Feb 14 - Amalgamation process set for Victoria and Saanich

Good morning !

Happy Valentine’s Day to those of you for whom this day resonates. We’ll tell you about our poll results from the weekend on where couples began their coupling.

And unrelated, the CRD says it has resumed glass recyclable pickup but asks you to leave your blue boxes out a couple of extra days because the pickup people are playing a little catchup.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ⛅ 8 / 2

Tomorrow: 🌨️ 8 / 3

Friday: ☀️ 7 / 4

7-day forecast

NEWS

Victoria and Saanich prepare for a citizens’ assembly on amalgamation

That notorious A word is back. Amalgamation. Victoria and Saanich councils have agreed to share the $750K cost—along with the province—to implement a citizens’ assembly to steer the way toward a possible union of the two municipalities. A citizens’ assembly consists of a group of people selected by lottery to deliberate on public policy. In this case, whether Victoria and Saanich should be one. 

MASS LBP, a Toronto company specializing in public engagement, has been hired to oversee the process. Under its guidance, the Victoria-Saanich Citizens’ Assembly (VSCA) is tasked with gathering diverse perspectives on the benefits and drawbacks of amalgamation. On April 3, Canada Post will randomly send out 10K volunteer invitation letters to select the 48 members who will make up the assembly. An advisory committee will be formed to ensure transparency and independence as well as the integrity of the process.

James Anderson, founder of Amalgamation Yes says he’s pleased the process is finally underway but he says that doesn’t mean it’s going to result in an amalgamation.

Read Sidney Coles’ full story here. 

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

💩 CRD Biosolids management plan an open house next Tues. [Register]

⚾ Little League baseball registration open. [Info]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

COMMUNITY

This is the day to remember how you met

On this day of the heart, we pass along the results of a recent poll in which we asked where you and your romantic partner met. More than one-third of respondents, 35%, said they met on the Island, and in most cases, those relationships are still active, hopefully going strong.

One-quarter of respondents (24%) said they got together far from the Island, and one in five (19%) said they met online, which mirrors national statistics, although the dating site companies suggest that the Canada-wide number is closer to 35% or even higher.

We’re not using real names, but we are printing emailed responses more or less verbatim, having cleaned up only minor grammatical concerns. 

R and Di sent this collective note that stood out. This is how they met. 

“I sailed from Friday Harbor back to Canada with my husband-at-the-time, a yacht designer who loves classic boats. So he brought me and our 4-year-old son to observe another classic sailboat under construction in Victoria. That was it! The husbands introduced us, and we two women have been together for over 40 years now, having raised four children, and are delighted to enjoy three lovely grandchildren. Of course, we had to join the successful fight for Equal Marriage in 2000-2006.”

More enlightening emails about how love was found, and lost, are right here.

SPONSORED BY COAST

COAST & ABCMI Innovation Forum

COAST, in partnership with the Association of British Columbia Marine Industries (ABCMI), will host a two-day event on April 23 and 24, focused on emerging technologies and innovation within the ocean and marine sectors. This forum, featuring panels, speakers, and industry showcases, invites companies engaged in bringing innovative products and services to market, as well as entrepreneurial ventures progressing from concept to commercialization. Attendees can expect numerous networking opportunities with government and private-sector representatives, along with a condensed trade show allowing exhibitors to spotlight their cutting-edge products.

Tickets are now available on the ABCMI website, with special rates for COAST & ABCMI members!

⭐️ Capital Picks

🚲 Victoria redeclares itself ‘Cycling Capital of Canada’.

⛰️The Mountain (actor Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson) from Game of Thrones is first celebrity guest announced for April’s Island FanCon.

🛫 Victoria Airport Authority recognized as one of BC’s top employers. Five years in a row. [YYJ]

🤝 Now hiring: Executive Director at Capital Bike.

🗞️ In Other News

36 security screeners fired from YYJ 
The union representing airport workers across BC confirms 27 screen officers were terminated “following an investigation into screening irregularities.” Allied Universal Security, which employs the screeners, also dismissed nine managers. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) told CHEK it found some incomplete screening at non-passenger checkpoints but did not tell Allied, its screening contractor, to fire the workers. [CHEK]

Safer supply drugs not strong enough: Island Health doc
Dr. Randal Mason, a regional medical director for the health authority’s substance-use program, says hydromorphone may help those with lower opioid tolerance but higher tolerances may need stronger options such as fentanyl and diacetylmorphine—heroin. [Times Colonist]
This matches conclusions of BC’s recent safer supply review report. 

Langford forwards three motions to AVICC to recoup costs from ‘provincial failures’
Council's recent motions argued that increased municipal policing costs and taxes relating to climate, housing, and public health crises should be the province’s responsibility. One motion calls on the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) to explore whether municipalities can take legal action against the province. [CHEK]
Victoria councillors previously have voiced frustration with what they see as a lack of support from the province on issues such as homelessness.

Former Cowichan Tribes Chief dies at 73
Squtxulenuhw William “Chip” Seymour was Chief for four terms between 2013 and 2022. In a statement from the First Nation, he’s remembered as being a “valuable contributor” and for being  “deeply committed” to defending Cowichan Tribes rights and title.

🗓️ Things to do

🍽️ African Dinner. Grandmothers for Africa invites you to an African-inspired buffet. April 20. Da Vinci Centre. 6:30pm. [Info]

👒 Pride, Prejudice, and Provisions: This Valentine's Day soiree features Charles Ross and Lisa Hebden’s romantic comedy performance of the classic Jane Austen tale. Food and drink is included in the event at the Old Town in the RBCM. Today. 6pm-8:30pm.

❤️ Valentine's Concert: Club Voltaire will perform sultry ballads, hot swing, and sizzling latin music at Hermann’s Jazz Club. Tonight. Doors 5:30pm. Show 7pm. [Info]

🎭 Celebrate Art show starts. See the first show at the new Colwood Arts and Culture Centre. Tonight. 4-6pm. [Info]

🤣💗 Valentine’s Day Comedy Night at Category 12 Brewing. Featuring Syd Bosel. Tonight. 8pm. Doors at 7:30pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

10 Best Valentine’s Day dinners in Victoria. [Tasting Victoria]

Tuesday’s headlines: Capital Iron to re-open soon; Missing Saanich man found; adventurous View Royal senior now an author, too. [Feb. 13]

Missing person found: was last seen Feb. 3 near Shelbourne. [CHEK]

Missing Campbell River teens: Dommie Malcolmson, 15, and Cora Potoski, 16, were last seen Monday.

Prince Harry and Meghan in BC for Invictus Games prep. [Daily Mail]

Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit at RBCM in March.

See an otter have a crab dinner near Nanaimo. [Facebook photo]

That’s it!

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