Aug 28 - CRD climate change plan needs more depth

Good morning !

Just back from a staycation in lovely James Bay. Didn’t go far, still saw a lot. Pretty amazing place to not have to leave to feel I’m in paradise.

This morning, read what the CRD is doing (hint, maybe not enough) to prevent climate change problems in paradise, and there’s a new Japanese restaurant I want to try out. See below for details!

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today:  🌤️ 20 / 10

Tomorrow: ☀️ 24 / 11

Day after: ☀️ 24 / 11

7-day forecast

NEWS

For the CRD, climate change remains an economic challenge, not a cultural one

The CRD has a plan to address climate change, but it doesn’t tackle the root problem: the fossil fuel industry. Despite the CRD’s awareness of climate change impacts—like floods, fires, and rising sea levels—it mainly focuses on weaker, jurisdictional responses rather than confronting the industries themselves.  

This is partly due to limited powers and a cultural focus on economic issues, as noted by environmental activists.

The CRD’s current climate strategy includes goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and by 61% by 2038, but recent trends show only small reductions in emissions, suggesting these targets might be hard to reach. This is compounded by provincial and federal support for new oil and gas projects, such as pipelines, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gasses and ensuing environmental harm.

In contrast, Indigenous communities, directly affected by these projects, are leading significant resistance efforts. Oil and gas pipelines pose a direct threat to their lands, waterways, and cultures.

Protests by Indigenous groups last week highlight the ongoing struggle to protect their territories and address the environmental threats posed by fossil fuel industries. 

For them, the only jurisdictions that matter are their land and their culture.

Read the full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Campfire ban lifts today at noon: allowing for campfires this long weekend.

UV index: High risk (6) today. Moderate risk (5) tomorrow. [Details]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

FOOD

We’ll leave it up to you to check out Vic’s new Japanese resto

Full disclosure: I had to look it up, but now I know, that omakase is a term describing a chef-curated dinner.

The customer is saying “I leave it up to you" to serve me whatever for dinner, leaving the order details to the sushi chef. Sounds fun.

Chobap Sushi Bar is a newly opened omakase restaurant downtown on Courtney offering a one-of-a-kind omakase dinner experience at a lot less than you might have thought.

Omakase is generally a little pricey because first off, seafood doesn’t grow on trees and secondly, these meals require a team of workers assisting the head chef, so all hands are on deck, meaning more workers are

to be paid.

Guests have the option of several different omakase tastes—the “Edition Omakase” at $75 for eight courses, the “Harmony Omakase” at $80 for eight courses and sake pairings, and the “Elegant Chef’s Collection” at $120 for 10-12 courses—which is less than the norm in these parts.

Find out more about this new resto on Tasting Victoria.

⭐️ Capital Picks

⛰️ Backlit Mt. Baker photographed on Pender Island. [Facebook photo] 

🐕 Dogsledding (on a skateboard) down Cook. [Facebook video]

🍎 Shelbourne community kitchen fundraiser on Sat. [12pm-4pm]

🏡 September 26-29, the Interior Design Show Vancouver returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Enjoy new products, designers, and cutting-edge concepts. Plan your visit today!*

🏈 200 tickets available for Touchdown Pacific. [Game is Sat.]

🤝 Now hiring: Pyrotechnician/Lighting and Scenic Technician at the Butchart Gardens.

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Province and auditor general remain at odds over BC budget accounting
Michael Pickup, the BC legislature’s independent auditor, has once again flagged BC's reporting of federal monies and contractual obligations as a “significant error.” However, the position of the province remains the same: it has been advised to continue these long-standing practices. Pickup will retire in Nov. and move back to Atlantic Canada—where he plans to meet the now-senior who saved his life as a toddler. 

Victoria is still in the lead for city commuter cyclists 
Commuters here are more likely to walk or bike than those in any other metropolitan Canadian city, with 18.7% opting for active transportation to get to work. However, Victoria also came second for a less eco-friendly option—92.4% of driving commuters opt to go solo instead of carpooling. The national average is 89.5%. [Times Colonist]
The province committed $10M in funding to increase and improve Victoria’s active transportation routes. 

Where to park if you’re going to Sat.’s football game at RAP
There’s going to be 14K there to see the BC Lions host the Ottawa Redblacks. Parking in the immediate area will be limited, so don’t try parking in North Park, which will have road closures. The city is hoping many will take the shuttle which will leave Uptown every 15 minutes with parking for 500 at Seymour Pl. If you’re driving into town be aware there are only 1,800 total parkade spaces. [CHEK]

🗓️ Things to do

💸 Grand Parade: Supported by the Blue Sea Foundation, Sooke residents are encouraged to walk and fundraise for local charities in this family-friendly event. 6660 Sooke Rd. Sep. 21. [Info]

🥕 South Island Farmhub: Shop local produce at this special farmers market at Victoria Public Market today. 11:30am-2pm. [Info]

🎶 Garden City Harmony: A drop-in choir for everyone—sing indie, pop, rock, and folk songs with other Victorians who love to sing tonight. 5:30pm [Info]

🥁 Chase Ward Quartet: The Canadian drummer will lead this quartet at Hermann’s tonight. 7pm. [Info]

🤓 Geeky Girls Patio Party: Ocean Networks Canada will host this party for women in STEM tonight. 4:30-7:30pm. [Info]

🔪 Cabaret of Murder: This hilarious Fringe show at Metro Studio will poke fun at the art skills of notorious serial killers. Tonight at 7pm, running until Sun. [Info]

🙌 Nothing Crazy’s Going to Happen: Catch this experimental, house-party improv show at Redfern Party House. Tonight at 7pm, running until Sunday. [Info]

🌊 Our Lady, Star of the Sea: This Fringe show explores one woman’s spiritual journey at Cecelia Cove Park. Tonight at 8pm, running until Sun. [Info]

🎡 Saanich Fair: Ring in the fall season with this annual fair, featuring rides, games, a farmers market, animals, and more. Fri-Mon. [Info]

🎸 Boy & Bear: See the indie favourites perform at Capital Ballroom. Sun. 8pm. [Info]

⛵ Classic Boat Festival: See these classic boats gathered in the Inner Harbour and check out boat racing all weekend. Fri-Mon. [Info]

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

👀 In Case You Missed It

Monday’s headlines: Rental increases capped at 3% next year; Popular community member and former Logan’s Pub bartender dies; Nellie McClung Library to close in Dec.; And more. [Aug. 27]

Man sentenced to life for 2020 Langford murder. [CHEK]

Coral slime found growing on a piece of wood in Victoria. [Facebook photos]

Name! That! Pup! Cast your vote to name Vancouver Island marmot pups before they’re released into the wild. [Vote]

2 Saanich teens compete for Canada at World Powerlifting Championship. [CHEK]

That’s it!

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