- Capital Daily
- Posts
- June 22 - Bus fares going up, same with tanker traffic
June 22 - Bus fares going up, same with tanker traffic
Plus: Life Labs testing centre vacating Victoria
Mark Brennae
June 22, 2024
Good morning !
We start the day with some ‘up’ news. As in, something’s going up. And this time, that something is bus fare. Not until next spring, though.
Also up will be the number of tankers passing through our waters now that TMX can double sling its oil. That’s got some people worried about how killer whales are going to respond to more traffic. And it’s our second story.
Oh, and can you believe the Oilers have tied the series? Whoa.
— Mark
Do you think the Oilers can become just the second team ('42 Leafs) to come back from a 3-games to zilch deficit to win the Stanley Cup? |
Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes
🌡️ Weather Forecast
NEWS
Victoria bus fares popping up by 20% next spring
Photo: BC Transit / Facebook
The Victoria Regional Transit Commission (VRTC) said the new fares will be applied next April.
A one-way fare will cost $3, up from $2.50, and a DayPASS will cost $6, up from $5. Fares will remain the same for 30-day adult passes at $85, and 30-day concession passes—available to seniors and youth aged 13-18—at $45. This was a diversion from a recommendation in a BC Transit report, which suggested both monthly packages increase by $10.
It’s estimated the increases will mean at least $1M in additional revenue for the transit authority but could lead to a small drop in ridership. BC Transit says the fare hike is necessary for maintaining current service, noting bus fares haven’t gone up here since 2010.
“The cost of operating transit has increased, as has the demand for service with an ever-growing population,” BC Transit said in a release. “VRTC is looking to balance funding sources to help maintain and improve service in the Victoria Regional Transit System.”
The process of determining the new fares began last June, followed by months of consultations, including with the public last October to December. All options had to align with Safe Restart Funding constraints, which prevent a fare increase above 2.3% before April 1, 2025, as part of the federal government’s pandemic recovery plan
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
Missing person: Brooke-Lynn Williamson, 27, last seen June 3 on Blenkisop near PKOLS. [VicPD]
Protest today: 1 Million Voices for Inclusion group says it plans to protest “We Unify" conference. [9am @ VCC]
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
NEWS
Killer whales need emergency protections from TMX traffic, say environmentalists
Orcas in the Salish Sea. Photo: Shutterstock
Conservation groups have petitioned the federal government to use emergency measures to protect endangered southern resident killer whales from the perils of increased tanker traffic expected from the expanded Trans Mountain (TMX) pipeline.
The 74 remaining southern residents—dependent on dwindling Chinook salmon—are expected to face a seven-fold increase in TMX tanker traffic in the Salish Sea when the expanded pipeline reaches peak capacity this summer.
Six environmental organizations are formally petitioning Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier, urging them to recommend that cabinet issue an emergency order under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) to save the remaining whales, said Margot Venton, nature program director of Ecojustice, a legal charity working for the environmental groups.
Venton says an order is the best tool in the federal toolkit to tackle the rising underwater noise, threat of vessel strikes, and risk to food sources that shipping traffic poses to the whales.
SPONSORED BY SPROUT FAMILY HEALTH
Wonderful healthcare for families is here
Imagine a new kind of healthcare experience. Warm, welcoming, and designed for families. A person on the other end of the line when you have a question. And a specialized team with big hearts and big brains. Sprout is focused on prevention and longevity instead of just reactive illness care.
Sprout’s Health Navigator is your guide (and a registered nurse on speed dial). The Nurse Practitioner concentrates on proactive care. And their physical, functional, and mental-health specialists support you and your family to thrive.
In-person, over the phone, or virtual appointments that are never rushed. Extras like developmental milestone checks and an annual Dexa body composition scan. It’s wonderful care for families.
⭐️ Capital Picks
🧮 Shaping Sooke’s budget. Have your say. Survey now open
🏊 New Banfield Dock is open to swimmers. [Bird’s eye view]
🤝 Now hiring: Operations Coordinator at COAST (Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies).
