Feb 20 - Vic General to get new $75M power plant

Good morning !

Tough luck for our women on the ice yesterday in Italy.
Let’s see if the men can get us to the final with a win in the hockey semis this morning.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

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NEWS

Victoria General Hospital to get $75M energy upgrade

With a growing population to serve and an on-campus energy system running at near-capacity, the hospital is getting a modernized power system.

VGH's existing plant dates back 40+ years—the hospital opened in 1983—and is at the end of its serviceable life.

The new plant—an entirely new structure—will be built near Watkiss Way and Hospital Way and will provide more reliable, modern power systems to support future services and ensure patients continue to receive high-quality care, Island Health spokesperson Andrew Leyne told Capital Daily. 

“This includes electricity and backup power generators as well as controlling and monitoring systems.”

The new energy centre will feature the latest modern design standards so it can stay operational through any disruptions, such as power outages, earthquakes, or flooding, Island Health said. 

“It’s critical that the infrastructure people rely on is built to last,” said Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood. 

“The new energy centre will ensure the hospital can continue to deliver safe, reliable care as the region continues to grow.”

The project will cost $75.6M and will be jointly funded by the province ($52.9M) and the Capital Regional Hospital District ($22.7M).

Construction is scheduled to begin this summer, and they hope to flick on all the switches in 2029.

In the next few days, crews will start removing trees on the future worksite, and they hope to be done in time for spring’s nesting season. Island Health said it worked with arbourists to determine which trees will be removed and which will be retained. 

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Final day to sign the condolence book for Tumbler Ridge: [In person or online]

Alternating traffic on Esquimalt Road today, from Mary to Russell, 9am-3pm. [City of Vic]

Saanich road closure: Kisber at Kremlin, all day today.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Sweet scoop: 49 Below has a new flavour that supports kids with cancer

Ice cream aficionados know 49 Below in Cadboro Bay prides itself on serving some adventurous and creative flavours—the delicious Bubblemallow (yep, bubblegum and marshmallow) comes to mind—and you can add another that will go down nicely and for an excellent cause.

It’s called Fairy Berry Sherbet, and for the rest of the month, every time someone buys a pint of it, 49 Below will donate $2 to the Island Kids Cancer Association (IKCA).

The special-edition flavour was created specifically to help IKCA, which supports children and families navigating a new world after a life-changing cancer diagnosis.

IKCA families were invited into the shop to pick one of three custom-designed flavours. And they went with this one—a yummy blend of strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry—that’s gluten-, nut-, and egg-free. 

“Having families directly involved made this project especially meaningful,” said 49 Below owner Dan Edler.

“We’re honoured to support IKCA and the incredible families they serve.”

The money raised will directly support IKCA’s Family Connections program, which provides opportunities for children and families affected by childhood cancer to connect, have fun, and support one another, said Susan Kerr, the group’s executive director and co-founder. 

“Gatherings reduce isolation and help families feel supported by a caring community during an incredibly challenging time.”

Since 2017, IKCA has helped hundreds of children and their families on the Island and the Gulf Islands; currently, the nonprofit is championing 230+ families.

“Community support like this is deeply meaningful,” said IKCA spokesperson Jenna Remedios.

“When local businesses step up, it not only helps fund our programs, it reminds families they are not alone.”

IKCA does just that by offering children and their families opportunities for mental health and wellness, financial support, and practical help.

“In doing so, we become part of the family support system, helping to ease feelings of uncertainty and isolation,” IKCA says on its website.

NEWS

UVic and Island Health launch resource to improve complex PTSD treatment

UVic and Island Health researchers have created a new digital resource for clinicians to easily access support tools for people dealing with complex post-traumatic stress (C-PTSD).

Unlike the more well-known post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is caused by a singular traumatic event, C-PTSD arises from prolonged, repeated events like domestic violence or childhood abuse. And mental-health experts say it’s likely more common than people realize.

As the name suggests, the condition is complex. It’s also a newer term for many mental-health workers—the World Health Organization first classified it as a diagnosis in 2018, and it is still not included in the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 (a guide most mental-health professionals use in North America).

Because of this, many people dealing with C-PTSD struggle to find suitable care.

In 2014, Lori Herod, a retired adult educator and survivor of complex relational trauma, began Out of the Storm, an online education platform and community for trauma survivors with 14K members from more than 87 countries. Since Out of the Storm’s inception, survivors have expressed difficulty finding mental-health care providers who understand C-PTSD treatment, according to Herod.

“Daily living can be very difficult. A lot of us put a mask on, but many can’t even do that,” Herod said in a release. “C-PTSD is definitely a public-health issue, if not a crisis.

“It’s not that the professionals don’t care; it’s that they don’t know.” 

Colette Smart, a UVic psychologist and Island Health research scholar in residence for mental health and substance use, also noticed a lack of C-PTSD knowledge among health-care workers. 

“We know from hearing from [C-PTSD survivors] directly that the care they receive could be enhanced through more trauma-informed approaches,” says Smart.

After meeting at a conference, Smart was intrigued by Herod’s vision of a survivor-informed education tool designed specifically for health-care workers. 

Together, they gathered a team of clinicians, researchers, and survivors to conduct a study on the needs of C-PTSD patients. That work has informed the new Complex Relational Trauma and Complex PTSD: Closing the Gap in Healthcare digital resource.

The Closing the Gap tool, funded by Island Health, is now available online.

So far, the tool has been disseminated to 47 institutions and professional associations in BC, Canada, and the US. Smart and Herod are now looking to expand its use throughout different health sectors.

This story ran for our Insiders on Feb. 15. Consider becoming an Insider today and be the first to receive stories every Sunday.

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From March 10 to 11, Greater Victoria’s largest multi-sector business gathering convenes entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, and public leaders for bold conversations about what’s driving growth, how to activate opportunity, and what leaders need to do to stay ahead.

Presented in partnership with PacifiCan. Tickets are going fast. Get yours today.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🏠 Victoria Spring Home Show. [Today-Sunday at Pearkes]

⚓ Royal Canadian Navy Open House/Career Fair. [10am-3pm tomorrow]

🛳️ Your treasure awaits! Bid in Pacific Opera’s Online Auction and enjoy cruises, hotels, luxury goods, food, wine, and experiences in support of youth opera programs.*

🏒🍁 Olympics: Canada vs. Finland men’s hockey semifinal is today at 7:40am.

🏒 WHL: Wenatchee Wild at Victoria Royals at 7:05 tonight.

☕ Hot Chocolate Festival. [Participating businesses]

*Sponsored Listing

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Explore Shawnigan Retreats and plan your getaway today. Learn more about Shawnigan Retreats.

🗞️ In Other News

Langford orders derelict homes be torn down, calling them a ‘blight on our city’
The four houses on Sunderland and Arncote were part of a land assembly for two residential towers—once considered an important revamp for Langford’s downtown—that were never built. The homes have long been abandoned and boarded up, becoming a dumping ground for rodent-attracting garbage and an eyesore for the city. Langford says managing the buildings was draining staff resources. The land assembly owners have 60 days to remove the houses, or the city will step in to do it. [Times Colonist]

VicPD lowers its requested budget boost by 0.8%
The police department originally asked for 10.6% more, which would have increased the VicPD budget to $87.2M from just under $79M. Yesterday, Chief Fiona Wilson told the city council she’s lowered the ask to 9.8%, or $86.6M, but that comes at a cost: three traffic officer positions. If approved, the request would push Victoria’s policing bill to $700+ per capita. According to Wilson, the per capita cost of her former department, the Vancouver PD, will be $655.80. [CHEK]

BC government spending $50M for more nasal naloxone kits
Provincial Health Minister Josie Osborne said the funding, over two years, will help buy and distribute roughly 200K kits each year. Nasal naloxone is a life-saving medication administered through the nose that temporarily reverses an opioid overdose or opioid drug poisoning. The health ministry said kits have helped to avert as many as 40K deaths over the last six+ years. [BC Gov’t.]

🗓️ Things To Do

🧷 Punk in the City Vol. 1: Shift Promotions presents The Corps, Hung Up, Idiofame, Razorvoice, and Half Cat. Punk Rock DJ until 1am. Encore on Broad. Tonight. [Info]

🕶️ Après After Dark Party: Pull up in your best après fit and dance through nonstop energy, drink specials, and peak winter nightlife vibes at Paparazzi Night Club. Tonight. 9pm. [Info]

💾 The Dark Eighties: Cult 80s Hits Dance. Vancouver's DJ Nikki Nevver will spin tunes from The Cure, The Cult, Depeche Mode, and more at Capital Ballroom. Tonight. 10pm-2am. [Info]

🎸 Alpha Yaya Diallo: See the Juno-winning guitarist and singer at the Christian Science Church. Tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]

👗 Attic Treasures Vintage Market: Clothing, jewelry, accessories, collectibles, curiosities, and treasures await you at St. Luke’s Community Hall. Tomorrow. 10am-4pm. [Info]

🎻 Daniel Lapp & Quinn Bachand Concert: Two of Canada’s most outstanding and exciting roots music artists perform at First Church of Christ, Scientist. Tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

🎵 Rakata Latin Night: Featuring Jampi. The Colombian-born, Montreal-based DJ brings his Caribbean-influenced rhythms to Capital Ballroom. Tomorrow. 9pm. [Info]

💃 For Dancers Only: Garden City Soul Club. The dance floor will be stomping with soul and funk from the 1960s to the 1970s. Northern soul, Motown, funk, and classics all played on 45 rpm vinyl records. Encore on Broad. Tomorrow. 9pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday’s headlines: Port Angeles rolls out red carpet as Coho makes its first visit of the season; L-Pod has new young company; Be aware of low-flying owls. [Feb. 19]

Let’s put light rail on the federal government’s radar, says CRD transportation chair. [Times Colonist]

Lunar New Year Parade & Blessing of Merchants: Celebrate the year of the horse with lion and dragon dances, kung fu performances, and blessings for Chinatown merchants this Sunday. [Info]

Love on the Spectrum casting call: The popular Netflix show is looking for Vancouver Island women interested in a date with a young man on the autism spectrum. Open to those aged 18 to 30 who have autism or another intellectual or developmental disability. [Details]

Tasty meal: An eagle and two river otters enjoy lunch on side-by-side rocks at Eaglecrest Beach. [Facebook photo]

That’s it!

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