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- Jan 10 - Headless cougar leads to jobless city staffer
Jan 10 - Headless cougar leads to jobless city staffer
Plus: Storm shuts down roads, parks, even the Breakwater, and helping make the outdoors more accessible
Capital Daily Team
January 10, 2024
Good morning !
That was a wicked storm. Gnarly waves to watch along Dallas.
But here comes the bad news: We’re headed into some minus-territory temp-wise. The low overnight could hit -8!
— Mark
Do you celebrate or endure stormy weather like we've seen the last couple of days? |
Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes
🌡️ Weather Forecast
NEWS
City worker fired following investigation into decapitated cougar
VicPD shot this cougar. Photo: VicPD
The cougar was prowling through Victoria’s busy Selkirk Waterfront area in Nov. when police shot it dead—and soon after, somebody took the body’s head.
“We can confirm the individual responsible is no longer employed by the city,” a City of Victoria spokesperson told Capital Daily late on Monday, clarifying that the individual’s employment was terminated.
The shooting
On Nov. 21, VicPD shot and killed a cougar seen twice in the Gorge area. Police defended the original decision to kill, citing the wait time for BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) officers—who carry tranquilizers—and the nearby school, preschool, and residences.
The head
Ten days later, an anonymous city source told Victoria Buzz that someone had cut the head off the body while it was temporarily stored in a dumpster at a city waste facility. The head was returned, the source said, after all staff were warned of dire consequences if it wasn't.
The fallout
After another 10 days, the BC Conservation Officer Service wrapped an investigation and issued a written warning for unlawful possession of wildlife. BCCOS said the person was remorseful and cooperative. The city didn't confirm at the time whether the decapitator worked there, saying it didn't comment on personnel, but conducted its own investigation—leading to the dismissal of the city staffer.
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google
Business licences with City of Victoria due Jan. 15
GVPL late fines are no more, as of today
Report downed trees and debris on CRD regional trails here
Albert Head Lagoon Regional Park access closed due to storm
Sooke Bluffs and Whiffin Spit closed due to high winds. [Sooke]
NEWS
A woman’s attempt to make nature accessible to all in Victoria
Three mobility devices donated to the Tool Library by Bolt. Photo: Sidney Coles / LJI
The CRD boasts breathtaking landscapes, lush rainforests, a rugged coastline, and thousands of kilometres of scenic trails—but not everyone can take full advantage of Vancouver Island’s irresistible outdoor attractions.
People living with disabilities have significant challenges when attempting to access the outdoors. Many outdoor spaces, such as parks, trails, and recreational facilities lack wheelchair ramps, accessible pathways, and amenities designed to accommodate various disabilities.
In partnership with the Victoria Tool Library—a popular membership-driven tool borrowing shop on Fairfield—Tanelle Bolt wants to make these areas graspable to everyone.
Through her charitable organization, RAD Recreation Adapted Society, Bolt says she wants to “create a world where individuals living with short-term and permanent mobility issues have the opportunity and means to live independent, active (outdoor) lifestyles with friends and family regardless of financial circumstance.”
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⭐️ Capital Picks
🌊 Winter waves: See some powerful storm waves crash over the Breakwater.
🎨 Help SUPPLY Victoria help artists: GoFundMe drive to move.
🧑🎤 Are you a singer? Become a member of the Peninsula Singers.
🗳️ Have you submitted your nominations for the 2024 Tasting Victoria Restaurant Awards? If you’ve got a list of your local favourites, nominate them here!
🗞️ In Other News
VanIsle man dedicates first Ironman run to residential school survivors
Former Vic resident Sasha Perron completed his first race in Mexico and used it to pay tribute to family members who survived the schools and system. He and his sister are hoping to run in the Vancouver Marathon, with eyes on qualifying for Boston. [Saanich News]
Former 'Namgis Nation hereditary chief dies at 85
Bill Cranmer / T̓łaḵwagila died last week in Alert Bay after decades of effort in repatriating cultural items taken during the potlatch ban; Kwakwaka'wakw language revitalization; and moving wild salmon farming toward land-based aquaculture. [CBC]
16 vehicles vandalized in Saanich in the week and a half after Christmas
Saanich police estimate the damage done during the Dec. 29-Jan.-5-spree to be in the tens of thousands of dollars, and they want to look at any available surveillance tapes from the areas of Harriet, Burnside West, Dupplin, Culduthel, and Whittier. They have a suspect, described as a Caucasian male in his 30s, with a thin build. [CHEK]
Man charged with 2014 Beacon Hill stabbing found not responsible
Paul Cowie was found not criminally responsible for the stabbing—that left the victim with life-threatening injuries 10 years ago—because of a mental disorder. The BC Review Board ordered that Cowie be detained in the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam and his case be reviewed in one year. [Times Colonist]
That was a loud and windy storm, everything OK?
For the most part, the storm passed through—certainly not unnoticed—fortunately not leaving a trail of havoc and heck. However, the high winds and waves forced the closure of several roads, parks, and trails in the area. Even the Breakwater was shut down. [Victoria News]
🗓️ Things to do
OK Charlie: See the band perform at the Irish Times Pub, tonight at 9pm.
Richard Sales: The musician will take the stage at Hermann’s, with opener Hayley Sales, tomorrow at 7pm. [$20]
Entertainment Village: See some of the best local talent show off their improv skills at this funny show at The Mint, Friday at 8pm.
Rakata Latin Night: Head to Capital Ballroom to dance to Latin beats by DJ EP The Latino, Friday at 9pm.
Top Gun: Maverick ends its Victoria IMAX re-run tomorrow.
👀 In Case You Missed It
Correction: Power to Be was founded 24 years ago, with Power to Be Foundation starting six years ago. Capital Daily regrets this error.
Tue. Headlines: BC Ferries breaks out the porta-potties; Four of the province’s giving citizens; Vic High re-opening pushed back another month. [Newsletter]
VicPD swears in seven new police officers and expects to hire a total of 24 in ‘24. [VicPD]
Complaints about BC judges: The ‘22-23 annual report tackles dangerous driving allegations, stereotyping, tone, and posting “an image of an intimate nature.” [Vancouver Sun]
Our Place seeks donations of recreational supplies for knitting, crafts, and music. [Info]
Moulting elephant seal on Cadboro Bay Beach. Don’t approach. Keep dogs on leash.
That’s it!
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