TOGETHER WITH

Good morning !

Today we’ll tell you about a group of high schoolers from Belmont Secondary who tackled the task of getting their peers to talk about substance abuse—and how to counter it. We’ll also tell you about an estuary not far from here that’s undergoing a $3M facelift to save the birds and fish.

I’m going off-menu for today’s poll. Check it out.

— Mark

☀️ Today's weather: Sunny. High 25C/ low 13C.

🌫️ Air quality: Low risk today (2/10), no smoke expected.

NEWS

Cowichan Estuary caught in a climate-fed ‘coastal squeeze’

It’s one of the largest restoration projects slated for Vancouver Island this summer.

It’s only 40km or so from Victoria as the crow flies—or approximately 55km if you take the Trans-Canada—but many haven’t heard about it.

Tens of thousands of cubic metres of soil will be shifted, and more than two kilometres of dike will be removed to reconnect freshwater channels clogged by human development, and to revitalize 70 hectares of marsh to make it more able to withstand rises in sea level.

In short, the idea is to preserve the Cowichan Estuary—a vital marine and seabird habitat—which is being eroded by climate change.

Located at the confluence of the Koksilah and Cowichan rivers, the estuary is a transition zone between land and ocean.

The dike was built to fortify farmland taken from the estuary, which typically rely on the buildup of sediment to remain secure.

Problem is, global warming drives up sea levels but lowers river levels, so this tidal marsh is “losing ground” every year.

And here’s a fun fact to emphasize why it’s paramount we preserve these areas: estuaries and coastal wetlands comprise less than 3% of BC’s coastline but support more than 80% of coastal fish and wildlife, according to Nature Trust BC.

The $3M project is a joint effort involving Nature Trust BC, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the BC and federal governments, the Habitat Conservation Trust, and Cowichan Tribes.

Read the full story here.

Capital Bulletin

🐾 Two more cougar sightings reported near PKOLS on Little Mount Douglas and at McBriar Park. Two original sightings had been reported on July 10 and 11. [Times Colonist]

👕 Zellers pop-up coming to Victoria: The pop-up is expected to open at the Hudson’s Bay in the Bay Centre by Aug. 11.

NEWS

Victoria high school students earn Island Health award

A group of Belmont Secondary students has been awarded the Youth Harm Reduction Award for promoting harm reduction education and training at the school.

Jaden Lee, Kai Lessard, Samantha Paluch, and Matthew O’Connell, members of the school’s Youth Action Team, surveyed 155 of their classmates in 2022 as part of a naloxone training event, exploring the students’ awareness of substance use and seeking ways to improve understanding of harm reduction.

“There are always going to be people affected by drugs and opioids, and if they are going to take them they should at least know how to do it safely,” said Paluch.

The team’s research has helped Island Health and Belmont Secondary administrators create a substance-use education plan, which will be taught to students this fall.

The students also made a video to highlight the project, which School District 62 used to help secure federal funding for substance-use education in its curriculum.

Members of the youth action group say getting young people to talk about substance abuse is a necessary step in reducing harm.

While the award recognized its work in 2022, the team continued its efforts this year, holding naloxone training days at three different schools, including a follow-up session at Belmont.

The Youth Harm Reduction award is given to people under 19 in the Island Health region who have brought awareness to harm reduction and public- health issues in their communities.

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Capital Picks

🎻 Skye Consort with Emma Bjorling at Butchart Gardens: The band will perform trans-Atlantic arrangements tonight on the open-air stage, 8pm.

🎶 Enjoy a free taste of Pacific Opera Victoria’s delicious upcoming season at the Cameron Bandshell on August 4 and August 5 in beautiful Beacon Hill Park.*

🎷 The Perry White/Ryan Oliver Quintet: The tenor saxophonists will be joined by pianist Tony Genge, bassist Alex Coleman, and drummer Joe Poole tonight at Hermann’s Jazz Club, 7pm.

⚖️ Protect your rights and dispute your driving prohibition with the help of a knowledgeable lawyer. Contact Acumen Law Corporation today to start your defense. Visit VancouverCriminalLaw.com.*

🎤 Eventide Music Series: K!mmortal, Niloo, Mourning Coup, and Pesewa will perform during the weekly concert series at Centennial Square, tonight, 6-10pm.

🎥 Once Upon a Time in Uganda at The Vic Theatre: The documentary of a Ugandan brick maker who becomes an internet sensation when he tries making action movies will be shown tonight, 7:30pm.

🎵 Christopher Atkins at Lucky Bar: The musician will be joined tomorrow night by Cosy Father and Ian Davies, 7-10:30pm.

😊 Now Hiring: Community Engagement Manager at Dance Victoria.

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In Other News

⛵ Boat catches fire in Cadboro Bay 
Oak Bay Fire responded Tuesday morning to the boat fire near the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. A photo of the fire shows the boat mostly submerged and smoking. The public is asked to stay away from the beachfront.

🚨 Teen assaulted at Mt. Doug beach
A 19-year-old was hospitalized with serious injuries after being assaulted by suspects armed with pepper spray and a police-style baton near Majestic and Ash around 11pm after leaving a beach party at Mt. Doug. Saanich Police believe there are photos or recordings relating to the incident and are asking for them to be submitted.

🤝 Now Hiring

Thinking of making your next career move? Let us help!

• Associate Dentist at Oaklands Dental

• Mid to Senior Software Engineer at SingleOps.com

• Area Fleet Manager at GFL Environmental Inc.

• Lighting and Scenic Technician at The Butchart Gardens

• Comfort Advisor (Outside Sales) at Sasquatch Heat Pumps

• Accountant at Victoria Hospice Society

• Account Coordinator at Capital Daily

Looking for more openings? See 50+ jobs open now on YYJobs.

Hiring? Post your job to have it featured here, and fill your opening fast!

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In Case You Missed It

📱Victoria company at the forefront of AI: Frontly is using advancements in AI technology to allow people to make apps without knowing how to code. [Victoria Tech Journal]

📰 Tuesday’s headlines: Victoria animal shelters are struggling as the number of abandoned pets increases, Victoria-Seattle ferry service could be disrupted, Nanaimo Highland dancer wins Canadian championship, and more. [July 18]

🌲Temporary delays to Galloping Goose Trail: Crews will be working on the trail today and tomorrow between Luxton and Winter.

✈️ Pacific Coastal announces Victoria-Kamloops direct flights: Six weekly non-stop flights will begin Oct. 17.

💻 Looking for an internet provider that ticks all the boxes? oxio offers affordable prices, radical transparency, and excellent online customer service. Use code CAPITALDAILY for a free first month.*

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