July 25 - BC prisons failing inspection standards

Good morning !

The Sooke Potholes fire went from 80 ha yesterday morning to 169 by the afternoon. It has now spread to the Sea to Sea Regional Park which Sooke has closed, along with several other parks and trails. I hope everyone is staying safe out on the Westshore!

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌦️ 20 / 12

Tomorrow: ☀️ 20 / 13

Day after: ☀️ 21 / 13

7-day forecast

NEWS

Ombudsperson’s report says BC prisons fail to meet inspection standards

The BC Ombudsperson’s latest report reveals that none of Corrections BC’s 10 correctional facilities are fully compliant with international standards set out in the Nelson Mandela Rules (NMRs) and the Corrections Act, despite an eight-year effort. These facilities, which house approximately 1,800 individuals across various security levels, including the historic Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre, have failed to meet crucial inspection requirements.

The Nelson Mandela Rules, established by the UN, emphasize the humane treatment of prisoners and mandate regular, unannounced inspections with confidential prisoner interviews. However, according to the Ombudsperson Jay Chalke, the provincial government has not conducted these inspections adequately since 2012. Even after commitments were made in 2016 to bring the inspection program in line with international standards, significant deficiencies remain.

Chalke expressed disappointment in the provincial government’s slow progress, noting gaps in inspector training and the exclusion of external members, such as healthcare professionals and human rights advocates, from inspection teams. He called on the government to urgently address these shortcomings to ensure transparency and accountability within BC's correctional facilities.

Read the full story by Sidney Coles here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Sooke wildfire grew to 169 ha on Wednesday afternoon—up from 50 ha on Tuesday and 3 ha on Monday afternoon. 

Smoke escape: The Sooke Branch of the Vancouver Island Public Library will serve as a designated comfort centre for those looking to avoid the smoke. 

Air quality: Rated 1 in Victoria/Saanich (lowest risk) but 7 in areas with smoke (high risk). Yesterday, 1,250+ readers responded to our poll saying they saw—and smelled—smoke throughout the CRD. 

Road closure: Bay is closed today and tomorrow from Cook to Shelbourne (8:30am-8:30pm) for sewage maintenance. 

Stay clear of water-skimming aircrafts at Shawnigan Lake as they collect water to fight the Old Man Lake Fire in Sooke.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Frickin’ Delights Donuts is closing its doors

Frickin’ Delights Donuts, a popular downtown vegan donut shop, will shut its doors at the end of July. 

The shop has been in business for the past 12 years—it first began in Devon, Alberta in 2013—and operated out of 632 Yates St. for the last four years.

Frickin' Delights Donuts’ final day of operations will be July 31 and it will be serving up doughnuts every day until then.   

The shop sells handcrafted vegan doughnuts made daily, with flavours rotating each month. This month’s flavours include blueberry pancake, Mayan fudge, Kahlua, and raspberry lemonade. Frickin’ Delights also serves coffee drinks as well as light lunch fare. 

While you only have less than a week to grab some frickin’ delightful donuts, there are, thankfully, some new food spots opening around town. Check out two new restaurants opening their doors this month.

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🗞️ In Other News

Former Langford councillor Roger Wade dies
In addition to his four terms as a councillor, he was the general manager of the Westshore Rebels football team. Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson said he “played a pivotal role” in the growth of Langford during his time in office, having first won a seat in 2008. Details of his death have not been released. Wade lived in Langford for 37 years with his wife and three kids. [Goldstream Gazette]

Suspect in Wharf sexual assault arrested
The man, who is believed to be responsible for the downtown assault that occurred last week—which police called a “concern for the public” given the violent nature of the attack—was arrested around 7:30pm Tuesday night, according to VicPD. Police say they executed a search warrant and secured evidence related to the assault. The suspect was released on an appearance notice, which police say “includes restrictive and protective conditions to maintain public safety.” The name of the suspect can not be released until charges are sworn. Detectives are processing and analyzing evidence now with the goal of recommending charges to Crown counsel.

Sooke wildfire burns close to Greater Victoria’s watershed
The Old Man Lake fire was burning within 5km of the watershed yesterday, though CRD said it was not deemed a risk. The terrain and wind in the area of the fire reduce the risk to the watershed, according to a release from the CRD yesterday, but the water supply will be monitored for any issues with quality. Ash from a wildfire can increase turbidity in water and possible algae blooms. [Times Colonist]

🗓️ Things to do

🎶 Emmett Hodgins Quintet: Enjoy original tunes and jazz arrangements at Hermann’s tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]

❤️ Shake it Off at Herald Street Brew Works: Dance to Taylor Swift’s greatest hits and enjoy Swiftie themed drinks and a photo booth at Herald Street Brew Works tomorrow. 8pm. [Info]

🍸🎻 Mozart and Martinis: Listen to the Victoria Symphony perform a program of Mozart and more at The Atrium tomorrow. 5pm. [Info]

🎺🇨🇺 Club Havana: Discover the history of Cuban music, with a performance from The West Coast Cuban Orchestra at Hermann’s tomorrow. 7pm. [Info] 

🍔 Eats & Beats Beach Party: Dance to live music at this Beachlands fest and enjoy a snack from an international food truck lineup, alongside beach games and a beverage garden. Sat. 1-8pm. [Info] 

🧑‍🎨 ArtisTREE: Discover local art makers with 150 artisan vendors, live performances, and food at Government House. Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 10am-5pm. [Info]

🚗 Sport and Import Car Show: See the best in classic and collector cars at this annual show at the Saanich Fairgrounds. Sun. 10:30am-3pm. [Info] 

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: Sooke fire still out of control; downtown sexual assault a “concern for the public”; mechanical failure cause of 2023 Island plane crash. [July 24]

Protesting an important aspect of Victoria’s civic engagement. [Capital Daily]

Crabs and the Milky Way: See this night shot taken at China Beach. [Photo]

Throwback pic: See this photo of Mayfair Mall in the 1980s. [Photo]

Grass fire on Pat Bay shoulder Tuesday. [CHEK] 

$600 of bracelets stolen from 11-year-old Langford girl with handmade jewelry business. [Goldstream Gazette]

That’s it!

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