Jan 23 - Dine Around returns tomorrow

Good morning !

Dine Around and Stay in Town is kicking off tomorrow—with a taster gala happening tonight—and it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the best in Victoria’s food scene.

There are a range of deals that make dining out even more appealing, making it the perfect chance to support local eateries.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 6 / 2

Tomorrow: ⛅ 5 / 4

Saturday: ☀️ 5 / 3

7-day forecast

NEWS

Dine Around and Stay in Town returns tomorrow

Brought to you by Destination Greater Victoria and the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association Victoria branch, Dine Around’s 17-day celebration of food features some of Victoria’s top restaurants presenting set three-course menus at deliciously low prices, starting Friday and running until Feb. 9.

Why is it special? 

Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria is more than just a food event; it is a celebration of the city's culinary culture, local ingredients, and community spirit. Whether you're savouring a new dish at a waterfront bistro or enjoying a cozy pub meal, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the best of Victoria’s food scene.

Still deciding where to go?

Check out the Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria Gala happening tonight at Crystal Garden. The evening features a selection of mouthwatering bites from over 50 participating restaurants and beverage makers. Get a glimpse of what each place has to offer before planning your next evening out. 

This year’s menu prices for Dine Around range from $25 up to $75 per person, offering a price point to suit your wallet. 

Find out more—including where these dining deals are taking place—here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Saanich roadwork and traffic advisories happening this week. [Details]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

Support local journalism by supporting Capital Daily. Become a Capital Daily Insider member today and help bring local stories to life. 

NEWS

Recipients of Victoria Foundation’s 2024 Indigenous Priorities grants announced

The fund’s nearly $700K was distributed to six local First Nations and 15 other Indigenous-led initiatives, with each grant offering up to $50K. 

The pilot funding program is in its second year and was developed by the Indigenous Granting Advisory, which works with the foundation. 

“These grants are selected through a fully Indigenous-led process and continue to support the vital work and diverse values that are engrained in these communities,” said Victoria Foundation CEO Sandra Richardson in a statement. 

Educational support and traditional knowledge keeping priorities for local First Nations

Songhees Nation will receive a total of $100K for education and community initiatives through two $50K grants. One grant will fund economic improvements, with plans to build an economic development office. The other will bring more tutors and educational support for Songhees students at UVic. 

Esquimalt Nation says it will use its $50K funding to hire an education manager to advocate for Esquimalt students, work with local schools, and provide supports for students and their families.

“Over time, this role will contribute to improved educational outcomes, strengthened community collaboration, and a foundation for future generations to thrive while staying connected to their cultural identity,”  said Esquimalt Nation Director of Education Kalie Dyer.  

For T’Sou-ke Nation, the $50K grant will go towards buying a new van to transport kids to different youth programs. Michelle Thut of T’Sou-ke Nation says the van will ensure “access to cultural events, educational opportunities, and sports activities.” 

Pauquachin First Nation will put its $50K toward sea garden gathering, a traditional practice that helps to restore the area’s natural clam beds, while encouraging food sovereignty and security for nation members. 

A nature-based after-school program for Indigenous children, in partnership with Pauquachin and Songhees First Nations, will also receive $50K.

See the full list of grant recipients here.

SPONSORED BY PHS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY

Support marginalized people

PHS Community Services Society is 80 per cent of the way to reaching their $100,000 fundraising appeal goal.

The charity provides low-barrier supportive housing, shelter, healthcare, and harm reduction to thousands of marginalized people in Victoria and Vancouver every day. 

PHS was founded in 1993 to support those who had been chronically homeless, and today houses and shelters more than 1,900 people. Probably best known for Insite, North America’s first legal supervised injection site, PHS is a leader in adapting services to be accessible to those with acute needs.

Donations to PHS before February 28, can be applied to 2024 tax returns as the government has extended last year’s donation deadline.

