Thurs. April 27 - UVic cuts staffing in new budget plan

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning !

We have a new team member on board this week: Robyn Bell has joined as our newsletter writer, so you’ll see her name appearing in your inboxes soon.

Robyn was born and raised in Victoria, but lived out east for the past decade, so she’s looking forward to refamiliarizing herself with her hometown—and saying goodbye to snowy winters for good. Keep her in the loop and let her know what’s going on around town by emailing her at [email protected]

NEWS

As UVic cuts staffing due to budget shortfall, its unions ask province to step in

UVic froze hiring last fall and has now enacted an across-the-board 4% budget cut in line with its new three-year plan. The university cites a $17M shortfall due in part to lower-than-projected international student enrolment.

The budget cuts have led to staffing cuts: voluntary and involuntary departures, and positions left unfilled. UVic Faculty Association president Lynne Marks told Capital Daily that sessional lecturers were especially affected, many losing most or all of the courses they teach.

UVic’s new three-year plan seeks to get its finances back on track, in part by boosting international enrolment. But the faculty association, and 10 other unions of faculty and staff at UVic and other Island post-secondaries, say that BC universities are relying too much on internationals, whose attendance can be disrupted by external factors from global crises to Canadian visa processing.

They argue, in an open letter launched yesterday, that the province needs to change its approach—and inject new funding to stem the loss of workers.

Read more at Capital Daily on the cuts, their effects on the university community, the letter, and what UVic plans to do next. 

Capital Bulletin

☀️ Today’s weather: Sunny. High 17C / low 7C.

💰 View Royal community centre gets a boost: The province gave Victoria Highland Games Association $325,000 to support further developments at the Craigflower Community and Performing Arts Centre, in an effort to draw tourists to the Westshore.

NEWS

Victoria Fire Department opens new headquarters

The new state-of-the-art 12-storey headquarters opened downtown on Wednesday, replacing the two-storey hall at Yates and Camosun used since 1959.

It is one of the largest mixed-use fire halls in Canada, and was built to an uncommonly high seismic standard in order to withstand earthquakes and keep operating during a disaster.

The Victoria Fire Department will work out of the first three levels, with eight floors (130 units) of affordable housing above, owned and operated by Pacifica Housing and funded by BC Housing. There will also be some commercial office space and an additional stand-alone base for BC Emergency Health Services to run two ambulances.

The intersection of Johnson and Cook will feature a traffic preemption system to clear the area’s traffic in an emergency, reducing the need to activate sirens.

The city will use the Yates fire hall for maintenance purposes over the next two years, before deciding on its future function.

TOGETHER WITH BLUE BRIDGE THEATRE

Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)

Blue Bridge Theatre's 2023 summer season gets underway with this hilarious Canadian classic! Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) is sure to fire up your imagination as it brings to life the worlds and characters of Shakespeare’s canon, and turns them on their head!

Directed by Tamara McCarthy. Starring Keara Barnes, Pedro Siqueira, Isaac Li, Danica Charlie, and Lucy McNulty as Contance Ledbelly. Designed by Graham McMonagle, Yi Misty Buxton, Rebekah Johnson, and Carl Keys

The Roxy Theatre | April 25-May 7 2023 | 250-382-3370

ADVERTISER CONTENT

Capital Picks

🌈 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: The last four shows are tonight, Friday, and Saturday at both 2pm and 7:30pm at the McPherson Playhouse. [Tickets]

📣 This survey is for all residents of Greater Victoria! Take Victoria’s 2023 Vital Signs survey today for a chance to win prizes.*

😂 Atomic Vaudeville’s Spring Comedy Cabaret: Opening night is tonight at the Victoria Event Centre for this live comedy cabaret series that runs until Sunday. [Details / Tickets]

💐 Celebrate mom and all the special women in your life at the “Meet the Makers” market at the Bay Centre, May 6. Your chance to meet and support over 50 local #yyj artisans.*

🤝 Now hiring: Concierge at Flytographer.

*Sponsored Listing

In Other News

🔎 Missing traveller found on mainland
Patricia Nzuza, 55, was last seen departing YYJ on transit early on April 16 after arriving by air. Her family reported her missing, and Sidney/North Saanich RCMP put out a public notice this Monday. But RCMP now say she has contacted them, and that it is not a criminal matter.

🚓 Man arrested in jewellery store hammer robbery case
In a daytime robbery on April 15, a cyclist wielding a hammer entered Francis Jewellers and tried to take items from display cases, fleeing with some after grappling with staff who intervened wielding chairs. Police now say a suspect—not named—was arrested Saturday at multi-unit housing on Dowler. This man has six outstanding warrants and faces multiple new charges, VicPD said.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TALL TREE HEALTH

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In Case You Missed It

🏠 New housing for Victoria women in need unveiled: Anawim Companion Society will begin welcoming residents to the stage-two housing project this summer, supporting women who are at risk for homelessness and addiction. [Capital Daily]

🏡 Investment condos for sale: Generate consistent monthly income with an AirBnB rental property in downtown Victoria.*

🍴 Hidden gems restaurants: Looking for a quiet night out? Veer off the beaten path with these lesser-known spots. [Tasting Victoria]

*Sponsored Listing

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