Dec 18 - Fewer people living in Victoria aligns with Canada-wide trend

Good morning !

Today marks one week until Christmas. I started putting eggnog in my coffee this week, so mentally I’m already there. But for those who still have items to check off on their to-do list, consider this your seven-day warning.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

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Day after: 🌦️ 7 / 6

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NEWS

Greater Victoria’s expected decrease contributes to Canada’s first population decline since the pandemic

Third-quarter data from Statistics Canada indicate 76,068 fewer people were living in this country from the period July 1 to Sept. 30—and that includes an estimated 3,200 fewer in Greater Victoria.

It’s the sharpest national quarterly drop since StatsCan began quarterly record-keeping just after the Second World War. Canada's population is currently pegged at 41,575,585.

While not a full-fledged census—which takes place every five years, with the next one scheduled for next May—StatsCan yesterday released its Third Quarter 2025 Demographic Estimates, which are based on census data adjusted for recent trends.

The agency said the quarterly decline was driven by a decrease of 176K+ non-permanent residents, largely due to limits on the number of study permits issued to international students, as well as a drop in the number of foreign temporary workers.

StatsCan said the CRD population was 457,162 at the end of September. It said housing costs largely led to the drop in the number of people moving to the CRD from other parts of the country. 

Back in the summer, BC Stats said following population bursts, the CRD was projected to have 4,900 fewer registered residents next year, for a two-year total of 8,100, before modest growth returns—an estimated 3,500 additional people per year, beginning in 2027.

The federal government has planned to allow 395K new Canadians this year, 380K in 2026, and 365K in 2027. Targets for temporary residents were set at 673K in 2025, 516K in 2026, and 543K in 2027.
BC’s population was estimated at 5,683,201, a drop of 14K from before July, when projections published by BC Stats had that number reaching 6,915,064 by Canada Day, 2046. That would be an increase of 1.2M (or 21%) in the next 22 years.

The CRD’s population is projected to grow at a slower pace—14.5%—to 534,410K. As of 2046, Victoria is expected to have a population of 117,987 (102,535 now).

BC Stats says Langford will account for the vast majority of the region’s population growth over the next several years, with the Westshore city expected to hit a population of 93,012 by 2046—an increase of 33K+ from the current count of 59,813.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Temporary closure on Galloping Goose due to landslip: The trail is closed in Sooke near Charters Trestle. [CRD]

Victoria’s Beyond the Curb recycle pilot survey ends Monday.

14 electric vehicle fast chargers added by the city. [Full list of locations]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

Feds commit $19.6M in funding for environmental projects, including multiple Island First Nations

The funding, announced yesterday at UVic, will support a range of Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives to support at-risk species and climate solutions. In BC, 22 projects have been selected, with several happening on the South Island.

The Songhees Nation in Victoria will have $50K for its Guardian Program, which will include one full-time land guardian and one full-time marine guardian who will lead work in food harvesting, land restoration and stewardship, and cultural initiatives.

Two W̱SÁNEĆ Nations—Tsartlip and Malahat—will each receive $175K to fund land stewardship projects.

Tsartlip Guardians will utilize funds to protect, restore, and assert the nation’s jurisdiction over its land and water territories. Using SENĆOŦEN language and traditional practices, the guardians will monitor the environment and protect natural resources.

The Malahat Nation will put funds toward a one-year stewardship initiative, focusing on sovereignty, self-governance, and cultural resilience. It plans to bring together Elders, Guardians, and youth to share cultural teachings and renew fishing activities. Guardians will track wildlife numbers, sample water and shellfish, and potentially collaborate with First Nations sharing overlapping territories.

T’Sou-ke First Nation will also receive a $175K grant for its T'Sou-ke SṈE₭E Guardians. They will work directly with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to monitor marine traffic and mammals, manage parks and tourism, and assist with land- and marine-use planning. 

One of the largest grants will go to Huu-ay-aht First Nations on the West Island, with $412K received for its C̓ay̓imc Protection and Restoration initiative. The program is intended to connect the community to its eelgrass meadows, harnessing traditional knowledge to protect these ecosystems, build food sovereignty, and increase carbon capture benefits, which could create economic benefits for the First Nation. 

Tseshaht Nation, another West Island First Nation, will receive $175K to expand its land Guardian Program, bringing in two new guardians and keeping staff on year-round to monitor salmon runs, test water quality, observe wildlife, and share community teachings about sustainable resource use.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🎡 Ferris wheel returns to Lights of Wonder tomorrow.

🕎 Hanukkah reads: Greater Victoria Public Library has rounded up Hanukkah-themed novels, cookbooks, music, and films for the holiday. [GVPL]

🐟 The different rock fish of Nanoose Bay. [Facebook photos]

🚌 Free bus service on New Year’s Eve. [BC Transit]

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🗞️ In Other News

Trial scheduled for Central Saanich police officer arrested in sexual assault investigation
Ryan Johnston, who was arrested last December, is scheduled for a judge trial between Aug. 24 and 28. He was charged with one count of sexual assault for offences that occurred between Feb. 6, 2020 and March 8, 2020, after an investigation led by the Vancouver Police Department. His colleague, Sgt. Matthew Ball, was arrested the same day on sexual assault charges involving the same victim, who CHEK reports is a woman with intellectual disabilities; however, he died by suicide the next day. [CHEK] 

Organized crime in Sooke on the rise, RCMP says
Staff Sgt. Greg Willcox told Sooke council last week that criminal enterprises are moving to Sooke from Victoria and the Westshore, partly because there is less of a police presence in the district. RCMP have flagged individuals who they say are low-to-mid-level members of organized crime who handle drug trafficking directly. Sooke RCMP started its own major crimes unit last year, but only one officer works it (the recommended number is three). The RCMP plans to ask Sooke for more funding for new hires in the new year. [Times Colonist]

BC Ombudsperson says province got assistance cheques out on time during postal strike
There was concern that people in need wouldn’t receive income and assistance payments in a timely fashion during Canada Post’s 57-day job action. Ombudsperson Jay Chalke said yesterday that data his office reviewed indicated that during the fall work stoppage, cheques were cashed on average seven days after being issued. In the two months before and the two months after the strike, which took place Sept. 25-Nov. 21, cheques were usually cashed within an average of about four days after being issued, he said [Ombudsperson BC]

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🗓️ Things To Do

🍖 Confabulation presents: Feast or Famine: Six storytellers will share true tales inspired by the theme "Feast or Famine” at The Coda tonight. 6:30pm. [Info]

😂 OK, DOPE Student Showcase: Watch beginner and advanced improv students show off their newly acquired comedic skills at The Mint tonight. 8pm. [Info]

🤣 Hecklers Presents: A Fundraiser for JDF Hockey (U11) Featuring Rob Pue: Enjoy stand-up comedy while supporting local youth hockey in this fundraising event at Hecklers tonight. 8pm. [Info]

🧑‍🎄 A Wonderheads Christmas Carol: Enjoy the visual storytelling and puppetry masters’ take on Dickens' classic at the McPherson Playhouse. Today-Sun. [Info]

❄️ Museum Tots—Winter Solstice: Introduce children ages 3-5 to museum learning through maritime-themed crafts, play, song, and dance in this drop-in program at the Maritime Museum of BC. Sat. 10:30-11:15am. [Info]

🏊 YMCA/YWCA WinterFest Activities: Enjoy free swimming, hot chocolate, crafts, bounce castle, games, family glow yoga, and pictures with Santa at YMCA Westhills. Sat. 2-4:45pm. [Info]

🌟 Live outdoor Christmas nativity pageant: See nightly performances presented by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and friends. Sun.-Tues. 6pm, 6:30pm, & 7pm. [Info]

🤥 Pinocchio The Panto: See this fun-loving panto for all ages, filled with humour, music, and audience participation at Charlie White Theatre. Opens Sat. 2pm & 7pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: BC Transit route changes for the new year; Red Barn settlement for bathroom recordings; Water all over Esquimalt roadway. [Dec. 17]

2 Greater Victoria hospitals among BC’s most crowded. [LJI / Capital Daily]

Saanich council says no to full-room webcast camera angle. [Times Colonist]

Way to go, Oskar! Saanich Holiday Card contest winner.

Takeaway meal: A bald eagle was spotted swimming to an Island beach, seemingly with a catch in tow. [Facebook video]

View from the Parliament Buildings in 1916: See a snowy Inner Harbour, featuring a much smaller sequoia tree and no cenotaph. [Facebook photo]

Fernwood Neighbourhood House’s Gift of Good Food community fundraiser.

That’s it!

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