May 1 - BC failing to reach climate targets

Good morning !

Welcome to May! We’ve got your roundup of events happening in the city this month, with two beloved fairs returning: Bucaneer Days in Esquimalt and Luxton Fair in Langford. These events are the perfect way to celebrate spring and (hopefully) some warm May weather.

Speaking of warm weather—hotter-than-normal weather will likely become more frequent in the CRD as BC confirms it won’t reach its emissions-reduction targets.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ☀️ 19 / 9

Tomorrow: 🌦️ 14 / 9

Day after: ⛅️ 12 / 9

7-day forecast

NEWS

Report: BC will not hit its climate targets by 2030

The province will only achieve half of what it committed to, reducing BC’s carbon emissions by 20% between 2007 and 2030 instead of the promised 40%, according to a report released by the province on Tue. 

Emissions even increased in some areas, with transportation emissions going up by 18% between 2007 and 2022.

The province is legally required to release updates of its progress in fighting climate change through the Climate Change Accountability Act. Tuesday’s report was meant to come out last fall, but was delayed due to October’s provincial election. 

Energy Minister Adrian Dix said progress has been “substantial” but has “not been enough to be on track.” He said the province will continue to work toward lowering emissions, while “ensuring people have more affordable and sustainable options available to them.”

Unique challenges on the Island

The disappointing progress from the province matches the struggle many municipalities are facing to hit their own targets. Recently, Saanich confirmed it was not on track to reach its own 2030 goal. As the municipality grows rapidly, emissions have only been reduced by 1.2% in the last year.

The municipality had aimed to reduce emissions by 50% between 2007 and 2025, cutting this further by 2030. But emissions have only decreased by 19%. Saanich’s sustainability director argues this number is closer to 28%, given the massive growth experienced by the district since 2007.

Last fall, at the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance Summit, energy expert Barry Penner said that only 17% of total energy consumption on the Island comes from electricity, with the other 83% coming primarily from different forms of fossil fuels. As communities continue to grow throughout the Island, energy demands grow with them, making it harder to fast-track low-emission options.

Read what critics of BC’s climate policies had to say about the report—and what the province got right.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

More campsites and facilities coming to China Beach. [BC Gov.]

Lane reductions: Pandora to Fort for construction/painting roads all week.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

Events happening in Greater Victoria this May

The weather is warming up and early signs of summer are already making themselves known. There's no shortage of ways to get outside and celebrate the season—and the community!

From outdoor markets and fairs to lively concerts, hands-on workshops, and Mother’s Day festivities, the city is packed with events for every interest. 

Enjoy fresh ciders on a beautiful farm, show off your dance moves at a concert, or browse local handmade treasures with this month’s lineup of exciting things to do. 

Check out your ultimate guide to what’s happening around Victoria this May.

SPONSORED BY BC DAIRY

Got Tech? Got Cows? Got Ice Cream.

Third-generation dairy farmer Rebecca Senicar is redefining what farm life looks like. At Winners Holsteins in Cloverdale, she balances family, future-focused ag-tech, and handcrafted ice cream—all while mentoring the next generation. It's heart, hustle, and heritage in one sweet scoop. Read more here.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🌄 Colourful dawn: McNeil Bay early in the day. [Doug Clement]

🏖️ Island’s San Josef Bay #32 on North American top beach list.

🎬 13th Annual Short Circuit Film Festival starts today! CineVic presents more than three dozen local and international short films and events, May 1-3 at Vic Theatre, Odeon Alley, and Chateau Victoria. Get your tickets here.*

⛳ Beacon Hill putting green open for the spring/summer season. [City of Vic]

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Man gets 13 years for stabbing death outside downtown Lucky Bar 
Mohamed Daud Omar used a concealed combat knife to fatally stab John Dickinson, 30, in February 2022. Last June, a jury convicted Omar of second-degree murder following a trial in which he represented himself and offered no defence. At issue was how long Omar would be ineligible for parole. On Tue., BC Supreme Court ruled Omar, who was 27 at the time of the murder, would have to wait 13 years because he had not accepted responsibility for his actions. [CHEK]

NDP needs to work on messaging, says lone Island party winner
Gord Johns is the only Island New Democrat to hold onto their seat in Monday’s federal election. The Courtenay-Alberni MP-elect says he thinks the Conservatives had messaging that resonated—although he says it wasn’t backed up with policy—and the NDP could do better to engage voters on important issues such as the cost of living and corporate greed. Many observers, however, point out that this election was a two-party race with US President Trump being the main issue. [Times Colonist]

Disguised man gets nothing in Oak Bay bank robbery attempt
A man wearing a black cloak and sunglasses walked into the TD Canada Trust at 2000 Cadboro Bay around lunchtime on Tue. of last week, passed a note demanding cash, but got rattled and fled on foot. The man didn’t produce a weapon. A source tells Capital Daily the suspect had entered the bank a few minutes earlier but hurried off to a nearby fast-food restaurant before returning for his ill-fated attempt. Police brought in the canine unit but could not locate the suspect. [Victoria News]

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🗓️ Things to do

🎤 TED at Royal Roads University: Inspiring TEDx talks by thought leaders tomorrow. 1pm. [Info] 

🎨 Design Victoria: Four-day celebration of creativity across multiple design disciplines at various venues. Thurs.-Sun. [Info]

🎸 Relics: Playing the Music of Pink Floyd: Pink Floyd tribute concerts at Hermann’s today and tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]

🍕 Pizza & Beer Pairing Adventure: Craft beer and pizza pairings at Herald Street Brew Works today. Guests will be served four different pairings and get to vote for their favourite pizza—the winner will become the official new Herald Street pizza. 6pm & 8pm. [Info]

🌗 The Union of Light & Shadow: Mythic cabaret blending dance, poetry, and music at Victoria Odd Fellows tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

🛍️ The Mom Market at Tillicum Centre: Family-friendly market with local vendors on the upper level near Winners. Sat. & Sun. 11am-4pm. [Info]

🎨 Echoes & Emblems student art show: Goldfinch Arts Centre (170 Goldfinch) in Colwood showcases work by Ecole Royal Bay Secondary students in Grades 9-12. Through Sun. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: Conservatives failed to pivot, says UVic professor; BCSC upholds jailtime for bear killer; Call it a minority government. [April 30]

Vancouver festival attack suspect was under mental-health care. [CTV]

Will Greaves: Meet your new Victoria MP. [Times Colonist]

Royals coach James Patrick named WHL coach of the year.

BC Parks specialty licence plate sales benefit butterfly conservation. [CHEK]

Book of condolences for victims of Lapu Lapu Festival attack open for signing at legislature. [8:30am-4:30pm through Fri.]

Hike for Hospice 2025. [Sun. 9am-12pm]

Inaugural Jane’s Walk in James Bay. [Sat. & Sun.]

Johnson’s jumping spider seen in Duncan. [Facebook photos]

That’s it!

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