Good morning {{First name}}!

It’s hump day, and I’m already looking at things to do this weekend. A lot is going on, including neighbourhood parties in Fernwood and Esquimalt. There’s the World Cup—Canada’s first game is on Friday.
The HarbourCats return from a road trip to play—D’oh!—Springfield this weekend.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

Today: ☀️ 18 / 9

Tomorrow: ☀️ 20 / 10

Friday: 🌤️ 17 / 13

7-day forecast

Yesterday, we wrote in this space how developer Reliance Properties wants to convert the old BC Power Commission building into a hotel—but we didn’t paint a full picture.

While it’s great to see more hotel space being created in a region that needs it, there will be casualties if the developer gets the go-ahead.

Upward of 200 artists from four galleries and five non-profit arts organizations who call the yellowish art-deco building at 780 Blanshard home would need to find new digs.

“We are indeed going to be displaced when the hotel conversion commences, and I am trying desperately to find a new, suitable location for us all, with little luck so far,” says Logan Ford, executive director of the Vancouver Island Visual Arts Society (VIVAS).

Read Mark Brennae’s full story here.

Delays on E&N Regional Trail: Single-lane closures between Hereward and Devonshire, now through June 15. Cyclists must dismount through the work zone. [CRD]

Saanich single-lane alternating traffic: Elk Lake Drive between Marsett Place and the Patricia Bay Highway through Nov. 30, 7am to 6pm.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

On the water today? Check the tide times for Victoria.

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James Douglas Prentice, who goes by the moniker “Captain Painfully Obvious,” entered guilty pleas on one count of sexual assault and two counts of sexual interference of a person under 14 at the Port Alberni Law Courts. The offences took place in Tofino in July 1991. 

Prentice’s legal team entered an intention to plead guilty in June 2024, according to court documents. The presiding judge accepted the plea for one count of sexual assault, finding Prentice guilty. Prentice’s legal team confirmed his intention to plead guilty to all three counts in September 2025. Proceedings are ongoing.

Prentice is not currently in custody and is awaiting a psychiatric evaluation, scheduled for June 17. 

Family members of Prentice told Capital Daily that the 1991 case is one of at least seven alleged instances of child sexual assault committed by him, including against children under the age of six. 

Prentice is known in Victoria for his activism, including with the Extinction Rebellion Movement and the Fairy Creek blockades. Prentice founded his own activism organization, the No Shit, Sherlock! Political Action Committee, and competed on Season 8 of Dragon’s Den.

Join the team at Philosophy MD as they celebrate four years of business.

On June 11, enjoy exclusive anniversary treatment and retail packages, complimentary consultations, and a thoughtfully curated experience featuring Beaumont Catering, Twist of Fate Cocktail Co., and Zingaro Perfumery.

The event honours the community and team who make Philosophy MD possible. Whether you are a longtime patient or discovering the clinic for the first time, this is a beautiful opportunity to learn about what makes longevity medicine and aesthetic care different here.

Click here to learn more.

🎞️ FLOW: Canadian premiere of this Victoria-produced documentary on women in adventure sports is tonight at Vic Theatre.

📑 Art Book Sale at the Vancouver Island School of Art is on Sunday.

🖍️ Saanich Kids’ Colouring Contest. [June 26 deadline] 

🐶 BC SPCA Summer Camp youth programs begin July 7.

⚽ Pacific FC offers free tickets for kids for July 31 match.

🏓Join the Royal Bay community on June 27, from 1pm to 4pm for the grand opening of Rally, Royal Bay's new outdoor pickleball destination.*

🎉 Philosophy MD's 4th Anniversary Open House is June 11 from 1pm to 7pm. Meet the team and enjoy a thoughtfully curated event. RSVP here to attend.*

*Sponsored Listing

Shawnigan Retreats offers the perfect cozy retreat for family gatherings or romantic getaways. Nestled by the serene Shawnigan Lake, these 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.

Canadian cruise passenger recovered from hantavirus
Of the four Canadians isolating on the Island after disembarking from a cruise with a hantavirus outbreak, only one tested positive for the illness, according to the Office of the Provincial Health Officer of BC. The patient has recovered and was discharged from the hospital last week. The other three passengers have remained asymptomatic and are continuing their 42-day quarantine. [CBC]

Habitat for Humanity announces affordable housing project in Langford
The nonprofit has purchased land on Irwin, in Langford's Westhills neighbourhood, to build a 26-unit townhome development. It says it hopes to break ground and start accepting homeowner applications in the summer. Mortgages are arranged so families pay no more than 30% of their gross household incomes. Under a shared equity agreement, if a family moves in and later decides to move on, they cannot flip the home—Habitat for Humanity has the first right to buy it back. [Black Press]

New BC drivers can now take the learner’s licence test online
By allowing the test to be taken at home, wait times may be reduced at ICBC, says the BC government. Previously, the test could only be taken in person at an ICBC office. To avoid cheating, online tests will be monitored using software that tracks webcam and mouse movements. The at-home option is only available to those seeking a licence for passenger vehicles or motorcycles, not commercial vehicles. [BC Gov]

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🧺 Oak Bay Night Market: Oak Bay Village transforms into a European-style street market with local produce, artisan goods, live music, and activities. Oak Bay Village. Today. 4–8pm. [Info]

😆 Open Mic Night: There will be a PA system, a supportive audience, and an encouraging environment where performers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels can shine. Tonight. And all 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Goldfinch Arts Centre. 6:30pm. [Info] 

🖌️Pre-Summer Paint n' Sip: A guided acrylic painting evening with step-by-step instruction, all supplies included, and bubble tea available throughout. Paul Phillips Hall. Today. 6:30–8pm. [Info]

🎵 Laura Hickli and FACT Canadian Tour with SISSYFUSS: A triple bill spanning dark art pop, free jazz, and indie pop, headlined by internationally touring Calgary singer-songwriter Laura Hickli. The Coda. Today. 6:30–8:30pm. [Info]

⚕️ Island Health Presentation: Topics to be covered: Social work support, home-care nursing, occupational therapy, and rehab support—related to the need for equipment. Metchosin Arts & Cultural Centre. Tomorrow. 1-2pm. [Info]

🎨 The Roscoes By The Water: Mone Vogel, Ross Bay Villa’s director of interior restoration, will connect her paintings to the first family, the Roscoes, who lived at the Villa in the 1860s and '70s. Ross Bay Villa Historic House Museum. Tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

🍺📿 Beer and Hymns: Guests singing are accompanied by the cathedral’s mighty organ. The cathedral’s concession stand will be stocked with beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks. Christ Church Cathedral. Friday. 7:30pm. [Info]

⛵ Afternoon Tea & Talk about Dorothy: Hear tales of the adventures of the 129-year-old sailboat Dorothy from volunteer skippers and interpreters. Royal Victoria Yacht Club. June 18. 3-5pm. [Info]

🧑‍🎨 Art Battle Victoria Championship: In three fast-paced rounds, artists battle the clock and each other to create their best work in just 20 minutes. Capital Ballroom. June 19. 8pm. [Info]

Tuesday’s headlines: Downtown heritage building eyed for new hotel; Robotics being used to preserve Indigenous art techniques; Victoria golfer makes the Canadian Open. [June 9]

Rooftop garden proposal for Johnson Parkade to go before council tomorrow. [CHEK]

Canadian women’s team takes bronze in rugby sevens in France. [Times Colonist]

FIFA World Cup: Final preparations are being made in Vancouver. [CTV]

Give Blood: It’s National Blood Donor Week.

Ancient Egypt at Royal BC Museum: The temporary exhibit is now open through January. [RBCM] 

The many sea slugs (nudibranchs) of Vancouver Island. [Facebook video]

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