Feb 8 - Voting day for Crystal Pool

Good morning !

Today’s the day to cast your vote on whether Victoria should borrow $169M to replace Crystal Pool, which is nearing the end of its lifespan. There are a lot of factors at play with this project—to get up to speed, you can check out our previous reporting and read today’s first story.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 7 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧️ 3 / 1

Tomorrow: 🌦️ 3 / -1

Day after: 🌤️ 2 / -1

NEWS

Crystal Pool vote arrives today—at a time of broad economic anxiety

Victoria residents are voting today in a referendum on the city’s proposed $220M Crystal Pool replacement project. The referendum will decide whether the City of Victoria can borrow up to $168.9M and which location, Central Park South or North, will be chosen for the new facility. Originally budgeted at $69.4M in 2017, costs have ballooned due to inflation and other factors. The price tag on the project is now estimated between $209M and $216M, depending on the location chosen.

The stakes of the vote have increased considerably due to the looming threat of a 25% US tariff on Canadian imports, which could impact construction costs. This and potential for more trade tension around the 2026 renegotiation of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), have created economic uncertainty, especially in the construction sector. Supply chain disruptions, rising material costs, and the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated these challenges. 

Economists caution that tariff threats could delay or increase costs for large capital projects like the Crystal Pool. Victoria city councillor Jeremy Caradonna is optimistic, suggesting the tariffs are an empty negotiation tactic. Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) is advocating for caution, highlighting the risks of unanticipated cost escalation.

The project’s financing could also be influenced by fluctuations in interest rates, with the National Bank of Canada predicting a potential interest rate cut to stimulate the economy.

The outcome of today’s referendum will determine whether Victoria moves forward with the Crystal Pool project or reevaluates its plans. If voters reject the borrowing proposal, the city will consider alternative solutions to address the need for a new recreation facility.

Read the full story by Sidney Coles here.

Find out what you need to know before you vote here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Missing person: Levi, female, 25. Last seen Jan. 7 near Douglas and Chatham. [VicPD]

Sign up today as a Capital Daily Insider member to help bring local stories to life—and to get full access to the Sunday edition.

NEWS

Bike theft numbers down in Victoria

In 2024, Victoria declared itself the cycling capital of Canada, a title first proclaimed by Queen Elizabeth in 2001. Back then, the city's 7K cyclists and its network of urban and wilderness bike trails prompted the royal declaration. By 2022, the number of cyclists commuting had grown to 21K, according to the CRD’s Destination Household Travel Survey—with it, the rate of bike theft also rose.

The thefts prompted the creation of a Facebook group, Stolen Bicycle Avengers, which grew to nearly 9K members by 2024. In late 2023, local cyclist Jamie Wellbourn mapped bike thefts based on the group's reporting. 

The City of Victoria suggested in a Feb. 6 release, that there has been a noticeable drop in bike thefts. The city reported 277 stolen bikes in 2024, the lowest number since 2011, and a 28% reduction from 2022.

Increased bike demand during the COVID-19 pandemic led to price hikes, making theft prevention more critical. Alexis Webb from Oak Bay Cycle noted that e-bikes and gravel bikes have seen a surge in popularity, and protecting these high-value bikes has become more important.

To address theft, the city allocated $500K and began initiatives to enhance bike parking security and curb theft. One of those was the downtown bike valet service that opened in 2022.

These efforts, along with anti-theft and safety tips from Go By BikeBC, are helping make Victoria a safer place for cyclists.

Read the full story here.

NEWS

Oak Bay Police explain why canine contract cost has more than doubled

As reported in this space on Thu., Oak Bay’s police department has signed on with the Victoria and Saanich forces’ canine unit program.

The Integrated Canine Service (ICS) is a four-year-old initiative with well-trained dogs available 24-7 to conduct searches, sniff out suspects—and even take them down. 

As previously reported, the Oak Bay Police Department (OBPD) said it will pay $89,684 as its partner-agency share of the bill. This is a substantial increase over the $37,500 it had been paying annually in a contract with the RCMP’s canine service.

So, why the big increase?

“The previous RCMP Police Dog Service contract was quoted from years ago,” Deputy Chief Const. Kris Rice told Capital Daily.

“There was no contract renewal offered, so we don’t know how that new quote would compare to the ICS cost.”

Rice said the new service provides the district with more bang for its buck because it’s local—headquartered in Saanich—so response time is faster than the previous unit.

The RCMP unit consists of two dogs–Luthor and Ryky—who live with their handlers, the Westshore detachment told Capital Daily.

The detachment is responsible for not only the Westshore but also Sooke, Sidney, Shawnigan Lake, and up to Duncan—if the canine unit is deployed there, OBPD would have to wait.

In addition, Rice said working alongside the unit's other two partners “adds substantial value and improves public safety by fostering better coordination and resource sharing among different units.” 

While the initial costs are higher, the benefits of a local, integrated canine service far outweigh the expenses, Rice said. 

“The ICS offers a more responsive, coordinated, and safer approach to policing, ultimately providing more value for the investment,” he said.

SPONSORED BY VICTORIA FOUNDATION

Applications for 2025 community grants now open

Are you looking to power up your non-profit or charity? Applications are now open for the Victoria Foundation's 2025 Community Grants Program. This flagship initiative aims to strengthen the charitable sector's long-term resiliency on the south island and beyond. Click here for more information on how to apply.

⭐️ Capital Picks

❄️ 1980s snow day: See people trudge through the snow downtown—featuring fabulous coats and the old Woolworth Department Store. [Facebook photo]

💎 When opportunity appears, be ready! Sharpen your skills through online professional development programs with Continuing Studies at UVic.*

🎷 Celebrate Music & Words – Black History Month Concert at the Belfry Theatre on February 24. Admission by donation – please book in advance.*

🌄 Glorious winter sunset photographed by Capital Daily contributor James MacDonald. [Instagram]

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

All Oak Bay High staff & students evacuated after fire in washroom
After yesterday's fire circa 10am, classes were cancelled for the rest of the day. Evacuated students were not allowed back in to get belongings until later that afternoon—and needed a firefighter to help with the actual retrieval. [Oak Bay Local] Police initially told CHEK that a boys' bathroom paper towel dispenser was set on fire, but later said that there were conflicting reports and the cause remains TBD.

Port Angeles to throw party for Canadians when Coho ferry returns
Amid Canada-US tensions over potential tariffs, Port Angeles wants Victorians and other Islanders to know their business is appreciated in the small tourist hub. On Feb. 20 the city plans to welcome Canadians with white and red flags, a live band, discounts in stores, and an “Ask an American” booth at which people can chat with “friendly Americans” who value the US-Canada relationship. [Times Colonist]

2 flee in suspected stolen vehicle in Saanich, police say; arrests 9 days later
Spotting a vehicle that was reported stolen, police say they tried to pull it over at Burnside and Harriet but the driver sped off. Police say officers didn’t chase but got a good look inside and, this past Thu., arrested a man and woman who now face multiple charges. [Saanich Police]

HMCS Ottawa commander relieved of duty for ‘loss of confidence’
Last fall the Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate left Esquimalt for the Indo-Pacific region as part of Operation Horizon. The navy now says that Cmdr. Adriano Lozer was removed mid-voyage “to ensure effective leadership,” but that he did not commit any misconduct and will serve in other Maritime Forces Pacific roles. [CTV]

🗓️ Things to do

🖤 BC Black History and Heritage Day: Meet direct descendants of local Black pioneers and history makers, and check out the photo gallery and artifacts on display, at RBCM today. 1-4pm. [Info]

👠 Black History Month Fashion Show: African prints and styles by local designers will be on display—with Black history radio capsules created by UVic’s School of Languages playing—at this fashion show at RBCM today. 5-7. [Info]

♥️ Valentine’s Day Indigenous Makers Market: Indigenous artisans from near and far will be selling their wares at the Fernwood Community Centre today. 8pm. [Info]

🎞️ SpringBoard Industry Event: Join this three-day VFF gathering for tips and trick to take your filmmaking to the next level, today through Sun. [Info]

🎶 Ashley Wey: The Joy of Cookin': An evening of delectable jazz performed by the Ashley Wey Trio at Hermann’s tonight. 7pm. [Info]

🎨 Paint Night at Archer Gallery: A guided and interactive painting experience with a professional artist, with music and drinks, at Archer Gallery tonight. 7pm. [Info]

🎻 Dvořák's New World Symphony: See three heartfelt musical depictions of love, performed by two soloists on the violin and cello, at the Royal Theatre tomorrow. 2:30pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

BC human rights commissioner wants study on school police liaison officers. [Capital Daily] 

North Saanich pickleball saga plays on after players rescind legal request. [Capital Daily]

Victoria councillor says sorry for calling colleague a liar. [Times Colonist]

Hope in Oak Bay: Woman seen chatting with legendary comedian Bob Hope while his yacht was docked in Oak Bay Marina in the 1960s. [Facebook photo]