June 18 - Saving kelp forests

Good morning !

Today we have a story on the work being done to restore kelp forests in Island waters. Kelp forests are fascinating ecosystems, teeming with life—there are many cool photos and videos of scuba divers exploring these forests and showcasing the abundance of marine animals that thrive under the canopies.

I’m wondering if any readers have explored local kelp forests or other marine ecosystems while scuba diving—let us know if you’ve seen something cool while out diving!

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

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NEWS

Victoria councillors vote to further explore the benefits of Universal Basic Income

The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) is set to tackle the topic of Universal Basic Income (UBI) at its upcoming annual AGM, bolstered by an endorsement of Victoria city councillors to do so. 

This initiative revives interest in Guaranteed Annual Income (GAI) discussions at local, provincial, and national levels.

Last Thursday, Victoria City Council voted on endorsing UBCM’s resolution to explore UBI in British Columbia, led by Mayor Marianne Alto in continuation of previous council efforts dating back to 2016. 

The proposal stems from long-standing recommendations, such as those in the Croll Committee's 1971 report and subsequent efforts and inquiries advocating for income security, including the Dauphin experiment in Manitoba.

UBCM aims to present a resolution at its AGM urging provincial and federal governments to implement UBI, ensuring sufficient income for all residents to mitigate poverty and homelessness. This initiative seeks to relieve pressure on municipal resources currently filling gaps in social safety nets.

Despite broad support, dissent was expressed by Councillor Marg Gardiner, citing reservations linked to insights from the Dauphin MINCOME experiment of the 1970s, which she argued lacked conclusive evidence of success.

As UBCM prepares to deliberate on UBI’s potential impacts, the AGM in September promises to set the ground for crucial discussions on reshaping social policies and alleviating burdens faced by municipalities across Canada.

Read the full story by Sidney Coles here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Saanich garbage collection schedule changing Jul. 3. 

Sooke Community Garden: Transition Sooke and Sooke Food CHI seek public input on garden locations.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

UVic researchers aim to regrow kelp forests

As kelp forests deplete across coastal waters, UVic researchers are finding innovative ways to regrow and maintain these valuable ecosystems.

Kelp forests are home to an abundance of wildlife—much like forests above ground, these underwater ecosystems provide shelter and feeding grounds for creatures big and small, from orcas and sea lions to snails and worms.

Coastal ecosystems are essential for fighting climate change, with the ability to capture 20 times more carbon than forests on land—kelp, in particular, plays an especially important role in carbon sequestration.

But these forests have declined significantly due to a combination of overfishing, food chain disruptions and climate change.

To fight the decline of these undersea forests, UVic is working to regrow them in the Salish Sea, with a goal to develop a roadmap to recovery. 

“It is very ambitious, but the urgency of this problem drives us to commit to these large goals,” says Sean Rogers, director at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.

Read the full story by Robyn Bell here.

NEWS

Double shooting in Esquimalt sparks hospital lockdowns

Police received reports of multiple shots fired on Sunday night outside a residence on Lyall. Two people were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, one of whom has life-threatening injuries. The shooting is believed to be targeted, according to police, and is being investigated to determine if there is any threat to the public. 

Island Health told CHEK that police advised Victoria General and Royal Jubilee to be placed on lockdown yesterday from 11:30am to 2pm, out of an abundance of caution.

No patients were turned away, but there were security checks for anyone arriving at the hospital and temporary restrictions on some entrances.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🦉 Baby owls: See two great horned owlets huddled in a tree in Metchosin. [Photos]

🎾 Uptown pickleball courts set to open July 5.

📸 All the fascinating sea anemones of the South Island. [40 photos]

🤝 Now hiring: Executive Director at Capital Bike.

🗞️ In Other News

Cascadia Liquor strike ends with new deal 
After 43 days of striking, unionized employees of the local liquor store chain have reached a tentative deal with Cascadia, including wage increases and better health and dental benefits. The union, SEIU Local 2 has called off its boycott of Cascadia owners, the Truffles Group. [Times Colonist]

Saanich Nellie McClung Library rezoned for affordable housing
Saanich is one step closer to the proposed 210-unit housing project, with a unanimous vote from council. Plans include tearing down the existing library, rebuilding it at double the size, and building 18 storeys of affordable suites above it. The project is still in its early stages and needs to be developed. [Saanich News]

Judge rejects bid to review not renewing fishing licences in BC
A federal judge has stood by the federal fishing minister’s decision to not renew 15 open-net Atlantic salmon farm licences, operating near the Discovery Islands, saying the decision’s citing of the unknown risks posed by farming was reasonable. The request for review was launched by Wei Wai Kum and We Wai Kai nations near Quadra Island and Campbell River, as well as other salmon farms. [Yahoo/ CP]

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Victoria is rising. Rise with us.

Greater Victoria is rising, and we want to attract businesses and talent including essential workers, to strengthen our regional economy. Follow Victoria Rising on Instagram (@makevictoriahome) to access a free brand toolkit including professional photography, videos and graphics by local talent to promote our region.

Follow @makevictoriahome

🗓️ Things to do

🎵 Music at Ship Point: Hush Hush Noise will perform dream pop music near the Inner Harbour alongside games, food, and drinks. Today. 4-8pm. 

🖼️ Pixel Perfect: The exhibit exploring digital art and photography begins at Gage Gallery Arts Collective. Today until Jul. 7.  

🎸 Bands!Bands!Bands!: Baba Chaka, Jesse Heinz, High Dive, and Five Foot Nine will perform at Victoria Event Centre. Today. Doors 7pm. Show 7:30pm. 

🎥 Mulholland Dr. at Cinecenta: The early 2000s David Lynch film about Hollywood will be shown at the UVic theatre. Today. 4:45pm and 7:30pm.  

🎤 Ska & Reggae Festival: The 25th annual music festival begins tomorrow with events across the city. Until July 6.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Monday’s headlines: Victoria’s new homeless service hub; Campbell River student on Canada’s first electric flight; How Victoria’s crisis teams respond. [June 17]

Burst of undersea earthquakes near Island leads to joint expedition between marine organizations. [The Westshore]

Where to get local craft ice cream when things heat up this week. [Tasting Victoria]

A dog finds a squid on the beach up in Haida Gwaii. [Photo]

Saanich delays Shelbourne expropriation to make plan for tree, helping girl with seizure disorder. [Times Colonist]

Canada Rugby captain bitten by cougar in Strathcona park. [Global]

Papa goats at Beacon Hill Children's Farm. [Photos]

That’s it!

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