July 10 - Victoria Uber drivers first in Canada to unionize

Good morning !

Yesterday we reported on a slew of ride-hailing drivers who received fines for operating illegally (either through lack of proper licensing or operating beyond the parameters of their licence).

But today, we’re highlighting the efforts of drivers who are fighting for better work-life quality and fairness in the current gig economy. Last week, Victoria Uber drivers became the first ride-hailing app workers to unionize in Canada.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

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NEWS

Roundhouse development gets final approval from Victoria council

Final rezoning applications for the long-awaited—and controversial—Roundhouse at Bayview have been approved, clearing the way for the massive development in Vic West.

Coun. Matt Dell called it an exciting day for the city, particularly for those in the immediate community, to finally see the land, which had been vacant since the E&N Railroad closed in 2011, being put to use again.

“This is going to bring a lot of new people to downtown, a lot of vibrancy to the city,” Dell told his fellow councillors on July 3 as the council re-greenlit the project. 

The council actually approved the application in January but needed assurance from Transport Canada that the added density and height of some of the buildings wouldn’t pose a safety concern.

City planner Mike Angrove told the council a few alterations to the landing lanes at Victoria Harbour Water Airport should do the trick.

“Essentially, they would be shifting the runway slightly, pointing more toward the west as well as shifting it slightly south,” Angrove told the council. 

Once home to oil tanks, sawmills, and a shipbuilding yard, the 10-acre plot of land near the Johnson Street Bridge is to be developed into a bustling business and residential community. 

The plan—some 25 years in the making for Ken and Patty Mariash, the owners of developer Focus Equities—calls for the construction of nine towers 10 to 32 storeys tall, providing 60K square feet of retail space, a daycare facility, and 1,870 new homes.

In addition, Focus Equities has donated a tract of land valued at $15M to the Greater Victoria Housing Society to build 150-180 affordable homes.

“I think it’s going to be a really wonderful addition that I’m proud our council got to approve,” Dell said.

Marg Gardiner and Stephen Hammond were the two councillors out of eight (Coun. Krista Loughton was not at the meeting) who voted against the rezoning plan.

Gardiner said the city is allowing too much density and the plan “does not adequately respect the heritage” of the roundhouse.

“The towers overpower the modest scale and character of this historic place,” she said.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Road closure: Broughton from Douglas to Broad expected to continue its closure until end of week. 7am-5pm. [City of Victoria]

Island Health safety guide to summer festivals. [Island Health]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

Uber drivers first in Canada to unionize

United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 1518 was certified Wednesday to represent more than 500 drivers. “It’s awesome,” said Victoria-area driver Beatrice Nahirnick. “Anytime workers can represent themselves or have representation in their workplace, it’s never a bad thing.”

She hopes the union will push for transparency around pay, which the ride-hailing app keeps obscure.

The union calls the certification—which comes after a driver vote in March—a landmark victory for gig workers.

“This is a defining moment for the labour movement in Canada,” Shawn Haggerty, UFCW Canada national president, said in a media release. “Workers in every sector—even in the platform economy—can organize and win. These drivers are setting a national precedent.”

The certification is the latest step in the struggle to protect app-based employees who have been notoriously difficult to organize and often fall through the cracks of Canadian labour protections.

The company is scheduled to sit down with the union to negotiate an agreement soon. “We will be sitting down with UFCW 1518 to discuss the issues raised by drivers,” Laura Miller, Uber Canada director of public policy, said.

The main issue the union hopes to address, according to its president, is transparency around the platform’s rating system and pay algorithm, which workers say is currently obscure.

Read the full story here.

SPONSORED BY PATH DEVELOPMENTS

Cheers to 10 Years, Royal Bay

Royal Bay is turning 10 and you're invited to the celebration! Join the community at Quarry Park on Saturday, July 12 from 1 - 4pm for an afternoon of fun. Enjoy live music, shop curated artisan vendors (presented by Home Lumber & Building Supplies), and experience family-friendly activities for all ages. Grab a drink at the Cascadia Liquor Lounge, and be among the first to preview the brand-new bike track (presented by S&R Insulation).

