June 15 - Victoria in "danger zone" for mega earthquake

Good morning !

Today we have some unsettling news about the future “Big One” expected to hit Victoria and the Pacific Northwest someday.

I haven’t experienced any major quakes myself, though I have a very clear memory of the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake that occurred in Washington, but was felt in Victoria and Vancouver.

I was at school that day, and I remember seeing potted plants bounce off of my teacher’s desk and the classroom windows throbbing as the ground shook—but thankfully that was the extent of the damage here.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ⛈️ 16 / 10

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 15 / 10

Monday: 🌤️ 18 / 9

7-day forecast

NEWS

Island sits near dangerous section of Cascadia fault line, new research shows

A report released last week is furthering seismologists’ understanding of the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ)—and is, unfortunately, clarifying just how screwed Victoria will be in the event of “the Big One.”

This new research is a major advancement in clarifying the future movement of these faults, with new info emerging about the structure of the CSZ.

Scientists have known for some time that the CSZ—which runs from BC down to Northern California—has a risk of slipping and causing an earthquake with a magnitude of 9 or higher. They’ve also determined that we’re due for one of these quakes in the near future (there’s about a 50% chance it could hit in the next 80 years). How that quake will appear in different regions is becoming more clear.

The new data shows that the texture of the northern section of the CSZ—running below the South Island and Washington—is much smoother and flatter than its southern counterpart. These textures are essential for understanding the magnitude of a future earthquake. A rougher texture essentially has more “speed bumps” in the way to slow the movement of tectonic plates, while the smooth sections will slide without impediment.

This means, as the plates move and slip along these boundaries—which they inevitably will—the northern section, where Victoria is located, will experience a dramatic slip resulting in one very large—and longer-lasting—earthquake.

Read the full story by Robyn Bell here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Thunderstorm risk today (late morning / afternoon) in Greater Victoria.

Drug poisoning warning for Cowichan and Campbell River. [Island Health]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Where to celebrate Father’s Day in Victoria tomorrow

Tomorrow is Father’s Day and while the weather isn’t looking its sunniest, there are plenty of ways to brighten up Dad’s day.

With fun events and activities happening around town all weekend, celebrating the father figure in your life should be a blast. 

Get in some quality time at the Heritage Acres Summer Fair or catch some live music at Hermann’s on Sunday, featuring the 17-piece Island Big Band. If Dad is a fan of geology, take him to check out the Victoria Gem Show. If he wants a cultured afternoon at the theatre, bring him to see a Ukrainian dance performance at the McPherson Playhouse.

If you’re looking for an event catered specifically to Father’s Day, check out our list below:

Dads and Ducks Race | Sunday | 10am
Join this rubber ducky race for Father’s Day at the Butterfly Gardens—dads get in for free.

Father’s Day Merridale Cider | Sunday | 4-7pm
Take Dad for dinner and drinks at Merridale Cider, or check out the orchard tour. Try the prix fixe menu or or get food a la carte. 

Raymond James’ Father’s Day Walk/ Run for Prostate Cancer | Sunday | 10am
Honour the fathers lost to prostate cancer and join the 21st annual 5km run, raising money for research. You can also cheer on those running at Vancouver Island Technology Park.

Father’s Day British Car Show and Picnic | Sunday | 9am-3pm
If your father is a car guy, take him to check out this showcase and picnic at Beacon Hill Park. If he owns a British-made vehicle, it can be driven onto the field to join the show—just make sure it’s off the field by 3pm.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🦌🐱 Bambi meets Mugs: Check out these sweet pictures of a deer touching noses with a cat named Mugs in Oak Bay. [Photos]

📈 Join over 2000 subscribers getting the latest insights on our region's pressing economic issues like housing, healthcare and more from South Island Prosperity Partnership’s weekly newsletter.*

🦀 Close-up with a crab at Witty’s Lagoon. [Doug Clement]

🤝 Now hiring: 1st and 2nd Cook at Blue Poppy Restaurant.

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Makah Tribe in Washington wins rights to hunt grey whales
After 25 years of legal battles, the Makah, located at the northeastern point of the Olympic Peninsula, will resume traditional hunting practices. The Makah Tribe can now hunt up to 25 North Pacific grey whales in the next 10 years (2-3 per year), for “minimal subsistence and ceremonial purposes.” [The Guardian]

Two teens stuck by car while crossing street in Colwood
The teens, 19, were sent to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and the left-turning driver was ticketed for failure to yield to the pedestrians who had the right of way. [Times Colonist]

Ice bath heist hits Langford gym
CrossFit Lolo says 2 Kustom Kool Plunge tubs worth $6K each were taken in B&E. RCMP have no suspects and seek witnesses. [RCMP]

🗓️ Things to do

🧑‍🚒 Fire Hall Open House: Check out the new facilities at Victoria’s Fire Hall, test out a fire hose, enjoy some tasty BBQ, and tour the fire trucks—including the new electric truck. Today, 11am-2pm. [Info] 

🎈FernFest: The neighbourhood celebration is back, featuring live music, lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers, magic, an art market, and a kids zone. Fernwood Square today, 11:30am-10pm. [Info]

🕺 Family Dance: If you’re in the area for FernFest, join this pop-up family dance at the Fernwood Community Centre Gym today. 4-7pm [Info]

💎 Victoria Gem Show: Check out this massive gem and mineral show, with 50 vendors showcasing their items at Pearkes Recreation Centre. Today 10am-6pm, tomorrow 10am-5pm. [Info]

🛍️ Island Vintage Pop-up: Check out retro clothes and toys at this pop-up market at Lazy Susan’s today. 9:30-4pm. [Info]

🎻 Estivo Ensemble: See this first show in the Classical Concert Series hosted by Arts & Culture Colwood Society at St. John Baptist Church today. 2pm. [Tickets]

🎧 The Unofficial: Hear music from Downtown Mischief, Silk-turna, Saturna meets Silk Static, and special guests at Capital Ballroom today. 10pm. [Info]

🎸 Completely Creedence: This Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band will perform at McPherson Playhouse tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]

🧝 Lord of the Rings: Extended Editions continue this weekend at the Roxy. Two Towers today at 2:50 & 7:30pm. [Info]

👗 ReLove Market: Shop pre-loved goodies at this market in Market Square today and tomorrow. 11am-5pm. [Info]

🖼️ Travels Without my Aunt: See the work of artist Simon P. Stuart at ArtSea Gallery in Sidney today through Thursday. [Info]

😂 Kevin James Thornton: See the comedian perform at Capital Ballroom tonight. 7pm. [Info]

🏥 Saanich Peninsula Hospital celebrates 50 years with a craft fair / mini bazaar, sign unveiling, and BBQ today. 10am-4pm. [Info]

🇺🇦 Veselka Ukrainian Dancers: See this showcase by the Ukrainian dance group at McPherson Playhouse tomorrow. 2pm. [Info]

👢 Westshore Swap, Shop, & Market: Browse a variety of local vendors with new items available every week at Westshore Parks and Rec every Sunday this summer. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Friday’s headlines: FernFest returns for its 27th year; Dutch Bakery building for sale; Saanich speed limits drop. [June 14]

Crystal Pool referendum moves forward. [Capital Daily]

Forest creature: A unique tree growth near Sombrio Beach looks like a person. [Photo]

CRD stepping up safety on trails. [Capital Daily]

Airline strike avoided as WestJet Encore pilots ratify new deal.

That’s it!

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

And before you go, let us know: