Sept 22 - Island Health takes over Chinatown long-term care home

Good morning !

So, this working from home is… interesting.

I think I need to move my desk a few more steps away from my kitchen.

I ate a full cookie before I finished this sentence.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

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Today: ☀️ 20 / 9

Tomorrow: 🌦️ 17 / 9

Sunday: 🌧️ 16 / 13

7-day forecast

🌫️ Air quality: Low risk today (2/10). Current smoke forecast.

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

NEWS

Island Health administrator to take over operations at Chinatown long-term care

Island Health has appointed Derek Haynes to oversee the Victoria Chinatown Care Centre’s (VCCC) day-to-day operations for the next six months following seven formal complaints—including allegations of emotional abuse, neglect, and equipment issues—filed between February and August.

Island Health says a two-month investigation conducted this summer found the care home to be in violation of the Community Care and Assisted Living Act due to staff not properly carrying out duties, out-of-date equipment, and a general failure to meet the needs of those in care, according to a report from Victoria’s medical health officer Murray Fyfe. The report also cites a high turnover of leadership roles that are yet to be filled.

“The appointment of an administrator will provide Island Health the clarity of leadership required to help return the facility to compliance, thereby providing residents with the care they deserve,” James Hanson, Island Health’s vice-president of clinical services, acute care North Island & community services said in a statement.

Haynes is expected to oversee the care home until March, but reporting will be ongoing and his administration could be extended if Island Health is not satisfied with the progress, the health authority said.

Island Health told Capital Daily “the operator needs to display the ability to achieve and maintain compliance with all applicable legislation and regulations.”

VCCC, a non-profit organization run by a volunteer board of directors, opened in 1982. It operates 31 beds, all funded by Island Health.

In 2019, the health authority took over three Island senior care homes after they failed to meet Community Care Act standards.

Two of them were run by the for-profit company Retirement Concepts, which faced a class-action lawsuit filed by two siblings whose mother lived at one of their homes.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Missing person: Grace Paquette, 23, was last seen in Campbell River on Sept. 11.

Renovated London Drugs opens in Colwood Corners: The first 50 customers in line will receive a gift card valued at $10-$250. Store opens today at 8am. Official ribbon cutting ceremony at 9am. 1907 Sooke Rd.

EVENTS

Let’s go to Langford to meet for meat

If you’re thinking we’re almost into October, so the barbecue season is on hiatus until next spring, word to the wise: Check out what’s happening in Langford over the weekend.

There are two big outdoor food events that are sure to send the wafting aroma of rich, succulent meat smoke right into your nostrils.

Some 21 food trucks and vendors will provide the protein and local musicians will master the soundtrack at the two-day Station Food Truck and Music Festival.

Wash it all down in one of two beer tents at the Langford Station Arts and Cultural District, 720 Station Ave. It runs from 4 to 8pm today and from noon to 7pm tomorrow.

On Sunday, Brewery and the Beast brings its wines, craft beers, barbecues, and ethically farmed meat to Starlight Stadium—from 1 to 4pm—for a unique outdoor culinary event that spotlights local chefs and beverage makers.

They’ve been doing this since 2012, so this is becoming a thing.

Holy smokes. It’s sold out. There is a wait list for tickets here.

Read Ryan Hook’s story about both events here.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🧹 Witches and warlocks welcome on the water. Experienced paddlers are invited to wear all black—especially witch hats—for a spooky, festive paddle on kayak, paddle board, canoe, flippers, floatie, or broomstick! Victoria's 2nd Annual What'SUP WITCHES paddle event. Thetis Lake. Sunday, Oct. 1 at 2pm.

🩰 Early bird special for Capital Daily readers. Save 20% on adult tickets for Ukrainian Shumka Dancers’ Nutcracker. Limited time only. Promo code: Nut-Capital-Daily at Royal and McPherson Theatres or 250-386-6121.*

🍲 Community Food Support seeks volunteers. See how you can help.

🛋️ IDS Vancouver 2023 is now open! Explore top designers, use code IDSVAN2023 for 10% off, shop at the District, and join the IDS Party for unique installations and music.*

🧑‍🍳 Now Hiring: Part-Time Cook at Rose Bank Gardens.

🕹️ Get those high-score pinball bragging rights before it's too late! Quazar’s Pop-up Arcade is back at Bay Centre with six Pinball machines connected to a live leaderboard to compete for prizes.*

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Massive totem from Vancouver Island gets to Banff
It took master carver Stan Hunt 11 months to chisel the seven-tonne, 18-foot sacred monument, which commemorates victims and survivors of residential schools across the country. The cedar totem will reside in the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que. [Rocky Mountain Outlook]

Jubilee Hospital not so hospitable, Victoria patient says
William Perry says he’s been waiting far too long for a follow-up appointment after experiencing heart palpitations. The Jube is operating without a full complement of ORs due to ongoing “workforce challenges.” Perry says he can’t get a diagnostic test on his pacemaker. [Saanich News]

Sexual assault minor may be on Vancouver Island
Police in Alberta recently charged a 16-year-old with offences relating to child pornography. Now they think the alleged victim, who they believe to be between six and 10 years old, may be on the Island. [CHEK]

Nanaimo parents awarded $327,635 after son killed
The 17-year-old died after being struck by a vehicle at a Nanaimo intersection in 2019. The BC Supreme Court recognized the Korean practice of hyodo, in which a child is expected to provide financial support to their parents. [CTV]

Two onboard OK after plane crash near Campbell River
They suffered only non-life-threatening injuries. The privately registered De Havilland Beaver DHC-2 slammed into the ground 18 kilometres outside Campbell River, according to the Transportation Safety Board. [My Cowichan Valley Now]

Pacific FC secures playoff spot
With three regular-season games left, the local pro soccer team has enough points to fall no lower than fifth in the Canadian Premier League. Pacific FC has never hosted a playoff game, but can if it leapfrogs first-place Cavalry FC.

🗓️ Things to do

🧷 Pop Punk Night | Friday | 7pm
Transport yourself to the early aughts with this night of pop-punk hits at Lucky Bar. [$15+]

🎤 Brandon Isaak | Friday | 7pm
Catch the roots and blues performance at Hermann’s. [$25]

🏒 Canucks training camp in Vic: The four-day NHL camp began yesterday and ends Sunday at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

🪄 Sin City Illusions | Friday | 7:30pm
A night of magic straight from the Vegas stage at the Royal Theatre. [$30]

🎸 Vicbound | Friday | 7pm
Ring in the school year with this night of rock and house music at Capital Ballroom. [$12+]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Protesters clash at Legislature: Marches cancelled as police call for end to Wednesday’s demonstrations. [Capital Daily]

Porter Airlines Swoops into YYJ: Seventeen years after it first took off, Porter has landed in Victoria and will offer direct flights to Toronto Pearson. [Capital Daily]

Northern Lights in Nanaimo: Have you seen this photo of the Northern Lights taken on Sept. 18? [Photo]

Supportive housing site on Meares ready but not open: The facility for 50 young people is built but tenants can’t move in because another BC Housing space isn’t ready. Our Place Society’s Grant McKenzie is concerned the delay could displace a dozen expected tenants. [CTV]

More child-care spaces could be coming: Changes to land-use regulations—including relaxing house conversion rules and allowing more facilities in more areas—could open the door to more child-care facilities in Victoria, though advocates say there are more challenges ahead. [Times Colonist]

That’s it!

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