Good morning {{First name}}!
Have you checked out the new exhibit at the Royal BC Museum? From now until January, the second floor will feature a glimpse into ancient Egyptian burial practices. I'm looking forward to visiting it soon.
I still remember a similar exhibit that came to the museum in 2004 and the mummy that was (controversially) displayed—yikes! RBCM has since changed its policy on showcasing human remains, so this time, the only mummies will be replicas.
— Robyn
Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes
🌡 Weather Forecast
NEWS
New plans to convert downtown heritage
building into a hotel
The former BC Power Commission building on Blanshard. Photo: Mark Brennae / Capital Daily
Developer Reliance Properties is taking another shot at converting the old BC Power Commission building—a heritage building at 780 Blanshard, just on the cusp of downtown—into a hotel.
The company has applied for a heritage alteration permit to restore the art-deco landmark and carve out 126 hotel rooms.
“Given that it is right in the heart of downtown hotels and that we are short several hundred rooms, the DVBA welcomes this proposal,” said Jeff Bray, CEO of the Downtown Victoria Business Association.
The DVBA has long called for more hotels to be built in Greater Victoria. The City of Victoria’s Official Community Plan (OCP) states a goal of 1,500 new hotel rooms by 2035. Destination Greater Victoria says the region needs 500 more than that.
“There are a few proposals set to come to council, along with the Hyatt being built on Broad Street, so I think things are looking up,” Bray said.
The four-storey building on a sloped piece of land bordered by Blanshard, Burdett, and Fairfield was built in 1949—originally intended to be used as a hospital—and served as headquarters for the BC Power Commission until Reliance bought it in 2019.
The plan back then was to build a 69-room hotel with a 16-storey condo tower, but that got nixed because of market constraints and a dearth of on-site parking.
Rather than just keeping the outer shell, Reliance’s application calls for complete restoration, down to the original paint colour.
Seismic upgrades would need to be done, and a landscaped rooftop terrace would be added.
“That the heritage art-deco features could be maintained is a very cool feature,” Bray said.
⚠ Capital Bulletin
Point Ellice / Bay Street Bridge will be fully closed overnight today and tomorrow, 7pm to 7am.
Cook and Hillside signal upgrades: Delays and single-lane traffic near the intersection today, 7am to 7pm.
Saanich single-lane alternating traffic:
Prospect Lake between Burnside West and Woodsend through Friday, 9am to 3pm
NEWS
Researchers are using robotics to preserve Island Indigenous carving knowledge
Carey Newman carving a totem in his workshop. Photo: Camosun College
Camosun College and UVic are looking to the future to preserve the past.
Researchers from both schools have been awarded a grant to help Kwakwaka'wakw master carvers navigate modern-day challenges—limited old-growth supply, climate change, and displacement from traditional lands—to use and maintain traditional carving techniques.
The combined research team is developing robotic technology that will help carvers work with a varying wood supply and gather traditional knowledge for posterity.
“This work offers new ways to access, interpret, preserve, and teach traditional knowledge by using robotics to support art, education, and traditional practice,” Richard Gale, director of Camosun Innovates, said in a statement.
It’s part of an ongoing collaboration between Camosun, UVic, and Indigenous artists.
“By combining adaptive robotics with the expertise of master carvers, we are developing a technology that supports cultural preservation while advancing the future of human-centred manufacturing," said Keivan Ahmadi, associate professor of mechanical engineering and co-primary investigator on the grant.
The project is being funded by New Frontiers in Research Fund Exploration Stream, a program “designed to support high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary research that goes beyond disciplinary boundaries.”
Carey Newman, impact chair for Indigenous art practice at Camosun, said the technology will hopefully ensure future generations have access to historic practices.
“This project creates new opportunities to connect with and engage young people to learn through innovative digital collaboration tools that will preserve and strengthen carving knowledge,” said Newman.
The project aligns with another long-term—very long-term—one that Newman is spearheading. The Seeding Project will plant a western red cedar tree, design a virtual 3D totem, and carve the totem design when the tree is mature, which means 600 to 1K years in the future.
Newman said that with environmental challenges and the legacies of colonialism, “the continuation of this cultural practice [is] more important than ever.”
This story ran for our Insiders on May 31. Consider becoming an Insider today and be the first to receive stories every Sunday.
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Celebrating 4 years in Victoria
Celebrate four incredible years of Philosophy MD with an event dedicated to the people who made it all possible.
On June 11, from 1pm to 7pm at Philosophy MD (559 Superior Street), you're invited to meet the team, explore their wellness and aesthetic services, enjoy complimentary consultations, and have a thoughtfully curated guest experience featuring Beaumont Catering, Twist of Fate Cocktail Co., and Zingaro Perfumery.
