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Yesterday marked six years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. It’s hard to believe so much time has passed—it feels like yesterday we were watching Tiger King, figuring out Zoom, and washing our groceries.

Can’t say I miss that era.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

Today: 🌧 7 / 3

Tomorrow: ☁ 7 / -2

Day after: ☀ 8 / 4

7-day forecast

For the second time ever, a fungus that could wipe out entire bat colonies has been detected in BC.

The fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats, a condition that disturbs the hibernation patterns of the animals, leading to deadly consequences. 

It doesn’t affect humans, but when bats come into contact with it, they can develop a layer of white fuzz on their noses and wings, causing them to wake up from their winter slumber to try to clean it off. By the time spring rolls around, the bats have exerted too much energy, leading to fatal starvation and dehydration. 

BC has the most diverse bat population in Canada—and the Island is home to more than half of the province’s bat species. Nearby, a major roost in the attic of Metchosin Community Hall is home to more than 1,500 bats, including Yuma bats and little brown bats, two species that have had WNS detected in Washington state.

Other parts of the country have been battling WNS for years. East of the Rocky Mountains, the fungus killed off 90% of long-eared, little brown, and tri-coloured bat populations in fewer than 10 years.

The fungus was recently found to be present in bat guano (droppings) in Metro Vancouver, according to the province.

The last and only other time it was detected in bat guano in BC was in Grand Forks in 2023. So far, there have been no confirmed cases of WNS in BC bats. 

Still, the presence of the fungus in droppings is enough to cause concern—this is the closest Canadian detection to the Island yet.

Find out why this discovery is bad news for BC and Island bats.

Saanich single-lane alternating traffic: Feltham, between Fairburn and Longview, through tomorrow, 9am-3pm.

Black bear family spotted in Sooke: Wildwise is urging residents to secure garbage and other attractants. 

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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Some area runners want to put their money where their legs are with a charity run for children in Rwanda. It’s a 5K to raise $10K—and a great way to meet people.

That’s how Martin Williamson spread his social wings four years ago when he moved to Victoria from Prince George to attend UVic, where the 22-year-old continues his studies in physics and ocean-atmosphere sciences.

At first, he didn’t know a soul, but through running, he’s found his pack—and a new role as vice president of his running group.

“Our vision with the UVic Run Club is to really provide that community for people to kind of speed up that process if people are new to Victoria or are struggling to make friends and find their community, find their place,” Williamson tells Capital Daily.

Community can spark generosity, too.

Last year, Williamson and about 100 of his running cohorts had a sizeable amount of the entrance fees remaining following an event at Mount Doug PKOLS.

“And we realized we don't really know what to do with this—like, we should use this to do something good in the world.”

They landed on The Hands for Humanity Foundation, a nonprofit that helps disadvantaged people around the world, which suggested the Ikaze Innovation Academy, a youth-led empowerment program in Rwanda.

The academy gives young people in the East African country the tools and training to start businesses that solve community challenges. 

“The goal is to create long-term, locally driven economic opportunities,” Williamson says.

The run is Saturday, March 21, and it's open to all ages and abilities. It’ll start at 1pm with a group warm-up at Gyro Park, before a scenic out-and-back run along Beach to Cattle Point.

Williamson wants to raise $10K and says he expects 100+ runners, hopefully more.

“We want people to kind of hang out and really just enjoy being outside and enjoy the community in the park,” Williamson says, adding that the post-run will include a barbecue, live DJs, giveaways from sponsors, and a little volleyball and spikeball.

Those wishing to donate can contact Hands for Humanity, which will provide CRA tax receipts: [email protected]

Some memberships collect dust; this one collects views. Malahat SkyWalk’s Annual Membership Pass Sale is priced like a day ticket until March 29. Unlock 365 days of coastal forest-to-sky adventure, member-first events, and wellness moments. Enjoy 20% off onsite, partner perks, plus two buddy passes to share the experience all year.

🎶 Saanich songwriter has track featured in new Netflix show, Vladimir. 

🔥 “Feels like home/ heart gets full,” said Heated Rivalry’s Hudson Williams about Victoria after he wrapped filming here this week. Williams landed himself in hot water last weekend for describing the capital city as “dead as f*ck. Old people.”

🐚 A star in a shell: Sand dollar teeth inside a clam shell make for a pretty beach find near Oyster River. [Facebook photo]

★★★★★ "don't miss it" Big Stuff is on now (until March 21) at the Belfry's Spark Festival. Pay-what-you-want tickets available for all performances.*

⚜️ Francophonie Proclamation Day: March to legislature at 10am.

