Truffles Catering moving to SHOAL Centre, district provides update on fire investigation

Truffles Catering went up in flames just weeks after Garden Fork experienced the same fate

Truffles Catering moving to SHOAL Centre, district provides update on fire investigation Published 3:52 pm Thursday, July 16, 2026 Beacon Community Services has stepped up to offer a temporary six-month food service arrangement with Truffles Catering at the SHOAL Centre as the Central Saanich Police Service continues to investigate two blazes in the area that occurred in June. At a council meeting on July 13, Sidney council approved the arrangement where Truffles will provide food services from the SHOAL Centre commercial kitchen while Beacon addresses current staffing challenges and evaluates long-term food service delivery options.

“The SHOAL kitchen is an important part of our operations and supports a wide range of services for residents and community members,” said Tricia Sexton-Earl, CEO of Beacon Community Services in a news release. “This temporary arrangement provides stability while we address current staffing shortages and take the time needed to determine the most sustainable long-term approach for food service delivery.” The SHOAL Centre kitchen supports food services for assisted living residents, visitors, and a range of community programs and activities.

The temporary arrangement will ensure food services continue without interruption while Beacon reviews future operating models. Revenue generated through the arrangement will help offset food service operating costs and support the continued delivery of programs and services at the SHOAL Centre, they say. The fire at Truffles occurred on June 25, causing extensive damage to the Benvenuto Avenue building.

Just weeks beforehand, on June 6, Garden Fork Restaurant in Brentwood Bay went up in flames as well. “While both fires occurred within a relatively short period of time, investigators have found no evidence to suggest the incidents are related,” noted a news release from the District of Central Saanich from July 16. According to the district, the Truffles Catering fire has been determined to have a known origin and cause of ignition, and investigators have not identified any evidence linking the fire to criminal activity.

The investigation into the Garden Fork fire remains ongoing, and a cause has not been determined. They say police investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. “[Police and fire services] recognize the impact these incidents have had on business owners, employees, and community members.

Investigators remain committed to ensuring a thorough and evidence-based investigative process,” noted the release. Anyone who may have information regarding the Garden Fork fire and has not yet spoken with investigators is encouraged to contact the Central Saanich Police Service. With files from Nikhil Nikhil and Ben Fenlon