Dec 11 - Police search for Saanich assault suspect

Good morning !

Today, we’ve got some scary news about an assault near Elk/Beaver Lake Park and some positive news about the Southern Resident population.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧️ 10 / 7

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 10 / 9

Day after: 🌦️ 11 / 9

7-day forecast

NEWS

Saanich Police looking for suspect after assault near Elk/ Beaver Lake entrance

Saanich Police say officers responded to an assault near the intersection of Elk Lake Drive and Beaver Lake Road Tuesday evening.

Police say they found an individual who had sustained injuries around 8:30pm; the person declined medical attention or additional supports.

No suspect was located during an initial search of the park, in which police dogs were used. 

Saanich PD is asking for information from the public to find the suspect, who’s described as a white male in his 30s, 5’8” to 5’10”, medium build, with buzzed short brown hair.

Anyone who may have seen an individual matching this description in the Beaver Lake area or may have dashcam footage from the area between 8 and 9pm should contact Saanich PD.

“This appears to be an isolated incident and our investigation is ongoing,” Saanich PD said in a release.

“We remind anyone enjoying Saanich’s parks and trails to always remain aware of your surroundings.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Overdose alert extended in Cowichan Valley. [Island Health]

Elk/Beaver Lake: Filming on Eagle Beach to cause increased vehicle and foot traffic today through Saturday. Temporary fishing dock closure today. [CRD]

Recalls: 

• JC Green dried cannabis products may contain less THC than advertised

• McCain Tasti Taters may contain pieces of plastic

Support local journalism by supporting Capital Daily. Become a Capital Daily Insider member today and help bring local stories to life. 

NEWS

New Southern Resident orca calf born to K-Pod

The smallest Southern Resident pod has just gotten a little bigger—and a little more orange.

Researchers from Washington state’s Orca Conservancy say they spotted a “very small and very orange calf” swimming with the K14s and K12s. 

The non-profit says it needs to review the footage to confirm, but the calf seemed to be primarily travelling with K36 (AKA Yoda).

“From our perspective on shore, the calf appears to look robust and energetic,” Orca Conservancy shared on social media. 

“We observed it surfacing often on its own and zipping around the large group of Ks.”

The group says it will share their documentation with fellow Washington researchers at the Center for Whale Research (CWR) to get their consensus. CWR will assign the baby whale an alphanumeric ID (likely K47) and will confirm the calf’s maternity after it has been observed in three separate encounters.

While it appears to be healthy, the small whale has an uphill battle ahead in its first year—most Southern Resident calves die within months of being born.

Over the last year, K-Pod had no new births and lost one of its only reproducing adult males, dropping its population down to 14 from 15. Five calves were born to J-Pod, but only three survived, bringing its number to 28. L-Pod gained and lost a calf, keeping it at 33 members.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🥕 Grocery store coming to Bay Centre: Owners of Vic West’s Market Garden to open Sabayons in a section of the old Hudson’s Bay store. [Sabayons]

🦉New tenant in Market Square: Keep an eye out for the owl roosting in the square. 

🧶Cowichan sweater archives: See photos from the 20th century that showcase the master knitters, their work, and a gift for Queen Elizabeth II. [Facebook photos]

📚 One year of the BC Human Rights Book Club: Check out the monthly book list curated by Commissioner Kasari Govender.

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🗞️ In Other News

Colwood to conduct independent financial review of RCMP detachment expansion
The CRD recently approved borrowing up to $103M for the expansion, to be repaid by Langford, Colwood, and View Royal. The three municipalities were expected to approve the plan—Langford already has—but Colwood has decided to delay approval and review whether it fits in its budget. The city has appointed Jonathan Huggett—who previously oversaw the financing of the Johnson Street Bridge project—to review the plan, with completion slated for the first week of January. [CHEK]

State of emergency declared in the Fraser Valley after torrential rain causes flooding
The flooding prompted evacuation alerts in Abbotsford as of yesterday afternoon, with the most impacted properties expected to receive hand-delivered notices from the fire and police departments. Flooding sirens in Washington were heard in Abbotsford yesterday morning. Projections show that the flooding could be similar to 2020, but not as significant as the 2021 event. Meanwhile, the mayor of Chilliwack says his city is going to be “fine.” [CBC]

View Royal covenant could bring medical clinic to Helmcken Road
Council approved a covenant Dec. 2 that could reserve part of a six-storey, mixed-use apartment block for a grocery store and/or medical clinic. With nearly 70% of View Royal residents not attached to a primary care service, the town’s mayor says the space could connect people to a GP or nurse practitioner. Council will need to vote in favour of a zoning bylaw amendment for the covenant to take effect. The building’s management is already in discussions with potential medical clinics. [Goldstream Gazette]

🗓️ Things To Do

🎁 Holiday LEGO Exhibit: Explore a festive LEGO display inspired by gingerbread, Frozen, and Hoth—donations to Goldstream Food Bank encouraged—at Westshore Town Centre today. 10am-8pm. [Info]

🎶 The Gift of Christmas Music: Enjoy a free concert and Christmas carol sing-along, with festive drinks and treats, at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church today. 12pm. [Info]

🛍️ Indigenous Winter Market: Check out this annual market, with plenty of skookum gifts and talented Island creators at RBCM tomorrow. 10am-4pm. [Info]

🕯️ Messiah by Candlelight: The Victoria Symphony, local choirs, and four leading soloists will perform Handel's great oratorio at Christ Church Cathedral tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]

💃 Dance City Night: Learn rumba in a workshop followed by ballroom dancing for all ages, at Victoria Edelweiss Club tomorrow. Workshop 7:30-8:30pm, dancing until 10:30pm. [Info]

🎺 Holiday Soul Party: Shanna Dance and Jonnie Bridgman: Celebrate with soul, Motown, and New Orleans style holiday favourites at Hermann's tomorrw. 7pm. [Info]

🎵 Danny Carmona New Music Release Show: Experience cumbia, salsa, and hip hop with world-class special guests at The Coda tomorrow. 9pm. [Info]

🧹 Witches Yule Market: Explore alternative local Christmas vendors at Prospect Lake Community Hall. Sat. 10am. [Inf

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: Victoria named ‘Most Generous Community’ in Canada by GoFundMe; Victoria Jazz society to get three-year boost from feds; Langford fast-tracking expansion of Veterans Memorial Park. [Dec. 10]

Health Canada approves first drug for treating postpartum depression. [CP/CTV] 

Saanich PD warns of text scam impersonating police. 

Recall reminder: Various pistachios and pistachio-containing products imported from Iran, due to Salmonella. [CFIA] 

Feather stars are seen deep in the waters of Nanoose Bay. [Facebook photo] 

A Celtic Christmas: The Greater Victoria Police Chorus. [Sunday]

BC Lions open preseason May 23 in Langford.

That’s it!

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