Wed. May 3 - More Fairy Creek charges withdrawn

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning !

Recently I had a conversation with someone who runs a local animal rescue organization. She’s seen a sharp increase lately in the number of people who are surrendering their pets. For many of them, the housing crisis has forced their hand: either they can’t find a place to live, or they can’t find a place to live that allows pets.

Have you had to give up a pet for this reason? Do you know anyone who has? If so, send me an email at [email protected]. I'd be interested in talking with you for an upcoming article.

– Tori Marlan, Investigative Reporter

NEWS

70 more Fairy Creek cases dropped, but some arrestees want day in court

Crown counsel has now withdrawn 85 cases due to an RCMP error. Noah Ross, a lawyer for multiple defendants, expects the withdrawal of between “85% and 95%” of around 100 remaining cases. The reason: the Henderson decision, which found that officers’ verbal warning had failed to accurately describe to demonstrators the injunction they were to be arrested for violating.

The Henderson decision did not apply to all arrestees—around 200 cases preceded it. Two Indigenous land defenders who pleaded guilty pre-Henderson have since requested the withdrawal of their pleas.

Some wanted day in court to speak against RCMP
Not all arrestees are relieved to see their charges dropped. One of them, Catherine McClarty of Victoria, has Stage 4 cancer and worries she missed her chance to give evidence against the RCMP. That would now require an expensive civil suit.

“I don’t understand how we can call this justice,” McClarty said in a press release. “How can our justice system allow only people with deep pockets to pursue RCMP violations?”

McClarty had locked herself to a gate, and claims officers chose to cut the lock near her neck—rather than the gate—with an angle grinder for 55 minutes. She also alleges they refused to wear masks despite being told she was immuno-compromised; seized and never returned a $1,200 defibrillator; and dropped an Indigenous co-arrestee off on a remote backroad with no supplies or phone.

Her misconduct claims are a few among many; pre-Henderson, defence lawyers tried unsuccessfully to get 300 charges tossed at once based on RCMP conduct. An official federal investigation into the RCMP C-IRG unit’s actions was launched in March.

With 1,100+ arrests, Fairy Creek is the largest act of civil disobedience in Canadian history, though not all arrests led to charges.

By Robyn Bell with Cam Welch

Meanwhile, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV)’s new exhibit Symbiosis looks at the relationship between fungi and old-growth forests and features a documentary on Fairy Creek and a large tree slab featured as a symbol at the blockades. Today is the last day of AGGV’s free-access week.

Capital Bulletin

⛅ Today’s weather: Mix of sun and cloud. High 20C / low 8C.

🐛 Province to spray pesticides in View Royal and Esquimalt: Aerial sprays intended to eradicate invasive spongy moths begin May 15. They will be done three times, 7-10 days apart.

FOOD

Best happy hour deals in Victoria

Sometimes the thing that gets you through the workday is the knowledge that when you sign off, happy hour officially begins. Scoring cheap drinks and snacks with co-workers or friends can brighten up even the dullest of weekdays.

There are plenty of great restaurant options in Victoria, but we've rounded up the top three happy hours from the 2023 Tasting Victoria Awards, presented by Gordon Food Services. From fresh oysters and craft beer to Spanish sangria and pizza, there's something for everyone.

Explore the best happy hours in town, as chosen by Capital Daily and Tasting Victoria readers.

SPONSORED BY BELFRY THEATRE

Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story

“That was the best thing I’ve ever seen, hands down!”

Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story continues to May 14. Pay-what-you-want tickets and information.

Capital Picks

🌷 Sip into Spring Mother’s Day Market: Local vendors and live music will be present today at Bard & Banker from 4 to 8pm. [Free]

🩰 2023/24 subscriptions on sale now. “The World’s Best Dance.” Save up to $146 off regular prices. Royal Theatre Box Office: 250-386-6121 or DanceVictoria.com.*

⛵ BC Boat Show: Around 200 boats will be on show at the Port Sidney Marina from May 4 to 7. Visitors can tour both brand new and used boats. [Tickets]

📈 Stay up to date on Greater Victoria’s latest economic news, developments and insights in this weekly newsletter from economic development alliance South Island Prosperity Partnership.*

😂 Philips Comedy Night at the Mint returns for another week of laughs tonight at 8pm. [Tickets]

*Sponsored Listing

In Other News

🏠 Victoria opens Dalmatian affordable rentals above new firehall
The 130-unit residence is the largest of its kind downtown and has studios and one-, two-, and three-beds priced based on number of tenants and occupant income, as well as some market units. It also fits its name by being pet-friendly [which can be hard to find, as Tori mentioned above]. The new firehall below it opened last week, replacing the Yates hall. [CBC]

🚨 Driver hits cycling child in Langford, RCMP say
A girl, 4, received serious but non-life-threatening injuries after being struck on Bellamy Link last Thursday. Police said the driver had a prohibition due to driving while impaired and without a licence.

🤝 Now Hiring

Thinking of making your next career move? Let us help!

• Baker & Assistant Decorator at Ooh La La Cupcakes

• .NET Framework Developer at Megabyte Programming Services Ltd.

• Front Desk Administrator & Patient Care Coordinator at Oaklands Dental

• Transit Operator at BC Transit

• Yard Attendant at GFL Environmental Inc.

• Delivery Driver at Otto Logistics

Looking for more openings? See 50+ jobs open now on YYJobs.

Hiring? Post your job to have it featured here, and fill your opening fast!

In Case You Missed It

🪧 UVic walkout pushes for better science funding: About 150 grad students, researchers, and faculty members joined a Canada-wide protest for improved federal funding for the sciences. [Capital Daily]

🏢 New updates on RidgeView: A new fundraiser was announced for tenants of the evacuated building, alongside other supports. More on what happens next and the legal dispute over the building, in Tuesday’s newsletter.

🏡 Looking for an investment property? Running an AirBnB can make impressive cash flow. Here are the top buildings downtown to purchase a short term vacation rental condo.*

📷 Where was this photo taken? Take your guesses in our latest reader-submitted History Mystery challenge, included here in Monday’s newsletter.

*Sponsored Listing

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