Sept 15 - Saanich kicks dog debate down (small) street

Good morning !

The fur is flying in the debate over how much our pets should be allowed to roam freely in Saanich parks. Council has taken a break from the issue, but this doggy discourse is far from over.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ☀️ 22 / 10

Tomorrow: ☀️ 22 / 9

Sunday: 🌤️ 20 / 11

7-day forecast

🌫️ Air quality: Low risk today (3/10). Current smoke forecast.

🚘️ Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Doggone debate takes 2-week break in Saanich

A group representing dog owners says Saanich council needs to take more than a two-week pause to assess the public’s feedback on a proposal to limit areas where pets can roam freely in district parks.

“We think the whole thing, all the recommendations, need to be scrapped and a community advisory committee needs to be put together to work through what needs to happen,” Eulala Mills, interim president of the CRD DOGG Society, told Capital Daily.

In June, council approved amendments to its animal bylaw, requiring all pets visiting Saanich parks either be on-leash or in a designated leash-optional area. Currently, dogs can be off-leash in each of the district’s parks, if they’re under the owner’s control.

Mills, whose group has been fighting Saanich’s People, Pets and Parks Strategy for two and a half years, says the amendments aren’t environmentally friendly.

“If they put this through, and only a third of Saanich dog owners have to drive only three kilometres more to get their dogs off-leash, that’s between two and three thousand metric tons of C02 in the environment, every year.”

Mills says the entire process has been flawed because Saanich didn’t speak with the Indigenous community, people with disabilities, seniors, or dog behaviorists—nor did the district directly consult dog owners.

“They had a broad outreach for the whole community and assumed that would represent everyone.”

Monday night, the canine community had its say with dozens of dog owners appearing at council, which then opted to postpone readings of its amended Animals Bylaw until Sept. 25.

“Council heard from a lot of folks who expressed concerns about the proposed bylaw changes,” Mayor Dean Murdock told Capital Daily.

“For many folks, the proposed changes are too restrictive.”

Read Mark Brennae’s story on the Capital Daily website.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Global Mobilization to Fight Fossil Fuels: Speakers, including David Suzuki, will lead a rally at the legislature, followed by a march through downtown Victoria. BC Legislature, 501 Belleville St. Rally at 4pm. March at 4:45pm.

NEWS

Island Health circulates alert for drug poisoning in Greater Victoria

Island Health issued the advisory yesterday after community partners alerted the health authority about a rise in the number of drug poisonings throughout the capital.

The advisory was issued based on an increase in suspected overdoses at local ERs, a spike in 911 calls, and anecdotal observations from other partners, a representative of Island Health told Capital Daily.

The advisory urges people to have their drugs tested and to rely on local overdose prevention services. It’s scheduled to last a week but may be extended if the rise in toxic drugs continues, Island Health said.

Island Health also shared the anonymous text-based service to receive alerts directly through your phone.

The most recent data from the BC Coroners Service showed that 260 people on the Island have died from toxic drugs in 2023, with Greater Victoria in the top three townships for highest toxic drug death rate in BC.

⭐️ Capital Picks

📖 Book Launch at the Market: Join Victoria author Jean Paetkau for the launch of her new murder mystery Blood on the Breakwater, which is set in James Bay. James Bay Market. Tomorrow. 9am-3pm.

🎓 Camosun College launches sixth annual publication highlighting its faculty’s creative, scholarly, and professional activities. Camosun Showcase 2023 shows their passion and commitment in the classroom, the college, and the community. Sherri Bell Hall, Lansdowne campus. Today 2-4pm.

🏠 Want to age in place? Next Day Access delivers and installs mobility and accessibility products right to your home. Schedule your free in-home assessment today!*

📒 Now Hiring: Accounting Technician at Westin Bear Mountain Resort & Spa.

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

BC bans drugs near playgrounds
It’s still legal to have up to 2.5 grams on you, but starting Monday it will be illegal to possess drugs within 15 metres of any play structure in a playground, a spray or wading pool, or a skate park. [CHEK]

Foul play suspected in death on Pandora
VicPD responded to a call at 3:45am yesterday to find a man in medical distress near Stadacona Park. He was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries. The major crimes unit has been called in.

Ladysmith unveils crosswalks honouring residential school victims and veterans
The town has added two new decorative crosswalks: one painted orange with feathers for survivors of residential schools and one with poppies for remembrance. [CTV]

SPONSORED BY THE ROOT CELLAR

Those who love green sauce; and those who haven’t tried it yet

Which are you?! No sauce is as famous in the city of Victoria as this deliciousness from The Root Cellar.

Discover your love of green sauce at TheRootCellar.ca, available exclusively at their flagship market on McKenzie Avenue at Blenkinsop, and their second location in Cook Street Village.

🗓️ Things to do

🎶 Rifflandia Electric Avenue: The second weekend of Riff begins today. Big names performing include Iggy Pop, Suicidal Tendencies, Diplo, Salt-N-Pepa, and Herbie Hancock. Royal Athletic Park. Today through Sunday.

🤣 Dara O Briain: The comedian will perform his new show at the Royal Theatre. Tonight. 7pm.

🕯️ Candlelight: Taylor Swift Tribute: An intimate concert experience featuring the songs of Taylor Swift at the Christ Church Cathedral. Tonight. Doors at 6:30pm. Show at 7:15pm.

🎤 Black Belt Eagle Scout: The singer performs at Capital Ballroom. Tonight. Doors at 7pm. Show at 8pm.

🎸 3N1GMATIC Music Festival: See 16 metal and punk bands at this two-night festival at Phoenix Bar & Grill. Tonight at 5pm to Sunday at midnight.

🇨🇦 Portraits of Canada: Catch this all-Canadian program at Hermann’s. Tonight 7-9pm. Doors at 5:30pm.

🤝 Donate to fight diabetes: Diabetes Canada community clothing donation drive happening today at the Langford Superstore. 9am-1pm.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday’s headlines: Sidney gets a new logo, Eby sends a message to Taylor Swift, more people are doing less driving, and more. [Capital Daily]

Want to get a My Great Neighbourhood Grant? Send your suggestions for community projects to the City of Victoria by Sept. 30.

SD62 needs part-time bus drivers: The district hopes to find coverage due to staff shortage. [CTV]

Man wanted by police in three Greater Victoria jurisdictions.

So, this happened Wednesday in Oak Bay—don’t you just love living here?

That’s it!

If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to a fellow Victorian.

And before you go, let us know: