May 1 - Tense tenants in Esquimalt worry they may be renovicted

Good morning !

Two stories today, on a topic that has become a crippling and defining issue: the tenuous availability of affordable housing.

The first deals with a group of mostly seniors on fixed budgets who can’t afford to move, but may have to. The second deals with a housing opportunity in Sooke that won’t take long to attract tenants.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

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NEWS

There’s a lot of worrying going on in this rental building in Esquimalt

Tenants of a low-income apartment complex in Esquimalt say they’ve been served—en masse—eviction notices so the new owner can renovate—and they fear they may be out on the street in September unless they get a favourable ruling in a Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) dispute resolution hearing scheduled for tomorrow.

Speaking with CHEK News, Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins called the situation “heartbreaking.” 

Douglas King, the executive director of the Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS), says the local government didn’t enforce maintenance minimums and the building at 519 Sturdee has fallen into disrepair. Several tenants complained of serious issues, including old electrical wiring, plumbing, and mould. “So, we know there are renovations that need to be done,” King said. “The problem here is that the person who's willing to do those renovations is also someone who sees an economic opportunity.”

That economic opportunity, King continued, is to pay the tenants to leave to either repair the 1973-built building and jack up the rent, or to tear it down and replace it. Either way, King said, the writing is on the wall for the 40 or so tenants in the 30-unit low-rise: It’s time to look for another place to live.

Read Mark Brennae’s full story here. 

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

London Drugs stores still closed but its pharmacies are open. [Van Sun] [Updates on X]

Gorge construction from Blanshard to Harriet. [Bike Lanes]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

New low-income housing becomes available in Sooke

The M’akola Housing Society is now accepting affordable housing applications for 2170 Charters and 2075 Drennan in Sooke. The development on Drennan sat vacant for months last winter in Sooke’s town core but is now open for business. The double project results from a multi-party partnership between the federal government, the province, the CRD, and the M’akola Housing Society. 

Sooke is one of BC’s fastest-growing municipalities with a growth rate of 13% between the 2016 and 2021 census periods that placed its population count at approximately 15K. Demand has been high, particularly for market and below-market units. The 2019 Sooke District Housing Needs Report projected that by 2031, the net new demand for rentals would reach more than 2K. 

The development consists of two five-storey buildings, containing 170 homes, 34 of which have been reserved for people with very low incomes who will be offered shelter rates, which in BC is equivalent to $560 for a one-bedroom, $955 for a two-bedroom, and $1,055 for a three-bedroom. 

Read the full story in The Westshore.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🧟 Zombies in Nanaimo: The Last of Us begins filming season 2 on the Island.

🐴 Peanut Butter remembered: The beloved little horse at Beacon Hill Farms passed away, aged 31, two years ago as of Apr. 26. [Read the farm's tribute]

🎟️ TEDxVictoria is almost here: Enter this giveaway to win one of five pairs of tickets to the event happening May 15 at McPherson Playhouse.*

🐶 Jimbo’s Air Bud: The Victoria-based drag queen tells Tom Power about costume designing for the hit franchise. 

🤝 Now hiring: 1st Cook, The Dining Room Restaurant at The Butchart Gardens.

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Pilot project to decriminalize drugs will continue, despite the rollback
The NDP used its majority to block a BC United motion to end the three-year pilot on Monday. This came days after the province announced it would recriminalize the possession and use of illicit drugs in public spaces, including playgrounds and hospitals. Premier David Eby said that while the ban was necessary, arresting people for drug use doesn’t address the crisis. Using in private spaces and consumption sites will remain legal. [Times Colonist]

Parksville confirms no prayer at next inaugural council meeting amid lawsuit threats
The BC Humanist Association said it intends to sue the city for including a prayer in the 2018 and 2022 inaugural meetings. Lawyers for Parksville say the prayer is part of the ceremony for the “unique” meeting. The agenda for the 2026 inaugural meeting will be set by the next mayor-elect. [Nanaimo News Bulletin]

Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League goes independent
Saying it was looking for autonomy and a means to enhance development opportunities for its players, the VIJHL and its 11 teams will no longer be affiliated with Hockey Canada or Hockey BC. [VIJHL]

Cockroaches in Saanich Peninsula Hospital 
German cockroaches were found at the Mt. Newton Cross hospital. The health authority says this type doesn’t bite, nor does it transmit disease. Island Health says bugs haven't been seen in more than a week and that a pest control contractor continues to visit and monitor. [CHEK]

Erotic film festival not coming to Vic as planned 
Founded 19 years ago by Seattle-based sex columnist Dan Savage, the HUMP! Film Festival bills itself as the “world’s best amateur porn film festival.” Organizers said they had sold 300 tickets but the venue—the Vic Theatre—pulled out because it doesn’t have the licences required to screen adult-genre films. [Victoria Buzz]

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Coming soon: BELLA PARK at Royal Bay - a new community in the vibrant Royal Bay neighbourhood. Be among the first to receive info on the collection of one- and two-bedroom West Coast contemporary residences. BELLA Park residents are invited to make wellness an essential and effortless part of their daily lives. Register today.

🗓️ Things to do

🎷Jazz Showcase night: Check out local favourites at this jazz performance at Hermann's. Tonight. 7pm. Seating will be limited. [Info]

🎹 Alexandra Stréliski: The acclaimed composer and pianist will perform at Royal Theatre. Tonight. 8pm. [Info]

🎤 Emotionz & Sirreal: See the rappers perform at Lucky Bar. Tomorrow 10pm. [Info]

🎭 Bach’s Coffee Cantata: See this touring 30-minute opera about a woman’s unshakeable thirst for coffee. Thurs.-Sat. Check pop-up locations and times here. 

🍽️ Courtney Room X Lupo: The Courtney Room welcomes Banff's LUPO Ristorante Italiano for a one-night only guest chef dinner. Tomorrow. 6pm. [Info]

☂️ Mary Poppins: See the VOS production of the beloved musical at the McPherson Playhouse. Opens Friday at 7:30pm. Running through May 12. [Info]

🎵 Peninsula Singers: The performers will take on Hollywood hit songs at the Charlie White Theatre. Fri.-Sun. 7:30pm. [Info]

🎸 Matthew Good: See the BC indie favourite with his band at Capital Ballroom. Sunday 7:30pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tuesday’s headlines: Construction begins on Gorge bike lanes; HarbourAir to buy 50 e-engines; London Drugs closed following cyber attack; And more. [April 30]

Phillips tastes gold at World Beer Cup: [CHEK]

Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour: [Victoria Conservatory of Music]

Emerson: the latest on the engaging elephant seal. [CHEK]

HarbourCats summer kids camp registration is now open.  

Snail love: two affectionate snails taking their courtship slowly. [Watch]

That’s it!

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