The greatest gift has been the relationships we've built with our patients, community and team. This celebration is our opportunity to express our gratitude and celebrate you.
Whether you are a longtime patient or discovering Philosophy MD for the first time, come by for an unforgettable celebration.
⭐️ Capital Picks
🪸 The many sea slugs (nudibranchs) of Vancouver Island. [Facebook video]
🏛️ Ancient Egypt at Royal BC Museum: The temporary exhibit is now open through January. [RBCM]
🌿 New from Mateína: A zero sugar, organic yerba mate that delivers clean energy—no crash, no weird ingredients. Just plant-powered fuel that works.*
🩸Give Blood: It’s National Blood Donor Week.
*Sponsored Listing
SPONSORED BY THE ROOT CELLAR VILLAGE GREEN GROCER
Local strawberries have arrived at The Root Cellar!
BC’s berry season is just getting started, and The Root Cellar is your go-to for all things local and delicious.
Saanich-grown strawberries are now available at both store locations—freshly picked, sweet and juicy; they really are the taste (and smell!) of summer.
🗞 In Other News
Victoria golfer Jeevan Sihota makes this week’s Canadian Open
Sihota, from Esquimalt’s Gorge-Vale Golf Club, shot a 3-under 68 in the final round of Sunday’s final qualifier to solidify a spot at this weekend’s RBC Canadian Open in Caledon, 85 km northwest of Toronto. It will be the first PGA TOUR event for 22-year-old Sihota, who turned down a slew of NCAA scholarship offers to turn pro at 18. “This is what you dream about as a kid,” the 22-year-old told Canadian Open officials. [RBC Canadian Open]
Teen arrested in sexual assault of Cobble Hill senior
A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged in a sexual assault that’s alleged to have happened two years ago, says Shawnigan Lake RCMP. That summer, a senior was attacked in her home by an unknown person wearing a face covering. The suspect was eventually identified through analysis of forensic evidence, according to the RCMP. Charges were approved on Monday, and the teen was taken into custody on Wednesday. [Times Colonist]
Regional governments are looking to improve traffic flow
Only 47 of Victoria’s 143 traffic lights are connected to one another—most work on timers that can go out of sync. The CRD is looking to tackle this and other issues that slow traffic across municipalities. The regional government is allocating $20M to improving transportation, and Victoria councillor and CRD director Dave Thompson is proposing the funds go toward improving cross-boundary traffic. [Times Colonist]
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🗓 Things To Do
🎷 Mount Douglas Secondary Jazz Ensembles: Three talented jazz ensembles from Mount Douglas Secondary swing the main stage at The Coda tonight. 7–9pm. [Info]
🍏 Beatlemania! The Liverpool 4: Canada's long-running Beatles tribute act will journey through the band’s eras, from the Ed Sullivan Show to Let It Be, at McPherson Playhouse tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]
🌙 Oak Bay Night Market: Oak Bay Village will transform into a European-style street market with local produce, artisan goods, and live music tomorrow. 4–8pm. [Info]
🎞️ FLOW: Canadian Film Premiere: See the Canadian premiere of this Victoria-produced documentary, exploring the lives of women in adventure sports, at The Vic Theatre tomorrow. 6:30–9pm. [Info]
🎨 Pre-Summer Paint n' Sip: A guided acrylic painting evening—all supplies included and bubble tea available throughout—at Paul Phillips Hall tomorrow. 6:30–8pm. [Info]
🎶 Laura Hickli and FACT Canadian Tour with SISSYFUSS: A triple bill spanning dark art pop, free jazz, and indie pop at The Coda tomorrow. 6:30–8:30pm. [Info]
🧑🎨 Faceted Ceramic Forms: Visiting artist Maya Koneval will teach wheel throwers how to add texture and movement to their ceramic forms at Alchemy Art Center. Thursday. 6–9pm. [Info]
🎉 FernFest: The community-led festival is back for a day of live music, 100+ vendors, and local food and drink in Fernwood Square. Saturday. 12-10pm. [Info]
👀 In Case You Missed It
Sunday’s headlines: Fire destroys eatery opposite Butterfly Gardens; Weekly roundup; Summer outdoor fun safety reminders. [June 8]
Lillian Szpak's celebration of life: The late Langford councillor will be honoured at a public celebration at Royal Roads this Saturday.
Boaters draw criticism for ‘wake-jumping’ behind a BC Ferries ship. [CHEK]
Louise Arbour is sworn in as Canada’s 31st Governor General. [CTV / CP]
Great Canadian Bash: OLP, Tea Party, and more. [June 27 at Starlight Stadium]
Summer program registration is open. [City of Vic]
That’s it!
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