Dec 18 - Outreach groups say 13 unhoused people recently died

Good morning !

Thirteen unhoused people in Victoria recently died in three weeks, according to those close to the streets. Some outreach groups are blaming the city and its shelter policies. The city says it’s the province that’s got to step up.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

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NEWS

Chasm between policy-making city council and unhoused seems sizeable

There was tension at a recent Victoria City Council meeting as community housing advocates, unhoused residents, and their supporters expressed deep anger and grief over recent deaths in the homeless community. 

Advocates, including Nikki Ottosen from the Backpack Project, criticized the council for not implementing federal housing recommendations and for removing shelter options, which they claim led to 13 deaths in three weeks. 

This was particularly poignant following the death of their community member, Shae Smith. His and other recent deaths on city streets highlight a broader crisis in the city.

Ottosen also raised concerns about the council’s decision to close certain parks for overnight sheltering, which she argued violated the Charter rights of unhoused individuals.

Mayor Marianne Alto defended the city's role. She says many of the issues driving homelessness lie outside the council’s jurisdiction and usually lie within the province’s.

But Ottosen and others argue that the city’s policies are "inhumane," and that the removal of tents and belongings by bylaw officers exacerbates the situation, leading to increased substance use and isolation.

This chasm exists when the council is considering a $4.7M budget increase for enforcing daytime shelter bans.

Critics argue enforcement alone won't address the root causes of homelessness, such as poverty, mental health, and addiction issues.

Read Sidney Coles’ full story here. 

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Missing persons: Alannah Logan, 24, & Jeremy Murdoch, 36, were last seen together on Dec. 10 in Sooke.

No alert, but strong winds are expected this morning and afternoon.

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NEWS

Dumping fees and fines going up at Hartland Landfill in the new year

Effective Jan. 2, tipping fees to dump general refuse, controlled waste, and asbestos are going up—and it’s going to cost you five times as much if you’re caught illegally dumping asbestos. 

The fine for improper disposal of asbestos will increase to $1k from $200 per infraction, the CRD announced this week. 

“Last year, with board approval, we raised fines for a number of infractions at the landfill, and this was one that was not addressed at the time,” Tom Watkins the manager of solid waste and recycling operations for the CRD tells Capital Daily.

“Asbestos is probably the single biggest health risk to our staff in the way of waste that we've handled,” Watkins says.

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring, toxic, carcinogenic, and fibrous silicate minerals. It makes products strong and can be found in building materials such as ceiling and floor tiles. Asbestos often is taken down to the dump by contractors using large bags that can puncture, releasing it into the air and causing a significant health risk to anyone who breathes it in. 

Watkins says it hasn’t happened in a few months but it occurs more often in the busier summer construction season.

“So, we need to stop that, which is what we're trying to do in terms of getting their attention.”

The fee to properly jettison asbestos and controlled waste such as uncontaminated demolition waste or an animal carcass will increase to $214 per tonne from $157 per tonne, reflecting “the higher operational cost of responsibly managing these materials compared to general refuse,” according to the CRD.

Beginning in the new year, the cost to legally discard general refuse will be $155 per tonne, an increase of $5.

The CRD said it approved the increase “to keep pace with inflation and align with 2025 general refuse tipping fees” in other regional districts on Vancouver Island.

SPONSORED BY DINE AROUND AND STAY IN TOWN VICTORIA

Victoria's favourite foodie festival returns

On Jan. 23, the Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria Gala will take over at the Crystal Garden!

Ring in Victoria's favourite foodie festival with unlimited bites from 50+ of Greater Victoria's top restaurants, delicious bevvies, and live entertainment. It's the most dazzling foodie's-night-out in town!

⭐️ Capital Picks

🎻 Daniel Lapp’s Home for Christmas. [Tonight & tomorrow night]

🤴🏽 The classic story loved for generations is now an opera! Experience the magic as Pacific Opera Victoria brings The Little Prince to life Feb. 19-26. Tickets on sale now.*

🎄💋 Merry Kissmas: Kiss in a photo and qualify for a $1k prize. [Sat. 12-4pm at Market Square]

🎄 A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol is a whimsical holiday masterpiece running from Dec. 18-21 at the McPherson Playhouse. Don’t miss this beloved show that has become a festive tradition for thousands!*

🌞 Annual Winter Solstice Music: [Sun. 2:30-4pm in James Bay]

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

2 Central Saanich police officers charged with sexual assault
A Vancouver Police investigation into the two officers began on Oct. 28 after "a person came forward with information about two officers who allegedly had unlawful sexual contact with an adult woman they met while on duty," the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said in a statement. Yesterday, VPD charged Matthew Ball, 43, with one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust. Ryan Johnston, 40, has been charged with one count of sexual assault. [VPD]

Langford to buy Westhills Aquatic Centre, including Y
The city council voted unanimously to pay $35M for the building which houses the YW/YMCA aquatic centre, a daycare, the Greater Victoria Public Library, the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and Paradigm Orthodontics. The council said recreation centres are not profitable, but they are a fundamental part of local government service. The council said the deal will save Langford taxpayers approximately $10.2M over the next 17 years, and $121M over the lifespan of the building. [Langford]

City handing out ‘courtesy’ tickets instead of parking tickets
Parking ambassadors put the tickets on vehicles with meters that have expired less than 30 minutes earlier, with the hopes violators will pay it forward by donating to a charity or food bank. The city says it has been issuing courtesy tickets during the holiday season for 35+ years. Drivers whose parking has expired for more than 30 minutes will get a regular ticket. [CHEK] 

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🗓️ Things to do

🎙️Whose Live Anyway?: Cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? present 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Royal Theatre. Jan. 16 & 17. 8pm. [Info] Please note the date as Capital Daily erred on this yesterday. 

🧑‍🦲🎁 A Charlie Brown Christmas: Bassist Sean Drabitt reprises the holiday favourite, presenting music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Featuring Brent Jarvis (piano) and Joe Poole (drums), the show runs with the TV special showing on the venue screens. Hermann’s. Tonight, tomorrow, and Fri. 5pm & 9pm. [Info]

🎠 Carousel in the Park: City of Langford. Lights sparkle as you enjoy the carousel and explore the park. Enjoy hot drinks from Morningstar Coffee’s mobile cart and holiday carollers. Veterans Memorial Park. Fri. 1-8pm. Sat.& Sun. 12-7pm. [Info]

🧑‍🎄 Santa visits My-Chosen Cafe: Carlos, Tootsie, and Mack have made a special Santa menu and the proceeds will help support their friends at The BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre. Sat. & Sun. 10am-2pm. [Info]

💚🎄 The Grinch Meet & Greet: Take your kids to Hillside Shopping Centre to meet the Grinch. Reserve your time slot in person or by phone at Guest Services. Sat. 12-4:15pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tuesday’s headlines: Victoria wrestler wins WWE’s US women’s belt; Terry Fox to adorn the $5 bill; Sidney says waterfront area will remain closed with storm damage; And more. [Dec. 17]

John Horgan remembered at a packed memorial. [Capital Daily]

Island volleyball community celebrates Melissa Humana-Paredes' Paris Olympics silver-medal win. [Times Colonist]

Royal BC Museum: 19th-century-inspired snowflakes on display. [CHEK]

2025 City of Victoria draft budget: Public input opportunity closes on Fri.

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