131 replies to this topic

[Victoria Watcher]

'We'll always keep reopening': Magic mushroom stores defiant amid attacks, police raids

'As long as we are doing it properly and we’re educating people, you know, this is a medical store. It’s medicinal,' says shop manager in downtown Barrie


https://www.barrieto...-raids-10947911

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 23 September 2025 - 09:19 AM.

[Mike K.]

Psychedelics are now being used in therapy for mild ADD and even mild anxiety. It’s super common, and called micro-dosing. I have friends who have or are doing it, and they’re using mushrooms during working hours. It was or still is a fad in Silicon Valley.

[lanforod]

That's a terrible idea. 

[Victoria Watcher]

It’s not right.

[Mike K.]

Sometimes they trip. And it goes horribly wrong.

I think more people need to get outside and touch grass. We agonize over people’s perceptions of us, but in reality, nobody cares about anybody else’s quirks or shortcomings. We all have way too much to think about.

[Victoria Watcher]

Multiple firefighters allege dysfunctional leadership in North Saanich

 

https://cheknews.ca/...aanich-1284036/

[Kilo95]

A group of firefighters from North Saanich Fire Department has sounded the alarm over a mass exodus, citing a toxic work culture and concerns about management decisions that they think could cost taxpayers.

The paid-on-call (POC) firefighters at the station became the first on-call group in B.C. to unionize with International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) on May 29, citing ongoing issues with management practices. However, since then, more firefighters have resigned, now tallying 13 who have left since Chief John Trelford went on leave in April 2024 for personal reasons.

Seven of those who have left cited issues with new management as the reason for their departure.




https://www.vicnews....artment-8185252

 

 

Multiple firefighters allege dysfunctional leadership in North Saanich

 

https://cheknews.ca/...aanich-1284036/

 

 

Wonder why the same story got rehashed on CHEK 2 months later? The Vicnews article link no longer appears valid.. 

[Victoria Watcher]

Three leaders within the North Saanich Fire Department have left, which comes weeks after multiple former and current firefighters raised allegations against the department, CHEK News has learned.

 

Sources at the fire department have confirmed to CHEK News that interim Fire Chief Steve Sorenson resigned via email to other firefighters on Wednesday, and his last day was on Thursday. They also say no reason was given.

 

The sources also tell CHEK News that a deputy chief and captain have been on leave since last week, with no explanation given.

 

CHEK News contacted the District of North Saanich, which said that it was working to ensure “continuity during this transition period.”

 

“The Council remains committed to transparency and acknowledges recent developments within the Fire Department. Due to the confidential nature of personnel matters and to respect the privacy of all involved, no further details can be shared at this moment,” said the district in an emailed statement.

 

“We understand the community’s interest in leadership updates and are actively working to ensure continuity during this transition period.”

 

It’s unclear who will lead the department following Sorenson’s departure.

 

This latest development comes weeks after multiple current and former North Saanich Firefighters told CHEK News the department was seeing waves of departures.

 

 

https://cheknews.ca/...issues-1289333/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 13 November 2025 - 10:12 PM.

[Mike K.]

Any insight into what’s happening?

[Victoria Watcher]

The District of North Saanich has appointed John Robertson as interim fire chief and Mike Burgess as fire services advisor, filling key leadership gaps as the fire department continues to face recent departures and ongoing concerns raised by current and former members.

 

On Nov. 13, CHEK News reported that three leaders within the North Saanich Fire Department had left, which comes weeks after multiple former and current firefighters raised allegations against the department.

 

[...]

 

The sources also tell CHEK News that a deputy chief and captain have been on leave since last week, with no explanation given.

 

Firefighters say they experienced instances of bullying, harassment, and dysfunctional leadership, which they say led to more than a dozen firefighters leaving the department since last year.

 

 

 

 

Otherwise healthy adult men should not be "on leave".  Work it out or quit.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 15 November 2025 - 10:17 AM.

[LJ]

Huge fire in Hong Kong today, several high rises in very close proximity under remediation caught fire. Exacerbated by the use of bamboo scaffolding which helped to spread the fire from building to building.

 

Maybe time to switch to steel scaffolding and put your buildings further apart.

 

Hundreds will be dead from this cataclysm.

[Victoria Watcher]

After nearly 20 years in the role as Metchosin’s fire chief, Stephanie Dunlop has resigned.

Dunlop confirmed Thursday morning (Jan. 15) with Goldstream Gazette that she would be stepping away from the role.

The reason for her departure is currently unknown.

Read more at: https://vicnews.com/...igns-from-role/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 15 January 2026 - 12:23 PM.