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Tomorrow is Canada Day, and, like many others, Capital Daily’s staff will be taking the day off to enjoy the festivities. Because of this, there won’t be a newsletter tomorrow morning, but we’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

Today: ⛅ 20 / 12

Tomorrow: ⛅ 18 / 11

Day after: 🌧 17 / 14

7-day forecast

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) confirmed yesterday that the body of Ernest Egon Jensen was recovered from waters off Metchosin, near William Head Institution.

Jensen, 69, escaped from the minimum-security prison on Sunday, leading to a massive manhunt in the Westshore region. He had been serving a life sentence for second-degree murder since 1991, and previously served sentences for breaking and entering and trespassing.

William Head staff said Jensen was unaccounted for during a routine midday check on Sunday. Westshore RCMP immediately launched an extensive search near the facility, including dog and air patrols. 

The man’s body was recovered yesterday; his cause of death was not revealed. His next of kin and any registered victims have been notified of his death, according to the CSC.

“As in all cases involving the death of an inmate, we will review the circumstances of the events of the past two days,” the CSC said in a statement. 

“CSC policy requires that the coroner be notified, who will be responsible for determining the cause of death.”

The 2019 prison escape that led to a Metchosin man’s murder

This isn’t the first time a dangerous inmate has escaped from William Head. In 2019, James Lee Busch and Zachary Armitage walked out of the prison, where security is limited to fencing that stops at the shoreline. Busch and Armitage simply waited for low tide and walked around the fence. 

The fencing has not been upgraded in the years since, leading to speculation that Jensen escaped the same way.

After walking out, Busch and Armitage then broke into the home of Martin Payne—located eight kilometres from William Head—to hide out. When Payne, 60, came home from work, Busch and Armitage murdered him. 

The two were arrested the next day in Esquimalt and, in 2022, were convicted of first-degree murder. 

A Capital Daily investigation outlined how warnings of the pair’s violent tendencies were ignored, resulting in their placement at a minimum-security prison and their eventual escape.

Recall: Super Off-Road 12,000 mAh Solar Wireless Power Banks due to fire hazard. 

Tillicum Burnside Plan Survey open until July 30. [Saanich]

Saanich road closure: Maddock West at Wascana today, 8:30am-3:30pm.

Emergency Aid for Venezuela. [Give here]

CCTV Camera at Gorge event.

Point Ellice Bridge closed: in both directions tonight, 7pm-7am, after the fireworks on Canada Day, and Thursday, 7pm-7am.

Support local journalism by supporting Capital Daily. Become a Capital Daily Insider member today and help bring local stories to life.

The youth-mentoring nonprofit said it needs to raise at least $250K within the next two months to continue some of its programs into the fall and onward.

“Without immediate support, we will be forced to cancel programs that hundreds of local youth depend on,” said Amanda Hill, executive director of the organization’s Victoria Capital Region chapter. 

Since 1977, Big Brothers Big Sisters Victoria has been matching young people facing adversity with adult volunteers. Its mentoring programs have served youth across southern Vancouver Island and in the Comox Valley, nurturing confidence, connection, and hope. Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters connected 623 young people with mentors.

“We cannot let those young people fall through the cracks,” Hill said.

A one-to-one match, including volunteer recruitment, screening, training, meeting and supporting the youth and their family, costs roughly $2,500, Hill said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters relies on grants, charities, foundations, and fundraising. 

It’s a tricky world to navigate these days, with high competition among worthy charities; reduced funds available from foundations, grantors and government; and uncertain economic times, leading to lower corporate and individual donations.

In a message marked “urgent” on its website, the organization said it needs to raise $250K by the end of September to maintain its current mentorship programs, which were cut by 30% last year.

“Hundreds of youths and their families rely on the one-to-one support from their mentor (Big Brother or Big Sister), and it is a critical step in helping youth build resiliency, develop self-confidence, and dream to be whatever they choose," Hill said.

The mentoring charity has set up a donation portal on its website.

Call out for individuals, companies and organizations! Can you help raise funds for PHS Community Services Society?

PHS is raising $30,000 to expand its essential Food Program that provides daily meals for thousands of marginalized supportive housing and shelter residents and people experiencing food insecurity. Can PHS count on your help?

Join or donate to Team PHS at the Under Armour Eastside 10K on Sunday, Sept. 27.

There is also a virtual run option that can be completed between Sept. 1 and 30 if you can't participate on event day.