Donate today to support marginalized people in your community.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🩺 The Canadian healthcare system can be difficult to navigate—but this local non-profit is offering a pathway. Read more on how the Creating Community Wellness Society is helping to connect patients with doctors.*

🗻 Pink Baker: Mt. Baker sits atop the city at sunset in this view from The Beachlands in Colwood. [Doug Clement Photography]

📈 Gain big insights and practical takeaways at Rising Economy 2025, Greater Victoria's business event for business insiders. Early bird tickets are on sale now - snag yours before they're gone.*

🧊 Hair ice: The rare phenomenon caused by a fungus was spotted on wood in Cumberland, mimicking white hair. [Facebook photos]

🌿 Online pre-orders for Vancouver Island's largest Native Plant Sale open January 29! 100% of the proceeds from this sale support local conservation efforts.*

🏬 The many lives of 770 Yates: From Scandals to Lyle’s Place—and its current tenant Cheers Vintage Collective—the storefront has been through myriad changes. [Facebook photos]

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Sooke man in custody after RCMP seize possible explosive device
Shawnigan Lake RCMP say they responded to a report from a Malahat business of a suspicious truck, which fled upon police arrival. North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP and West Shore RCMP assisted in tracking the truck, which was determined stolen. The truck was found with a possible explosive device at Mill Bay Marina, where the suspect could be seen fleeing in a different vehicle, which police say they intercepted. The suspect, 42, remains in custody and the device was destroyed. [RCMP]

Murderous sea otter’s behaviour may be due to lack of mate says researcher
The “Salish Sea Serial Killer” may look cute—he’s a sea otter named “Ollie” who lives near Race Rocks—but he has a vicious streak a mile wide. The otter has been known to kill and defile river otters, with at least 20 victims in his wake since 2015. But an Island researcher says his behaviour is not unheard of for sea otters and could be due to his loneliness (female sea otters are rarely recorded in the area). [Victoria News]

Young search dog finds missing girl in Courtenay
When a girl, 13, was reported missing from her home late Tues. night, a group of 15 Comox Valley Search and Rescue members went out looking, bringing two-year-old golden retriever Delta along with them. The dog, who was just recently certified as a rescue animal, was able to track her down by 2:30am Wed. [Times Colonist] 

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🗓️ Things to do

🎨 Watercolour Class with Richard Wong: Enjoy a talk and presentation about composing a painting with illustrative examples from Wong's paintings at The Gardens at HCP today. 1-4pm. [Info]

🎤 Vox Project²: See young, talented vocalists Angela Wilson and Sarah Terlesky at Hermann’s today. 7pm [Info]

🤠 Throwdown Thursday with Poppa Don Gernie & Élise Leblanc: Check out this monthly showcase featuring Victoria's favourite bands with new and upcoming acts at The Duke Saloon today. 7pm. [Info]

🍝 Dine Around and Stay in Town: Enjoy bites from 50 of Victoria’s top restaurants, with three-course menus set at deliciously low prices. Tomorrow until Feb.9. [Info] 

🎻 Emily Carr String Quartet: Metamorphosis 2: An evening of classical music, including Schubert's String Quartet No. 1 (D. 18) and String Quartet No. 15 (D. 887) at Christ Church Cathedral tomorrow. 5pm. [Info]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Robbie Burns Night: Honour the legacy of Scotland's beloved poet at the Bard and Banker, with a reading of “Address to a Haggis” and bagpipe performances, tomorrow. 6pm. [Info]

🎭 Dancers of Damelahamid: See the Indigenous dance company honour Elder Margaret Harris, through the traditional art form she helped revitalize, at McPherson Playhouse tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: Island issues addressed in ministry mandate letters; New restaurant for BC Ferries; Archeological site found below Songhees boat ramp. [Jan. 22]

Burnside East westbound traffic to be closed 24/7 for four months from Harriet to Dupplin.

Bright red wood on fallen tree: See the eye-catching colour under the tree’s stripped bark. [Facebook photos]

Coho salmon alevins from a unique perspective. [Victoria Wood/ Instagram]

North Saanich cooks up a bowl of love for woman battling cancer. [Peninsula News Review] 

Music Conservatory CEO has big plans for Pandora site, including a new fence and event plaza. [Times Colonist]

Langford 2025 budget survey: Open until Feb. 9. [Details]

Register your bike for free. [West Shore RCMP]

That’s it!

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