July 1 - Celebrating Canada Day in Victoria

Good morning !

Happy Canada Day—the sun is bringing the heat today for the many celebrations happening across the city. Looking for something to do on this random mid-week day off? We’ve got a full roundup of Canada Day events happening throughout the CRD.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ☀️ 28 / 12

Tomorrow: 🌤️ 24 / 12

Day after: ⛅ 19 / 13

7-day forecast

NEWS

Canada Day events happening in Greater Victoria

The temperatures are starting to soar, and July has officially begun, which means Canada Day is here.

It’s a summer highlight for many in the city, and municipalities are pulling out all the stops to make it a day to remember.

This year, patriotism has been high thanks to a certain US president’s erratic tariff rollout. Canada-US trade talks hit another rough patch this week, keeping the “elbows up” mentality at the forefront. This year’s celebration won’t just mark the 158 years of our nation—it’ll be an opportunity for Canadians to assert their country’s sovereignty and celebrate everything that makes Canada special. 

Across Greater Victoria, events will bring people together for a day of food, music, fun, and plenty of Canadiana.

Check out the full list here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Work on Lochside Trail: Crews will be sealing cracks in the asphalt along the trail on Fri. Follow traffic directions. [CRD]

Road closure: Gorge closed from Harriet to Jutland tomorrow for underground servicing work. 7am-5pm. [City of Victoria]

Expect delays on Hwy 4 near Tofino, from now to Dec. [Info]

Expect busy ferries today & into tomorrow: Check Swartz Bay / Tsawwassen conditions here.

Property taxes are due tomorrow for Victoria homeowners.

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NEWS

Man arrested, accused of punching & biting BC Ferries crew

A BC Ferries passenger was arrested on Saturday for allegedly punching a ferry worker and biting another, according to the president of the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union.

The incident began on the vehicle deck of the Spirit of British Columbia on its first sailing of the day from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, Eric McNeely tells Capital Daily.

A deckhand was reminding passengers of their requirement to head to the passenger deck. “During this process, a male passenger approached the deckhand, and for no apparent reason, became agitated and then started physically assaulting the deckhand, including punching him,” McNeely said.

The deckhand broke free and called for help, and the passenger—who McNeely said was not wearing a shirt—returned to his vehicle. That’s when a deck officer came down and began speaking with the man.

“All of a sudden, the passenger got up, yelled, and ran through the car deck, up the stairs, and then into the galley, which was full and serving breakfast.”
McNeely said the man then jumped over a table of food and landed on his back.

“Then the passenger started kicking the second officer. The second officer went and grabbed the passenger's boot, and then the passenger spun around and bit the second officer on the arm.”

More crew arrived, and the passenger was subdued and taken to a state room where he was held until the ship arrived in Victoria, where RCMP officers took him into custody. McNeely said he’s heard many stories of abuse, usually verbal, but can’t recall having one of his 4K+ union members bitten.

The ferry authority said it was “deeply concerned” about the incident, was working with police in their investigation, and was planning an internal review “to assess what occurred and identify any additional measures” that may be needed. “This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” spokesperson Sonia Lowe said.

Capital Daily inquired with Sidney/North Saanich RCMP but did not hear back in time for publication.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🚵 BikeFest: Canadian X-Country Mountain Bike Championships in Langford, July 17-20.

🐢🥚 Fresh eggs: A turtle was seen laying her eggs near a pond in Sooke. [Video]

🗞️ In Other News

BC Ferries bans certain EVs on board due to new federal rules
Transport Canada is putting limits on electric vehicles on ferries over concerns about battery combustion. EVs that are substantially damaged or inoperable can no longer sail. Tow truck companies say this means they won't be able to ferry EVs for repairs—a problem for the Gulf Islands, which lack repair infrastructure. [CHEK] 

Canada cuts digital services tax as trade talks with the US back on
On Fri., US President Donald Trump stopped trade discussions between the two nations—which last year exchanged $750B+ worth of goods—calling the tax on online companies a “blatant attack” on the US. The Digital Services Tax (DST) was set to take effect on Mon., retroactive to 2022. Talks have resumed for a new deal by July 21. The countries currently have 25% tariffs in place on most imported goods from each other. In addition, the US has imposed 10% tariffs on energy resources and critical minerals from Canada. [MSN / CNN]

Multiple ‘resource-intensive’ VicPD calls on Sunday
Police say fire crews were blocked by a man with a knife from entering a building with a potential fire on Queens—inside, another man had severe injuries. The knife wielder was arrested, and Major Crimes is investigating. Another person was found seriously injured on Courtney that afternoon, but it was found that this was not criminal. That evening, police say a business owner on Yates was assaulted and a suspect was arrested. An hour and a half later, another assault on Yates left a man with serious injuries, and a male suspect was arrested. [VicPD]

🗓️ Things to do

🪶 Romeo and Juliet: This classic Shakespeare play will be set against the backdrop of Craigdarroch Castle, today through July 19. 7pm. [Info]

🐳 Big Gay Whale Watch: Join Ocean Wise and fellow whale-lovers for the second annual Big Gay Whale Watch, in celebration of Pride, at Clover Point tomorrow. 10am-5pm. [Info] 

🎶 Phillips 2025 Backyard Music Festival: Tilt weekend is here for three days of outdoor music, with headliners Cold War Kids and Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Fri.-Sun. [Info]

🎉 Tropic Rooftop: Groove & Getaway: Think palm trees, neon lights, beachy vibes, and nothing but good energy under the stars at Strathcona Rooftop. Sat. 9pm-1am. [Info]

🎵 Victoria Folk Music Festival: Catch folk artists, including Frazey Ford, Joel Plaskett, and Kacy & Clayton at Royal Athletic Park. Sat. 12-10pm. [Info]

🍵 Ross Bay Villa Garden Party: Enjoy a cup of tea and a piece of traditional pound cake while listening to award-winning fiddlers on the lawn. July 13. 1-4pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Monday’s headlines: Pride Week begins today; WHL Royals lose two key players to NCAA; Pender, Mayne, and Galiano islands get high-speed internet. [June 30]

Carjacking on Hillside near Shelbourne on Sat.: Woman and children told to get out of vehicle, police said. [VicPD Chief Del Manak]

6 tasty new food spots in Greater Victoria. [Tasting Victoria]

Dine & dash: Watch an Island crayfish eat slowly and then scamper away quickly. [VanIsleWildlife] 

Monterey Rec Centre closed for renos tomorrow to Aug. 4. [Oak Bay]

Eels & seals swim in the midnight tide lights at the Galiano ferry terminal. [Facebook video] 

That’s it!

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