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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.