Dec 14 - Heading to the polls about the pool

Good morning !

Welcome to the weekend! Hold onto your hats (literally), it’s going to be a windy day in the capital city. Thankfully, it’s expected to die down by this afternoon.

Today we have key updates on BC’s upcoming government and Victoria’s upcoming Crystal Pool referendum.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌦️ 9 / 6

Tomorrow: ⛅️ 7 / 6

Monday: 🌧️ 7 / 7

NEWS

BC NDP & Greens sign governance deal

Nearly two months after election day, BC’s 2025 government is finally beginning to fully take shape. On Friday the narrow-majority NDP announced a “2024 Co-operation and Responsible Government Accord” signed with the Greens, running four years but reviewable and mutually renewable each year. It is more limited than the two parties’ deal in 2017, and is specific to certain points of agreement.

Intercity transit, publicly available mental health care, renter and disability assistance, Community Health Centres, and re-exploration of proportional rep are among the new document's official commitments on shared priorities.

Several of the policy items pertain directly to the South Island, including permanent protections for the Fairy Creek watershed; “frequent, reliable, affordable” public inter-city transit; and the Village Model for homelessness, for which a Duncan project is often cited as the original BC example.

Friday’s announcement by Premier David Eby made clear that these are “two distinct parties with two distinct identities” but “many shared values” that have led to “specific areas of action” to work together on.

Unlike in 2017, the BC NDP doesn’t need a deal with the BC Greens just to govern—but with the slimmest of majorities and a local MLA battling a serious health issue whose treatment could conflict with the legislative voting schedule, it helps to have one.

Read the rest of the story at Capital Daily.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Weather alerts: Strong winds in Greater Victoria this morning. Storm surges and big waves expected for the West Island today. [Alerts]

BC Ferries cancellations: Check here if you plan to sail today.

Whiffin Spit closed today for an anticipated storm surge with waves up to seven metres. [Sooke]

NEWS

Crystal Pool referendum date set: Feb. 8

Victoria residents—including many who like to go to the pool—will be going to the polls in Feb. to decide the future of the 53-year-old fitness centre, which has been anything but fit. 

Voters will be asked straight up, Yes or No, whether they support borrowing up to $168.9M to build a new facility. 
The second question, on a separate ballot, will ask about the preferred site: Central Park North (where the current facility is) or Central Park South, next door where the basketball and tennis courts and playing fields sit. Those facilities would be moved over to the north side in that scenario.

That second question is not binding, meaning the city council ultimately will decide between the two in the event of a Yes result.

If a majority of Victorians votes No, the council would be left to decide whether to shut ‘er down immediately or to pour an estimated $10M to keep it going for who-knows-how-many months or years until they finally have to pull the plug. There will be three ways to vote: in advance, by mail, and at one of 10 voting locations. 

Residents of Victoria who are Canadian citizens 18 and older who have lived in the province for at least six months before the referendum date can vote.

If given the green light, it will be the city’s most expensive project to date, dwarfing the cost of another replacement project: the Blue Bridge.

Read Mark Brennae’s full story here.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🎳 Signs of old Victoria: When the 7/11 was torn down on Yates, the facade of the former bowling alley was revealed. [Facebook photo]

🎭 Pacific Opera's The Little Prince is perfect for families. Share this heartwarming story of love, loss, and adventure. All tickets $15 for youth ages 8-18.*

🌿 Island moss: A distinct moss—likely Oregon beaked moss—looks almost like pine needles as it wraps around a dead hemlock tree in Horth Hill Park. [Facebook photo]

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🗞️ In Other News

Did you hear that? Police flashbang cause of Fri. morning noise
The ear-splitting explosion sound heard early Fri. in downtown Victoria occurred as the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Unit and VicPd used a flashbang—which causes a bright light and loud sound to disorient a person—to arrest a suspect. The suspect was taken into custody and the investigation is ongoing. [Times Colonist]

Eby threatens retaliatory tariffs against US
Weeks after President-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, Eby has joined Ontario Premier Doug Ford in threatening possible tariffs on key exports, including energy, minerals, and manufacturing parts. Eby said BC Hydro sold $1B in electricity to Washington, Oregon, and California last year—and he’s not ruling out cutting off BC energy to the US. [CHEK]

Arnold Schwarzenegger convinces Saanich kid to donate turkeys
Maria-Clara isn't much like the famous “Governator.” He's 77, she's 11. “He drinks beers and smokes cigars,” she told CTV, “I just drink chocolate milk.” But she was inspired by some of his charitable work and wants to donate 77 turkeys to the Shelbourne Community Kitchen for people in need. She's getting classmates to trade chores for donations from their parents and asking for the public's help. [CTV]

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🗓️ Things to do

❄️ Holiday Creative Reuse Workshop: Crochet Snowflakes: Learn how to crochet and make a holiday treasure at the Neighbour Space next door to SUPPLY today. 10am-12pm. [Info]

🎶 Allegra Singers Winter Concert: Hear the choir perform holiday tunes at First Church of Christ Scientist today. 2pm. [Info]

🎁 Open House & Winter Market today at 728 Blanshard arts building. 2-8pm. 

🪄 Merry Witches Yule Market: Check out this not-so-traditional holiday market at Prospect Lake Community Hall today. 2pm. [Info]

🎼 Greater Victoria Police Chorus Christmas Concert: Christmas favourites, including sing-alongs, will be performed at North Douglas Church today. 2:30pm. [Info]

⛸️ Victoria Pride Skate: Celebrate Pride in the winter—join this family friendly skate at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre today. 2:30pm. [Info]

🎵 Yellow Point Christmas Spectacular: Catch broadway classics, jazz hits, and favourite Christmas tunes, mixed with dance and storytelling at McPherson Playhouse today and tomorrow. 2pm. [Info]

😂 Dino Archie: See the popular comedian showcase his standup, along with local openers, at Hecklers tonight. 7pm & 10pm. [Info]

🚒 🧑‍🎄 View Royal Annual Santa Drive: Fire trucks will cruise around VR neighbourhoods to collect non-perishable food and cash donations for Goldstream Food Bank today. 9:30am-2pm. [Info] 

📯 46th Annual Tuba Christmas: More than 100 tuba and euphonium players will perform your favourite holiday carols in Market Square today. 1-3pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Friday’s headlines: New ambulatory program could cut hospital wait times; Driver accused of pinning man against tree with vehicle; Sudden death on Langford sidewalk; And more. [Dec. 13]

Now at Costco: Victoria period product company launches sustainable line. [Capital Daily]

Tuba Christmas fundraiser back for Year 46. [Times Colonist]

Victoria home sales surged in November, average price fell. [CHEK]

From Warhol to Banksy: Pop art exhibition opens today. [AGGV]

Young buck hookup: Deer playfully lock antlers in Colwood. [Facebook photo] 

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