July 15 - Victoria streets set to slow

Good morning !

I hope you didn’t miss us too much yesterday. The Cap Daily team was able to relax and enjoy the sunshine this weekend as we reduce publication days this summer. I myself spent most of it at the beach. I hope you’ve all been enjoying the outdoors too.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ☀️ 28 / 14

Tomorrow: ☀️ 22 / 13

Day after: ☀️ 20 /16

7-day forecast

NEWS

Victoria council votes to slow most streets to 40 km/h or below

Victoria will be moving a little slower this time next year. On Thu., the city council passed a bylaw to lower speed limits on the majority of its streets.

The initiative to change speed limits began in 2022, when the council voted to change the city’s default maximum speed on residential roads to 30 km/h from 50 km/h. 

The city began rolling out the updated signage in the Hillside-Quadra neighbourhood, followed by James Bay and Jubilee.

Now it plans to include arterial and collector roads—which will be lowered to 40 km/h. The city also has expanded the list of 30 km/h residential roads (streets with no centre line and low traffic). 

The soon-to-be 30 km/h streets include Fernwood Street, parts of Dallas Road, Rockland Avenue (between Cook and Oak Bay Avenue), and portions of Fairfield Road. 

Major streets going down to 40 km/h include Yates, Johnson, Fort, Shelbourne, and Wharf. 

Blanshard and Douglas will soon be the fastest-moving streets in the city, staying at 50 km/h between Caledonia and Tolmie.

Some of these changes will make speeds more consistent on streets that run through other municipalities: the Victoria side of Oak Bay Avenue will now match the Oak Bay side’s 40 km/h, down from 50 km/h. Foul Bay north of Oak Bay Avenue will also match the south side’s 40 km/h.

It’s not yet clear when each street will be changing, but the implementation began in the north end of the city, moving south. 

“There isn’t a detailed implementation plan at this time—we’ve been adjusting speed limits in corridors as we do other projects and work on them,” Rich Adam from the city’s engineering department said.

All 30 km/h neighbourhood streets are expected to be updated by this fall. The rollout for all streets is expected to be finished in 2027.

Once a neighbourhood is identified as next for implementation, residents in those areas will receive postcards with information about the new speeds, Adam said.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Three Island wildfires burning: An out-of-control wildfire was discovered yesterday burning in Sooke’s Sea-to-Sea Park. It reached 1.2 ha by 5pm Mon. Two wildfires are being held in Juan de Fuca Park and near Duncan. [BC Wildfire Services]

Need help replacing or obtaining an ID? Join an ID info session with GVPL at the Central Branch, happening on the fourth Thu. of each month. 12-2:30pm. [GV Public Library]

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

Day parole revoked for Reena Virk killer over drug use, worsening behaviour

The Parole Board of Canada revoked parole for Kelly Sim—formerly Kelly Ellard—after concluding her behaviour, including drug use, poses a risk to public safety. 

Sim, 42, is serving a life sentence for the second-degree murder of Virk, 14, in 1997, when Sim and a group—teens at the time—lured Virk to the Gorge, swarmed her, and then beat her. Afterward, Sim and a male accomplice held Virk’s head underwater until she drowned. 

Tried and sentenced as an adult in 2005, Sim was granted day parole 12 years later and given extra leave time as she continues to raise two young children. By 2020, her leave privileges were expanded to five days out and two days in a community residential facility (CRF).

In January, Sim was arrested for breaching her parole conditions.

While in police custody, the board said Sim screamed and kicked, and was uncooperative, and that her behaviour “remained problematic” in provincial custody.

“You showed poor emotions [management], hit, and kicked walls, threatened suicide, and stated you were not going to return to the federal prison,” the decision reads.

The board cited Sim’s conduct, failed drug test, and her refusal to provide urine samples for two other tests.

“CRF staff reported you were non-compliant with sign-ins and location changes, you were defiant and argumentative, and mocked and shouted at staff,” the board said in its decision.

Sim initially denied using illegal drugs, saying that her consumption of prescription medication led to the failed test. But the board said that medication hadn’t produced positive tests in the past.  

“Despite the time you have had for self-reflection since returning to custody, the Board finds you continue to engage in behaviours and thinking that contributed to your suspension and are related to your risk to reoffend,” the ruling reads.

“Consequently, the Board concludes that you will, by reoffending before the expiration of your sentence, present an undue risk to society. Therefore, the Board revokes your day parole.”

SPONSORED BY PRESSURE PROS

VICTORIA'S GREEN MONSTER TAKING OVER? 🦠💚

Don't let moss and algae devour your home! Those black streaks and slippery surfaces aren't just ugly—they're destroying your property value.

PROOF IT WORKS: PressurePros transformed an Oak Bay home in HOURS, using eco-safe solutions that protect everything from heritage brick to modern surfaces.

