Sept 2 - Flight leaves 50 YYJ passengers behind

Good morning !

With September now here and schools reopening next week, this weekend is one of the last chances at summertime. Have a fun and safe Labour Day(s)—right now we’ve got stories for you on an over-century-old local event and on the region’s latest travel setback.

— Cam

Today’s approx read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ☀️ 22 / 13

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 19 / 13

Monday: ⛅ 18 / 10 

7-day forecast

🌫️ Air quality: Low risk today (2/10). Light smoke expected.

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

NEWS

“Chaos erupted”: Flair Airlines leaves at least 50 passengers behind at YYJ

Last Saturday, dozens of Flair passengers were forced to miss their flights due to long lines at Flair’s baggage check-in desk.

With only three staff and an estimated 100 people in line, the queue moved at a “glacial pace,” according to Nicole Kemp who was flying to Toronto that day.

Rony Mazumber, also Toronto-bound, arrived at 2:15pm for his 4:45pm flight. He told Capital Daily he was still in line, with 50+ others behind him, at 4pm when Flair staff members announced that check-in was closed and those in line would not make their flights.

“Chaos erupted—people started shouting,” said Kemp. Those left behind were eventually told they should have arrived earlier.

Some spent hundreds to re-book the next flight they could find, and a few even ferried over to Vancouver to fly from YVR.

Read more on the situation, including Flair’s response, in the full story at Capital Daily.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Drivers on the Malahat this weekend are encouraged to plan travel and avoid peak times as congestion is expected.

New public washroom opens downtown on the corner of Broughton and Douglas.

Nanaimo-mainland BC Ferries sailings reduced as Coastal Renaissance remains under repair.

NEWS

The Saanich Fair returns for its 155th year

The Saanich Fair is Western Canada’s oldest continuous agricultural fair—dating back to 1868—and originated to celebrate an abundant harvest in the Saanich Peninsula. It returns to the Saanich Fairgrounds this weekend with the theme “It’s Jammin’ Time at the Fair”, to celebrate everything preserved–from jams and jellies to delicious jarred pickles.

The annual fall fair, hosted by the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society, boasts 5,000+ exhibits, displays, contests, raffles, and the Midway amusement park with its rides, games, and concessions. A Kids Zone has interactive educational farming activities, while four-legged fun will include animal displays, featuring horses, llamas, sheep, pigs, and donkeys.

Canadian country singer Aaron Pritchett headlines tonight at 8pm while Canadian rockers Prism will no doubt will be “Spaceship Superstars” tomorrow at 8pm. Food contestants and highland dancers also will hit that main stage, while the West Ring Stage will host local performers each day (12-4pm).

And you know how parking is a bit of a squeeze near the fairgrounds? Well, for the first time, this year’s fair will have a bike valet to accommodate people who prefer to cycle their way there.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🥕 Your handy guide to farmers markets in the region, from Tasting Victoria.

🏢 Guided tour at RBCM: Learn about Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia in a 30-minute tour today, 3-3:20pm.

🩰 Early Bird Nutcracker: Capital Daily readers save up to 20% off adult tickets to Ukrainian Shumka Dancers’ Nutcracker until Sep. 30! Use promo code: Nut-Capital-Daily or call 250-386-6121.*

🎧 Something Else on CFUV: A podcast narrating an Indigenous futurism landscape, following three Indigenous protagonists.

🤝 Now hiring: Out of School Care Team Lead at Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group

*Sponsored Listing

Last time: Napoleon's proficient exile = able Elba
Congrats to everyone who submitted the correct answer!

🗞️ In Other News

Rocket launcher found in local home: The M27 anti-tank rocket launcher was found near Hillside on Wednesday. VicPD were called and in turn called in CFB Esquimalt, CTV reported, and those crews determined the launcher was empty. A rocket launcher was also found nearly 13 years ago in trees just off the side of the Malahat.

Clear sailing for Clipper as strike avoided with a tentative agreement between the Seattle-based ferry company and the union representing 25 Victoria customer service, ticketing, and baggage workers who are in a position to strike Sunday. Ben Williams, spokesman for Unifor Local 114, told Capital Daily that the union is recommending that members sign the deal.

Coolant leak cleanup in Gorge: BC Hydro crews were using an oil containment boom to collect a ‘low-toxicity mineral oil’ that leaked near the northwest corner of the Selkirk Trestle, on the Gorge-Rd. side of the Goose. Cleanup is expected to run into next week. [CHEK]

BC childcare funding extended: The province announced that funding will now cover those with school-aged children enrolled in before- and after-school care programs, with these families saving $145 per child per month through discounts from participating programs. Other promised funding for those with children kindergarten-aged and younger could total as much as $900 per child per month.

🤝 Now Hiring

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

• Accounting Technician at Westin Bear Mountain Resort & Spa

• Early Years Manager at Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group

• Communications & Engagement Officer at COAST

• Christmas Installers at the Butchart Gardens

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

 🖼️ Feel Free - Free Gallery Day at AGGV: Take a look around the art gallery for free today, 10am-5pm.

🎙️ Backbeat at Butchart Garden: The band will perform music of the 1960’s today on the open-air stage, 5:45pm.

🍻 Moon Fest: The Moon Under Water’s 11th anniversary party is today in its parking lot, 12-10pm.

Arts and Culture Colwood Society and Parks Canada present 'In Sight Festival' September 9 and 10 at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites. Free Admission!*

🎤 Bonnie Raitt at Royal Theatre: The musician and her band will be joined tonight by special guest Royal Wood, 8pm.

🎶 Music at the Mint: Funk, soul, and hip-hop from local group Hot Pot tonight at the underground restaurant on Douglas. 7-11pm.

🎷 Sonny Rollins Tribute Concert: David Santana will perform the music of Sonny Rollins tonight at Hermann’s Jazz Club. Doors 5:30pm, show 7-9pm.

🥇 BC Horseshoe Championships: Watch the horseshoe action and take part in the event today and tomorrow at the Victoria Horseshoe Club at Glanford Park.

*Sponsored Listing

👀 In Case You Missed It

Suddenly cancelled Taylor Swift & ABBA events were never confirmed with the venue, and were dropped at the last minute with little explanation to ticket holders. [Capital Daily]

BC Ferries hits another whale: The Northern Expedition hit a humpback Tuesday–the second time on that route in less than a month. [CHEK]

Open Houses: Casually browse for your next home. View all the open houses scheduled this weekend.*

Hwy 4 reopens to two-way traffic, after closures for the last three months.

Friday’s headlines: Affordable housing for veterans gets new operators, UVic student media blocked by Meta, BC Ferries hits another whale, and more. [Sep. 1]

Cougar warnings for Gordon Head & Mt. Tolmie after sightings this week.

*Sponsored Listing

That’s it!

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