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Austin Westphal

Austin Westphal

Austin Westphal is originally from San Diego, California, Austin is an international man of mystery who holds degrees from San Diego State University and the University of British Columbia. His work has appeared in publications across Canada, including the Narwhal, Canadian Geographic and La Presse, often exploring his interests in science, politics and all things unusual. He's a passionate storyteller who believes that some of the greatest stories can be found in the most unsuspecting of places. When he's not in the newsroom, Austin can be found enjoying B.C.'s natural beauty, cranking up some Steely Dan or searching for Vancouver Island's best fried chicken sandwich.

Recent Work by Austin

Inmates say totem pole they helped carve at B.C. jail a catalyst for remarkable change

Inmates say totem pole they helped carve at B.C. jail a catalyst for remarkable change

About 160 at Vancouver Island Regional Corrections Centre participated in first-of-its-kind project
Simulated oil spill off B.C. coast tests marine response

Simulated oil spill off B.C. coast tests marine response

Crews from the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation deployed as part of biannual exercise
B.C. safe supply advocates rally to mark 7 years of toxic drug crisis

B.C. safe supply advocates rally to mark 7 years of toxic drug crisis

More than 11,300 British Columbians have died from toxic drug deaths since 2016
‘Economic boom’: Sapphire Princess docks in Victoria as first ship of B.C. cruise season

‘Economic boom’: Sapphire Princess docks in Victoria as first ship of B.C. cruise season

More than 300 ships expected in B.C. waters, bringing up to a million visitors
Researchers hope B.C. First Nation can ride the waves to reclaim their ancestral home

Researchers hope B.C. First Nation can ride the waves to reclaim their ancestral home

Wave-powered renewable energy microgrid to power Mowachaht/Muchalaht return to Nootka Island
Construction underway in B.C. for Canada’s first National Centre for Indigenous Laws

Construction underway in B.C. for Canada’s first National Centre for Indigenous Laws

University of Victoria facility to host degrees in Canadian Common Law, Indigenous legal orders
PHOTOS: B.C. firefighters honour fallen colleagues with cancer warning

PHOTOS: B.C. firefighters honour fallen colleagues with cancer warning

The same gear that’s supposed to protect first responders is also killing them due to cancer, says firefighter
B.C. eyes $150M spend for 911 upgrades, including texting

B.C. eyes $150M spend for 911 upgrades, including texting

Upgrades to provide new options for British Columbians to reach emergency services
Can I pour you a cold Robo Beer? B.C. brewery uses AI to craft its latest brew

Can I pour you a cold Robo Beer? B.C. brewery uses AI to craft its latest brew

Victoria’s Whistle Buoy Brewing’s new hazy pale ale recipe developed with ChatGPT
Make ‘ultra-wealthy’ speeders pay bigger fines: B.C. official

Make ‘ultra-wealthy’ speeders pay bigger fines: B.C. official

District of Saanich councillor wants fines to work as a proper deterrant, no matter people’s means
More work by Austin >