Why live with the green when you could:

• Save THOUSANDS vs. replacement

• Boost curb appeal instantly

• Eliminate dangerous slippery spots

🔥 SPRING SLOTS DISAPPEARING FAST! Call NOW for your FREE estimate + BONUS gutter inspection ($75 VALUE)! 🔥

⭐️ Capital Picks

⚾ HarbourCats vs. South Island Baseball League. [6:35pm Tonight]

🎤 From protest anthems to iconic artifacts, Beyond the Beat explores how music shaped movements—until January 5 at the Royal BC Museum.*

⛵ USCGC Eagle arrives in Victoria today. [It’s tall]

🤝 The Victoria Foundation distributes $5.35 million in funding to 210 social purpose organizations! Read about the full list of recipients and the impact they're making in the capital region.*

🚗 Oak Bay Collector Car Festival still drawing crowds at 35. [CHEK]

🏖️ Breakouts, bumps, and dull skin ruining your swimsuit vibes? Pure Day Spa’s Summer Back Detox smooths, clears, and refreshes—just in time for beach season!*

^{*Sponsored Listing}

🗞️ In Other News

Herb Haldane elected to Sooke council in byelection
Haldane won with 772 votes (35.3%). A total of 2,071 people cast ballots, a 16% voter turnout for the township of 12K. This is a typical percentage for byelections—in the 2022 Sooke general election, there was a 25% turnout. The byelection was held to fill a council vacancy left by MLA Dana Lajeunesse. Haldane will be sworn in on July 28. [Sooke]

Injured Victoria cyclist denied compensation, taking case to BC Supreme Court
Reagan Kucher-Lang was hit by a car while riding his bike three years ago. The 35-year-old has been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, but his attempts to claim compensation for lost wages have been rebuffed by both ICBC and the provincial civil resolution tribunal. Under the province’s no-fault insurance, which BC adopted in 2021, accident victims can no longer sue an at-fault driver, so Kucher-Lang’s case is one of many meandering its way through the court system. [Vancouver Sun]

Tourist kicks seal pup into water at Victoria Inner Harbour
A local wildlife group is warning people to keep their distance and not interfere with wild animals after the lone pup, which was sitting on a dock, was kicked into the water. Another tourist jumped in to retrieve the pup. These interventions should only be done by trained professionals, says the Wild Wise Society. The group is sharing a reminder that seal pups are sometimes left on dry land while their mothers hunt—if you see one sitting on a rock or dock, it likely hasn't been abandoned. [CHEK]

Former PM Trudeau and son visited Victoria over the weekend
Justin Trudeau and son Hadrien, 11, “took a road trip” from Vancouver to Whistler and Victoria, Canada’s 23rd prime minister said on social media. He posted a photo taken at the Inner Harbour. The two also visited the Vancouver Aquarium. Online comments were mostly favourable, about the former Liberal leader and his tourism tastes. Trudeau stepped down as PM in January after 10 years. [Black Press]

Enjoying our newsletter? Help us make it even better!

Become an Insider member and help keep local journalism and storytelling alive in the Capital Region. 

SPONSORED BY SHAWNIGAN RETREATS

Your escape on Vancouver Island

Shawnigan Retreats offers the perfect cozy retreat for family gatherings or romantic getaways. Nestled by the serene Shawnigan Lake, our luxurious accommodations feature a sauna, hot tub, games room with ping pong, cards, and board games, and even a private pickleball court. Enjoy nearby hikes through breathtaking nature and unwind in comfort. With space for up to 18 guests, Shawnigan Retreats promises an unforgettable experience.

Explore Shawnigan Retreats and plan your getaway today. Learn more about Shawnigan Retreats.

🗓️ Things to do

🎨 2025 Arts Alive Celebration: Enjoy a free guided tour of this year’s installations of public sculptures. Voting on the installations begins today and runs until Nov. 30. [Info / Walking map]

☺️ Let’s Talk Tuesdays: Join for a relaxed hour or two of real conversation with new people at Spinnakers today. 12-2pm. [Info]

🥬 Oaklands Sunset Market: Multicultural Market Day: Check out artisan and food vendors, food trucks, and music at Oaklands Community Centre tomorrow. 4:30-8pm. [Info]

😂 Phillips Comedy Night: Catch hilarious comedians at The Mint tomorrow. 8pm. [Info]

🚘 Northwest Deuce Days 2025: See 1K+ fabulous classic hot rods and vintage vehicles—up to and including 1951—by the Inner Harbour. Thu.-Sun. [Info]

🧑‍🎨🧑‍🎨 Art Battle Victoria: In three fast-paced rounds, artists battle the clock—and each other—to create their best work in just 20 minutes. KWENCH. Fri. 7-11pm. [Info]  

🖌️ The Art Gallery Paint-In Presented by TD Bank Group: For the 36th year, the boundless creativity of local artists will be on display along Moss, from Fort to George. Sat. 11am-4pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Sunday’s headlines: Island Health reusable gown program; Tipping fees going up down at the dump; Week in review. [July 13]

Someone steals a $2K shawl from a Victoria store—in broad daylight. [CTV]

VicPD looks to standardize response to public drug use. [Times Colonist]

The sweeping Sydney River Valley near Clayoquot, and some of its history, from photographer TJ Watt. [Instagram]

A muskrat roommate helps out beavers by bringing grass to their shared lodge. [VanIsleWildlife]

Man conceived at Alert Bay residential school and his dad sue Anglican Church, Canada. [Vancouver Sun]

That’s it!

If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to a fellow Victorian.

And before you go, let us know: