March 22 - Greater Victoria's film industry ready to get even greater

Good morning !

Sid’s story today on the film industry reminded me how infrequently I’ve been to the cinemas since that little pandemic of ours. I’ve seen Oppenheimer, and that’s about it. There haven’t been too many films I’ve wanted to see, and I guess I don’t crave popcorn as much as I used to.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧️ 12 / 8

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 11 / 6

Sunday: ☀️ 13 / 7

7-day forecast

NEWS

The scene is set for a new chapter in the CRD’s film industry

The Vancouver Island film industry is poised for a transformative shift, fueled by the introduction of a cutting-edge, eco-friendly film studio complex on Malahat First Nation territory and the appointment of an industry veteran as head of the regional film commission. 

Peter Hayman brings more than 25 years’ experience to his new role as commissioner of the Vancouver Island South Film & Media Commission, having worked on diverse projects including IMAX films and collaborations with renowned Canadian rock group Rush.
Hayman, who studied at UCLA and started his own film studio, succeeds Kathleen Gilbert who is retiring at the end of April after 14 years in the role. 

The $242-million movie complex, to be built on the western shores of Saanich Inlet north of Victoria, is expected to be a premier destination for both Indigenous and domestic filmmaking.
Beverley Dondale, CEO of Victoria-based production company Alpha Select Production Services says the studio will serve as a hub for large-scale productions emphasizing sustainability, by prioritizing waste reduction and eco-conscious storytelling. 

Read Sidney Coles’ full story here. 

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

High-risk missing person: Niilo, 47, was reported missing yesterday afternoon and was last seen in James Bay.

Concern for missing person’s well-being. Kielan Hall, 23, was last seen one week ago near Cooper and Admirals.

Fix a Leak Week: Check for household leaks and pick up a leak detection kit. 

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Copious criticism of council for giving itself a handsome raise

Earlier this week, we asked how you felt about Vic city councillors voting themselves a 25% raise. Most didn’t care for it: 46% (751 of 1,619) of votes cast were for the response Hello. Conflict of Interest. Hello. A further 27% (439 votes) were for Doesn’t pass the sniff test option.

“They should be ashamed of themselves,” Alileclair wrote.
“I think it’s outrageous,” Kacee1958 said. “They knew the pay when they got the job.” Reader Cutiepyev suggested an outside agency should be responsible for determining councillor salaries. At the same time, Laurels said “They knew the pay when they got the job,” and that most workers “get zip, zilch, nada, so why should they get so much?”

Jumad018 didn’t see it as a conflict of interest, considering councillors were making less than $60K ($52,420 to be exact, although some earn additional income—$4K-$32K—for committee work). “That’s surviving pay, not livable.”

There was support for what the council did. Approximately 18% (287 votes) said You need decent pay to attract decent workers, and 105 votes (6%) were cast for They work hard and deserve it. 
Akmohareb said being on the council is an important job and it should pay accordingly: “If you want quality people managing a $300M budget, it’s worth it to remunerate them properly.”

Thirty-seven voted It’s not on my radar. But it’s certainly on a lot of peoples’ radars, including the mayor who voted nay—and not for the first time, made it clear she feels a sitting council never should vote on its own pay increase.
That’s something echoed by many, including former councillor Pam Madoff, and as pointed out by reader Gpb930, the Grumpy Taxpayer$, in Wed’s TC. 

SPONSORED BY PACIFIC OPERA

A full-bodied flirtation

See Pacific Opera Victoria's The Marriage of Figaro April 3-7 at The Royal Theatre.

Elegant and satisfying, with lush orchestration and complex love stories, this opera is as tender and temperamental as a soufflé, as a clever servant aims to outwit his masters in a game of love and deception. The Marriage of Figaro is a must-see opera that will leave you nourished and enriched. 

Book your tickets before they sell out! Visit the website or call 250.385.0222. 

⭐️ Capital Picks

🏠 870 new homes coming to the Island, says province. [360 to Vic]

🥪Refuge Tap Room pop-up lunch. [11:30-1pm]

📅 Save the date: Two great events over two amazing weekends! "Meet the Makers" artisan market on April 7 & Kidovate Youth Market on April 13 at the Bay Centre. Plan your visit today!*

🌊 Long Beach named among best sandy beaches worldwide, ranking 52nd in Golden Beach Award’s top 100 list. 

