April 11 - Election: Saanich-Gulf Islands

Good morning !

Victoria and Esquimalt have a new chief of police—and in a VicPD first, it’s a woman. Our first story centres on a large electoral riding in our backyard, one of the few firm Green pastures in the country.

Hey, this leads nicely into our poll question.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 10 / 5 

Tomorrow: 🌤️ 11 / 5

Sunday: 🌤️ 10 / 6

NEWS

Federal election: Saanich-Gulf Islands riding

Voters in this riding won’t be overwhelmed with choices—only four candidates are vying for the spot. A fifth candidate from the People’s Party of Canada was initially running, but pulled out before the official candidate list was released.

The riding’s boundaries include the municipalities of Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich, Sidney, and several Southern Gulf Islands. The riding is home to approximately 113K people, according to the 2021 census.

The riding has been one of the few Green Party strongholds in the country—Elizabeth May has held the seat since 2011, and has consistently won a large majority during each election. Even in 2021, when the party was in crisis under former leader Annamie Paul, hitting its lowest vote share, May still secured a majority.

This time, May will have her seat contested by other peninsula community leaders, including councillors and board members. Candidates vying for the spot include David Beckham with the Liberals, Cathie Ounsted with the Conservatives, and Colin Plant with the NDP.

Read more about each candidate for Saanich-Gulf Islands and find out how to vote here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Recall: Fisher-Price Brunch and Go Stroller toy due to choking hazard.

Missing teen: Jaxsen Swain, 16, was last seen on Wale. [RCMP]

More paving on Blanshard: Fort, View, and Yates closed from Douglas to Blanshard. 7am-7pm.

Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park: Minor closures for parking lot work. [Through April]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

VicPD gets their woman: Wilson to replace Manak as chief

Following a national search, Vancouver Police Department (VPD) veteran Fiona Wilson has landed the job of top cop for Victoria and Esquimalt.

“We are thrilled to welcome Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson as the next Chief Constable of VicPD,” said Micayla Hayes, chair of the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board.

Wilson, one of three VPD deputy chief constables, will replace Del Manak, who is retiring this summer. She becomes the force’s first female chief. Wilson brings 26 years of diverse, strategic, and operational experience to VicPD, the force said in a release.

That experience includes various roles overseeing VPD divisions, including Investigative, Major Crimes, Organized Crime, Federal Serious, and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.

“I am honoured to be selected as the next Chief Constable of the VicPD,” Wilson said in the statement. “I believe in the power of collaborative policing, grounded in service to both the public and our dedicated sworn members and civilian professionals,” Wilson said.

“Deputy Chief Wilson has led progressive change throughout her policing career, grounded in community needs, fiscal responsibility, and critical values,” said Esquimalt Mayor and VicPD Board member Barbara Desjardins.

Wilson is married and has three children. She’ll begin her new role Aug. 15 with a two-week transition alongside Manak, whose last day is slated to be Aug. 31.

Manak, who announced he was stepping down last August, began his law enforcement career in Vancouver and returned to his hometown to work at VicPD in 1993. He was promoted to chief constable in 2017, taking over from Frank Elsner, who resigned amid allegations of misconduct. 

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🎗️ Tonight is Spark the Night in support of those affected by Parkinson’s disease.

🌿 Plant sale fundraiser for 5th Garry Oak Scouts. [Order until April 16]

📸 Old Sooke: The early days of downtown Sooke. [Facebook photo]

🗞️ In Other News

Saanich cuts spending, reducing property tax increase to 8.02%
The council shaved $1.64M from spending to bring the proposed property tax hike down from 8.84%. Mayor Dean Murdock said it’s disappointing “that we weren’t able to get that number down,” but that it was a bit better than the 10% increase that was previously budgeted. The council deferred $300K in funding for park acquisition and another $160K from the police budget to reduce the taxes. [Times Colonist]

Victoria restaurant patio license fees to remain the same
The fees to occupy a road or sidewalk with a patio were set to double this year, as per language in the bylaw when it was enacted in 2023. But Victoria’s city council voted unanimously to keep fees at the same level as 2024 and 2023, with plans to hike costs in 2027. The fee increase initially came into effect in January, but multiple restaurants complained about the cost. [CHEK]

CRD is the latest to stop using X (formerly Twitter)
As of yesterday, the district won’t be using the social media platform, citing its evolving policies and the CRD’s “commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive online presence.” The district said it would rely more on other social media and through direct notices on its website, and sending more emails. View Royal and Island Health recently announced they’re leaving X, and the City of Victoria discussed the issue yesterday. Spokesperson Colleen Mycroft said the city would be easing its way off the medium. In February, the Supreme Court of Canada made a similar move. [CTV]

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🗓️ Things to do

👠 Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: This award-winning musical reimagines one of the world’s most beloved characters with a refreshingly quirky twist. McPherson Playhouse. April 18-26. [Info] 

🧶 Silver Swans' Spring Craft Fair: Showcasing handmade linens, table décor, and quilts, perfect for gifts and home décor. Browse beautiful sewn crafts. Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Tomorrow & Sun. [Info]

🎶 Lunchtime Concerts at Market Square: Enjoy these mid-day concerts every Fri. in April and May, organized by the Greater Victoria Festival Society. Market Square's lower courtyard. Today. 12-1pm. [Info] 

🛒 The Social Sip & Shop: Take advantage of exclusive deals and enjoy drinks at participating stores, plus a chance to win a $1K giveaway. Open to those 19 and older, no purchase required. Uptown Boulevard. Today. 5-7pm. [Info]

💗 Hearts for Hope fundraiser: Celebrate 20 years for the Sanctuary Youth Centre with an inspiring evening featuring guest speakers, live music, dance, and a silent auction to support ongoing programs. Lambrick Park Church. Today. 7pm. [Info] 

🤣 Comedy: Che Durena. Known for his viral videos and impressive social media presence, with some eight million followers and counting. His content has garnered more than one billion views worldwide. McPherson Playhouse. Tonight. 7pm. [Info] 

💃 Compañia Rafaela Carrasco: Experience a poetic flamenco journey through the night with Rafaela Carrasco's award-winning "Nocturna," exploring the mysteries of consciousness from dusk to dawn. Royal Theatre. Tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]

🐦‍⬛ Too Bad: A one-man improvised western. Ryan Kniel weaves stories of love, hate, and inevitable failure in a futuristic neo-noir setting, backed with a jazz-infused soundtrack. Intrepid Studio Theatre. Tonight. 7pm. Tomorrow 2pm & 7pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday’s headlines: Election spotlight on Victoria federal riding; ‘Rainbow Eyes’ sees nine-day reprieve; Vic man gets 6+ years for pornography. [April 10]

We’ll take your money: US tariffs on China may make for more Americans shopping in Canada. [CHEK]

For the Island’s unhoused, the Mobile Mission Van delivers the goods. [CTV]

Warm weather warning: Speaker-author worries about winter sports. [Times Colonist]

Hummus recall for undeclared peanut content.

Open a Door Charity Art Auction. [Volunteers wanted]

That’s it!

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