Aug. 6 - Firefighters battle burns and burnout

Good morning !

The long weekend is in full swing, and while yesterday’s clouds may have dampened some of the excitement, the ground could really use a dampening. It’s expected to get it this week, with at least one day of rain. More below on the drought conditions and the firefighters battling in them.

— Cam

Today’s approx read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ⛅ 23 / 14

Monday: ⛅ 22 / 13

Tuesday: 🌧️ 19 / 13

7-day forecast

🌫️ Air quality: Low risk today (2/10). Some smoke possible.

🚘️ Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Record-setting year has firefighters battling tough job conditions as well as tough fires

Despite drought and high-risk fire conditions, the Island has in recent weeks been largely spared from the fire (and the smoke) that has affected many parts of BC and Canada.

But with last year’s ultra-dry conditions extending fire season right through the end of October, we are still likely only halfway out of the woods. Already this year’s Canadian fires have doubled the previous annual record for carbon emissions, and are taking up a quarter of the world’s 2023 total.

The increased demands of fire season are taking an increased toll on BC’s firefighters, such that many are leaving due to burnout and the province’s fire response is relying on a steady supply of younger (and less experienced) firefighters.

With pay and working conditions turning off many current and would-be fire workers, the system is trying to shift toward a more stable, year-round profession—but is it changing enough, fast enough?

Read the full story.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Expect high travel volumes this weekend on BC Ferries (sailing waits for cars without reservations) and on Malahat (delays due to heavy congestion).

Port strikes now over, after unionized dock workers voted 75% in favour of new deal.

Sproat Lake (Alberni area) voted BC’s best lake in CBC tournament, beating Shuswap. Cowichan was sixth.

NEWS

Langford adds hiking & mountain biking trails with latest parkland expansion

Last week, the City of Langford announced it would receive an extra 14 hectares (35 acres) of dedicated undeveloped parkland from developer Westhills Land Corp.

Throughout the year, Langford had already started building hiking and downhill biking trails through a licensed agreement with Westhills. That agreement has 40% of Westhills land being dedicated as parkland, through rezoning.

The legitimized biking trails are part of a broader shift in the region to transition mountain biking infrastructure from unsanctioned DIY setups made by riders to managed build-outs. But there has been debate over whether recreational biking and its infrastructure are low-impact enough to uphold parks’ preservation mandate.

Westshore land transfers, swaps, and purchases to supplement parkland have been common in recent years, and sometimes contentious—with police called to a Metchosin meeting about a 45-hectare sale last year.

More on the latest transfer at The Westshore

Also in the latest Westshore newsletter: West Shore RCMP dog moving to Ottawa to help with PTSD program. New MLA sworn in. Locals warned about threats from wildlife—and about being a threat to wildlife.

NEWS

Blue beers and cider slushies: This summer’s best local drinks

We’re in the thick of a hot and sunny summer in Victoria and it’s making it harder to stay inside and easier to head to the beach, lake, or pool.

All this sunshine is best enjoyed with a refreshing drink, so Tasting Victoria rounded up some of the best current local options for both alcoholic and mock-alcoholic drinks. You can bring these summer beers to a backyard barbecue, or take their 0% cousins down to sip at the beach worry-free.

Summer 2023’s most memorable options include bright blue beers, cider slushies, summer sours, and a whole range of new non-alcoholic options from local breweries and distilleries.

Here’s what is newest, tastiest, and most seasonal.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

An Afternoon at the Opera on CFUV: An hour of opera including interviews and biographies. Tuesdays, 1-2pm.

🎭 Blue Bridge Theatre presents The Last 5 Years by Jason Robert Brown. A rich tapestry of the different stages in a romantic relationship. Running Aug 1 - 13 at The Roxy Theatre. Get tickets online or call 250-382-3370.*

 🐠 Big sun fish spotted near Winter Harbour [Video]

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😊 Now hiring: Buyer, Seed & Gift Store at Butchart Gardens

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🗞️ In Other News

Royal Roads bans Colwood couple, alleging they plucked peacock tailfeathers
The university says the BC SPCA is investigating animal cruelty allegations. The pair in their 60s, who have pulmonary disease and terminal cancer respectively, deny the claims and say the campus walks were one of the few joys they had left. [CHEK]

Sooke school districts cut ties with summer camp over anti-gay staff policy
SD62 and SD68 (Nanaimo Ladysmith) will no longer do school trips and partnerships with Crofton-area Camp Qwanoes. This is due to the Christian camp’s staff agreement, which expects employees and volunteers to affirm and promote that homosexuality is a sin, among other positions. [The Discourse]

Salt Spring plans Portlock Park redesign
The three options for the major island park would upgrade the ball field to the “senior” level and add pickleball courts. The CRD is seeking public input.

🤝 Now Hiring

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

• Communications & Engagement Officer at COAST

• Digital Marketing Specialist at Westin Bear Mountain Resort and Spa

• Inclusion Support Worker: School-Age Program at Fernwood NRG

• Community Engagement Manager at Dance Victoria

Looking for more openings? See 40+ jobs open now on YYJobs.

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

🗓️ Things to do

🎉 Cadboro Bay Festival: Activities at Cadboro-Gyro Park today will include live music, games, face painting, and arts and crafts.

🏮 “Honouring Peace" at Gorge Park Pavilion: In remembrance of the 78th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, events today will include lantern-making, drumming, dancing, and poetry. 7-9:30pm.

🧶 Local Folk Fair: Shop from artisan vendors and enjoy food, drink, and live music at Junction Cidery today. 11am-4pm.

👗 The Relove Market: Shop secondhand and vintage clothes and accessories today in Market Square. 12-5pm.

🎺 CanUs Red Hot Traditional Jazz Matinee: The group of jazz musicians will perform today at Hermann’s Jazz Club. Doors 12pm, show 1-3pm.

🎤 Wonderment: Enjoy ambient electronic and electro-acoustic music all weekend long at locations across the city, until tomorrow. Today's concert at Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park will include performances by Lisa Bella Donna, Monster Planet, and Desert Bloom. 2pm.

🎧 Wonderment at Night: Today’s nighttime concert will include performances by DJ Leanne, Thom Banks, Löblová, and Daniel James. 9pm-2am.

💃 Viva! Victoria Latin Festival: More music, dance, and food today at Centennial Square. [Details]

👕 Wear2Start pop up clothing sale: The non-profit that supports self-identified women is hosting its first ever pop-up sale today in the backyard of House of Savoy, 11am-4pm.

*Sponsored Listing

👀 In Case You Missed It

New old-growth blockade with owl sculpture blocking bridge. Victoria council plans conduct code and complaint policy. Westhills sign vandalized. [Aug 5 newsletter]

Homeless count hits 1,665+ in Greater Victoria based on March 7 snapshot. Plus: Breaking down the big weekend events. [Aug 4]

Tugwell Creek fire under control due to suppression efforts.

Royal Roads Gardens closed after two cougar sightings on campus Fri.

High-risk missing person Jess Armstrong, 37, may need medical treatment [Details] 

🚲 Capital Bike scavenger hunt: Cycle to 50 locations across the city, collect stickers, and win prizes from Aug. 14-27.

Saanich wants more help with mental health calls. [Aug 1]

That’s it!

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