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Happy Friday! The weekend's almost here—I can practically taste it.
If you're planning to head out on local trails over the next couple of days, fire crews are reminding people to be extra mindful about reducing wildfire risks. Our first story looks at the busy day Metchosin Fire crews had yesterday on trails near Neild Road.
— Robyn
Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes
🌡 Weather Forecast
NEWS
Metchosin Fire crews attend multiple
trail fires in one day
Photo: Metchosin Fire / Facebook
The fire department is reminding trail users of the current wildfire risk in Metchosin parks as dry conditions worsen.
Yesterday, crews responded to multiple small fires on the trail system off Neild Road, all of which were extinguished by early afternoon.
"While the exact causes of these fires have not been confirmed, potential human ignition sources include discarded cigarettes, improperly extinguished fires, and hot or sparking equipment such as ATVs and dirt bikes," the department said in a social media post.
As of last week, off-road vehicles—including ATVs—are prohibited on the South Island and other parts of the Coastal Fire Centre due to wildfire risk.
"With conditions remaining extremely dry, even a small ignition can quickly become a serious wildfire," said Metchosin Fire.
Much of the South Island—including Metchosin—currently has a "high" wildfire risk, according to the province. Some South Island areas have an "extreme" risk, the highest level.
Not far from Metchosin, Sooke has dealt with multiple wildfires in recent years. Last year, an out-of-control wildfire broke out in Sea-to-Sea Park, and two summers ago, a major blaze near Old Man Lake came concerningly close to the Sooke Lake Reservoir, Greater Victoria’s main source of drinking water.
"A moment of carelessness can put our community, forests and firefighters at risk," said Metchosin Fire.
⚠ Capital Bulletin
Missing teen: Landon Flaro, 15, was last seen Wednesday at 1:15pm in Colwood. [RCMP]
Reducing health risks from smoke during wildfire season. [BC Gov]
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
On the water today? Check the tide times for Victoria.
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NEWS
Victoria's Grandmothers kick off
fundraising cycle tour for African families
Victoria Grandmothers for Africa Cycle Tour participants at last year's first ride at Clover Point.
Photo: Jane Player
A group of indefatigable 55+ women has set out on another late-summer quest to raise money to support women caring for African children living with AIDS.
Since 2006, Victoria Grandmothers for Africa (VG4A) has raised $2.5M through the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign and various auctions, dinners and cycling events.
This year’s tour goal—along with honouring Lewis, who died in March—is to raise $200K at a time when people living in sub-Saharan Africa need help more than ever, says the group.
"International aid from government sources all around the world is declining, and African governments are struggling to cover the shortfall suddenly created by the massive loss of funding from USAID,” said VG4A spokesperson Lisbie Rae.
The 2025 cuts in American aid have forced thousands of clinics to close and have left hundreds of thousands of Africans without medication. On Aug. 5, the global HIV/AIDS agency UNAIDS said approximately 3,100 adolescent girls and young women acquire HIV every week in sub-Saharan Africa.
UNAIDS estimates that 88M people have become infected with HIV and 42M have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the first cases of HIV were reported more than four decades ago.
Starting Sunday and running through Sept. 13, the Grannies will ride various distances at various challenge levels, led by seasoned VG4A tour cyclists. The riders set themselves distance and donation goals on their own dedicated fundraising webpage.
The rides gradually increase in length, culminating with an optional ‘long ride’ of 275 kilometres from Campbell River to Victoria Sept. 11–13.
"VG4A's Cycle Tour last year soared past its goal to raise an amazing $225K with broad support from the Victoria community,” Rae said.
“This year, with over 60 women 55 and older taking part, we hope to match and even surpass that goal.”
This story ran for our Insiders on Aug. 9. Consider becoming an Insider today and be the first to receive stories every Sunday.
⭐️ Capital Picks
📺 Island-filmed show coming to Netflix: See some familiar Victoria sights in the trailer for Crew Girl. [Trailer]
🤘 Catch Transformers-inspired rock band The Cybertronic Spree live at Victoria’s Capital Ballroom on August 22 for a wild, 1986-style synth-metal party! Grab tickets now!*
🎸 The Guess Who: The classic Canadian rockers will be at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. Aug. 25. [Info]
👵 Adult children of seniors are helping their parents decide whether to age in place. This free guide helps everyone figure it out together.*
📸 Mayfair Mall in the 1960s: See the Woodward's parking lot packed with colourful cars. [Facebook photo]
*Sponsored Listing
🗞 In Other News
Victoria transit workers issue 72-hour strike notice
The union representing Victoria transit workers issued a 72-hour strike notice, starting with a uniform ban Monday. Service will not be disrupted for now. The action follows failed bargaining over wages, privatization, and working conditions. BC Transit says it remains committed to negotiating and apologized for inconvenience. [CBC]
Former Sooke Harbour House owners sue to get art returned
IAG Enterprises, which bought the hotel in 2020 before selling it last July, is suing its new owner Luke Evanow, alleging he won't return 121 artworks worth $500K that were loaned to the hotel, not sold with the property. Despite promising in June to return 11 pieces, none were returned. Plaintiffs seek confirmation they retain ownership, artwork's return within a week, or damages. None of the allegations has been proven in court. [Times Colonist]
For background on the Sooke Harbour House legal battles, explore Capital Daily's award-winning reporting on the story.
3 Island construction companies hit with fines for workplace accidents, violations
WorkSafeBC fined three Vancouver Island construction firms in July for safety violations. Ridgeline Mechanical in Ucluelet was fined $17K+ after a worker was hit by an excavator; United Roofing in Nanaimo was hit with a $12K+ penalty after a worker fell from a balcony; and Arise Roofing in Brentwood Bay was dinged $2,700 for lacking fall protection. All three were classified as high-risk violations. [CHEK]
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🗓 Things To Do
🎼 Music in the Garden: Enjoy live music by Victoria Conservatory of Music students at Abkhazi Garden today. 1pm. [Info]
🎷 Spirit of Jazz: Hear rich sounds, soulful grooves, and inspired artistry at the Victoria Truth Centre tonight. 7pm. [Info]
🥒 Victoria Picklefest: Bite into all things briny at this pickled food festival at Phillips Backyard tomorrow. 11am-7pm. [Info]
🛹 Boomtown Block Party: This unique block party will feature a skateboarding contest, best-dressed dog contest, all-day BBQ, tattoos, and more at Boomtown tomorrow. 11am-10pm. [Info]
🥕 Vegfest: Dive into the world of plant-based living with this vegan food festival at Centennial Square. Today 4-8pm; Tomorrow 11am-8pm. [Info]
🎉 Soberfest: See headliners Biff Naked and Fefe Dobson at this alcohol- and drug-free music festival at Starlight Stadium in Langford tomorrow. 2:30-9:30pm. [Info]
🚴 Tour de Victoria: This all-ages, all-abilities cycling event hosts eight races of different distances to fundraise for the BC Cancer Foundation. Start times vary; all races begin at the BC Parliament Buildings tomorrow. [Info]
👀 In Case You Missed It
Thursday's headlines: Weekend festivals in Greater Victoria; Keating Cross Road Overpass construction complete; Sidney fails to meet second year housing target. [Aug. 13]
Cyclist-on-cyclist crash at E&N intersection leaves man with life-altering injuries. [Times Colonist]
Piggy and Paisley leaving James Bay: The cafe will move into the former Smith's pub space on Courtney, opening in October. [Piggy and Paisley]
Tour de Victoria road closures: Menzies, Belleville, Government & Dallas affected. [City of Victoria]
Ins and outs of glass recycling in the CRD.
Floral naps: See a frog cozied up on a flower at Salmon Point. [Facebook photos]
Review contest: Teens and tweens aged 10 to 18 can win prizes by writing book reviews for Greater Victoria Public Library. [Details]
Butchart Gardens fireworks cancelled this Saturday due to provincial state of emergency. Twelve-month passes will be honoured.
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