Sept 5 - Supportive housing slow to materialize

Good morning !

It’s supposed to get up to 28C today. That’s about 10C warmer than the average September day.

September sure got here fast. Who’s headed to the beach?

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ☀️ 28 / 13

Tomorrow: ☀️ 27 / 15

Saturday: ☀️ 26 / 14

7-day forecast

NEWS

Despite key city moves, homelessness crisis chess game continues

Victoria has made strides in addressing homelessness by reducing visible encampments and enforcing sheltering bans in parks like Irving and Vic West.

A noticeable decline in the number of tent shelters is the result of recent efforts, led by the city council and supported by various agencies.

Encampments in James Bay’s Irving Park were cleared over Labour Day, and extensive fencing has been installed. Despite these efforts concerns remain about the adequacy and quality of housing available.

Not all housing is the same. Housing advocates argue there aren’t enough available options or those options don’t meet the diverse needs of Victoria’s homeless population. 

Federal and provincial programs are geared to help but have been hampered by local decision-making and issues unique to the city.

As of March 24, only about half the 5,700 units promised by the provincial government’s Supportive Housing Fund have materialized. The $8.5 billion announced in the 2024 federal budget to address homelessness has gotten snagged in implementation. Key programs for supportive housing require land availability for new developments that Victoria simply doesn’t have. In addition, there have been delays in the renovation of units managed by not-for-profit Pacifica Housing.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

BC Ferries cancellations [Through Sun]

Air quality: Low risk today (3/10). Current smoke forecast.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Colwood’s new service hub is officially up and running

Colwood's new Westshore Mental Health and Substance Use Hub officially opened yesterday, all set to provide comprehensive mental-health and addiction services to the Westshore community. 

Community care hubs like this one allow teams to work in tandem, fostering a more holistic approach to care beyond traditional medical interventions. For people who require ongoing support, the hub will connect clients with a personal care coordinator and tailored services.

“It’s more than a medical facility. It’s a place of connection, support, and hope,” said Leah Hollins, chair for the Island Health board of directors.

Read more in The Westshore.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

💼 DVBA Meet & Greet on Sept. 19. [Register here]

🏔️ The English language premiere of From Alaska opens the Belfry's 24-25 Season in two weeks. Pay-What-You-Want tickets and information here.*

♊ Pair of orcas breach up-Island. [Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings]

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🗞️ In Other News

Federal NDP pulls out of supply-and-confidence agreement with Liberals
New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh terminated the deal, which provided NDP support until June 2025 in exchange for policies such as nationwide dental care. "Justin Trudeau has proven again and again he will always cave to corporate greed,” he said in a video posted online. Support was pulled over the labour minister's call to impose binding arbitration on locked-out rail workers. [CBC] Capital Daily covered that national story on Labour Day.

Ladysmith mayor moving onto South Island Prosperity Partnership 
Aaron Stone, who on Tue. announced his resignation as Ladysmith's long-term mayor, has been named SIPP's new CEO. Stone is in his third term as mayor and will succeed Emilie de Rosenroll. Dallas Gislason, currently SIPP’s interim CEO, will continue in the role until Stone begins his new position in Oct. In July, SIPP announced a new chair—Terry Gunning—new directors, and returning directors to its board for 2024/25. [SIPP]

Trapped baby orca is ‘holding her own’ after finding freedom
Brave Little Hunter, trapped in an up-Island lagoon for nearly a month in the spring, has been observed regularly and researchers said she’s doing well, although it’s concerning she is alone. The orca, also known as Kʷiisaḥiʔis, or T109A3A, was trapped in an inlet near Zeballos after following her mother who became beached and died. [CHEK]

Cyclist struck by vehicle on Bay Street Bridge
The suspected road-rage incident happened just before 1pm Tue. The cyclist suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The driver took off but was tracked down, arrested, and charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle and failing to remain at the scene of a motor-vehicle incident. [Times Colonist]

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🗓️ Things to do

🎢 Sooke Fall Fair. The first Sooke autumn fair was celebrated in 1913. This year’s theme is Water is Life. Sooke Community Hall. Sat. & Sun. [Info]

💃 Colombian Rumba Night Party: Start the night with a dance class before showing off your moves at VEC. Tomorrow. 8pm. [Details]

🎵 HOG, Jesse Heinz, Highdive: An all-ages punk music night at the Little Fernwood Theatre. Tomorrow. 5pm. [Tickets]

🪩 Talk Tuah: Dance music and socializing for UVic students at Capital Ballroom. Tomorrow. 10pm. [Info] 

🎶 Siglo de Oro: Renaissance Reflections. The UK choir, dubbed one of this generation’s leading vocal ensembles, makes its Canadian debut. Christ Church Cathedral. Sept. 14. [Video] [Info]

 📚 Churchmouse Books annual autumn book sale. Thousands of pre-owned books and a celebration of Indigenous writers, history, and culture. St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church. Sept. 14. 10am-2pm. [Info]

🫙 Garage Sale Extravaganza! 14th annual La Leche League Fundraiser to help families to breastfeed. Pay what you can. 1128 Topaz at Prior. Sat-Mon. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: No developments in unsolved Rockland killing; Chinatown gift and grocery store closes; Vic couple scratches, Vic couple wins $500K; And more. [Sept. 4]

Cool Aid Society shutting downtown centre. [Capital Daily]

Hungry? Nearby burger joints to check out. [The Westshore]

Vic mayor mulls making parking lots overnight shelters. [CHEK]

BC’s zip lines and amusement rides are safe, oversight body finds, but a severed finger on the Island is among incidents to learn from. [Vancouver Sun]

Uplands named Canada’s best-managed medium golf club. [Victoria News] 

Beacon Hill Children's Farm is now on fall hours, open 10am-4pm with goat stampedes at 10:10am and 4:10pm. [Info/Photos]

That’s it!

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