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- Jan 23 - UVic leads Antarctic research
Jan 23 - UVic leads Antarctic research
Victoria's top Valentine's destinations, giant octopuses, curling championship begins.
Capital Daily Team
January 23, 2024
Good morning !
If you’re planning ahead for Valentine’s Day, we’ve got a roundup of some of Victoria’s best restaurants to enjoy with loved ones. In all honesty, Valentine’s Day slips my mind every year but many go all out for the holiday. I’m wondering how many Capital Daily readers celebrate this day of love!
Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? |
— Robyn
Today’s approx read time: 4 minutes
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🌡️ Weather Forecast
NEWS
Victoria researchers launch ocean monitoring in Antarctica
Rendering of the new subsea observatory and satellite system. Photo: OCN
UVic-led Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) has launched a new ocean monitoring observatory in Antarctica, in conjunction with the Spanish National Research Council (SNRC).
Data is now flowing out of the observatory, located 23 metres below sea level near a Spanish-operated Antarctic research station, where it tracks temperature, water depth, and oxygen and chlorophyll levels.
The station sends this information every 30 minutes via satellite to researchers, ensuring there’s constant monitoring in the region throughout the year—something that previously was unavailable to climate scientists observing the Southern Ocean. This allows researchers to continue their work beyond the Spanish station’s usual staffed summer months.
ONC brings specialized knowledge in polar research, having worked on similar projects in the Arctic since 2012, Kate Moran, CEO of ONC, said in a statement.
Moran says Antarctica is extremely important to the planet’s climate regulation because it currently is undergoing “consequential changes that we need to understand.”
News of rapidly disappearing sea ice and heat waves in the famously frigid region have dominated recent headlines, an effect that has devastated species in the area. But the consequences of the changes to Antarctica’s landscape have far-reaching climate implications—and could serve as a canary in the coal mine in observing the outcomes of climate change.
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
Missing Westshore teen found.
Man accused of pretending to be a dental hygienist in Saanich now wanted BC-wide.
Drug poisoning advisory issued for Campbell River.
Transit stoppage in Vancouver. No buses or seabuses today.
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
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FOOD
10 best Valentine’s dinners in Victoria
It may not seem like it, but Valentine’s Day is already around the corner. Get ahead of the game by making a reservation now for a romantic dinner for you and your loved one (or best friend, or mother, whatever!).
To save you from doing the research, we’ve picked out some of Victoria’s finest dining establishments with the perfect atmosphere—and great food—for the perfect romantic and stress-free night.
⭐️ Capital Picks
❄️ A winter wonderland at Royal Roads, as shot by Doug Clement.
🍽️ Nominate your favourite local restaurants in the Tasting Victoria Restaurant Awards. Enter your nominations in any of the 18 categories here!
🤝 Now hiring: Restaurant manager at Cactus Club Cafe.
🍴 Opening soon: Floyd’s Diner is expanding and opening their fifth location on Gorge (near Hecklers) soon.
🐙 Giant Pacific octopuses: Divers at Madrona Point encountered six of them dwelling among the rocks.
🗞️ In Other News
Pacific FC not looking to move, says City of Langford
In a footy faceoff on social media, the city says it’s “deeply concerned” over statements made by Colwood Coun. Ian Ward, whose social media posts suggested the Canadian Premier League club is having a difficult time negotiating a new lease at Langford’s Starlight Stadium and may have to pursue a move to Victoria. Langford says a new five-year deal is in the works. [CHEK]
Bear and cub spotted near Elk Lake home
Police say the bears appeared non-aggressive, but are advising people to keep pets indoors or on a leash in the area. Conservation officers have been alerted and encourage others to contact them if the bears are spotted again. [Times Colonist]
Vehicle tire toxins found in Saanich salmon-bearing stream
Citizen scientists at Peninsula Streams Society reported 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), which they say is at a lethal level, in Gabo Creek—a Colquitz River Watershed tributary. The group says the findings spotlight the importance of bio-filtration–running stormwaters through a rain garden to detoxify it. [Saanich News]
Victoria singer Diamond Cafe signs deal and Breakthrough Artist designation
The R&B-funk-synth artist known for his angelic voice has signed with Warner Music Canada and was named one of six “Breakthrough Artists to Watch” by Amazon Music Canada—a designation that comes with a development and support program. Hear his newest single:
🗓️ Things to do
The pinnacle of silent comedy: Cinecenta will play Chaplin’s City Lights twice today, with all seats $5. [Tickets]
BC Curling Championships: The tournament with 12 men’s and eight women’s teams will kick off at the Archie Browning Centre today, running until Sunday.
👀 In Case You Missed It
A “hub of all things pickleball” will open on the Westshore, as local councils grapple with how to handle the popularity (and the noise) of pickleball. [Capital Daily]
Sunday headlines: Making friends in Victoria; Hockey Day comes to town; 6 Islanders died outside. [Jan. 21]
Monday headlines: Vic gets PBS exposure; father and son build little free libraries; RAK week in Feb. [Jan. 22]
See a power line burning in the snow in this BC Hydro video from Galiano.
Heating oil tank leak from Songhees Nation being diverted from Gorge. [Times Colonist]
Cute quail couple in Sooke. [Photo]
That’s it!
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