Use code 26PHS for 10% off registration to get started.
(Note: Registration fees aren't considered a donation to PHS)

Donate to or join Team PHS.

🍁 Sidney Days ahead of Canada Day. [Info]

🎆 HarbourCats host Nanaimo with fireworks tonight at RAP.

⛴️ Inaugural Victoria-Port Angeles ferry: See photos and newspaper clippings from the 1955 launch of the MV Kalakala. [Facebook photos] 

⚽ World Cup Viewing: Summer of Soccer Victoria and Langford United.

🪧 Sidney Museum Waterfront Signage unveiling ceremony is today at 11am.

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.

BC nurses issue 72-hour strike notice, and some could walk off on Thursday
The move comes after 67% of union members rejected a tentative agreement that improved benefits but not the wage increase they’re after. The BCNU says health authorities spend millions of dollars on short-term staffing while nurses are told the financial cupboards are empty. In May, the union voted 98.2% in favour of job action, which could take the form of ignoring non-nursing duties and limiting overtime hours. Nurses are seen as essential, so a minimum level of staffing needs to be maintained. [Global News]

Search called off for six missing boaters near Vancouver
Four men and two women are presumed drowned after a fishing charter boat sank Sunday morning near Richmond. Four boaters were rescued that day, two of whom remain in critical condition in hospital. Three of the survivors were rescued by a couple sailing to Saturna Island, who sent out a mayday call. BC Ferries and Hullo also dispatched vessels to aid in the search. None of the passengers were wearing life jackets, which rescue crews say can increase the chance of survival. The search was called off yesterday afternoon. [CBC] 

Cougars prey on Sooke livestock, prompting warnings from wildlife group
Last week, a cougar attacked sheep on a farm in Sooke. The Wild Wise Society says attacks on livestock are one of the most common forms of human-cougar conflict in BC. The wildlife group is urging livestock owners to take measures to prevent the “opportunistic predators” from attacking, including securing their animals. The BC Conservation Officer Service says it’s currently monitoring cougar activity in the area. Last year, multiple cougars were euthanized after a string of livestock attacks in Metchosin. [CHEK]

🐐 Animal Talks: Learn about a different farm animal every Tuesday—this week’s topic is guinea pigs—at Beacon Hill Children’s Farm. 12pm. [Info]

🖌️ The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes: See this film about the Victoria artist by Vancouver filmmaker Jenn Strom at Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Now through Sept. 6 [Info]

☘️ Victoria Junior Shamrocks Fundraiser: Victoria’s JaimesonRhy will perform at this fundraiser for the junior lacrosse team, happening at The Duke Saloon tonight. 8pm. [Info] 

🎶 Swang Thang!: Hear swing, blues, and Latin dance music from this vibrant ensemble at The Loft Pub tonight. 5-8pm. [Info]

⚾ Memorial Drag Baseball Game: Victoria’s signature Pride ball game—honouring the lives lost to the HIV/AIDS crisis—will be at Vic West Park tomorrow. 12-3pm. [Info]

🌈 Notes of Pride: This concert, postponed by rain on June 25, will feature live, bicycle-powered music by Zofah and Finley Rose and poetry by Wilder Simpson at Cridge Park. Thursday. 6:30-8pm. [Info] 

🎉 Junction Fest: This family-friendly festival will feature three days of bouncy castles, games, magic, circus performances, live music, and more at Junction Cidery. Friday-Sunday. [Info]

🎵 Music in the Parkade: The Meating, a jazz-ambient duo project, will perform a 50-minute set in UVic’s CARSA parkade off Vikes Way. Friday. 7:15pm. [Info] 

Sunday’s headlines: Five years since deadly heat dome; Weekly roundup; Release of Island marmots begins. [June 28]

BC waters popular with whales: See why Big Mama and other whales are flocking to the Salish Sea. [CHEK / CP]

Canada Day is tomorrow: See the Inner Harbour celebration schedule here and additional CRD event details here.

Lane closures and delays on Cook this week: Between Hillside and Summit, through Friday. 7am-7pm. [City of Vic]

Dorsal fin fakeout: A humpback whale was seen mirroring an orca’s dorsal fin while surrounded by Bigg’s killer whales. [Prince of Whales]

Newborn baby goats at Beacon Hill Children’s Farm: Scoop and Ripple were born earlier this month to their mother, Lemon Sorbet. [BHCF]

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