Dec 20 - CRD puts out positive progress report

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Since 2020, Capital Daily has held a holiday fundraising drive every December, where generous donors match every donation made. We’re excited to be launching our fourth annual donation drive very soon! So stay tuned to our newsletter for the details coming in the next few days!

— Mark

Today’s approx read time: 5.5 minutes

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NEWS

CRD says it’s making a difference... together

It’s that time of year when we look back to see where we’ve been and where we’re going, and it’s no different over at the Capital Regional District (CRD) which has released what it calls an opinion editorial reflecting on its 2023 accomplishments.

Here’s an abridged version of what Colin Plant, the board’s chair, penned to summarize the year—the first of a four-year term—which he says is pivotal in creating a roadmap of focus on the CRD’s five pillars of priority.

Transportation: The CRD says it started to work toward a collaborative approach to transportation—who controls and oversees it—by speaking with regional and local governments, electoral areas, the province, and relevant partners to identify and design a top transportation service that is environmentally responsible.

Housing: A continuing challenge. The CRD says it added 200 new affordable homes. It plans to increase its borrowing authority to $85M to support partnerships to build more.

Governance: Created Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission to broaden service there.

Climate Action and Environment: The province approved the CRD’s new solid waste management plan, and soon more than 40K tonnes of waste will be diverted from the Hartland Landfill each year. The new recycling provider uses 25 enviro-friendly trucks.

First Nations: The CRD partnered with the city, harbour authority, chamber of commerce, and others to launch the South Island Indigenous Business Directory to support Indigenous economic reconciliation.

Read CRD Board Chair Colin Plant’s editorial here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Glass collection is to be paused from Jan. 2 - Feb. 1 for the entire CRD.

Videotron’s Fizz Mobile now available in Vic.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Vic arts programming and extracurricular youth activities get $1.5M in provincial funding

Organizations and parent advisory councils in Greater Victoria will be better able to support artists and youth extracurricular activities thanks to the more than $1.5 million in Community Gaming Grants funding it’s going to be getting from the province.

Each year, some 650 community organizations in BC share funding—this time, it’s $140 million—the province disperses for community-based initiatives. The Belfry Theatre, the Veselka Ukrainian Dance Association, Oak Bay Secondary School, and Vic High are among the 2023 recipients.

“Thanks to this new funding, these volunteers and their organizations can continue to help people in our community thrive,” said Murray Rankin, the MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head.

Both funding streams add to the health and well-being of people who live in this community. Research shows that arts funding fosters a greater sense of belonging and that extracurricular activities give young people the chance to build life skills, critical thinking, and leadership in safe and inclusive spaces.

Read Sidney Coles’ full story here.

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A must-experience this holiday season

With Christmas only days away, there is still time to experience the Bay Centre at its finest and be immersed in the holiday spirit. Delightfully in the best memories of the season with a holiday photo in front of their 35-foot sparkling tree. Once complete, immerse yourself in the Festival of Trees showcasing more than 70 one-of-a-kind decorated trees in support of BC Children's Hospital.

Still looking to find that special gift for a loved one while supporting local? The Bay Centre is home to 32 locally owned and/or locally owned franchises. This includes the Victoria Market Collective featuring more than 160 local makers.

While you are visiting, enjoy three hours of free parking on weekends and free parking after 4pm in the Bay Centre's underground parkade.

Plan your visit today.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🎁 Make Memories Not Waste: Low-waste wrapping and decorations ideas.

📈 Join more than 2000 subscribers getting the latest insights on our region's pressing economic issues like housing, health care, and more from South Island Prosperity Partnership’s weekly newsletter.*

🚲 Everyone benefits from a ride: Six years in, Cycling Without Age is increasing its impact throughout Greater Victoria. Click here to read more about how a group of volunteers gives seniors and less-abled people the simple experience of a bicycle ride.*

🎅🏽 We need your help! CFAX Santas Virtual Tree ends this Friday, donate a child's wish, and their Elves will make it come true. It’s a click away.*

🤝 Now hiring: Dental Assistant at Oaklands Dental.

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🗞️ In Other News

Toronto man may have set ‘crazy’ Guinness World Record on Island
It’s for clamping 52 clothes pegs onto his face two weeks ago in Duncan. That’s one more than the record-holder, but the beer people still have to verify the face feat before it’s deemed an official GW record. Jake Hillhouse, 25, says he scoured the internet to find a funny record he could try to beat. [CHEK]

Myra Falls Mine closing, 400 workers to be laid off
The mine, in Strathcona Regional Park, 85km southwest of Campbell River, will shutter due to rising costs and diminished returns on zinc, lead, and copper. the mine’s international ownership group Trafigura said “the operation is no longer financially viable and the mine will be placed on long-term care and maintenance.” The mine has been operational since 1965, although it was closed eight years ago when metal prices fell.

Man says he made necklaces disappear, then turns himself in to police
A 23-year-old says he was the one who walked into Westshore Gold and Silver in Langford 11 days ago, asked to see multiple necklaces, and took off with $20K worth of jewelry. On Monday he gave himself up and was promptly arrested for theft over $5K. [West Shore RCMP]

Central Saanich Police say woman faked she was a nurse
Charrybelle Talaue, who appears to have had eight aliases, tried repeatedly to gain employment, police say, with forged documents. BC’s College of Nurses and Midwives says she tried to impersonate registered nurse Yves Anglehart. Talaue faces various charges, including forgery and impersonating another person. [Central Saanich Police]

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🗓️ Things to do

🎨 In the Flesh: The Nude in Art, Past and Present. More than 100 works of art. Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Runs through March. [Info]

👼 Live Outdoor Christmas Nativity pageant. Dec. 21, 22, 23. 701 Mann Ave. 6pm, 6:30pm and 7pm. [Info]

📯 Daniel Lapp’s Home for Christmas. 20th annual concert. Royal Theatre. Tonight/Tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Tickets]

📽️ Christmas movie and pizza at Oak Bay Beach Hotel. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Tonight. 7:15pm. [Waitlist]

🧑‍🎄 Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Live music at 8:30pm and prizes for the ugliest sweater. Tonight. Bard and Banker. 6pm-1am. [Info]

Want more things to do? Find out what’s happening by subscribing to our events newsletter This Week In Vic.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tuesday’s headlines: Slight drop in Vic. housing prices last month; latest pet check via ROAM; Vic Beer Week coming. [Newsletter]

Royal BC Museum to return First Nations’ sacred treasure. [Capital Daily]

See a giant red dendrontid at Ogden Point.

See a bald eagle wading in for dinner.

New way to pay BC Hydro: Fresh opt-in model drops prices overnight and raises them in peak hours (4-9pm).

That’s it!

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