Aug 29 - There's a new sheriff in town

Good morning !

Two of our area’s oldest institutions are in the news this morning.
At 167 years of age, our police force has its first female chief constable.
And at 157, the Saanich Fair has… what it has every year: good outdoor fun and games.

Fastest. Summer. Ever.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 26 / 14

Tomorrow: 🌤️ 25 / 14

Sunday: 🌦️ 18 / 14

7-day forecast

NEWS

Del Manak retires, and Fiona Wilson takes over as the city’s top cop

Victoria has a new police chief after a change of command ceremony was held at Government House to say goodbye to outgoing Chief Const. Del Manak and hello to Fiona Wilson, the city’s first female police chief.

“Standing here today, I can tell you, is both surreal and it's deeply humbling,” Manak told the packed ballroom. The 61-year-old said a few words in Punjabi and thanked his family, particularly his wife Nikki and their two children.

“You've been amazing—“I'm not gonna look at you,” he said, while appearing to hold back tears.

“You put up with unpredictable hours, missed dinners, family events, where I couldn't be there, and many times where the department had to come first.”

Retiring after 35 years of policing, Manak was chief for nine and a half of his 32 years at VicPD. He had planned to retire in 2024, but agreed to stay on for an additional few months to allow more time for his successor to be identified and hired.

A spirited crowd that included local politicians, police chiefs, deputy chiefs, and first responders, applauded Manak’s many achievements, including his efforts to improve relationships with Indigenous communities and young people through initiatives such as the youth street-hockey program he collaborated on with the Victoria Royals, and for his dedication to mental health and wellness supports for officers and staff.

Lt.-Gov. Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia said Manak “lived and breathed community engagement” and significantly advanced many great causes.

Turning her attention to the incoming chief constable, the lieutenant-governor reminded the room that the first female officers joined the Victoria Police Department in 1913.

“Today, Chief Fiona Wilson assumes command as the first female chief of police in the department’s 167-year history.”

Read Mark Brennae’s full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Last day of Grouse Trail closure in Sea to Sea Park today. [CRD]

Current construction and major projects. [City of Victoria]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

It’s Trew: Saanich Fair celebrates its farm roots this weekend

Western Canada’s oldest agricultural fair returns this weekend with all the cute animals, carnival rides and games, and farm-fresh food that have made it a favourite among Greater Victorians. 

The midway will open today with a special sneak peek from 3pm to 11pm. The rest of the grounds will be closed during this preview, but will be open in full tomorrow through Mon.

The Saanich Fair began in 1868 to celebrate farming among South Island pioneers. This year’s theme, “Focus on Farming,” is a nod to those early days.

The fair has moved around a few times since its inception. In its first few years, it was held on different farm properties. It then found a permanent home for more than 100 years, starting in 1873, at the property where Polo Park now sits. The official Saanich Fairgrounds in Saanichton, where the event is now held, was purchased in 1993.

Over the last 150+ years, the fair has become a marker for the end of summer and the start of the school year for families. It’s a fair known for its country roots, with horse and dog shows, farmers markets, and livestock—including cows, llamas, and donkeys—on display.

This year, Van Halen cover band “JUMP” will take the main stage on Sat. night, while Nova Scotia rockers “The Trews” will headline Sun. night.

Music won’t be the only source of entertainment, but a chainsaw showcase, threshing demonstrations, a blacksmith, and a wood-carving YouTuber will show off to crowds. Prizes will be awarded to the “best in show” categories ranging from home baking and needlework to the finest poultry, sheep, and pumpkins.

Families with little ones who are too tiny for the big kid rides can check out the Tiny Town Kid Zone, with bouncy castles, face painting, and ponies. 

The Saanich Fairgrounds are located on Stelly Cross Road, across from Stelly’s Secondary School. Fair gates open at 9am Sat.-Mon., with the midway running until 11pm. Parking and a bike valet are available.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🏖️ 2 Island beaches among Top 8 destinations in Canada, according to Airbnb. [CHEK]

🏰 Beautiful castle: See Craigdarroch Castle, a tourist favourite. [Facebook photos] 

🏫 Archived Esquimalt: See kids at different Esquimalt schools in the early 20th century. [Township of Esquimalt]

