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UVic names its new president and vice-chancellor.
Some surprise renovation needs surface at Hermann’s.
And it’s going to cost more to take the ferry.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

Today: 🌥️19 / 11

Tomorrow: ☀️ 18 / 12

Friday: 🌦️ 15 /10

7-day forecast

The ferry company said it is responding to sustained increases in global fuel prices and “ongoing volatility in energy markets driven by geopolitical conflict overseas.” 

In other words, market worries over the US/Israel-Iran war have jacked up the price of fuel all around.  

BC Ferries said the surcharge, which will apply across all its routes, will help manage that volatility now and reduce the risk of raising fares later. 

The new levy will raise the standard Victoria-Vancouver vehicle fare to $93.45 from $89. The cost of walking on as a foot passenger to travel between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen will go up a buck and a bit to $22.05.

BC Ferries said the surcharge will be removed when fuel prices stabilize or decline. 

The company uses a fuel deferral account—which acts as a financial shock absorber—allowing it to spread out increased costs, but it said marine fuel prices have jumped by more than 40% since March.

Galloping Goose is now closed through Viaduct Park to Cecelia. Detours are in place for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users. [CRD] 

Saanich single-lane alternating traffic: Cedar Hill between Arrow and McKenzie today, through Monday, 9am to 3:30pm.

🚘 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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

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Just over a month after hitting its fundraising target, the team at Hermann’s Jazz Club is elbow-deep in repairs—both physically and organizationally.

Arts on View Society (AVS), which operates Hermann’s and the neighbouring View Street Social, gave an update this week about the club’s progress since shutting for renovations five weeks ago.

Hermann’s and View Street Social were nearly closed for good this spring after AVS realized it needed $450K to keep the venues running. But Victorians quickly came to the rescue—within a month, the full amount was raised through a fundraising campaign. With the monetary boost, the organization was finally able to address its most pressing issues.

One of the main financial barriers the club faced was a mounting debt that had accumulated for years. Al Smith, AVS board chair, said the club’s GST had not been filed or paid since 2022, and the board “had not received financial statements for years.” 

Because of the community’s donations, that debt has been erased.

“This has allowed us to turn our attention fully toward restoring the building and rebuilding the organization that will carry Hermann’s forward,” Smith shared in an update. 

The renovations ahead are more complicated than anticipated—the flooring needs to be redone, and structural upgrades are required—but the club operators are getting a helping hand from the City of Victoria.

Read the full story here.

Due to overwhelming demand, balcony seating has just been released for Ivan Decker’s Million Dollar Comedy Tour at the McPherson Playhouse on June 12. Don’t miss the award-winning comedian, known for his sharp wit and masterful storytelling. Final tickets are available now. All ages welcome.

🫁 BC Transit is free today for Clean Air Day. 

🎡 The Oak Bay Tea Party is Friday to Sunday. 

🏃 Father’s Day Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer is June 21.

🎶 Victoria Symphony’s Symphony in the Summer Festival returns. [July 30 to Aug. 9]

🤝 Election jobs: Apply before June 14 to work during Victoria’s municipal elections this October. [City of Vic]

Mateína’s new Zero Sugar line delivers smooth, organic energy from yerba mate—no crash, no weird ingredients. With clean caffeine and theobromine, it supports lasting focus and mental clarity. It’s plant-powered fuel that helps you stay sharp, alert, and energized—without the sugar. Try it out today.

Roadwork season is here: Plan to be slowed in traffic
Major roadways such as Bay, Cook, Government, and Quadra are all under some sort of construction, and city and utility crews are busy on the Bay Street Bridge and at other locations. Protected bike lanes are going in on Blanshard between Caledonia and Kings—and while that work should be completed in the next few weeks, more road closures are on the way. [Times Colonist]

UVic hires its first female Black president
Rhonda McEwen, who is currently president and vice-chancellor of Victoria University at the University of Toronto (U of T), will start her tenure at UVic in October. McEwen will take over the position from interim president Robina Thomas, who stepped in when former president Kevin Hall abruptly left months into his second five-year term. McEwen has a PhD in information from U of T, and a background in studying the influence and impacts of artificial intelligence on higher education. [Black Press]

GVTA calls for formal investigation into possible education ministry wrongdoing
The Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association wants Premier David Eby to launch an investigation after text messages showed senior ministry officials and VicPD officers seemingly collaborating to get the Victoria School Board fired. Disclosure of the texts collapsed the court case between the school board and BC, leading to the board’s reinstatement. The teachers’ union says it wants “accountability” from the province, and if wrongdoing is discovered, “people should lose their jobs.” [CHEK]

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🎷 The Invitation Series 1: Steve Kaldestad and Owen Chow: This series, which pairs Montreal and BC jazz musicians, will kick off with saxophonist Steve Kaldestad and guitarist Owen Chow at The Coda tonight. 6:30–8:30pm. [Info]

🎺 Winds and Brass Collage Concert: VCM winds and brass students, from beginner to emerging professional level, will share the stage at Alix Goolden Hall tonight. 7–8:30pm. [Info]

❤️ Taylor: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift Music: Performer Josette will lead an international band and dancers through more than 20 Taylor Swift songs at the Royal Theatre tonight. 7pm. [Info]

🎤 Singer Songwriter Showcase Session 10: Local singer-songwriters Mat Geddes, Brent "Sugarlump" Applegath, and Shannon Sargent showcase original music at The Coda tomorrow. 6:30–8:30pm. [Info]

🌈 SMUS Jr School: Wizard of Oz Jr.: St. Michael's University Junior School's students will bring the classic story to life at McPherson Playhouse. Tomorrow and Friday. 7pm. [Info]

💜 1999: The Ultimate Prince Experience: Dale Ray will lead an eight-piece band in a tribute to Prince, featuring iconic songs, bespoke costuming, and full-sensory production at the Royal Theatre tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]

🦸 Island FanCon: The fan convention will draw cosplayers and TV stars to City Centre Park in Langford this weekend. Friday-Sunday. [Info]

Tuesday’s headlines: Summer unofficially arrives: HarbourCats’ opening day; Langford to open new child-care and youth-wellness centre; Student housing project breaks ground at Camosun. [June 2]

Obituary: Pierre Gauthier, former Odeon Theatre manager. [CHEK]

Sidney sidewalk pad could pose a danger on Beacon Ave. [Times Colonist] 

BC Seniors Week: This year’s theme is Experience Matters. 

More washrooms on Dallas: 3 public washrooms will be opening along the road later this summer. [City of Vic] 

Esquimalt Block Party is June 13 at Bullen Park. 

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