April 9 - BC's most economically resilient cities are on the Island

Good morning !

Three Island towns have been named the most economically resilient in the province—in fact, MOST of the top 15 spots on the list can be found here. Scroll down to see which places scored high, and why one city is growing especially fast.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ⛅ 12 / 8

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 12 / 7

Day after: ⛅ 11 / 6

7-day forecast

NEWS

CRD, Tsartlip, and Tseycum Nations sign memorandum of understanding

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) formalizes the government-to-government relations with the Capital Regional District (CRD), W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), and W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum). 

The MOU will ensure that the CRD includes the two W̱SÁNEĆ nations in the district’s initiatives, planning, and decision making. 

Chief Don Tom of Tsartlip First Nation, and chair of the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (WLC) board—which led negotiations of the MOU with the CRD—said in a statement that it's time for local governments to “play a significant role in the work of reconciliation.”

He says the WLC is choosing to work directly with the CRD “not because we want to become like municipalities or regional districts, but because local government authorities make decisions over W̱SÁNEĆ Territory, which our people have a responsibility to protect.”

Tom says this responsibility stems from ancient W̱SÁNEĆ laws.

“I strongly encourage the CRD to advance the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and respect W̱SÁNEĆ Douglas Treaty Rights,” Tom said.

“This MOU will aid the CRD in doing just that, and in advancing initiatives that will benefit both W̱SÁNEĆ and the general public.”

Chief Tanya Jimmy of Tseycum Nation says it’s important the nations determine their own future with the guidance of Elders. 

“W̱SÁNEĆ are a strong people, with unique culture, language, and traditional practices,” Jimmy said.

MOU follows provincial and federal agreements

The MOU came soon after an agreement was signed between BC, Canada, and WSANEC nations—including Tsartlip and Tseycum—declaring the nations to be the beneficiaries of the North Saanich and South Saanich Douglas Treaties of 1852. The governments agreed to follow UNDRIP to interpret the Douglas Treaties, which all three governments say have previously been viewed differently by settlers and Indigenous people. 

BC and Canada have long maintained that the treaties were land purchase agreements, while W̱SÁNEĆ oral histories hold that the treaties were to resolve disputes and establish peaceful relationships with settlers without giving up the majority of their land. 

That agreement and the recent MOU create a more official process for governance in W̱SÁNEĆ territories, though multiple nation members—including chiefs—have recently criticized the federal and provincial governments for not always honouring the Douglas Treaties.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Blanshard paving happening today, Fort to Yates. 7am-7pm. [Details]

Missing teen: Jane Richardson, 13, was last heard from on April 2 and is believed to be in Campbell River. [RCMP]

Victoria Vital Signs survey open until May 30. [Details]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

Three Island municipalities top list of most economically resilient BC cities

Sidney took the top spot, followed by Langford—which rose to No. 2 from No. 3 last year—and fellow peninsula town, Central Saanich. Kelowna and West Kelowna round out the top 5, but most of the top 15 were Island communities, including #6 Saanich, #8 Victoria, and #12 Sooke.

The annual ranking from BC Business began a decade ago as Best Places to Work. It measures 50 BC municipalities of 10,000+ residents by using factors such as growth; job creation; and housing sales, starts, and vacancies. 

Being home to BC’s capital helps bolster Island communities, according to BC Business. But another factor may be the reason for its strengthened resilience.

“Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of remote work, the Island has been a favoured destination of newly footloose workers leaving Vancouver and other high-priced cities,” reads the release.

Langford: Hub of the booming Westshore

Langford moved up on the list because of its economic diversity, as well as its staggering rate of population growth and high number of housing starts per capita—both were by far the highest of any municipality on the list. 

The article also cites the addition of local business parks and the upcoming post-secondary campus, and includes a profile of the success of Sheringham Distillery and its expansion from Sooke to Langford.

The city touted its silver status on Monday, attributing the accolade to its “focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement” and its range of different major sectors—enabling relatively fast and successful adaptation.

The city says it will be releasing its first formal Economic Development Strategy in June and wrapping it early next year.

SPONSORED BY DANCE VICTORIA

Dance Victoria presents: Compañía Rafaela Carrasco

On April 11 and 12, Dance Victoria's 28th season of the World’s Best Dance culminates with the North American premiere of Compañía Rafaela Carrasco’s Nocturna (Architecture of Insomnia). The company’s award-winning performance promises to transform the Royal Theatre into a surreal dreamscape while taking flamenco dance to a new level. Tickets from $34!

⭐️ Capital Picks

🧚 Fairy shrimp: See the delicate-looking shrimp swimming in the Malahat area. [Facebook video] 

🐕 Vets for Pets fundraiser BBQ and open house at Peninsula Veterinary Hospital next week. [Details]

⛵ HMS Pinafore docks at Mary Winspear Centre on April 12 and 13! The Victoria Gilbert and Sullivan Society presents a delightful, music-filled comedy. Tickets available now!*

🎉 Sookarama returns April 26.

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

New J Pod calf spotted, third born since Christmas
The calf, named J63, was spotted on April 6 by researchers at The Center for Whale Research (CWR) in Washington. It’s the fourth calf born to the pod in the last 12 months, two of which did not survive. It was seen swimming closely beside J40, who is believed to be its mother; this would be her first calf. So far, J63 appears healthy, though the first year can be difficult to survive—especially for calves born to first-time mothers. CWR will conduct follow-up observations to monitor the calf’s behaviour and physical appearance.

Island Health working on posting ER wait times online
The health authority will join Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health, which already offer the service, according to Josie Osborne, BC health minister. She says the website is under construction and would offer an approximate wait time (triaging for immediate emergencies must still be prioritized, which can affect times). Island Health currently posts wait times inside ERs, which Osborne called progress. [CHEK]

Langford council votes to limit Facebook comments
City staff say comments of a violent or sexual nature are frequently left on the city’s official Facebook page, leaving staff to spend more time monitoring social media pages. A handful of residents in attendance at the council meeting spoke in favour of keeping comments open for community engagement, but councillors say there are other ways for the public to interact with the city without causing distress for staff. [Black Press]

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🗓️ Things to do

❤️ The Story of Taylor Swift: Experience the journey of Swift's rise to fame in a tribute starring recording artist Charity Eden at McPherson Playhouse tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

🧀 Charelli’s Annual National Grilled Cheese Fundraiser: Join cheese masters for their 10th—and last—grilled cheese fundraiser for ALS tomorrow. 10am-2pm. [Info]

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

🎶 Lunchtime Concerts at Market Square: Enjoy these mid-day concerts every Fri. in April and May at Market Square's lower courtyard. [Info] 

💃 Compañía Rafaela Carrasco: Internationally renowned flamenco dancer Rafaela Carrasco brings bold choreography and modern elegance to the Royal Theatre. Fri. & Sat. 7:30pm. [Info]

🪺🍪 Jumpin’ Into Easter Cookie Class: Learn to decorate adorable Easter-themed cookies in this beginner-friendly class hosted by Island Cookie Jar at Bilston Creek Farm Shop. Sat. 11am. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tuesday’s headlines: Citizen’s Assembly recommends Vic-Saanich amalgamation; Island town offers freebies to lure doctors; One-person Victoria school board returns to in-person meetings. [April 8]

12 new Victoria restaurants that have opened so far this year. [Tasting Victoria]

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

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

No jail for Lantzville driver who hit woman, dogs while reaching for pop bottle. [Times Colonist]

March Cineplex box office sales 50% lower than last year. [CP/CHEK]

That’s it!

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