can be held, and areas where groups of schoolchildren can gather. 'There's a whole kids' learning area, both indoors and outdoors, and garden spaces where projects can be undertaken by kids working with the different fascinating departments,' says Green. PARC will showcase everything from geology to literature and culture. It even has a Rolls-Royce painted by musician John Lennon — decorated, unsurprisingly, with flowers. 'For some reason, British Columbia owns it,' says Green. Built entirely from B.C. wood and rammed earth, PARC is the largest mass-timber cultural building in North America. If you're designing a building that's about the history of time, you don't ignore the reality of our time, which means addressing climate change, says Green. This building is designed to last for thousands of years. 'All buildings last based on how they're maintained. Concrete, steel, wood. It's all the same, if you let the rain in, if you don't fix the roof, if you don't fix the windows, over time, all buildings will decay,' he explains. Green points to the timber ceilings of European cathedrals as evidence of this. It's not the material, but the maintenance that counts. With the building about 70 per cent complete, opening day is expected sometime in 2026. It's not a place that you just flip the lights on and open the door, he says. The move-in alone is like relocating a closet that's overfull with priceless history inside. PARC is funded by the Province of British Columbia and operated by the Royal BC Museum, a Crown corporation. It is not a replacement for the downtown museum, but an expansion, and one that gives the public a new way to see, learn and connect with our province's history, says Green. 'I think the most important thing this building does is remind us that we come from the ground. We make things. We tell stories.'
CTV News
29-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
B.C. NDP ex-minister urges Eby to walk back ‘astounding and disheartening' Bill 15
Former B.C. tourism minister Melanie Mark announces her resignation during a press conference at the legislature in Victoria, on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito Former British Columbia minister Melanie Mark is accusing Premier David Eby and his cabinet of 'turning their backs' on First Nations, local governments and environmentalists by passing controversial bills to fast-track infrastructure projects. Mark, the first First Nations woman elected to B.C.'s legislature and a former cabinet colleague of Eby, says it's 'astounding and disheartening' behaviour by the government. Both bills passed in the legislature Wednesday night, with Bill 15 that fast-tracks public and private infrastructure projects getting through thanks to a rare tiebreaking vote by Speaker Raj Chouhan. Bill 14, which would speed up renewable energy projects and transmission lines, also passed by a single vote. Critics say the bills undermine environmental standards and constitutional obligations to consult First Nations. Mark says the government should reconsider the bills, saying in a statement that the province has walked back plans in the past. She pointed to a controversial $789-million plan to rebuild the Royal B.C. Museum under former premier John Horgan, which the government ultimately suspended after intense criticism. 'It didn't go over as planned but former premier John Horgan had the fortitude to recalibrate, pause the project and mandate more meaningful consultation,' Mark says in a statement issued as the legislature was sitting to vote Wednesday night. Mark says Eby can do the same in this situation, which would show the government honours the Crown's duty to consult with Indigenous people. 'Politics should not stand in the way of progressive policies. Trampling on Indigenous rights just ends up getting reversed in the highest courts — taxpayers will end up paying for this oversight,' Mark says in the statement. 'It's never too late to do the right thing.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025.
CTV News
29-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
B.C. NDP ex-minister urges Eby to walk back ‘astounding and disheartening' Bill 15
Former B.C. tourism minister Melanie Mark announces her resignation during a press conference at the legislature in Victoria, on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito VICTORIA — Former British Columbia minister Melanie Mark is accusing Premier David Eby and his cabinet of 'turning their backs' on First Nations, local governments and environmentalists by passing controversial bills to fast-track infrastructure projects. Mark, the first First Nations woman elected to B.C.'s legislature and a former cabinet colleague of Eby, says it's 'astounding and disheartening' behaviour by the government. Both bills passed in the legislature Wednesday night, with Bill 15 that fast-tracks public and private infrastructure projects getting through thanks to a rare tiebreaking vote by Speaker Raj Chouhan. Bill 14, which would speed up renewable energy projects and transmission lines, passed by four votes. Critics say the bill undermines environmental standards and constitutional obligations to consult First Nations. Mark says the government should reconsider the bills, saying in a statement that the province has walked back plans in the past. She pointed to a controversial $789-million plan to rebuild the Royal B.C. Museum under former premier John Horgan, which the government ultimately suspended after intense criticism. 'It didn't go over as planned but former premier John Horgan had the fortitude to recalibrate, pause the project and mandate more meaningful consultation,' Mark says in a statement issued as the legislature was sitting to vote Wednesday night. Mark says Eby can do the same in this situation, which would show the government honours the Crown's duty to consult with Indigenous people. 'Politics should not stand in the way of progressive policies. Trampling on Indigenous rights just ends up getting reversed in the highest courts — taxpayers will end up paying for this oversight,' Mark says in the statement. 'It's never too late to do the right thing.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025.
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Have a whale of a time in Victoria, Canada's great overlooked city
It's my first morning in Victoria, British Columbia, and I'm in need of coffee. And, apparently, a life lesson from the barista. I had been about to default to Dublin speed – to grab and go, to wander and sip – but he's right. I'm in Canada. I can slow down. That's not to say Victoria is sleepy. Far from it. It might be compact – the week's running gag is that everything is always, 'Oh, about 15 minutes away' – but, as BC's capital and with the beautiful Parliament Building dominating views of Downtown (particularly illuminated at night), there's an obvious energy here, a vast number of independent businesses and a steady flow of people arriving via seaplanes, ferries and cruise ships. While there are many more flags on display than there were even two weeks ago – for obvious tariff-based reasons – Victoria remains relaxed and friendly: on early morning walks, many people bid me good morning. Essentially, it's a very lovely place to spend a few days. You might have considered it as worth a couple of days detour from Vancouver, or even Seattle – it's a mere 100km from both – or as part of a tour around beautiful Vancouver Island, but Victoria is a destination in its own right. As its name suggests, there's a lot here for history (and architecture) buffs. Happily, there's also information galore, through the splendid Royal BC Museum and several public displays, on the region's indigenous history, which long predates a tribute to a British monarch. Victoria is also very pretty – it's nicknamed The Garden City – with multiple open spaces and numerous parks. You're never far from a view of the water or, on a clear day, the mighty Olympic mountains on the horizon. It's a short drive to even more jaw-dropping scenery. The views of the Saanich Inlet from the Malahat Skywalk are breathtaking, and a walk through the surrounding forest soothes the soul. If you prefer things more landscaped, the Butchart Gardens are 55 acres of horticultural magnificence. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Even if rose gardens and stylised Japanese gardens aren't your thing, it's hard not to be impressed by the fact this is a remarkable conversion of a limestone quarry. There's also surprising nature to be found in the city. I spend a blissful few minutes watching great blue herons building nests in Beacon Hill Park and saw otters while walking into town from my first hotel, the Delta Ocean Pointe. My second hotel – the city's 'Castle on the Coast', the Fairmont Empress – offers five-star comforts, a legendary afternoon tea, plus a marmot called Roger that lives very happily in the hotel's bee-friendly garden. At certain times of the year you might also spot orcas in the Inner Harbour. As well as being seen as Canada's brunch capital, Victoria, remarkably, has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada (and second in North America behind San Francisco). If you don't have time to graze the city's food or growing craft beer scene, a good shortcut is A Taste of Victoria Tours, with Andy Olson sharing his deep knowledge of the city in terms of history, architecture and great things to eat and drink. He might also be accompanied by his father, who adds some gleefully terrible dad jokes into the mix. If you do have time to graze, there are many good things to discover. They get two pigs every Monday, which they then turn into impeccable schnitzel, bratwurst and charcuterie The region's microclimate means there are numerous farms nearby supplying restaurants with local produce. And they're not just outside the city. Fed Urban Agriculture uses a patch of land between tower blocks from where, with the help of an e-bike and a washing machine converted to a Heath Robinson-esque salad spinner, they can deliver produce to a handful of Victoria restaurants within three hours of picking. This notion of doing things right extends across the city. At the German-inspired Eva Schnitzelhaus, I'm informed they 'get two pigs every Monday', which they then turn into impeccable schnitzel, bratwurst and charcuterie. At Ugly Duckling, chef Corbin Mathany takes perhaps less appealing ingredients and turns them into something elegant, while Finest At Sea – a semi-permanent food truck near the floating, Popeye-esque, Fisherman's Wharf – does simple and delicious things to the region's achingly fresh seafood. Rabbit Rabbit sees chef Billy Nguyen – a star of TV's Top Chef Canada – combine the local larder, his classical training, Asian influences and, err, a London childhood in cross-cultural delicious crowd-pleasers, such as lasagne with miso and gochujang bolognese, while Janevca's chef Andrea Alridge is doing glorious wood-fired things in a remarkable boutique hotel setting. At a simpler level, Spinnaker's – the first brew pub in Canada – does elevated things to pub grub, while Virtuous Pie offers impressive plant-based pizza. I must also mention Better Acres, where founder Lori Joyce is serving what is genuinely some of the best (and proudly full-fat) ice cream I've ever tasted. I'd apologise to the city's vegans, but they get Be Love, and that's quite a win anyway. While locals might, self-deprecatingly, wonder why you're there, it's very hard not to fall for Victoria's many charms. The barista had a point: if you get the chance, you really should stop and enjoy it. Get there Air Canada has resumed its popular seasonal service between Dublin and Vancouver, with return economy fares from €593, including taxes and charges. The new increased schedule offers up to five weekly flights, an increase from three in previous years. Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort is a swish waterfront hotel on Victoria's Inner Harbour, a short walk from Downtown (and attractions such as the Royal BC Museum and Parliament Building). Expect neutral tones and contemporary furnishings in the rooms, with harbour or skyline views. The Fairmont Empress is something of a landmark hotel in Victoria, with chateau-esque architecture showcasing steep roofs, turrets and gables. Inside are sophisticated interiors that mix old with new, and a restaurant that serves dishes inspired by the Pacific northwest.