🎸 Bahamas announces Canadian leg of tour, starting in Victoria Sept. 18. 

*Sponsored Listing

Fernfest cancelled after 28-year run
The popular neighbourhood festival, which has marked the beginning of summer for Victorians for almost three decades, has been cancelled for 2026. Last year’s fest was one of its biggest yet, with three stages, 40 musicians, and 85 vendors. But this year, event organizers with the Fernwood Neighbourhood Group say they’re focusing on smaller neighbourhood-level events instead of one large festival. It’s unclear whether Fernfest will make a comeback in future years. [CHEK]

Sidney reduces speed limits to 30 km/h for some roads
The council voted this week to lower speed limits on Brethour Avenue, Buddleia Place, Chicory Place, Cottoneaster Place, Henry Avenue, Judson Place, Natasha Place, Northbrook Drive, Seventh Street, Simkin Place, and Teale Place. Some of these streets, currently designated as school zones, will become 30 km/h all day. Mills Road East will also be designated as a “local road” with a 30 km/h limit, a response to community surveys that raised safety concerns for the street, which has multiple daycares and senior housing. The council will decide whether to lower the speed limit on Bowerbank Bikeway Corridor at a later date. [Peninsula News Review]

Consumer Protection BC makes Swift decision: StubHub must show ticket information
The Saanich-based independent regulator has reached an agreement with the secondary-ticket platform that requires it to improve how it discloses ticket information, including the face value of tickets, fees and service charges, terms and conditions, and refund guarantees, to adhere to BC’s Ticket Sales Act. People who used StubHub to buy tickets for Taylor Swift’s December 6, 7, and 8, 2024 shows at BC Place Stadium and sat in sections 219–236, 336, or 418–437, may be eligible for a refund if their ticket didn’t disclose an obstructed or limited view. StubHub is to contact those eligible by May 1. [Consumer Protection BC]

CORRECTION: A story that appeared in this space yesterday misidentified the chair of the region’s transit commission, who is Ryan Windsor, mayor of Central Saanich.

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🎼 Postsecondary Thursday Lunch Concert: VCM postsecondary students share works-in-progress in this free drop-in lunchtime concert at the Victoria Conservatory of Music today. 12:30-1:30pm. [Info]

🎶 Robin Layne & the Rhythm Makers: The JUNO-nominated percussionist and marimbist will lead his groove-heavy ensemble at The Coda tonight. 6:30-8:30pm. [Info]

🎥 Back to the Future in Concert: Catch the second performance of the Victoria Symphony playing Silvestri's score alongside the popular film at the Royal Theatre tonight. 7pm. [Info]

🎹 Canada Tour in Celebration of Oscar Peterson: See the quartet of Juilliard jazz students touring Canada in tribute to Oscar Peterson at Hermann's tonight. 7-9pm. [Info]

😆 Hecklers Presents: The Prairie Invasion Tour: See this one-night-only showcase of some of Manitoba's finest stand-up comedians at Hecklers Bar & Grill tonight. 8pm. [Info]

🌈 Rainbow Haven fundraising concert: The Chief and Petty Officers Band of the Canadian Navy will perform a lively selection of music at Christ Church Cathedral. Saturday. 2pm. [Info]

🎸 Walk Right Back: The Everly Brothers Story: See the UK concert-based musical tracing the Everly Brothers' rise from humble country roots to superstardom at the McPherson Playhouse. Saturday. 7pm. [Info]

🍝 Beacon Bits: A Global Tasting Event: Take a culinary journey around the world, sampling small plates from local chefs, caterers, and food trucks at the Victoria Scottish Community Centre. March 26. 6:30pm. [Info]

🎺 Victoria Chamber Orchestra: Join the Victoria Chamber Orchestra, directed by Maestro Yariv Aloni, for the last concert of their 2025-26 season at United Commons. April 17. 7:30pm. [Info]

Wednesday’s headlines: Three big events announced for Victoria; Grand Slam of Curling coming to the capital city; BC gets an influx of US nurses registering to work. [March 11]

CRD asks municipalities to identify potential supportive housing and shelter sites. [CHEK]

Great white shark named Kara has been visiting West Island waters this week. [CTV]

Defendant seeks a manslaughter sentence for the 2023 hatchet attack death on Cook. [Times Colonist] 

Is there something on my face? A seal was seen covered in herring eggs while enjoying the spawning season in Island waters. [Facebook photo]

UVic’s Reach Awards: research & teaching excellence winners.

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