🗞️ In Other News

Victoria and Saanich to split $900K in federal EV infrastructure funding 
As part of a $22.7M funding announcement for eight charging initiatives throughout BC, Victoria will get $517K for two charging projects, and Saanich will receive $350K for another. Victoria plans to install 22 Level 2 EV chargers and one Level 3 EV charger in areas where residents do not have at-home access to charging. Saanich intends to install 40 Level 2 EV chargers and 2 100–199 kW EV fast chargers to support its municipal fleet of electric vehicles. [Times Colonist]

Car falls off ledge onto Save-on-Foods parking lot, 1 injured
The driver of the vehicle was taken to the hospital in stable condition after their car smashed through two fences and landed a few metres below in the parking lot. The single-vehicle mishap happened around 12:45 yesterday afternoon near the intersection of Fort and Trent. Photos of the scene show a damaged sedan resting on its side and roof with a busted front windshield, and in the background, a big gap in both a wooden fence and a chainlink fence. [CHEK]

Arrests made after a gunshot was reported in Saanich
Saanich PD responded to a report of a firearm being discharged near the corner of Shelbourne and Torquay at about 10:30 Tuesday night. While officers were speaking with witnesses, the suspect vehicle returned, so police stopped it and arrested the driver and an undisclosed number of passengers. The canine unit was called in, and dogs sniffed out a loaded handgun found not too far from where the vehicle was stopped, police said. Saanich PD is looking for any pertinent dashcam video. [Saanich PD]

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🗓️ Things to do

🍺 Fridays at the Station: Common Ground Festival, featuring live music, local food, craft beer from Vic Beer Society, diverse vendors, and family-friendly fun. Prioritizing BIPOC, queer, disabled, and newcomer-owned businesses, making space for all voices to shine. 720 Station Ave. in Langford. Today. 4pm-dusk. [Info]

🎶 The Endless Summer Concert: In loving memory of Ashlie Toew. Local talent Earth Freaks, Ranger, Neighbourly, and House of Glass perform. DJ Deckard spins vinyl to close out the night. Capital Ballroom. Today. 7pm-1am. [Info]

🏝️ i-Land Fest: Experience Vancouver Island's Caribbean Carnival with steel pan showcases, live DJs, and family-friendly festivities celebrating Caribbean culture and community. Ship Point. Today-Sun. Times vary. [Info]

⛵ Classic Boat Festival: Marvel at up to 100 classic vessels displayed in Victoria's Inner Harbour during this Labour Day weekend maritime celebration. Inner Harbour docks. Today-Sun. 9am-8pm. [Info]

🛍️ Bastion Square Market: Browse local vendors and artisans in Victoria's historic cobblestone square for unique finds and handmade treasures. Bastion Square. Daily through Sept. 11am-5pm. [Info]

🎵 Canadian Beauty: Enjoy talented local performers bringing live music to the community in this free summer concert series in Beacon Hill Park. Cameron Bandshell. Today. 1:30-3:30pm. [Info]

🎼 Summer Recital Series: A Mighty Voice. Four Centuries of Organ Music with Neil Cockburn. Christ Church Cathedral. Tomorrow. 4-5pm. [Info]

🧚 Royal Summer Ball: By Enchanted Fables Princess Parties. Featuring nine classic fairytale favourites, this ball includes live vocal performances, dances, games, a coronation ceremony, and more. View Royal Community Association. Tomorrow. 12pm. [Info]

🎹 Pop-up Outdoor Piano Concert: Brooke Maxwell is a freelance musician and sound designer, composer, arranger, and the co-creator of the acclaimed Ride the Cyclone. Please bring your own lawn chair and umbrella. Oak Bay Marina/Turkey Head. 11am-12pm. [Info]

🥔 Iwaji-New Yam Festival Celebrate the yam harvest season with traditional dances, music, and delicious food. Fashion show, children’s games, cultural talks. Strawberry Vale & District Community Club. 5-10pm. [Info] 

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday’s headlines: Vic General closes 2 urgent care units for different reasons; New overpass going up across Island Highway in Colwood; Police school liaisons are back at SD61. [Aug. 28]

VIU case could set a precedent for disciplining students over their political activities. [Times Colonist]

Beach advisory dropped for Langford Lake (Ed Nixon Terrace). [Island Health]

Langford fraud suspect. [West Shore RCMP]

Island family warns boaters of intimidating experience with the US Coast Guard. [CHEK]  

Remembering summertime fun at the now-shuttered All Fun Waterslide Park in the Westshore, circa 1980s. [Facebook photos]

Pacific chorus frogs and their different colours are seen in Nanaimo. [Facebook photos]

That’s it!

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