April 22 - Earth Day in Greater Victoria

Good morning !

Happy Earth Day! The planet is treating us to a sunny, 15C day today—I hope you’re able to get out and enjoy some nature.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ☀️ 15 / 5

Tomorrow: 🌤️ 17 / 6

Thursday: ☀️ 17 / 10

7-day forecast

NEWS

Saanich-Gulf Islands candidates answer key questions ahead of federal election

Canada is less than a week away from heading to the polls to elect members of its 45th parliament. 

This election has been cast under the shadow of global affairs—particularly, the trade war and threats to Canada’s sovereignty levelled by US President Donald Trump, leading to shake-ups in leadership and major swings in polling.

Current polling shows a tight contest between Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party and Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party. But with our voting system, Canadians don’t choose the country’s leader directly—instead, our focus is on our local representatives. 

To better understand the politicians vying for your votes, we’ve asked candidates in all South Island ridings eight key questions about their agenda if elected. 

From housing and affordability to public safety and environment, find out how the four Saanich-Gulf Islands candidates plan to lead.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Missing: Stephanie, 35, was last seen on Tues. and is 37 weeks pregnant, Saanich Police say. [Info]

Missing: Aaron, 48. Last seen April 11, according to West Shore RCMP. [Info]

Vote by mail: Today is the last day to register—online or via phone—for a vote-by-mail ballot. Registration must be done before 6pm. [Info]

Food recall: Captain’s Choice shredded coconut could be contaminated with salmonella. [Info]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

Earth Day events happening in Greater Victoria

Earth Day is today, and it’s a great time to celebrate the natural beauty that surrounds every corner of our Island and beyond—and to consider how we can help protect it.

The Island is known to be home to an array of natural wonders—herring spawning season, yearly whale and salmon migration, and unique animals like sea wolves are just some examples. Protecting Island ecosystems and the planet is key to maintaining these incredible natural occurrences.

From electronic recycling campaigns and eco-markets to repurposing new or gently used products or taking public transit, there are tons of ways to get involved and give back to the planet this week.

Check out our roundup of Earth Day events happening in and around the city.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🍸 Artemis Whiskey Bar declared Best Shaft in Victoria after scoring the most votes during Victoria Cocktail week. [Details] 

🎸 Tonight is the first preview of If You Could Read My Mind: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot at the Belfry. Learn more!*

🌊 Island waters: See waves crash along the shore near a lush forest. [Facebook photo]

🏠 Housing in Victoria was graded a D minus last year. Do you agree in 2025? Take Victoria's 2025 Vital Signs survey for a chance to win a $100 Country Grocer gift card!*

🐳 Orca rake marks: These marks are the result of play, courting, and displays of dominance. [Facebook photo]

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Court challenge against Victoria delayed by shelter bylaw amendments
A lawsuit filed in 2024 by three plaintiffs who are unhoused—one of whom has died since filing—against the city for restricting outdoor sheltering in most parks has been adjourned while the city works on changes to the bylaw. The bylaw amendments leave 34 parks that people can shelter in, which excludes both Irving and Victoria West parks, which are at the centre of the lawsuit (plaintiffs argue that these two parks offer more amenities like washrooms and clean water). The plaintiffs reviewed the changes made by council last week and say they wouldn’t be able to accommodate the number of people in need. [Victoria News]

Islanders continue to flock to polls, national advance polling breaks record
Turnout was high across the country, with 2M votes cast on Fri. alone. Many encountered long lines and wait times, prompting Elections Canada to make adjustments to its system. Turnout remained strong throughout the weekend in Victoria, but was slower than the Fri. boom. [Times Colonist]

Pat Bay Highway exit in Central Saanich to shift south until summer
The left-turn lane to Keating Cross Road (exit 18) will shift starting today to accommodate construction of a retaining wall for a future southbound on-ramp. This traffic pattern will remain until the Keating overpass is complete, slated some time this summer. 

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🗓️ Things to do

🎤 Alone Together: Jazz soloist Louise Rose is back at Hermann’s tonight. 7pm. [Info] 

🎭 Rigoletto: See the Pacific Opera Victoria performance at the Royal Theatre, opening tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]  

 🎶 Quote the Raven: The folk duo will bring their harmonious sound to Hermann’s Thur. 7pm. [Info] 

🎨 Watercolours with Richard Wong: Learn how to paint hedgehogs with the artist at the Horticultural Centre in Saanich. Thur. 1-4pm. [Info]

🤣 Jerry Seinfeld: See the iconic comedian deliver his standup show about nothing at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. Sat. 7:30pm. [Info] 

🌸 Spring-O-Ween: The spooky springtime market will return to Market Square this weekend. [Info]

🎡 Mayfair Mall Fair: The spring fair will bring rides, games, and food trucks to the mall parking lot. Thur.-Sun. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Monday’s headlines: Highlighting the history of Chinese-Canadians in BC; Record migration of grey whales near Island; Why a popular Island hiking trail is closed for the summer. [April 21]

Swartz Bay reopens Berth 5 after updates. [Times Colonist]

Pope Francis dead at 88. [CBC]

Daytime disco dancefloor in Esquimalt coffee shop. [CHEK]

The trumpeter swan of Esquimalt Lagoon recently confirmed dead. [Facebook]

Victoria all-candidates meeting brings out crowd. [Victoria News]

That’s it!

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