🗞️ In Other News
Life Labs is moving testing operations out of Victoria
And relocating most of its microbiology examinations to Surrey in the fall. The union representing workers warns patients could end up waiting longer to get results. It says 16 workers—13 from Vic—will be laid off at the end of the year and some temp positions won’t be renewed. [Times Colonist]
Saanich man dies after motorcycle mishap north of Prospect Lake
The man, 55, crashed on Willis Point near Wallace late Thu. afternoon and later died in hospital. Few details have been made available but early indications suggest speed was a factor, Saanich Police said. [Saanich Police]
Water quality improving at several Greater Victoria beaches
Island Health testing showed higher-than-usual levels of bacteria in the waters off Willows, Hamsterley West, and Elk Lake beaches but advisories have now been lifted. As of midday yesterday, advisories remained for Ross Bay at Dallas and Esquimalt Gorge Park, which at one point showed roughly 33 times the recommended safe level of enterococci bacteria. [Victoria News]
Islander among 7 headed to BC Rugby Hall of Fame
Shawnigan Lake’s Ian Hyde-Lay and six others in the Class of 2024 will be officially inducted in the fall. Hyde-Lay goes in as a builder, having coached at St Michael’s University School for 39 years and winning six provincial championships. As a player, he has three international caps. He was an administrator and longtime high school and international referee and earned more headwear. [BC Rugby]
🗓️ Things to do
⚾️ The boys are back in town. HarbourCats overcame a 5-run deficit last night to beat visiting Bellingham 6-5. Bells at ‘Cats. Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP. Today. 630pm. Tomorrow. 1pm. [Info]
🩰 Hot Pink: Peers Victoria Fundraiser & Cheesecake Burlesque Revue Triumph.The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue, known for their witty, whimsical, and downright fabulous routines, this troupe recently won honours in Las Vegas. Belfry Theatre. Today. 6pm. [Info]
🍻 Whistle Buoy Birthday Party: The brewery is turning five, with live music, food vendors, games, and beer releases. Market Square. Today. 7-9pm. [Info]
🥓🍺🥃 Bacon Beer and Bourbon Festival: Enjoy bourbon cocktails, beer, and pork dishes at Starlight Stadium. Today. 4-8pm. [Info]
🌿 Celtic Solstice Celebration: The Hounds of Cuchulain will perform classic folk music at The Fernwood Community Association in celebration of “the longest day” of the year. Today. 7-9:30pm. [Info]
🎙️Carsen Gray: The award-winning singer will perform at the Cameron Bandshell at Beacon Hill Park during JazzFest. Today. Music from 12-6pm. Free. [Info]
🎙️Angela Verbrugge Quartet: During JazzFest, the Victoria-based vocalist will perform at the Cameron Bandshell at Beacon Hill Park alongside keyboardist Ashley Wey, bassist Louis Rudner, and drummer Kosma Busheikin. Today. Music from 12-6pm. Free. [Info]
🎸 David Santana Quartet: The Victoria-based guitarist will be joined by saxophonist Ryan Oliver, keyboardist Tony Genge, and drummer Miles Fuller at the Cameron Bandshell at Beacon Hill Park during JazzFest. Today. Music From 12-6pm. Free. [Info]
🎷 Josh Warren’s Groove Circus: As a part of JazzFest, the funk-fusion band will perform at the Cameron Bandshell at Beacon Hill Park. Today. Music from 12-6pm. Free. [Info]
🎻 Robin Layne & The Rhythm Makers: The jazz and folk ensemble will perform at the Cameron Bandshell at Beacon Hill Park during JazzFest. Today. Music 12-6pm. Free. [Info]
🎺 Audrey Ochoa: The Edmonton-based trombone players will perform at Hermann’s Jazz Club during JazzFest. Today. 7pm. [Info]
🎵 Colwood’s Music in the Park: JaimesonRhy will perform at Colwood Corners. Today. 5:30-7:30pm. [Info]
🗣️ Free Ska Sessions: Listen to a free talk with Less Than Jake including an audience Q&A at Victoria Curling Club during Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival. Today. 2pm. [Info]
🎤 Dead Prez: The hip-hop duo will headline Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival’s Ship Point concert today, with additional performances from Macka B & The Roots Ragga Band, Mungo’s Hi-Fi ft. Marina P., and more. Today. 2-10pm. [Info]
🎶 Less Than Jake: The ska punk band will headline Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival’s B-Day Bash at Victoria Curling Club with additional performances from The Planet Smashers, Mephiskapheles, Sweetleaf, and Young Royal. Today. 7:30pm-1:30am. [Info]
👀 In Case You Missed It
Friday’s headlines: Deal signed to protect land in Clayoquot Sound; Vic team wins Race2Alaska; Langford teen pulled from lake dies in hospital; And more. [June 21]
AfriCa Fest offers a lot over the weekend. [Tasting Victoria]
Did you win? Prize winners for Spring Go by Bike Week.
Rhino Coffee opens a new location at Jordie Lunn Bike Park Clubhouse, the second in Langford.
Property taxes are due in Victoria & elsewhere on July 2
Umo Scam: BC Transit warns of an account posing as the bus service on Facebook. [Details]
Approved for zoning: 19-unit rental on 2 Fernwood lots. [Times Colonist]
Does this Canada Post complaint ring a bell with you? [CHEK]
That’s it!
If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to a fellow Victorian.
And before you go, let us know:
What did you think of today's newsletter? |