April 8 - One step closer to amalgamation

Good morning !

The Victoria-Saanich amalgamation is closer to becoming a reality after the Citizen’s Assembly made an official recommendation in favour of it. Both city councils will consider the recommendation before deciding whether to hold a public recommendation on merging the municipalities.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌦️ 10 / 5 

Tomorrow: 🌤️ 12/ 5

Thursday: 🌨️ 11 / 8

7-day forecast

NEWS

Citizens’ Assembly recommends Victoria-Saanich amalgamation

The assembly announced its recommendation during a Sat. meeting, with all 48 members in attendance. A full report on the decision will be available next month, including a detailed rationale for the recommendation and the key considerations explored. 

“In the course of our deliberations, we ultimately concluded that amalgamating and becoming a unified city is the best form of government for our two municipalities,” the Victoria-Saanich Citizens’ Assembly said. 

Victoria and Saanich councils will consider the recommendation and, if they decide to endorse it, will work with the province to hold a public referendum during next year’s municipal elections. 

The Citizens’ Assembly comprises 21 Victoria residents and 27 from Saanich—representing the difference in population—each randomly selected. They spent a total of 60 hours deliberating their recommendation. 

A majority of residents in both Victoria and Saanich voted in favour of establishing the assembly in 2018. It was delayed during the pandemic, but in 2022 the municipalities agreed to split the $750K cost to fund it. 

The assembly’s chair, Peter MacLeod, said the members considered information provided by 20+ experts and guest speakers, in addition to feedback from residents who participated in public and online meetings.

“Ultimately, the assembly concluded that both communities would benefit from taking a much more integrated approach to long-term planning, transportation, and emergency services, as well as the many services both communities provide and the regulations and bylaws they develop and enforce,” MacLeod said in a statement.

Saanich Coun. Susan Brice, speaking on behalf of Mayor Dean Murdock, said the municipalities are “entering a new era” that needs to be more creative and efficient to serve residents. 

Capital Daily previously explored the pros and cons of amalgamating Greater Victoria’s 13 municipalities, including benefits to emergency services and a potential hit to fiscal efficiency. 

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Blanshard paving—meant to happen yesterday—delayed due to weather. A new date will be announced. [Details]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

Support local journalism by supporting Capital Daily. Become a Capital Daily Insider member today and help bring local stories to life. 

NEWS

12 new Victoria restaurants that opened so far this year

Some old favourites are making a return to the Victoria restaurant scene—welcome back Cafe Malabar and Blue Nile—and a handful of foodie freshmen have joined the city’s culinary selection. 

Expect new ventures by beloved restaurateurs and creative pop-ups, with plenty of new eateries bringing fresh energy—and plenty of tempting dishes—to the table. 

There’s something to satisfy any craving, with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From Korean tapas to your new favourite coffee spot, we’ve got your rundown on where to grab your next bite in the city.

Read the full list here.

SPONSORED BY PACIFIC OPERA VICTORIA

$15 Youth Tickets for Rigoletto

See Rigoletto at the Royal Theatre April 23-29.

*Youth tickets from $15.
General tickets from $35.

Rigoletto is a gripping opera that delves into the depths of human emotion, showcasing the tragic tale of Rigoletto, a court jester consumed by vengeance.

*$15 Youth Tickets available for audiences 18 and under in price categories C, D and E. Not valid for the Sunday matinee performance. 

⭐️ Capital Picks

🌟 Stellar evening: See the stars out at Sandcut Beach. [Murray Sharratt]

📣 Your voice, your Victoria! Take the 2025 Vital Signs citizen survey today for your say on the Greater Victoria's wellbeing. You could win a $100 Country Grocer gift card!*

🦎 Endangered wandering salamander spotted in Campbell River. [Facebook photo]

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

A smaller Victoria school board is back to in-person
The one-person board will resume meetings at its Bolekine Road office after five years of meeting over Zoom. Sherri Bell, the sole trustee after the rest of the board was fired for disagreements with the province about the role of police in schools, will chair one more online meeting today. She’s expected to pass a $331M budget for the school district for the upcoming fiscal year, with a projected $5M deficit. [Times Colonist]

Residents try to entice doctors to Lake Cowichan 
The aging community is losing both of its doctors at the same time—and is looking for any way to convince a new one to move to the town. One cleaning company is offering its services free of charge to any doctor willing to relocate there, while a bakery is offering free bread and jam. More businesses in the area are expected to join in on making offers soon. [CHEK]

BC to end program sending cancer patients for treatment in US
Over the past two years, 1K+ patients have been sent stateside for treatment because of wait times here. The province says wait times are down, so that doesn’t have to happen anymore. Health Minister Josie Osborne says 93% of patients waited less than four weeks for treatment in Feb., up from 69% when the province began the program, which will end next month. [CTV]

Enjoying our newsletter? Help us make it even better!

Become an Insider member and help keep local journalism and storytelling alive in the Capital Region. 

🗓️ Things to do

🎺 Big Band Tuesday: Hear classic jazz standards from Bayside Big Band and see young talent in Stelly’s Jazz Band at The Coda tonight. 7pm. [Info]

🐇 Easter Bunny Visit and Photos: Book your private visit with the Easter Bunny at Upstairs Shopping Centre. Tomorrow through April 19. [Info] 

❓ Trivia Night: Test all the random knowledge in your brain at Spinnakers tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]

🇵🇭 Filipino Weekend Market: Celebrate Filipino culture with food vendors, live music, crafts, and family-friendly fun at Centennial Square this weekend. [Info]

😆 Che Durena: See the standup comic at the McPherson Playhouse, Fri. 7pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Monday’s headlines: Tidal swamps are carbon sinks; Number of BC visits to Washington state is waning; Mayfair owner interested in buying The Bay. [April 7]

8 Victoria food tours to check out this spring. [Tasting Victoria]

Liberal Leader Mark Carney kicks off BC portion of campaign in James Bay. [Times Colonist]

J Pod orcas spotted by ferry riders near Pender. [Facebook photos]

Salt Spring dog owner arrested after pulling knife on other dog he says attacked him. [Times Colonist]

That’s it!

If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to a fellow Victorian.

And before you go, let us know: