Feb 5 - BC Cancer trial shows promise

Good morning !

Today is expected to be one of those rare February days that feels more like May, hitting a high of 15C.

I hope you’re able to get out and enjoy it!

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 15 / 5

Tomorrow: ⛅ 11 / 7

Day after: 🌧️ 11 / 7

7-day forecast

NEWS

AI-driven prostate cancer treatment trial in Victoria showing promising benefits

The $500K clinical trial began at BC Cancer Victoria, located at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, in September 2025. 

The treatment, called ADAPT-25 (which stands for Artificial Intelligence-Driven Adaptive Prostate Stereotactic Radiation Therapy), utilizes AI to zero in on cancer cells and deliver direct treatment.

The goal of this approach is to reduce the number of treatments a patient needs and to reduce the difficult side effects that come with radiation. 

The trial piggybacks off of a previous study that began in 2017, co-led by Dr. Abraham Alexander, a radiation oncologist at BC Cancer Victoria. It focused on fewer radiation doses at a higher intensity using an advanced technology called stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR).

SABR set a new standard of care for certain prostate cancers by significantly reducing the number of treatments—it went from daily radiation over five to eight weeks (up to 40 doses) down to just five.

Alexander and his team have since set their sights on beating this. The ADAPT-25 offers even more precision than SABR, reducing the number of doses to two.

“With AI, we’re now able to provide adaptive radiation to our patients, which means less exposure to healthy tissues and, ultimately, a gentler experience for those in treatment,” Alexander said in a statement. 

The trial will prove whether this advanced, AI-guided precision is effective in treating curative prostate cancer (meaning the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate).

There are 10 participants already enrolled, with another 10 or so in the process of joining. So far, according to BC Cancer, patients have experienced only mild, short-term side effects.

The trial will soon expand to BC Cancer locations in Surrey and Abbotsford. When the trial was announced in 2024, BC Cancer said it would include around 100 patients.

Alexander and his BC Cancer Victoria team are working on other innovative approaches to treating cancer. Last summer, Alexander spoke with Capital Daily about a trial for treating late-stage prostate cancers with minimal side effects. 

AI as a medical tool has grown in popularity over the years. Last year, Island Health rolled out new AI-powered MRI technology at multiple Island hospitals, including Victoria General and the Royal Jubilee. The new machines have reduced the time it takes to undergo an MRI, from as long as two hours down to five minutes.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Recall: Custom-made roller blind with cord shield recalled due to strangulation hazard for children. [Health Canada]

Have your say on Victoria’s Noise Bylaw before Feb. 8.

Saanich single-lane alternating traffic:

• Near 5621 West Saanich Road, today, 1am-3pm

• Near 5412 West Saanich Road, today, 9am-1pm

NEWS

Builders welcome CRD permit changes but question efficiency gains

The CRD is updating its Building Regulations Bylaw d to speed up the building process, but the construction community says the proof will be in its execution.

The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) said in principle, it supports efforts by the CRD to update processes designed to improve consistency, transparency, and overall efficiency, and that its 500+ member companies value a clear and consistent approach to reduce delays and control project costs.

“That said, from VICA’s perspective, the success of any regulatory change ultimately depends on how it is implemented,” Rory Kulmala, VICA’s CEO, tells Capital Daily. 

Beginning March 1, builders will be able to apply for a single building permit that covers the entire construction process, replacing the current requirement for multiple permits at different stages. The streamlined protocol is designed to save time, reduce paperwork, and simplify the building process for both contractors and do-it-yourself homeowners, the CRD said.  

The update is applicable to the CRD's three electoral areas that include Salt Spring Island, the Southern Gulf Islands, and Juan de Fuca.

“By simplifying processes and aligning with industry standards, we’re making it easier for residents and builders to navigate permitting while ensuring the sustainability of our inspection services,” said Paul Brent, chair of the CRD’s electoral areas committee.

Casey Edge of the Victoria Residential Builders Association thinks Kulmala hit the nail on the head when he said what really matters is how the new bylaw is carried out. 

“The permit process pretty much depends on how efficient the departments are,” he said. 

Read the full story here.

SPONSORED BY CONTINUING STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA

AI in 2026—from potential to results

“People who know AI are more employable than those who don’t,” says Peter Scott, an instructor with Continuing Studies at UVic.

As tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become mainstream, more people are seeking practical training to build hands-on AI skills they can use in their work and everyday lives. According to Statistics Canada, in the second quarter of 2025, 12.2 per cent of businesses reported having used AI to produce goods or deliver services.

“The number of things AI can do for you is far bigger than I could ever imagine,” shares Peter. Whether you want to develop your skills for personal or professional use, here’s how AI can support your goals, starting with just one course.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🦅 Bird-on-bird hunt: Two eagles try to snatch a duck near Rathtrevor Beach. [Facebook video]

💼 Greater Victoria Career and Education Expo 2026. [Today 11am-3pm]

🏅 Greater Victoria Sports Awards: Nominate someone here until Feb. 16.

🐶😸 Pinup Pets: BC SPCA calendar call: Animal guardians are invited to share a photo of their furry family member and compete for a page in the BC SPCA’s 2027 Calendar. Now through Feb. 21. [Info]

SPONSORED BY SOUTH ISLAND PROSPERITY PARTNERSHIP

Early Bird tickets on sale now

It’s on! Greater Victoria's premier conference happens March 10–11.

Rising Economy explores the fresh ideas, emerging sectors and big trends shaping our future.

Expect big insights, real conversations and next-level connections at an event that turns what if? into what’s next?

Get your tickets today for the Early Bird discount.

🗞️ In Other News

Feeling squeezed out by Langford, Pacific FC to hold some home games in Victoria
The City of Langford says Pacific FC owes close to $1M to the municipality and local vendors and announced last month that the team would need to book Starlight Stadium on a game-by-game basis. The team says it’s been in talks with Victoria to hold more matches in the city after the sellout success of last year’s RAP fixture and has booked four games there. HarbourCats operators say this caught them off guard and that there are already scheduling conflicts between the soccer and baseball teams. Pacific FC says it still considers Langford to be its home base. [Victoria News]

Historic Uplands home listed for nearly $28M
David Black, former owner of Black Press Media, has put his home on the market after living there for 40 years. The nine-bedroom, seven-bathroom waterfront property was recently assessed at $16.1M. Known as Riffington, the 12,400-square-foot Tudor-style mansion was once the show home for the ritzy Uplands neighbourhood when the area was first developed. It served as the US Consulate between 1928 and 1942 and hosted royal visitors, including Princess Margaret. [Times Colonist]

Piper James’ family arrives in Australia to recover body of BC teen
Piper’s parents participated in a traditional Aboriginal ceremony on the beach where their daughter was found dead last month, surrounded by a pack of dingoes. Todd and Angela James were accompanied by approximately 10 of Piper’s friends from Canada and a nearby hotel. The 19-year-old Campbell River woman was working on K’gari—formerly known as Fraser Island—when she went for an early morning swim on Jan. 19. Although she suffered dingo bites, results of an autopsy suggest drowning was the cause of death. [CTV]

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SPONSORED BY BELFRY THEATRE

Maanomaa, My Brother opens tonight

Tonight, the Belfry will open the acclaimed production of Maanomaa, My Brother (My Bird, My Brother) by Tawiah M’Carthy and Brad Cook with Anne-Marie Donovan. Set in Ghana, it explores how two lifelong friends confront the past. Intermission Magazine says, “Bluntly, the piece is superb.”

🗓️ Things To Do

🎤 Lorraine Nygaard presents a Tribute to Nina Simone: Celebrate Black History Month with this tribute to Nina Simone's bold piano work and passionate vocals at Hermann's tonight. 7pm. [Info]

🎶 Singer Songwriter Showcase Session 7: Three local singer-songwriters share original music at The Coda tonight. 6:30-8:30pm. [Info]

📚 Postsecondary Info Night: Learn about diploma and certificate programs at the Victoria Conservatory of Music tonight. 7-8pm. [Info]

🎶 You're Just a Place That I Know: Juno-nominated Adrian Glynn McMorran will tell the story of his grandparents' flight from Second-World-War-era Ukraine, through song and traditional instruments, at the Charlie White Theatre tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

🎞️ Victoria Film Festival—Opening Day: Catch pre-gala screenings of The Voice of Hind Rajab, The Secret Agent, and Sentimental Value today at the Vic Theatre and other venues. The Opening Gala is tomorrow. [VFF]

🎹 Showtune Piano Bar Cabaret: Diploma-year 2 students from the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA) put on a New York-style cabaret—with Nancy Curry on grand piano—at Hermann’s. Feb. 12, 19. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: CRD says remember the 3Ps; Bike and bus lanes scrubbed from Quadra plans; Bedbugs force tenants from Saanich apartments. [Feb. 4]  

February events for Victoria. [Capital Daily]

Cruise season to kick off April 10: Includes two new lines making their Victoria debut. [CHEK]

Victoria humanitarian’s email turns up in the Epstein files. [Times Colonist]

Cherry blossoms are in bloom on View. [Facebook photos]

BC Transit service to YYJ survey open until Feb. 15.

That’s it!

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