March 11 - Protection for Southern Resident orcas denied

Good morning !

There’s one week left to try the prixe fix menus and deals of Savour Sidney, the peninsula town’s version of Dine Around. Perusing the menus, it looks like I may need to drive out there—any recommendations?

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧️ 6 / 5

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 8 / 4

Thursday: ⛅ 7 / 3

NEWS

Feds deny protection order for southern resident orcas, rejecting ministers’ advice

In Nov., both the fisheries and environment ministers reported to the government that the Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) population faced “imminent threats to its survival and recovery.” This required, under the Species At Risk Act, that the ministers recommend an Emergency Order of protection. 

The months-long delay in response led environmental groups, including the Raincoast Conservation Foundation and World Wildlife Fund Canada, to sue the federal government earlier this year. They say a protection order should have been made immediately.

But this month the feds said that instead, “incremental measures will be pursued” to protect the salmon-eating orcas. The release states that “existing legislative tools and non-regulatory measures will be most effective”—though the release adds that “social, economic, policy and other factors, and the broader public interest” were weighed, not just the whales’ safety. 

Canada says these moves will include:

• Raising SRKW approach distance to 1000m under Fisheries Act

• Set objectives for underwater noise, & continue pushing voluntary ship slowdowns to reduce noise

• Look at adjusting salmon fishing closures in 2025 & 2026

• Phase in bans on scrubber water discharge

The federal government argues that because the SRKWs are long-lived and slow to reproduce, it may take decades to improve their situation—or to measure if and how certain policies are helping. 

The K pod of Southern Residents was spotted in California's Monterey Bay last week [video] for just the 10th time in the past 25 years. In those southern waters, it is more common to see Bigg’s (or transient) orcas. Those orcas also frequent local waters, and recently more and more Bigg's orcas have been seen in Victoria's harbour, likely to hunt seals.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Missing person: Kalum Hayes, 17. [West Shore RCMP]

Product warning: Relight candles available on Etsy.ca should be disposed of. The joke candles are illegal in Canada. [Fire hazard]

Emergency preparedness training at Saanich. [Info / register]

A month of construction outside Central library begins today.

NEWS

Downtown cleanup could use more volunteers

Results of a poll released last month suggest nearly three-quarters—73%—of Victorians think the downtown core has declined, and almost half—47%—said a lack of cleanliness played a big part.

This weekend, Victorians can play a big part in changing that.

The fledgling Clean Up Victoria Society (CUVS) has organized a volunteer cleanup—just like the good work Surfrider and volunteers do on our shorelines, only without the sea. 

“It's no secret that Downtown Victoria has been suffering in recent years, and not everyone is wanting to spend time or shop downtown anymore,” Cole Moskovicz, one of the organizers of Sat. morning’s downtown cleanup, told Capital Daily. 

“We founded the 'Clean-Up Victoria Society' with the goal of making it a nicer place for everyone and to empower local businesses and residents to make a difference.”

People taking part will receive a safety briefing, including instructions on how to dispose of hazardous materials. They’ll also get all the cleanup supplies, such as gloves and trash bags. What they’ll experience, organizers said, is community goodwill.

“This event is a great way for individuals and businesses to come together and take pride in our city, ensuring a cleaner and more vibrant community for everyone,” said Kane Hammontree, CUVS founder and CEO of Solve Energy.

“We believe that small actions can lead to a big impact.”

Cleanup crews will concentrate on areas between Johnson and Courtney and Government and Cook and between Store and Douglas and Pandora and Pembroke.

As of yesterday afternoon, the group had received commitments from approximately 20 people, Moskovicz told Capital Daily, but it’s hoping people reading this article may pencil in Sat. from 10am to 12:30pm for a little community service as we approach spring and the nearing tourism season. 

“We believe that a cleaner environment starts with collective action, and we are dedicated to organizing engaging cleanup events,” the group says on its website.

This is the first trash sweep the group has organized, but it hopes to make it a monthly or bimonthly event, Moskovicz told Capital Daily. 

He said the city has discussed potentially working together and has offered to provide support, including cleaning supplies.

“Every piece of litter picked up is a step toward a cleaner future,” the group says on its website. “Together, we can transform our community, one small action at a time.”

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⭐️ Capital Picks

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🗞️ In Other News

Hudson’s Bay may close half its stores as it restructures
According to a source, Canada’s oldest company could shutter 40 of its 80 stores. Just how many stores will close will be decided as creditor protection proceedings play out in the Ontario Superior Court. The company, which dates back to 1670, wants to restructure and streamline so it can stay in business and avoid bankruptcy. Victoria has two Hudson Bay locations, one in the Bay Centre, the other at 3147 Douglas. [MSN / CP] 

BC is booting all US booze from provincial liquor stores
Initially, the province pulled alcohol from Republican states, but yesterday, Premier David Eby stepped up retaliation to US President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods entering that country. Eby said he had received so many emails from British Columbians saying they don’t want to see even one bottle of American booze in stores. Eby also said American truckers will continue to be forced to pay a toll to travel on a US-built highway in BC that connects Washington State to Alaska. [Vancouver Sun]

Turner Building comes down
The iconic building, with its rounded facade, was demolished yesterday. It had been deemed unsafe after last week’s fire—one of several blazes that have occurred in the abandoned building, which has sat derelict for nearly 20 years, believed to be human-caused. The building once housed the popular Ian’s Coffee Shop. The property is slated for redevelopment, with a 55-unit rental building and commercial space.

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🗓️ Things to do

🍜 Last week for Savour Sidney: Discover Sidney’s restaurant scene with deals throughout the town, now through March 18. [Info]

🎻 Penderecki String Quartet: Join the quartet, celebrating its 38th anniversary, at the Mary Winspear Centre tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]

🎸 An Evening with Bruce Cockburn: Join celebrated Canadian singer-songwriter at the Royal Theatre tonight. 8pm [Info]

🖼️ Oaklands Outdoor Art Tour: This self-guided outdoor walking tour explores art displays throughout Oaklands. Free to do all day, every day. [Info]

💄 Drag Bingo at Vicious Poodle: Have fun with local drag stars and fun prizes at this weekly bingo game tomorrow. 8pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Monday headlines: A new PM is incoming; Cherry blossom history; South Island tariff task force. [March 10]

Measles in BC: Trio of related cases confirmed in Fraser Valley last week. 

Drones a huge help, say Island search-and-rescue group. [Times Colonist]

How Garbage Gobblers helped curb littering in 1950s BC. [CHEK]

Int'l Women's Day recommendations atop GVPL's online catalogue.

Layers in the sky: Nanaimo Harbour photo. [James MacDonald]