Good morning {{First name}}!

Today, we’re looking at the many events happening in Fernwood this weekend. There will be lots to see and do, and looks like the weather is lining up well for outdoor activities.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

Today: ☀️ 25 / 11

Tomorrow: ☀ 18 / 10

Day after: ⛅ 18 / 10

7-day forecast

Cat, art, and food lovers are expected to descend upon Fernwood this weekend for a fun, family-friendly feline celebration, a look at a painting or two, and some tasty, fresh strawberries.

The Fernwood Cat Walk and Fernwood Art Stroll are great reasons to head to the neighbourhood east of Cook—along with the Ichigo Strawberry Market, which will feature a truckload of fresh Saanich strawberries, 30 chefs, 130 artists, and a celebration of Japanese culture.

“We saw a massive age range and all demographics last year,” says Jessica Girard, one of the Fernwood Cat Walk organizers. “A lot of people who were already out for a walk joined the crowd, and neighbours came out to say hello or show off their cats, too.”

The Fernwood Cat Walk was adopted last year from an event held in Minneapolis, where people walk through a neighbourhood to meet or at least catch a glimpse of lounging cats—sometimes you can pet them, sometimes you have to keep your distance—and it began as a lark.

“I was like, honestly, if like 40 or 50 people want to come out and look at cats with us, hilarious. I love it; let's do it for a laugh," Girard says. 

More than 10 times that many showed up. 

So what kind of people take an afternoon to meet other people’s cats?

“All sorts of people,” Girard says. “Families, looking for a fun day out. Cat people, animal lovers, people passing by love to join in as well. People who think they like cats, but from a distance; people who are allergic to cats but still love them.”

Organizers have lined up 41 cats at 29 cat stops throughout the neighbourhood. Visitors will be able to spot them peering through windows, lounging in their yards, or doing cat things on their own cat time.

“We had a very good turnout last year with most cats sticking it out for the two hours,” Girard says, adding there’s always the chance to see some bonus cats. 

“What I find is it’s like, ‘Oh, there's another cat in that window. Did you see that cat?’”

Read the full story here. 

Lane closures on Fort: Expect delays between Vancouver and Cook tomorrow. 9am-3pm. [City of Vic]

Prescribed burning near Greater Victoria watershed: Burning will take place today between Sooke Lake and Grant Lake. 11am-4pm. [CRD]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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One of the Island’s most renowned painters ignited a heated bidding war among Toronto art collectors this week—and his iconic work features a scene from Greater Victoria.

E.J. Hughes’ painting Coastal Boats Near Sidney, BC was valued at $1.25M to $1.75M but ended up selling for a whopping $5.7M at Heffel Fine Art Auction House in Toronto. 

It’s the highest price ever paid for a piece by a BC artist. Hughes previously broke the record for the highest sale in November when his painting, Entrance to Howe Sound, sold for $4.8M. Before that, the BC record was held by Emily Carr—another legendary Islander—for her painting The Crazy Stair (The Crooked Staircase), which sold for $3.4M in 2013.

Hughes, who died in 2007, created the painting in 1948 while living in Victoria. Proceeds from the sale will go to Emily Carr University, Hughes’ alma mater, to fund student awards at the school.

Heffel Fine Art Auction House called Hughes’ piece “one of the most iconic paintings in Canadian art.”

The auction house said the evening’s sales totalled $22.4M and included works from the Group of Seven—two members of the famed group, Frederick Varley and Lawren Harris, mentored Hughes—and Tom Thomson.

“The sale reflected continued confidence in the Canadian art market and the enduring importance of these remarkable artists," said Robert Heffel, VP of Heffel Fine Art Auction House.

This story ran for our Insiders on May 24. Consider becoming an Insider today and be the first to receive stories every Sunday.

🪸 Ethereal marine creatures seen near the Sidney Marina. [Facebook photos]

🎪 The RONA Pro Tent Event in Langford is today, 9 am to 2pm.

