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- June 20 - Indigenous Peoples Day events
June 20 - Indigenous Peoples Day events
New housing for those leaving correctional institutes, orcas in Haro Strait, and more
Robyn Bell
June 20, 2024
Good morning !
The weather forecast over the next few days could not be more perfect—and just in time for some live outdoor music. Ska Fest is currently underway at Ship Point and Victoria Jazz Fest will kick off tomorrow, with shows at Bullen Park. In addition to this, there are several free outdoor shows happening weekly in Greater Victoria, including the Fort Common Music Series downtown, Music in the Park in Colwood, and Summer Concerts in the Park in Oak Bay.
— Robyn
Do you plan on catching some live music this week? |
Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes
🌡️ Weather Forecast
NEWS
Victoria studio apartments going up for prisoners getting out
Building site at 736 Princess. Photo: Mark Brennae / Capital Daily
A building is going up at 736 Princess, a stone’s throw from the Island Farms dairy on Blanshard—and while it may appear to be just another of the many construction projects in the city, this new edifice will have the power to help build new lives—28 of them.
The building will feature 28 studio apartments owned and operated by the John Howard Society of Victoria—a non-profit organization dedicated to restarting the sidetracked lives of those who have committed crimes.
“Everyone deserves a good home, and we know that individuals transitioning from the correctional system to the community can face unique challenges in finding affordable housing,” Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon said in a release.
Site prep began in the spring and construction begins this month on the six-storey structure which will feature educational space, including a 46-square-metre (500-square-foot) kitchen, classrooms, and administrative space in the org’s new HQ.
Manj Toor, the organization’s executive director tells Capital Daily the society has been part of the Burnside Gorge community for 40+ years and expects a smooth transition into the new digs.
“We did meet with neighbours in the area whose primary concern, in fact, was parking on the street which we’ve addressed,” Toor said. “As we expect accountability from those we serve, we also expect to be held accountable by the community in which we operate.”
The upper floors will house the apartments, each containing a private washroom and kitchenette.
“These 28 new homes will make a big difference as the new residents also get supports for health care, social services, life skills, and employment training to help set them on the right path,” Kahlon said.
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
A GoFundMe page has been launched for the Langford teen who nearly drowned last weekend and remains in critical condition.
Date your city: Have your say on Victoria’s upcoming Official Community Plan—with a dating app twist.
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
EVENTS
Where to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day
Photo: Royal Roads / Facebook
Tomorrow marks Indigenous Peoples Day, the main day of celebration within Indigenous History Month. In Greater Victoria, we reside on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen people (which include the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations), the WSANEC people (which include Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum and Malahat Nations), Scia'new Nation, and T'Sou-ke Nation. These nations have lived on the South Island and cared for the area since time immemorial. There are also many urban Indigenous people, coming from a variety of communities, that have made Victoria their home.
To honour the rich history of Indigenous people on the Island—and across North America, AKA Turtle Island—we’ve rounded up events where you can dive into Indigenous history, support Indigenous artists and creators, and celebrate with food, dance, music, and fun.
Check our roundup of events below:
Indigenous Arts and Culture | Today - Sat. 10am-3pm. | Sun. 12-4pm.
Celebrate Indigenous contributions to art on the Island and in Canada at the Colwood Arts and Culture Society. [Admission cost]
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration at Royal Roads | Tomorrow | 10am
Celebrate Indigenous culture, with performances by Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers, live music, canoe challenges, kids activities, and a fry bread station. [Free]
National Indigenous Peoples’ Day Quadra Village | Tomorrow | 4-8pm
Explore the Indigenous market, hear live drumming, and grab some free bannock and strawberries (known as heart berries in some Indigenous languages) at the Quadra Village Community Centre. [Free]
Free Swim for Indigenous Peoples Day | Tomorrow | 7pm
In honour of Indigenous Peoples Day, Panorama Rec Centre is hosting an evening free swim—everyone is welcome. [Free]
Indigenous Artist Market | Saturday | 10am-4pm
The Royal BC Museum will host the Indigenous Artist Market, which features the work of several Indigenous creators.
⭐️ Capital Picks
👐 From counselling services to cultural workshops, the Island Metis Family & Community Services Society is an invaluable resource for people of all ages. Read more about the society here.*
🐳 Orcas say hello: Two curious Biggs orcas got close to a group of onlookers as they swam through Haro Strait. [Video]
⚖ Protect your rights and dispute your driving prohibition with the help of a knowledgeable lawyer. Contact Acumen Law Corporation today to start your defence.*
🤝 Now hiring: Community Engagement Consultant at Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Centre.
*Sponsored Listing
🗞️ In Other News
Tsawout (STAUTW) Nation buys back 100 acres of land
The First Nation says the acquired Puckle Road property will grow its land base by 15%—roughly 700 acres in total—and bring more economic opportunities. The property was sold at a below-market rate as a personal act of reconciliation, according to the seller. A blessing ceremony will take place this afternoon. [Peninsula News Review]
Post-Secondary Minister demands answers from UVic in teen’s death
Lisa Beare sent a letter last week to UVic’s board chair Paul Ramsey asking what the school plans to do to address concerns highlighted by the January death of Sidney McIntrye-Starko, 18, in her dorm room. Beare said she felt compelled to write the letter after meeting with McIntrye-Starko’s parents, who have criticized campus security and the school’s handling of her fatal overdose. [Time Colonist]
WestJet cancelled 40 flights in preparation of mechanics strike
More than 650 WestJet mechanics are expected to walk off the job as early as tonight, leading the airline to cancel and consolidate flights Tues. and Wed., affecting 6.5K customers. The cancellations come as WestJet awaits a response from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board, in the hopes of moving the dispute to arbitration and preventing further labour action from the union. [CP/CHEK]
🗓️ Things to do
🎤 Ska & Reggae Festival: The 25th annual music festival begins today with events across the city. Until July 6. [Info]
🎭 Matilda the Musical: See this musical about a powerful little girl, based on the book by Roald Dahl. Charlie White Theatre. Today and tomorrow, 6:30pm. Sat. and Sun. 1:30pm, 6:30pm. [Info]
😂 Entertainment Village: Head to The Mint for this improv comedy show hosted by OK Dope tonight. 8pm. [Info]
🎸 Family Dinner w/ Summer’s Brother: See these local indie rockers at Victoria Event Centre tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]
🕺 Michael Jackson History: See this tribute to Jackson’s history, featuring the star’s biggest hits at the Royal Theatre tonight. 7pm. [Info]
🎶 Cameron Whitcomb: See the country singer perform at Capital Ballroom tonight. 9pm. [Info]
🖼️ The Master Restorer: Learn about the life of Sergeant Joseph Loxton Rawbon, 19th century artist and art restorer, at the Ross Bay Villa tonight. 7:30pm [Info]
🎷 Jazz Fest Victoria: Check out this festival of shows happening at Bullen Park, Hermann’s, and Wicket Hall. Grab tickets to individual shows or purchase a full festival pass. Running tomorrow until June 30. [Info]
🥓🍺 🥃 Bacon, Beer, and Bourbon Fest: Taste a variety of delicious food and drink at this annual festival at the Langford Starlight Stadium. Sat. 5-8pm. [Info]
👀 In Case You Missed It
Wednesday’s headlines: Contract changes spell construction industry concerns; New bridge for Galloping Goose; Swifty swindle. [June 19]
Missing person: VicPD is looking for Jeffrey, 36, who was last seen April 23 in the Rock Bay area.
Missing person: Kamara Landry, 17, last seen in Nanaimo. [RCMP]
Denman Island cable ferry should be investigated, says resident. [LJI]
Eagles fight in the sky for control of Colwood airspace. [Tony Austin photo]
Victoria International Wine Festival tickets are now on sale.
Manny Ramirez autograph session for Our Place. [Registration]
That’s it!
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