Good morning {{First name}}!

The winds didn’t shift as forecast, so expect a hazy start to the day. Wildfire smoke from the mainland and Washington state is hanging around. So, depending on where you are in Greater Victoria, you may see—or smell—it, especially early on in the day.
We’re at a low-risk 2 on the BC Air Quality Health Index.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

Today: 🌤️ 20 / 14

Tomorrow: 🌦️ 18 / 13

Friday: 🌤️ 20 / 13

7-day forecast

For the third month in a row, nine people died from toxic drugs in Greater Victoria in June, according to preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service. 

Across the province, 138 British Columbians lost their lives to illicit substances—an average of 4.6 deaths a day—including 26 people on the Island. 

It's the second-highest monthly death toll this year and represents a 20% increase compared with May. However, it is still lower than the 2025 average monthly toll of 151 deaths, maintaining the downward trend seen throughout 2026.

In the first six months of the year, 776 people in BC died from poisoned drugs, including 165 Islanders. Throughout the province, people aged 30 to 59 accounted for 68% of reported deaths. 

So far this year, Island Health is the only health authority where fentanyl remains the leading cause of drug deaths. Fluorofentanyl (a synthetic opioid twice as potent as fentanyl) is now linked to the highest number of deaths in BC.

Other health authorities, including Northern and Fraser Health, are seeing an increased number of deaths tied to cocaine and methamphetamine.

St. John the Divine community memorial for Victorians who died of toxic drugs
This month's memorial was held on Quadra last Thursday, honouring five people who lost their lives to the poisoned street supply in late July and early August.

New drug safety guidelines for post-secondary students returning to school next month
The updates were implemented to improve drug safety on campus. These include improved substance education for campus security, staff, and faculty, and clearer emergency procedures. 

The province said it has distributed 1,600 nasal naloxone kits to post-secondary schools across BC ahead of the fall 2026 semester.

BC began implementing safeguards in schools after 18-year-old UVic student Sidney McIntyre-Starko died of toxic drugs in her dorm in January 2024.

Missing woman Courtney Irvine, 33, last seen Aug. 21. [RCMP]

Cook Construction: Pedestrian detours and possible crosswalk closures between Bay and Tolmie today and tomorrow; pedestrian detours through Sept. 4.

E&N Rail Trail temporary closure between Stancombe and Admirals/Colville Sept. 8-11, 24 / 7. [Map]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

On the water today? Check the tide times for Victoria.

The Chamber said the new 50% tariffs will hit BC employers and producers hard at a time when many businesses are already stretched thin—so paying more in taxes will just add to the burden.

“Every added cost makes it harder to keep people working and keep goods moving,” the Chamber posted on social media.

“The PST is fully within the premier's control, and your Greater Victoria Chamber is calling on Premier David Eby to roll back the PST expansion and give BC employers room to breathe.”

In February, the BC government pledged to expand the provincial sales tax to more professional services, including accounting, engineering, security, architectural, and commercial real estate services.

That month, the Chamber joined the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade in calling on the province to defer broadening the 7% tax, saying the move would be passed along to consumers, which would be bad for business.

The Chamber says the PST is non-refundable, and unlike the GST and HST systems in other provinces, businesses can't claim it back. 

“The tax piles up at every stage rather than being paid once by the end consumer,” the BC Chamber of Commerce said.

“This is what people mean when they call it a ‘tax on a tax.’”

The change is effective Oct. 1, 2026.

On Aug. 11, an all-party—including three NDP MLAs—provincial committee recommended the government repeal the tax, but the finance ministry has said that isn’t going to happen.

Organizers are calling it the country’s first festival dedicated to pickleball—and you don’t have to be a paddler to be drawn to Topaz Park.

“This is a full festival weekend where families, food lovers, music fans, and players all find something to enjoy,” said Brittany Buna, founder of the Victoria Pickleball Festival, which runs Friday to Sunday.

Buna said the paddlers are the heartbeat, but the market, food trucks, live music, and families coming together are what will make it a community celebration.

We wrote about this when it was announced in May.

The free, family-friendly festival features the Outway Open—174 players are registered in 28 divisions—and a youth tourney.

There’s a first responders showdown Friday evening, with municipal police and fire workers battling it out, and there is open play both Friday and Saturday nights, with a DJ providing the soundtrack. 

You can find out more about the festival here, and if you would like to volunteer, you can sign up here.

