Jan 18 - Victoria gets sustainable tourism boost

Good morning !

Well, it finally happened. Snow has landed in Victoria and according the forecast, it’s going to continue falling today.

Good news for those who don’t like snow: it will begin raining tonight, continuing over the next few days, so our time under this white blanket will be short-lived.

For those who love snow, enjoy it while it lasts.

— Robyn

Today’s approx read time: 4 minutes

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🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌨️ 1 / 1

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 5 / 3

Day after: 🌧️ 7 / 4

7-day forecast

NEWS

Good for business: Victoria Conference Centre now biosphere-certified

The VCC became the second conference centre in North America to be so validated—following the Quebec City Convention Centre’s certification last month—when the Responsible Tourism Institute approved certification based on the centre’s alignment with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 

Certification is seen in the industry as a draw to businesses planning to host conferences, with environmental and tourism impacts increasingly playing important roles in deciding location.

Hosting conferences at the VCC has been a focus for the area’s post-pandemic tourism recovery, Destination Greater Victoria’s (DGV) CEO Paul Nursery said in a statement.

“One key DGV strategy was re-establishing and expanding foundational year-round business, particularly in the meetings and events sector.”

According to DGV’s business sector, the VCC’s 141 events in 2023 helped to generate $35M in local business sales and 22K hotel room nights. Nursey said this year he anticipates a 5% growth from 2023 for the business and events sector.

Read Robyn Bell’s full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Victoria’s emergency warming shelter will remain open during extreme weather event.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

Live webcams: See the status of Vancouver Island’s highways before you travel.

GOOD NEWS

South Island volunteer fire departments receive funding boost

The province announced last week that it will provide more than $6.2 million for 122 local projects, benefiting more than 200 volunteer and composite fire departments across BC. 

Multiple volunteer departments in the South Island are set to receive funding, which is part of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF). The CRD will get nearly $180K for training and equipment, Central Saanich will get $30K for a structural protection unit, Sidney will receive $8K for training and Metchosin will get $29K for equipment upgrades.

For East Sooke’s Fire Department, which is included in the CRD’s funding, the money will be put toward much-needed equipment. But it may not be enough to solve all the challenges the department faces.

Read more on how East Sooke’s Fire Department will benefit from this support.

SPONSORED BY SOUTH ISLAND PROSPERITY PARTNERSHIP

Early bird tickets on sale now

Rising Economy — the business event for business insiders — returns March 6-8 at Delta Ocean Pointe Resort. Make valuable connections and gain actionable takeaways with 25+ high-ROI sessions on topics from A.I. to economic outlooks. Help your organization succeed in the new economy. Early Birders save 25%. Sponsored by RBC.

⭐️ Capital Picks

❄️ Early morning snow at Sidney Pier. [Facebook photo]

🎯 Enhance your skills, stay current with career-focused training. Refresh your career with Continuing Studies at UVic.*

🏒 Hockey Day in Vic: Hockey clinics, ball hockey, Fan Zone at Ship Point, and a gala banquet at Fairmont Empress. [Events]

🦀 Feeling crabby? Want to get out of your shell? Book a free consultation at Intertidal Counselling & Wellness.*

🤝 Now hiring: Early Childhood Educator at Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group.

⛄ Snowcapades: This cute local dog, a rescue from Dominican Republic, meets a snowman:

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Two people and dog rescued after falling through ice in Saanich
After a dog fell through the ice Sunday at Beaver Lake, about 20 metres from the shore, its owner and her brother also broke through while trying to save the dog. The man and woman had to tread water in the lake for about 30 minutes while a passerby helped break the ice with rocks to create a pathway out. The siblings and the dog were able to safely reach the shore and were immediately taken to the hospital where they were released later that day. [CBC]

Denman Island man wins $500K with lottery 
David Elliott thought the worker at the Walmart lotto kiosk made a mistake when he was told he won, saying he didn’t know how big his prize was until phoning BC Lotto. His prize came from the Dec. 7 “Daily Grand draw,” according to the BC Lottery Corporation. Elliott’s big plans for his half-a-million winnings? Eat a nice steak dinner and go fishing. [Chek]

Father of slain Port Alberni boy relieved premier promises answers
Six-year-old Dontay Lucas, who was of Hesquiaht descent, died in 2018 of blunt force trauma to the brain after being transitioned back into the care of his mother with help from child services. Dontay’s mother and stepfather pleaded guilty to manslaughter and are to be sentenced in May. Premier David Eby says he will make sure the truth of what happened comes out. [Times Colonist] 

🗓️ Things to do

Noah Becker Quartet: Join the band for their CD release party at Hermann’s, tonight at 7pm. 

Semi-Qualified Queens: See a live recording of the podcast hosted by Canada’s Drag Race alumni Synthia Kiss and Juice Boxx at Paparazzi, tonight at 8pm

Big Hair, Bigger Dreams Drag Show: See Victoria’s favourite Fernwood queens Vivian Vanderpuss, Woofie, and Sylvester Staletto at the Fernwood Inn, tonight at 7:30pm.

Hockey legends book signing: Head to Munro’s Books to meet Ron McLean, Ken Reid, Brian Burke and get a signed copy of their books, tomorrow at 11:30am.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Victoria’s Hot Chocolate Festival: Everything to know about the festival kicking off this weekend. [Tasting Victoria]

Poop happens: The debate on what to do with CRD biowaste. [Capital Daily]

Industry regulatory body investigating Victoria car dealership. [Times Colonist]

People saved, dog presumed drowned in Brentwood Bay. [RCM SAR 31]

Throwback Hockey panel in Vic: Famous broadcasters were at Bayview Place Tuesday to kick off Hockey Day in Canada week. [Times Colonist]

That’s it!

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