May 9 - The history of Buccaneer Days

Good morning !

Summer’s here early in Victoria, at least for the next week or so. We have multiple 20C+ days ahead and I for one am ready to hit the beach.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ☀️ 21 / 9

Tomorrow: ☀️ 21 / 9

Saturday: ☀️ 22 / 10

7-day forecast

NEWS

VNFC opens new medical clinic for Indigenous people in Greater Victoria

For nearly two decades, VNFC has provided health services to Victoria’s Indigenous population at a small clinic space at the centre, operated by Cool Aid. Two years ago, VNFC took over operations but the space and number of physicians were no longer able to meet the demand.

With the new clinic, located in the Gorge-Tillicum area, the centre is now able to provide healthcare services to thousands of Indigenous patients. 

VNFC received funding from Island Health to add two doctors, three nurse practitioners, three medical office administrators, and six Indigenous wellness practitioners to their services. They also plan to bring on some RNs over the summer.

The clinic opened in March and is already serving patients in the region, with the capacity to serve 4,500 Indigenous community members. According to Ron Rice, executive director of VNFC, they’re already close to hitting that capacity.

“It sort of explains the demand in the region, you know, to be able to add 2,500 patients in just a couple of months is a feat in and of itself,” said Rice. “It speaks to the need. And we're certainly hoping for more solutions like this to pop up around the region for Indigenous people.

Read the full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Missing person: Robert Wahl, 61, was last seen at his Nanaimo home a week ago. His family is concerned for his well being due to a serious medical issue.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Buccaneer Days starts spring this weekend in Esquimalt

It’s kind of a passage of spring in these parts as thousands celebrate our community’s connection with the navy and its shipbuilding and repair—the area’s major industry since the 1890s.

Since 1966, Buccaneer Days has been a good excuse to enjoy the warming weather, drink a few cold ones, eat well, and play like a pirate.

It began with May Queen festivities in 1939, evolved 10 years later into Esquimalt Days, and became Buccaneer Days thanks to a longtime Esquimalt resident who wanted to raise the township’s profile. 

According to the mayor’s office and Esquimalt News, in 1966, Bill Allen walked into a special meeting of community organizations wearing a Stetson he bought in Calgary. He said everyone recognized the hat. 

“Well, that’s what we gotta’ do here in Esquimalt—come up with a theme for which people could easily dress up for and be recognized.” Allen suggested Buccaneer Weekend and said, “All we gotta’ do is put on an eye patch and a striped T-shirt and you’re in,” the Esquimalt News reported.

Read more about Buccaneer Days and the festivities this weekend here.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🗣️🌷 Language lesson: Learn some springtime words in Hul'q'umi'num from Cowichan (Quw'utsun) Tribes member, Jared Qwustenuxun Williams. [Video]

🎤 Singer-songwriter Heather Ferguson brings her own great style to Hermann’s, May 10 at 7pm. Attila Fias, Scott White, Ryan Oliver, Owen Chow and Jae Sinnett will be joining Heather on stage. Get your tickets here.*

🚪Decorated doors art auction: Submarines, seals, sunflowers, and twisting trees adorn doors from Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores, now on display at Mayfair and up on an online auction. Ends May 23.

🤝 Now hiring: Enhanced Executive Support Analyst at ISM.

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

No change in ICBC basic rate, $110 rebates for many drivers
It’s the sixth straight year the fundamental rate will stay the same for non-at-fault drivers. Those with an active basic policy in Feb. should expect $110 reimbursements, which ICBC said would start going out by the end of the month. Big picture, the insurance org the NDP once dubbed a “financial dumpster fire” is in much better economic shape, the premier said yesterday. [Times Colonist]

Mental-health crisis leads to heavy police presence in Langford
West Shore RCMP cordoned off a Bear Mountain neighbourhood late Tue. afternoon, sending numerous police vehicles and a SWAT truck to Timber View and Spirit Ridge where they ordered residents to remain in their homes. On social media witnesses said they saw officers with guns drawn. Crisis negotiators communicated with a person experiencing a mental-health issue who eventually was taken to hospital. [RCMP]

Cyclist accused of spitting on driver turns himself in
The incident is alleged to have happened April 19 at the three-way stop at Cook and Dallas. A man says a cyclist spat at his father through an open passenger window, hitting him in the face. VicPD put out a photo of the alleged suspect who showed up at police HQ on Quadra yesterday morning. [VicPD]

Our Place aiming to move people from Pandora by end of year
OP’s street outreach team surveyed everyone living on the block, asking what it would take to get them off the street. Of the 77 people surveyed, no one said they wanted to stay on the block. OP plans to work with people on an individual basis to address their personal needs and unique situations in order to find them long-term housing. [Times Colonist] 

🗓️ Things to do

🎤 Slick Rick: See the hip-hop star at Capital Ballroom today, 8pm. [Info]

🍷 Sandhill Wine Maker’s Dinner: This four-course menu will be paired with tasty Sandhill wines at Vis-A-Vis today, 6pm. [Info]

😂 Mark Normand: See the comedian on his Ya Don’t Say tour, performing at The Royal Theatre tomorrow, 7:30pm. [Info]

🎧 Document One: See the drum and bass duo perform at the Capital Ballroom tomorrow, 9pm. [Info]

🧑‍🔬 Science Rendezvous: Enjoy a day of science fun at UVic and Camosun campuses for kids in grades K-12 and science enthusiasts of all ages. Sat. 10am-3pm. [Info]

🌷 Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour: Two days of exclusive access to 10 private gardens, with live musical performances. Sat.-Sun. 10am-4pm. [Info]

🎈 Quadra Village Day: The annual fest is back with kid-friendly activities, live music, and a free pancake breakfast. Sat. 9am-1pm. [Info]

🏴‍☠️ Esquimalt Buccaneer Days: Esquimalt’s annual pirate-themed fair is back at Archie Browning Sports Centre this weekend, with rides, carnival food and games. Fri.-Sun. [Info]

Want more events? Subscribe to This Week In Vic and get our weekly events newsletter every Tuesday.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tuesday’s headlines: Woman Tasered after lighting clothes on fire at Mayfair; Teen rides and rates buses; Cyclist accused of spitting on Dallas vehicle passenger; And more. [May 8]

Pickleball drama: He-said-she-said situation leads to closed courts in North Saanich. [Capital Daily]

First Nations film Yintah wins best documentary award. [Capital Daily]

Woman arrested after lighting clothes on fire at Mayfair Mall. [Times Colonist]

London Drugs reopens stores after security breach. [Details]

Man, 38, wanted on Westshore. [RCMP]

That’s it!

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