🐝 Meet The Root Cellar’s rooftop bees! Join a free workshop to learn more about these incredible creatures. Happening at 2.30pm this Saturday—register here.*

🌸 The Peony Festival begins today and runs through Saturday. 

👠 Drag is Art Festival begins today and runs through Sunday.

*Sponsored Listing

Anglican Diocese to pitch development, including an 18-storey tower, for Christ Church Cathedral lands
The Anglican Diocese will be in front of Victoria’s city council today in the hopes of getting permission to rezone its downtown property where Christ Church Cathedral sits. The diocese wants to partner with a builder to add as many as five buildings—including an 18-storey tower and housing—to the 1.4 ha precinct bordered by Quadra, Vancouver, Rockland, and Burdett. The diocese says it’s in no hurry to build and would consult with neighbours to make sure “everybody’s happy” with whatever option it comes up with. [Times Colonist]

Malahat mostly reopened after vehicle fire closed a section near Goldstream Provincial Park
A 4.3 km stretch of the highway was closed—with no turnaround or detour available—early yesterday morning when a van caught fire near Tunnel Hill. Traffic was stalled in both directions. The roadway was closed between Finlayson Arm and Wellswood. The lanes were gradually reopened midmorning. [CHEK] 

Police watchdog investigating arrest of man in Sooke
The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) is investigating a March 23 arrest by the Sooke RCMP, where a man was injured while being apprehended. RCMP were called to remove the man from a Sooke property at the request of its owner. He refused to leave, resulting in a physical interaction. The IIO is asking for witnesses to come forward with information. [Black Press]

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🎈 Savory Elementary Spring Fair: This fundraiser includes a bouncy castle, an obstacle course, carnival-style games with prizes, a 50/50 draw, and a BBQ at 2721 Grainger today. 5-7pm. [Info]

🍷 VINcabulary: The Road Less Poured: Wine educator Janice guides a tasting of six lesser-known grape varieties at Vessel Liquor tonight. 7–8:30pm. [Info]

🎶 Stars and Stories Live: The Story of Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell: See Dana Wylie and Joe Nolan explore the brief, but creatively charged romance between two Canadian icons in this stage production at McPherson Playhouse tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]

⚾ Hampton Baseball Fundraiser Comedy Night: Join this night of stand-up comedy raises funds for Hampton Little League Baseball at Hecklers Bar & Grill tonight. 8pm. [Info]

🎹 Pablo Cardenas Presents: Portraits of Havana: Cuban-Canadian pianist Pablo Cardenas leads an all-star ensemble tracing Havana's musical evolution at The Coda tomorrow. 6:30–8:30pm. [Info]

🎸 DBX: The Doobie Brothers Experience: The seasoned six-piece tribute act recreates the full span of the Doobie Brothers' catalogue at Mary Winspear Centre tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

💃 Dance Unlimited: 33rd Annual Celebration of Dance: Dance Unlimited's 33rd annual recital features dancers of all ages celebrating a full season of growth and artistry at McPherson Playhouse. Saturday. 11:30am & 5pm. [Info]

🩰 Protégé Dance: Year End Showcase: Protégé Dance Project's fourth-annual year-end showcase brings together dancers from three programs at the Royal Theatre. Saturday. 12pm & 6pm. [Info] 

Wednesday’s headlines: BC Transit workers to hold strike vote; Local authors under the spotlight at Greater Victoria libraries; Gigi’s Cafe on Hillside has closed. [May 27]

Vancouver Island marmot rescued after unusual beach adventure near Campbell River. [CHEK]

BC minimum wage to increase June 1: Wages will rise 2.1%, to $18.25 from $17.85 per hour. [BC Gov]

Witnesses and dashcam footage sought in suspicious vehicle fires. [Saanich Police]

The Emily Carr Chronicles Guided Walking Tour is 10am to 12pm on Saturday.

Victoria Folk Music Festival is on July 4 at RAP.

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