Mateína’s new Zero Sugar line delivers smooth, organic energy from yerba mate—no crash, no weird ingredients. With clean caffeine and theobromine, it supports lasting focus and mental clarity. It’s plant-powered fuel that helps you stay sharp, alert, and energized—without the sugar. Try it out today.

🃏 Victoria Fringe Festival begins today across the city.

🫒 Greek Fest is Friday-Sunday & Sept. 4-7.

🛳️ See cruise ships arrive and leave Ogden Point on this live stream.

🏡 Adult children of seniors are helping their parents decide whether to age in place. This free guide helps everyone figure it out together.*

💼 Langford Job Fair is Sept. 25.

*Sponsored Listing

Victoria realtor fined $200K for wrongly buying and renting out affordable housing unit
Victoria realtor Jason Alexander Leslie was fined $200K and had his licence suspended for six months after admitting he lied about qualifying to buy a subsidized unit in Vivid at Yates, an affordable housing complex. The unit was meant to be his primary residence, but he rented it out and earned a commission as his own agent. He returned the unit, commission, and rental income in 2022. In addition to the fine, he must pay $5K in enforcement expenses and complete remedial training. [Times Colonist]

More candidates come forward wanting to be mayor
Two challengers have entered the race in Victoria, with Bruce McGuigan and Lyall Atkinson joining incumbent Marianne Alto. McGuigan is a former college professor who ran in the 2018 campaign. Atkinson, a landlord and small business owner, also ran before, in 2022. In View Royal, Ryan Painter, a former SD61 chair and nonprofit advocate, has announced he will run, as has former mayor David Screech. Sitting Mayor Sid Tobias is not seeking reelection in the Oct. 17 vote. [Black Press]

Sexual assault trial against Central Saanich Police officer postponed
Const. Ryan Johnston's trial, originally set for Aug. 24, has been postponed to early February, after his legal team sought a review of evidence. He faces one count of sexual assault for alleged offences in early 2020. After a Vancouver Police investigation, Johnston was arrested in December 2024 alongside Sgt. Matthew Ball, who was charged with sexual assault and breach of trust for alleged offences against the same woman between 2019 and 2023. Ball died by suicide the day after his arrest. [CHEK]

🎶 Avery Jane with Sofia Miller: Victoria-born, Montreal-based singer-songwriter Avery Jane blends jazz, folk, neo-soul, and R&B, with Victoria-based experimental folk artist Sofia Miller opening. The Coda. Tonight. 6:30pm. [Info] 

🤣 Vancouver Island Comedy Competition: Inaugural preliminary round featuring 12 comedians doing 5-minute sets. Phoenix Bar and Grill. Tonight. 8-10pm. [Info]

💣 Fire a Field Cannon: Add an explosive highlight to your visit by firing a 13pdr Rifled Muzzle-Loading Field Gun—the only one of its kind still in operation. Fort Rodd Hill. Tomorrow. 2pm. [Info] 

👨‍❤️‍👨 Romeo and Juliet, Part 1: A unique storytelling experience. No preparation, no pressure, no dying. You’ll read a few easy lines as a group from your seats. ​Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre (Site A). Tomorrow. 3:15pm. [Info]

🎭 Up Your Game: From Gumboot Productions. The first play written by Peter Campbell, who has been producing drama and documentary films for international television for 30+ years. Haus of Owl (Site C). Tomorrow. 5pm. [Info] 

🎶 Broken Ground Quartet: Four friends, always in search of a new excuse to play together, this time at the border between dusty old folk songs and fluid improvisation. The Mint. Tomorrow. 6pm. [Info]

😌 A Place to Find Calm From the Chaos: Feeling stressed and overwhelmed? The Inner Quest is hosting a welcoming, inclusive, peaceful space for a guided, healing experience. 1600 Cook. Tomorrow. 7:30-8:30pm. [Info] 

Tuesday’s headlines: Direct downtown-YYJ bus service is on the way; More auto parking coming to Victoria General Hospital; Lightning sparks a dozen+ weekend Island wildfires. [Aug. 25]  

WestJet flight attendants vote 90% in favour of new collective agreement. [CBC] 

Locals and tourists have their takes on Trump's latest tariffs and Carney’s decision to leave talks. [CHEK]

Beach advisories are par for the course, says Island Health environmental health officer. [Times Colonist]

Daniel Diemer: Brentwood Bay actor joins Heated Rivalry cast. [CTV]

Summer Sing Out: Outdoor Karaoke is Friday at Ship Point.

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