Dec 4 - So long, John, on Dec. 15

Good morning !

A date has been set to say goodbye to John Horgan. BC’s 36th premier died of cancer on Nov. 12 at the age of 65. A public memorial service is set for Sunday, Dec. 15—fittingly, at a place he hung out a lot—the Q Centre in Colwood—watching his Shamrocks. Fittingly, the place will be packed. CHEK is planning to broadcast the service live.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 7 / 5

Tomorrow: 🌥️ 7 / 6

Friday: 🌧️ 9 / 7

7-day forecast

NEWS

Cool Aid ready to launch the new Crosstown multi-use housing development

Back in the ‘60s, it was a hostel but $50M in construction and 50+ years later, a building on Burnside East near Finlayson is up and ready for new tenants, including those who will move into affordable and supportive housing, paying monthly rents as low as $500. 

Victoria’s Cool Aid Society is preparing to launch Crosstown, a 154-unit mixed-use housing development that includes a mix of affordable, market, and supportive rental units, and is part of a broader $19-billion provincial government investment in affordable housing. 

Originally slated for completion in 2022, the project faced delays due to the pandemic, inflation, labour shortages, and external factors such as a fire at a cement plant. Despite these challenges, the development is now nearing completion, with tenants expected to move in by February.

Tracey Robertson, Cool Aid’s manager of community engagement, told Capital Daily she’s most excited about how the project integrates housing, health, and other support services into a campus of care in one location. 

“It’s life-changing,” she said.

The project will offer a range of units, including 100 rental homes (studios to three-bedroom units) and 54 supportive housing units with shelter-rate rents of $500. Market rent units will range from $1,250 to $3K. The building will also feature commercial space, including a 6K-square-foot community health centre and 36 affordable childcare spaces.

The adjacent Tally-Ho site, which has served as supportive housing, will be transferred back to the province to help fund the project.

Read Sidney Coles’ full story here. 

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

John Horgan’s memorial service announced for Dec. 15. [BC gov’t.]

Saanich Rec registration now open for winter-spring general programming.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

December means trickier weather for driving

It’s getting dark earlier and we’re approaching the time of year when the number of traffic collisions peaks in BC, so ICBC is sending out a reminder to drivers to be prepared for wintery roads and to be cautious behind the wheel.

More crashes happen in December in BC than in any other month. Last December, 3,244 collisions on Vancouver Island were reported to ICBC.

Victoria had 654, Saanich had 309, and there were 178 in Langford. Sooke led the list of the other area municipalities with 56 crashes last December. On average, 106 crashes occurred each day on the Island—800 provincewide.

On a five-year average across the province, 457 people are injured and two people killed in 1,772 crashes in the period of 6pm Christmas Eve to midnight Boxing Day and during the period of 6pm New Year’s Eve to midnight New Year’s Day, including an average of 22 injured in 80 crashes on the Island. 

Not unlike Santa, ICBC has a list—of tips for drivers planning holiday road time:

• Prepare your vehicle for winter conditions. You’ll need winter tires or chains when travelling on sections of highways 4, 14, 18, 19, 28, and the Malahat section of Highway 1

• Pack these: a first aid kit, emergency food and water, spare warm clothing, flares, shovel, jumper cables

• Reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle ahead of you

• Keep your eyes on the road, not your phone

• Be vigilant in parking lots, which can be busy this time of year

• Take a break to rest. Walk for a bit if you’re feeling drowsy

• Make a plan if your celebrations include alcohol or drugs. Arrange for a designated driver, taxi, ride-share, or take public transit

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🧳 Salt Spring Island No. 38 on Travel Lemming’s 2025 top 50 travel destination list.

🖌️ Give the Gift of Membership for Christmas: [Art Gallery of Greater Victoria]

🗞️ In Other News

Langford defers Y decision to special council meeting in 2 weeks
The Westhills YW/YMCA has lost $10 million in operating costs since it opened in 2016 and was responsible for a 2.5% tax increase last year. Langford, responsible for any cost overruns, is considering buying the facility for $35M—a deal it says could save taxpayers $15M over the next 17 years. After public input during Mon.’s council meeting, the council moved to decide on Dec. 16, one day before the sale offer expires. [CHEK]

Man convicted of 2010 murder of Langford teen denied day parole
Cameron Moffat, now 32, was 17 when he and Kruse Wellwood, 16 at the time, brutally attacked and tortured 18-year-old Kimberly Proctor at Wellwood’s Langford home. They cut up the girl’s body with a knife and attempted to burn her remains the following day. Following a Nov. 22 hearing, the Parole Board of Canada turned down the request because it found he remained at a high risk of reoffending. [The Westshore]

Bruce Williams to step down as Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO
Williams, who joined the GVCC in 2020, says he plans to leave this June. Kris Wirk, Chamber board chair, praised Williams’ leadership “through unprecedented challenges, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic.” The GVCC said several events will be held next year to allow Chamber and community members to connect with the esteemed broadcaster—CFAX/CTV—before he leaves as it looks for a replacement. [GVCC]

BC Lions name former QB Buck Pierce franchise’s 28th head coach 
Pierce played nine seasons in the CFL, including two with the Leos before moving to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers where he joined the coaching staff in 2014. The 43-year-old Kansan won three Grey Cups—as a player with the Lions in 2006 and as a Bombers coach in 2019 and 2021. It’s his first head-coaching gig. He replaces Rick Campbell, who was fired after the Lions posted a disappointing 9-9 season. [BC Lions]

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🗓️ Things to do

🎨🍺 Paint and Cider: Paint, be merry, and leave with three adorable holiday ornaments at Sea Cider Farm. Tonight. 6-9pm. [Info]

🌙 Night Market at The Mint: Join the carnival of local creativity and flavours at The Mint, with pottery, prints, jewelry, and more for sale. Tomorrow. 5-9pm. [Info]

🎄Harbour Holiday Light Up: Enjoy light displays, hot chocolate, decorated cookies, and seasonal offerings from vendors at the Inner Harbour. Tomorrow. 5-7pm. [Info]

🎺 The New Swiftsure Big Band with Brenda Morie: Get swept away with this evening of jazzy Christmas hits at Hermann’s. Tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]

❄️ Langford Station's Winter Village Market: Get ready for a magical evening, featuring photo opportunities with Santa, hot dogs and hot drinks, live music, and more. Sat. 3-8pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tuesday’s headlines: Protest encampment lasts one night opposite City Hall; Saanich man with dementia found dead in Langford; Surgical robot campaign gets boost; And more. [Capital Daily]

Here to help: Good Night Out donations wanted. [Capital Daily]

Cascadia Seaweed more than halfway to investment target. [Victoria Tech Journal]

Reduce speed limits says Victoria city staff. [CHEK] 

Nellie McClung Library closes for 3-year renovation on Dec. 14.

Extra sailings to Vancouver this weekend for three Taylor Swift concerts and two Canucks games. Additional Route 70 bus trips to match BC Ferries schedules. [Details]

Esquimalt Road through the years: 1895, 1919, and 1959. [Facebook photos]

That’s it!

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