The Independent
02-05-2025
- The Independent
Why Victoria is the overlooked Canadian city you need to visit
'You've got time to stop and enjoy it, right?' It's my first morning in Victoria, British Columbia and I'm in need of coffee. And, apparently, a life lesson from the barista. I'd been about to default to London speed – to grab and go, to wander and sip – but he's right. I'm in Canada. I can slow down. That's not to say Victoria is sleepy. Far from it. It might be compact – the week's running gag is that everything is always 'oh, about 15 minutes away' – but, as BC's capital, and with the beautiful Parliament Building dominating views of Downtown (particularly illuminated at night), there's an obvious energy here, a vast number of independent businesses and a steady flow of people arriving via seaplanes, ferries and cruise ships. While there are many more flags on display than there were even two weeks ago – for obvious tariff-based reasons – Victoria remains relaxed and friendly: on early morning walks, many people bid me good morning. Essentially, it's a very lovely place to spend a few days. You might have considered it as worth a couple of days detour from Vancouver, or even Seattle – it's around 60 miles from both – or as part of a tour around beautiful Vancouver Island, but Victoria is absolutely a destination in its own right. As its name suggests, there's a lot here for history (or architecture) buffs. Happily, there's also information, via the splendid Royal BC Museum and several public displays, on the region's indigenous history which long predates a tribute to a British monarch. Victoria is also very pretty – it's nicknamed 'The Garden City' – with multiple open spaces and numerous parks. You're never far from a view of the water or, on a clear day, the mighty Olympic mountains on the horizon. It's a short drive to even more jaw-dropping scenery. The views of the Saanich Inlet from the Malahat Skywalk are breathtaking, and a walk through the surrounding forest soothes the soul. If you prefer things more landscaped, the Butchart Gardens are 55 acres of horticultural magnificence. Even if rose gardens and stylised Japanese gardens aren't your thing, it's hard not to be impressed by the fact that this is a remarkable conversion of a limestone quarry. There's also surprising nature to be found in the city. I spend a blissful few minutes watching great blue herons building nests in Beacon Hill Park, and see otters while walking (yes, about 15 minutes) into town from my first hotel – the comfortable Delta Ocean Pointe. My second hotel – the city's 'Castle on the Coast', the Fairmont Empress – offers five-star comforts, a legendary afternoon tea, plus a marmot called Roger, who resides very happily in the hotel's bee-friendly garden. At certain times of the year, you may also spot orca in the Inner Harbour. As well as being seen as Canada's 'brunch capital', Victoria, remarkably, has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada (and second in North America behind San Francisco). If you don't have time to graze the city's restaurant – or growing craft beer – scene, a good shortcut is A Taste of Victoria Tours, where Andy Olsen shares his deep knowledge of the city in terms of history, architecture and great things to eat and drink. He might also be accompanied by his father, who adds some gleefully terrible dad jokes into the mix. If you do have time to graze, there are many, many good things to discover. The region's microclimate means there are numerous farms nearby supplying restaurants with ultra-local produce. And they're not just outside the city. FED Urban Agriculture utilises a patch of land between tower blocks from where, with the help of an e-bike and a washing machine converted to a Heath Robinson-esque salad spinner, they can deliver produce to a handful of Victoria restaurants within three hours of picking. This notion of just doing things right extends across the city. At the German-inspired Eva Schnitzelhaus, I'm informed they 'get two pigs every Monday' which they then turn into impeccable schnitzel, bratwurst and charcuterie. At Ugly Duckling, chef Corbin Mathany takes perhaps less appealing ingredients and turns them into something elegant, while Finest At Sea – a semi-permanent foodtruck near the floating, Popeye-esque, Fisherman's Wharf – does simple and delicious things to the region's achingly fresh seafood. Rabbit Rabbit sees chef Billy Nguyen – a star of Top Chef Canada – combine the local larder, his classical training, Asian influences and, er, a Twickenham childhood in cross-cultural delicious crowd-pleasers, such as lasagne with miso and gochujang Bolognese, while Janevca's chef Andrea Alridge is doing glorious wood-fired things in a remarkable boutique hotel setting. At a simpler level, Spinnaker's – the first 'brew pub' in Canada – does elevated things to pub grub, while Virtuous Pie offers impressive plant-based pizza. I must also mention Better Acres where founder Lori Joyce is serving what is genuinely some of the best (and proudly full fat) ice cream I've ever tasted. I'd apologise to the city's vegans, but they get Be Love and that's quite a win anyway. While locals might, self-deprecatingly, wonder why you're there, it's very hard not to fall for Victoria's many charms. The barista had a point: if you get the chance, you really should stop and enjoy it. Air Canada economy return flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Victoria International Airport (YYJ) – via Toronto or Vancouver – start from £627 plus taxes; the total flight time is around 11–12 hours. Where to stay Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort This swish waterfront hotel, located on Victoria's Inner Harbour, is just a short walk from Downtown (and attractions such as the Royal BC Museum and Parliament Building). Expect neutral tones and contemporary furnishings in the rooms, with harbour or skyline views. The Fairmont Empress The property is something of a landmark hotel in Victoria, with Chateauesque architecture showcasing steep roofs, turrets and gables. Inside the 'Castle on the Coast' are sophisticated interiors that mix old with new, and a restaurant that serves dishes inspired by the Pacific Northwest.