🦞 Who makes the best seafood? Or the best cocktails in the city? Vote for your favourites in the Tasting Victoria Best Restaurant Awards.

🤝 Now hiring: Certified Dental Assistant at Peninsula Dental.

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

BC Transit bus part of fiery, multi-vehicle crash downtown
A car ran a red light and collided with a truck that then crashed into the Route 4 bus late Wed. night. No bus passengers were seriously injured, but occupants of both truck and car were taken to hospital. All three vehicles were significantly damaged. The intersection at Douglas and Bay was closed overnight. [VicPD] 

Stabbing at downtown McDonald’s
A man was stabbed at the fast food restaurant on Douglas Tue. at lunchtime, as pedestrians passed by. The sidewalk outside McDonald’s was taped off following the incident. The victim, whose condition was not immediately made public, was taken to hospital. [CHEK] 

Herring spawn at Fisgard Lighthouse in Colwood
For the second time in decades, shoals of herring are laying their eggs near Fort Rodd Hill. Water in the surrounding area turns turquoise blue from the milt—fish sperm—that’s spread over the eggs, attracting other creatures to eat. Herring are a crucial part of the ecosystem and the once over-fished population’s numbers are starting to increase, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada. [CTV] 

2 towers proposed for Esquimalt to be combined into 1
Developer Aquila Pacific says it was able to acquire more land at Sussex and Nelson, just off Esquimalt Road, to house a single, 314-unit, mixed-use apartment complex. The company has asked for an amendment to make the changes, which will include a rental component, townhouses, and a 5K-square-foot park. [Times Colonist]

SPONSORED BY VICTORIA FOUNDATION

RAD Society makes sports accessible to everyone

RAD Recreation Adapted Society is helping people with mobility challenges fall in love with the great outdoors!

Watch this beautiful video about how RAD and the Victoria Tool Library are ensuring people with differing abilities can rent out affordable sporting equipment. This program is funded by the Victoria Foundation’s Community Grant Program!

🗓️ Things to do

⚓ The Coffin Ship: The SS Clallam tragedy. Nautical Nights Speaker Series. Maritime Museum of BC. Friday, March 29. 6pm. [Info]

🏒 Royals last regular-season home game. Wenatchee Wild vs. Vic. SoF Memorial Arena. Tonight. 7:05pm. [Tix]

🛶 43rd Paddle for the Kids. A 75-km journey to raise money for Easter Seals Summer Camp at Shawnigan Lake. Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club on the Gorge. Tomorrow. 3-5pm. [Info]

🛍️ Esquimalt Night Market: Check out vendors, live music, crafts, and games at 614 Grenville. Every Friday starting today. 5-9:30pm.

🎉 Nowruz Celebration: Celebrate the Persian New Year with dinner, live music, and dancing at the Victoria Scottish Community Centre. Today. 6-11pm. 

🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele. Hear a string quartet perform the star’s music by candlelight. St. Ann’s Academy. Tonight. 9pm. [Info]

🎵 Mini Pop Kids. Bring the entire family to see these little superstars perform pop hits. Royal Theatre. Today. 4pm. [Info]

🎸 Auntie Kate and the Uncles of Funk. They’ll stir up a mess of Blues, seasoned with good old R&B, delivered on a plateful of Soul and Funk. Hermann’s. Today. 7pm. [Info]

🍸 Cocktails and Trivia. Step into an evening of connection at our community soiree. Gallery Merrick. Today. 6pm. [Info] 

💻 Satin Jackets. The Masked German DJ spins his blend of house and disco. Capital Ballroom. Today. 9pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday’s headlines: Texas farmers sue CRD’s biosolids maker; Saanich senior spends nine days in Vic General hallway; Surrey and Delta police oversee investigation into VicPD; And more. [Mar. 21] 

BC Ferries urged to quit LNG: [Capital Daily] 

Accessibility barriers for people with disabilities. [Capital Daily] 

TEDxVictoria speakers announced for May 15 TEDTalks.

Hidden Acres farm tour. See Tally-Ho horses up close. [April 20]

Police shooting on Pat Bay Highway was justified, independent investigation finds. [Times Colonist]

That’s it!

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