Feeling lucky? You could win up to $50,000 off a new PATH Developments home at Royal Bay! Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the neighbourhood, this free event is for everyone. Bring your friends, your family (even your dog!) and commemorate a decade of connection, growth, and seaside living.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🍔 Foodtrucks at Clover Point all summer. [Thu.-Mon.]

🐍 Garter snake strikes back: The snake shows off its defensive skills after the cameraperson got too close. Reminder to always give wildlife ample space when out exploring. [Video]

🗞️ In Other News

Grace Lore shares update on cancer treatment
Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill, stepped away from her role shortly after winning her new riding because of a colorectal cancer diagnosis. Lore said in an update that she’s been fighting the tumour with chemotherapy but developed acute toxicity from three months of the treatment, which led to organ damage. Her doctors have decided to move forward with surgery rather than put her through anouther round of chemo. She says she’s feeling strong ahead of the procedure next week and hopes to be back to her parliamentary duties soon.

Saanich Police pull 229 drivers from roads for drinking and driving
That’s in the first six months of the year, which is less than last year, but still too many, police said. From January to June last year, they nabbed 320 drivers, en route to 628 drivers punished for driving under the influence. Of the 229 drivers taken off the roads, more than three-quarters, 78%, had their vehicles impounded for three to 30 days, while most of the others, 20%, were given 24-hour licence suspensions. [Times Colonist]

Fundraising champ named Sooke's Spectacular Senior
In this competition, five exceptional seniors are picked as finalists and then spend a month fundraising for the proposed Sooke Gathering Place community centre. Koshin Moonfist raised over $8K and received the (literal) crown at a small fair on Mon., while the group together brought in $26K. [Sooke News Mirror]

Fallen young eagle reunited with family in Beacon Hill
Victoria staff found the eaglet on the ground, which was healthy but too young to be on its own. While it received care from Metchosin's Wild ARC, the city staff got a bucket truck and returned it to its tree a few days later. [Video] 
Wild ARC recently marked its 60,000th patient: a barn swallow nestling found on the floor of a barn.

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🗓️ Things to do

☀️ Oak Bay Summer Concert in the Park: This show features musical acts Soul Intention and Malakai at Willows Park today. 6pm. [Info]

💎 Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop: Design your own accessories with locally sourced sea glass at the Maritime Museum today. 2pm. [Info]

🎭 Yes and Yesteryear: See this improvised Jane Austen performance at Emily Carr House every Friday and Saturday starting tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]

🍻 Fridays at the Station: This weekly bash features local beers, live music, and a farm-to-table market, at Langford Station tomorrow. 4-8pm. [Info]

🌅 Gonzales Sunset Beach Party: The Fairfield Gonzales Community Association is hosting this event, with crafts, music, food, and stand-up paddleboarding. Sat. 4:30-7:30pm. [Info]

🐱 July Adoption Event: Looking for a furry friend? Paw Space Pet Boutique is hosting this event, with 10 kittens (five grey, five tuxedos) ready for a new home. Sat. 10am-2pm. [Info]

👗 Plus-size Clothing Swap: Find styles that fit at this community clothing swap, organized by Selkie Counselling and Fat Sisters Vintage, at Oaklands Community Centre. Sat. 11am-1pm. [Info]

🌳 Music in the Park this weekend: In Colwood, The Temps at Lagoon West Park, Sat. 5:30-7:30pm. In Langford, the Chick Wagon Band at Veterans Memorial. Sun. 2-4pm. 

🌄 Sooke Night Market: Local flavours, crafts, and performances at Sooke Region Museum tonight. 5-8pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: $7K in fines for illegal ride-hailing vehicles; Hope for terminally ill Langford girl’s drug coverage; Brickyard Pizza building for sale. [July 9]

Essential Indigenous midwifery service in Victoria shuts down after funding cuts. [LJI/ Capital Daily]

Best case scenario: Hiker safe after four days lost in Strathcona Park, where he encountered a cougar. [CHEK]

Ghost ship: A woman spotted a mirage while on BC Ferries that looked like a transparent ship. [Times Colonist]

Water lilies in bloom at Cameron Island in Nanaimo. [Facebook photos]

Remembering Sampson: The Tally-Ho carriage horse passed away this week. [Tally-Ho]

Future of the Gorge: As sea levels rise, have your say in flood management planning for the area. [Survey]

That’s it!

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