Sept 8 - CRD tries to reign in messy Canada geese

Good morning !

Wow, that was fast. Friday is already here.

That holiday Monday helped. Now, is it going to be one day at the beer fest or two?

Hmmmm. Decisions, decisions.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 20 / 10

Tomorrow: ☀️ 21 / 10

Sunday: 🌧️ 20 / 12

7-day forecast

🌫️ Air quality: Low risk today (2/10). Current smoke forecast.

🚘️ Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

New plan plots to keep Canada geese out of local marshes

On the South Island, a national symbol has become a regional nuisance as Canada geese bring harsh attitudes, heavy appetites, and a huge amount of feces.

These birds are supposed to be migratory, but here they no longer fly away home.

Brought in for hunting in the 1970s, Canada geese became year-round residents thanks to a mild climate, an abundance of food, and few predators.

They now occupy farms, sports fields, golf courses, ecological reserves, islands, and sensitive intertidal zones.

They damage moss that’s important to river ecosystems, harming already at-risk salmon along the way.

This year, the CRD is putting money into efforts to reduce their numbers and impact, using culling methods such as egg addling.

But one major tactic is a gentler one that takes inspiration from Indigenous fish weirs. “Exclosure” fencing made of alder and willow is being set up at local marshes; smaller species can pass, but the Canada geese rely on having a large open area to land.

Read more at the Westshore.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Water main repairs affects multiple municipalities: Sidney, North Saanich, W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum First Nation), and BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin First Nation) will have reduced water pressure and are asked to reduce water use this week.

NEWS

Men Without Hats star joins Victoria Conservatory of Music

The Victoria Conservatory of Music will soon have an ’80s celebrity among its ranks.

Colin Doroschuk—a founding member of Men Without Hats, the Canadian new-wave band whose hit songs “Safety Dance” and “Pop Goes the World” topped international charts—has been named head of voice for the conservatory’s classical school, and director of voice for its contemporary school.

Though he may be known best for his electronic-pop past, Doroschuk has worked in the classical music world for some time, as a resident composer of Victoria Ballet and a operatic composer in Quebec, including writing an original opera, Évangéline, based on the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Doroschuk, who once in a while does wear a hat, received his masters in music and theatre at UVic 15 years ago, and his connection to the city has been strong ever since—he says he’s worked with “most of the professional musical organizations in Victoria” over the years.

With his mixture of musical disciplines, and his background as a classical vocal teacher, he plans to share this rounded experience with Victoria students.

“These days, the students who wish to become pop singers realize, as I did, just what an asset classical technique can be towards developing range, timbre, power, flexibility, expressivity, as well as the endurance necessary to sustain a rewarding professional career,” Doroschuk said in a release.

He says he hopes to bridge the gap between contemporary and classical vocal training to ensure singers leave the conservatory “technically secure” and “conversant in multiple styles.”

NEWS

Beer fest hits the grounds at RAP

Canada’s oldest beer festival kicks off today for its 29th year of suds and fun.

The Great Canadian Beer Festival showcases brewskies from all over the country, and this year will include upward of 100 craft breweries and cideries.

Phillips Brewing, Lighthouse Brewing, and Ile Sauvage Brewing are among the local breweries you’ll find at Royal Athletic Park over the next two days.

The tasting starts at 4pm today and runs until 9. Tomorrow, the suds are served from 9am to 5pm. One-day tickets cost $45, and if you prefer two days of lip-smacking pleasure, $80 gets you the full weekend.

See Ryan Hook’s story here.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🥳 Capital Daily at UVic ThunderFest today
Connect with new and returning locals and visit our kiosk today at the top kickoff festival of the school year. Thousands of students, faculty and staff will be there, along with UVic Vikes teams, checking out 90 booths—with giveaways and games to play.

❓Have questions, comments, or concerns about provincial policies, programs, and services in Oak Bay-Gordon Head? Contact BC NDP MLA Murray Rankin at [email protected] or 250-472-8528.*

😓 Feeling stuck? You’re not alone. Learn about what motivates you at Intertidal Counselling & Wellness.*

🎁 Now Hiring: Buyer Seed & Gift Store at The Butchart Gardens.

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Sask. murderer on parole arrested in Victoria
Kenneth David MacKay, 49, was convicted of brutally killing Crystal Paskemin, 21, of Sweetgrass First Nation in 2000. He was granted day release on the Island in February, despite his case team’s concerns. Authorities have not said how he broke parole. [CTV]

Body found in water near Tsawwassen ferry terminal
A boater spotted the body in the water Saturday morning and contacted the Coast Guard, which called the RCMP on Pender Island. After it was determined the remains were human, they were recovered and taken to Vic General for identification and an autopsy. [Times Colonist]

In Cowichan, a lake runs through it
Usually a lake gets its water from the river, but the ongoing drought has crews ready to pump water from Lake Cowichan into the Cowichan River as early as Monday to preserve the habitat and species living in it. Boaters should watch for restrictions. [CHEK]

Former Victoria mortgage broker faces bankruptcy order
Greg Martel’s location is still unknown, as is most of the money he is alleged to have bilked from investors. PricewaterhouseCoopers is trying to find $226M in missing investments and is expected to proceed with an application to have Martel declared in contempt of court on Monday. [Vancouver Sun]

🗓️ Things to do

🎧 Supernova at Capital Ballroom: See big names in house, as well as local DJs at this bass-heavy show.

🌵 Victoria Cactus & Succulent Society Show & Sale: Today and tomorrow at Church of the Advent in Colwood.

🤣 An Evening of Improv at the Mint: Alex Forman performs with a cast of fellow funny performers.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday’s headlines: How a two-year drought affects the salmon, 10 UVic researchers get Canada’s highest academic achievement honours, and Saanich Peninsula Hospital extends its emergency department closure. [Capital Daily]

Canada needs rapid response force, says ex-commander
A former army lieutenant-general says Canadians’ lives are at risk because the country doesn’t have a national rapid response force to help with wildfires, floods, evacuations and other emergencies. Retired Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslie tells CBC News other countries have one, and so should Canada. [CBC]

Surfs up for Canadians in Tahiti
That’s where some of Canada’s best surfers are this week, riding the waves at Teahupo'o, which will host next year's Olympic surfing event. [CTV]

That’s it!

If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to a fellow Victorian.

And before you go, let us know: