April 10 - Bouncy castle stolen in Langford

Good morning !

So, a bouncy castle was stolen in Langford. There’s a lot to this story, and CHEK News did a magnificent job telling it. It’s three minutes to watch and you can read it here, too. Come back, though. We’ve got some good quick reads below.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 11 / 6

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 10 / 7

Friday: ☁️ 12 / 4

7-day forecast

NEWS

Lawyers say AG is putting democracy ‘on trial’

The provincial government is expected to introduce legislation that would consolidate the oversight of legal services provided by lawyers, paralegals, and notaries under a single regulator, sparking concern among legal professionals. 

Lawyer Bruce Hallsor perceives the move as a threat to the independence of the judiciary and democracy itself. He is among many in the legal community who argue that legal representation should remain independent from governmental influence to uphold clients' interests and rights. 

Right now, lawyers are regulated by the Law Society of British Columbia, while paralegals and notaries have separate regulatory frameworks. The government argues the consolidation will enhance public confidence and access to justice. Critics, however, question whether it prioritizes public interest over government control. 

Legal professionals are concerned about the profession's autonomy and their ability to advocate fearlessly. They argue that self-regulation is essential for upholding fundamental principles of justice and democratic values. The proposed changes raise broader governance and regulatory concerns, touching on the role of lawyers in defending public interests against government actions.

Read Sidney Coles’ full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Earthquake and tsunammi preparedness event. [At the Jube]

Johnson Street Bridge inspections. Expect delays during test lifts until Friday.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Hockey Day in Victoria nets $4M in economic activity for region

The Greater Victoria Sports Tourism Commission (GVSTC) says the Jan. 17-20 hockey palooza scored big time with local shinny fans who showed up in droves to take in the events, watch the broadcast, and of course, get their mugshot taken with North America’s oldest sports mug, the Stanley Cup.

“We knew that Greater Victoria really came together for a super successful celebration of hockey and community, but these numbers show that hosting events like this benefits everyone,” said John Wilson, Victoria Hockey Legacy Society chair.

Hotels, restaurants, and bars did playoff-like business: The GVSTC pegs the total economic puck impact at $3,985,375, which generated $627K in taxes and supported 2,369 jobs, it said. An estimated 20K visited Ship Point during the main event. The Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre was packed for both the NHL’s alumni game and the Royals juniors match with Kamloops, and the gala banquet turnout filled the Victoria Conference Centre’s largest room.

Sportsnet says 8.5 million viewers tuned in at one point to its 13-hour broadcast on Sat. Jan. 20 and at any moment, close to 800K people were watching it. “There is a power in sports that goes far beyond the confines of an arena or playing field,” GVSTC executive director Keith Wells said.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

📷 Orcas in synchronized breach near Comox. [Majestic]

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💸 Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters one-time $430 benefit announced. [SAFER]

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🗞️ In Other News

It’s Day 18 for that orphaned orca trapped in lagoon up-Island
The baby Bigg’s killer whale’s skin has whitened on its dorsal side, due to the low salinity of the freshwater it’s been swimming in since its mother died on March 23 while teaching it to hunt. The DFO has released a photo of the sandbar between the calf and its waiting family pod. [Victoria Buzz]

1 arrested after standoff, report of a person being held against their will
Police were called to a home on Ker, near Tillicum, and used “flash diversion tactics” to get inside, eventually making the arrest. They found firearms, both real and imitation, and a cache of ammunition, police said. No one was physically hurt in the incident. [CHEK]

1 arrested, possibly tied to strange noises from Esquimalt construction site
In response to a 9-1-1 call, officers found two people near the site with a duffel bag full of tools. It’s unknown if there’s a connection with the strange fireworks-car crash noises residents say have been emanating from the site for weeks. [Times Colonist]

Highlanders’ low: soccer squads withdrawn from League1BC
Less than a month before the season starts, both the men's and women’s teams have been pulled after the organization couldn’t come to an agreement with the league’s new owners. The Division 1 Highlanders FC men’s team and Residency program will carry on. [Highlanders]

🗓️ Things to do

🎺 Daniel Lapp’s annual Joy of Life Concerts return to Alix Goolden Performance Hall at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. April 26 & 27. 7:30pm. [Info]

🎨 Silver Bullets: 2024 Bachelor of Fine Arts graduation class exhibition. April 20-28. Visual Arts Building, UVic. 10am-6pm. [Info]

🏅 Vic West Lawn Bowling Club is looking for new members. Coaching is available now until mid-Aug. [Info]

🎭 Incoming Festival. A festival of new theatre featuring works from local and touring artists. Intrepid Theatre. Tomorrow until April 20. [Info] 

🎷 Andrew Greenwood Quintet plays tribute to Joe Henderson. Hermann’s. Tomorrow. 7pm. Livestream available. [Info] 

🎸 Comeback Kid: The hardcore punk band will perform at Capital Ballroom. Tonight. Doors 8pm. Show 8:30pm. [Info]

🔬 UVic Café Scientifique: Learn from UVic’s Jon Husson about “Snowball Earth” at Hermann’s Jazz Club. Tonight. Doors 5:30pm. Talk 7pm. [Info] 

◼️ Folsom Prison Revisited: Johnny Cash’s famous concert from behind bars in Sacramento. McPherson Playhouse. Tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]

Want more events? Subscribe to This Week In Vic and get our weekly events newsletter every Tuesday.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tuesday’s headlines: Toxic drugs take 44 Islanders’ lives in Feb.; Province announces new transportation hub by Uptown; Vic High students back after four-year reno; And more. [April 9]

Spring COVID-19 boosters are available. [BC Release] 

Independent Investigations Office to probe police following Sunday standoff in Courtenay. [Comox Valley Record]

Oak Bay Rec Centre pool to close for repairs. [July 1- Sep. 2]

Otter eating kelp in Finnerty Cove, Saanich. [Video]

That’s it!

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