Cruise Ship Viewing Schedule For May 6th To 12th

by | May 5, 2026 01:40 | Events

Wednesday – May 6
Northbound (evening/night)

  • Discovery Princess — ~10:15 PM
  • Grand Princess — ~10:45 PM
  • Zaandam — ~9:45 PM

Thursday – May 7
Northbound

  • Coral Princess — ~11:00 PM

Friday – May 8
Northbound

  • Multiple ships expected
  • 10:00 PM – 12:30 AM

Saturday – May 9
Northbound

  • 2 to 4 ships likely
  • 10:30 PM – 1:00 AM

Sunday – May 10
Southbound

  • Returning Alaska ships
    5:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Monday – May 11
Southbound

  • Several ships expected
    5:00 AM – 7:30 AM

Tuesday – May 12
Southbound

  • Emerald Princess — ~6:15 AM

** Accuracy Notes: Expect variation of 30 to 60 minutes depending on tides, ship speed, and traffic. Some ships may pass outside these windows, but most cluster around slack tide.

Campfire Ban Takes Effect May 7 Across B.C.’s Coast Including Sayward

by | May 4, 2026 23:12 | Events

A campfire ban is set to take effect across British Columbia’s Coastal region starting at noon on May 7, 2026, as officials move to reduce wildfire risk during increasingly dry conditions.

According to the BC Wildfire Service Coastal Fire Centre, the prohibition will apply to all campfires, along with Category 2 and Category 3 open fires. Fireworks and similar high-risk activities are also included in the restrictions.

This early-season ban reflects growing concerns about wildfire hazards and the need for residents and visitors to take extra precautions outdoors.

What’s Prohibited

  • Campfires and smokehouses
  • Category 2 open fires (including fireworks)
  • Category 3 open fires

Fire Safety Starts With You

Even small actions can prevent devastating wildfires. Improperly discarded cigarette butts remain a common cause of human-started fires. Officials are reminding everyone to:

  • Never use planters, decks, gardens, or trash cans as ashtrays
  • Always fully extinguish cigarette butts and matches in water before disposal

Burn Ban Safety Tips

Reducing fire risk around your home is just as important:

  • Trim tree branches up to six feet from the ground
  • Mow grass short (about two inches)
  • Water lawns, shrubs, and surrounding areas regularly
  • Clear away dead leaves and plants
  • Store fuel and flammable materials safely
  • Keep ladders and trellises away from rooftops

With wildfire seasons becoming longer and more severe, cooperation from the public is critical. Respecting fire bans and practicing safe habits can make a real difference in protecting homes, forests, and communities.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated on current fire restrictions and report any signs of wildfire immediately.

See How Sayward Fire Rescue Protects Homes From Wildfire At Upcoming Structure Protection Demo

by | May 1, 2026 01:38 | Events

Residents of Sayward are invited to an important and informative evening focused on wildfire preparedness and home protection. On Sunday, May 4, Sayward Fire Rescue will host a Structure Protection Demo at Heritage Hall from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This hands-on demonstration will show community members how firefighters work to protect homes and properties when wildfires threaten. Attendees will get an up-close look at the tools, equipment, and strategies used by Sayward Fire Rescue to defend structures during wildfire events.

The event will also provide valuable information for homeowners looking to reduce wildfire risk around their properties. Firefighters and FireSmart representatives will share practical tips on how residents can make their homes and yards more resilient to wildfire through simple, effective FireSmart practices.

Whether you live in town or in a more rural setting, preparing your property for wildfire is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home, family, and community.

What You’ll Learn

  • How firefighters protect homes during a wildfire
  • The equipment and tactics used in structure protection
  • Simple steps to make your property FireSmart
  • How homeowners can work alongside emergency responders to reduce risk

This free community event is a great opportunity to learn directly from local firefighters, ask questions, and better understand how wildfire preparedness starts at home.

Mark your calendar and join Sayward Fire Rescue for this timely and educational event.

Event Details

  • What: Structure Protection Demo
  • When: Sunday, May 4, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Heritage Hall, Sayward

Working together, we can help keep Sayward safer and more resilient during wildfire season.

Strathcona Regional District Launches Emergency Preparedness Week With Free Training And Community Events – May 3rd, 4th, 8th In Sayward

by | Apr 19, 2026 02:56 | Events

Strathcona Regional District is marking Emergency Preparedness Week with a series of free public training sessions and community-focused events designed to help residents become better equipped to respond to natural disasters and emergencies.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening local resilience across the region by encouraging individuals, families, and neighbourhoods to take practical steps toward preparedness before an emergency occurs. Throughout the week, residents can participate in a variety of workshops and information sessions that focus on real-world skills such as building an emergency kit, developing a household emergency plan, and learning how to respond during critical situations like wildfires, earthquakes, severe storms, and other disruptions that can impact coastal and rural communities on Vancouver Island.

Organizers are also emphasizing the importance of understanding local hazards specific to the Strathcona region, where geography and weather patterns can increase exposure to events such as flooding, landslides, and tsunami risk in coastal areas. By providing accessible training and clear, actionable guidance, the program aims to ensure residents are not only informed but also confident in how to respond when emergencies arise.

The events bring together emergency management professionals, first responders, and community partners who will be sharing expertise and practical advice. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, explore preparedness tools, and connect with local resources that can support them before, during, and after an emergency.

Officials with the regional district say the week is about more than just awareness—it’s about building long-term readiness at the household and community level. By making training free and open to the public, the program lowers barriers to participation and encourages more residents to take part in preparedness planning.

Emergency Preparedness Week serves as a reminder that while emergencies can be unpredictable, taking small, proactive steps now can significantly improve safety and response outcomes in the future.

Full schedule spans multiple communities and formats

The week’s events begin on May 2 with a two-day Marine (Basic) First Aid course in the Outer Discovery Islands and continue with a mix of in-person and online sessions.

Highlights include:

May 2–3

  • Marine (Basic) First Aid in the Outer Discovery Islands

May 3–4

  • Household preparedness and pet preparedness sessions on Cortes Island
  • Emergency (Basic) First Aid training on Quadra Island and in Campbell River
  • Structural Protection Unit demonstration in Sayward

May 6–7

  • Marine First Aid training in Zeballos
  • Intermediate first aid certification in Campbell River
  • Tsunami boater safety and household preparedness virtual sessions
  • Wildfire preparedness workshops in Tahsis and Gold River

May 8

  • Additional Emergency (Basic) First Aid sessions in Campbell River and Sayward

Organizers note that multi-day courses require attendance at all sessions to receive certification.

Sayward Volunteer Fire Department Invites Community To Mother’s Day Tea – May 10th 12pm-2pm

by | Apr 19, 2026 02:35 | Events

The Mother’s Day celebration in Sayward is getting a heartfelt local twist this year, as the Sayward Volunteer Fire Department invites the community to a charming afternoon tea event.

Set for May 10th from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Hall #2, located at 1306 Sayward Road, the Mother’s Day Tea offers a warm and welcoming way to celebrate the important women in our lives—while also connecting with the people who help keep the community safe.

The event promises more than just tea. Guests will have the opportunity to meet local firefighters and first responders in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. It’s a rare chance to put faces to the names behind emergency response and learn more about the dedicated volunteers who serve Sayward year-round.

Of course, no tea would be complete without treats. Attendees can look forward to a delicious spread of baked goods and classic tea-time favourites. From sweet pastries to comforting refreshments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while soaking in the cheerful, spring-inspired atmosphere.

Adding to the fun, door prizes will be up for grabs, giving guests even more reason to stop by and take part in the celebration.

Events like this highlight the strong sense of community in Sayward. The Sayward Volunteer Fire Department plays a vital role beyond emergency response—bringing people together, building relationships, and creating memorable local experiences.

Whether you’re celebrating with your mom, grandmother, family, or friends, the Mother’s Day Tea is shaping up to be a meaningful and enjoyable way to spend the afternoon.

Mark your calendar for May 10th, and don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Mother’s Day with good company, great food, and the dedicated volunteers who help keep Sayward safe.

Foot Care Nurses to Provide Monthly Clinics in Sayward Through Summer – April 28, May 26, June 24, July 28, August 25

by | Mar 29, 2026 01:57 | Events

Residents in Sayward will soon have improved access to specialized foot care services, as the Sayward Community Health Society has secured two experienced foot care nurses to provide regular monthly clinics in the community.

According to an announcement shared with residents, two highly qualified and experienced foot care nurses have agreed to travel to Sayward and provide services out of the local medical clinic on an alternating monthly schedule. The arrangement is currently confirmed through August, with hopes to extend the program further into the fall, potentially until winter road conditions make travel more difficult.

Both nurses are based in Campbell River and will operate privately, similar to most specialized foot care providers in the region. Fees are considered reasonable, and patients will receive receipts that can be submitted for extended medical benefits or income tax purposes. To help keep costs lower for residents, the Sayward Community Health Society is assisting with travel expenses for the visiting nurses.

Appointments must be booked directly with the nurses and cannot be scheduled through the Sayward clinic. Priority for the April appointment date will be given to patients receiving foot care from Greg, the Community Paramedic.

The upcoming clinic dates are scheduled as follows:

  • April 28 – Tanya Cullen, $70 per hour, phone 250-202-3802
  • May 26 – Conny Agarwal, $65 per hour, phone 416-399-8123
  • June 24 – Tanya Cullen
  • July 28 – Conny Agarwal
  • August 25 – Tanya Cullen

Payment will be accepted by cash, cheque, or e-transfer, as credit and debit card services will not be available.

The initiative aims to maintain consistent access to essential foot care services for Sayward residents, particularly seniors and individuals with medical conditions that require regular treatment. Community organizers hope that strong local support and steady appointment bookings will encourage the nurses to continue traveling to Sayward beyond the summer months.

The Sayward Community Health Society expressed optimism that the program will provide much-needed continuity of care and ensure residents do not have to travel long distances for routine foot care services.