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In the news: the city’s most popular neighbourhood party is back (before it ever left); Saanich gives a very shaky OK to a 42-metre cellphone tower; and good news if you own an electric vehicle and you like to travel.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

Today: ⛅ 16 / 9

Tomorrow: ⛅ 19 / 10

Sunday: 🌦️ 18 / 10

7-day forecast

If you own an electric vehicle (EV) and you take the ferry a lot, BC Ferries may have just made your life a little easier, should your vehicle go kaput on a trip this summer. 

Starting May 19, vehicles that can’t move under their own power and are undamaged or have only minor cosmetic damage will be allowed on a ferry. EVs in working order are already allowed on board, but those that aren’t working and are damaged remain restricted because they pose a fire risk.

The move drew kudos from the car community, which believes that as EVs become more common, transportation policies need to adapt.  

“This is a practical and welcome step forward for EV owners,” said Blair Qualey, president & CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. “For many coastal and island communities, ferry travel is an essential transportation link, including when vehicles need to be moved for service or repair.”

In updating its policy, BC Ferries said in cases where it can’t be determined whether the battery is damaged, the travel restrictions will apply. And the ship’s captain has final say, the company said.

BC Ferries published pictures on its website to show what it considers cosmetic damage versus serious damage.

Last summer, BC Ferries banned banged-up EVs from its vessels, citing Transport Canada regulations, which warn that damaged or malfunctioning lithium batteries can pose a serious fire hazard, especially in confined spaces such as a roll-on-roll-off ferry.

Since 2014, damaged or defective lithium vehicle batteries have had to be removed from an EV and transported separately.

Cook construction: Bay to Hillside southbound lanes closed for paving; and Kiwanis Way slip lane closed (right-hand turns accommodated).

Tartan Parade for Highland Games: road closures tomorrow.

Full closure of the Blanshard & Bay intersection (detours in place) on Sunday.

🌊 Victoria tide times today.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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If you’re at Beacon Hill Park tomorrow around noon and you hear some wild screaming that kinda sounds like a bird but mostly sounds like a human trying to sound like a bird, you've come across the second annual Scream Like a Gull Contest.

The Rocky Point Bird Observatory (RPBO) is putting its beak in Beacon Hill as it marks World Migratory Bird Day and kicks off a week of bird-themed events.

Gull screaming or screeching contests are silly and fun. They’re also more common than you might think.

Last month, 75 participants from 15 countries competed in the 6th Annual European Gull Screeching Championship.

It’s a thing.

Port Orchard, Wash., has hosted a seagull calling contest for 30+ years. 

Victoria’s seagull soundalike is open to anyone who wants to step up to the microphone and deliver their “boldest, loudest, most unhinged gull calls,” the RPBO says.

Judges—including last year’s winner Johnny Novak—will peck at volume, accuracy, and creativity. They’ll also have an eagle eye for showmanship, as costumes are encouraged.

As the Toronto hospice, Casey House, prepares for the historic visit of Princess Diana, residents and staff are inspired to beat the odds as a plague continues to ravage a generation. Casey and Diana vividly captures a moment in time when a rebel Princess reshaped the course of a pandemic.

🏓 Topaz Park Pickleball Hub is opening today 10am-12pm.

🌱 Plant Sale: Victoria Horticultural Society is tomorrow, 10am to 1pm. 

🏰 Quadra Village Day is tomorrow, 10am to 2pm.

🧸 Fairfield Gonzales Yard Sale is tomorrow, 10am to 2pm.

🍗 Birdman: A new fried chicken restaurant from the owners of Wind Cries Mary and Rudi opens May 22. [Details]

🎭 Opening weekend! The Gondoliers plays May 9 & 10 in Oak Bay. Tickets available now—secure yours today for this lively Gilbert and Sullivan favourite.*

FernFest to return this June: council approves grant
FernFest is back June 13. Organizers cancelled it in March, and a community-led group looking to save the city’s largest neighbourhood summer bash missed a deadline for city grants. On Tuesday, we told you a pair of councillors had identified a different funding stream that would resuscitate the popular 15-year-old event. Yesterday, the council passed a motion to approve a $20K grant from the My Great Neighbourhood program. In a release, Coun. Jeremy Caradonna said it won’t affect the city’s budget.

Saanich council supports proposal for 42-metre cellphone tower
Telus wants to build a tower at 5010 Santa Clara, just off the Pat Bay Highway, to improve wireless service. Councillors voted 5-4 in favour of the location, although ultimately, it will be up to the federal government to decide whether a tower will be built. Telus has agreed to ensure it is slim and painted green to blend in with the surrounding trees, but the proposed height remains a concern. The council voted to update the district’s tower policy. [Times Colonist]

BC to allow midwives to prescribe the abortion pill
The BC government is expanding the scope of health-care assistance midwives are legally allowed to offer to include providing a medical abortion within the first trimester and treating an early miscarriage. The changes will make it easier for people to access safe and timely abortion services closer to home and support more pregnancy care, the government said. “As a rural resident, I know how essential this is for people in communities where access can be limited,” said Josie Osborne, BC’s health minister. [CHEK]

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🎷 The Andrew Greenwood Quintet: An evening showcasing the music of Dexter Gordon. Greenwood is on the saxophone. Victoria’s Daniel Lapp is on trumpet. The Coda. Tonight. 6:30pm. [Info]

🎸 An Evening with City and Colour (Solo): Dallas Green has five Juno Awards. He’s played with Coldplay, Pink, Neil Young, and more. Royal Theatre. Tonight and tomorrow night. 8pm. [Info]

😂 Gabriel Rutledge: Don’t Read the Comments Tour. The Olympia, Wash., native is big on observational humour about family life, marriage, and his upbringing in the Pacific Northwest. Studio 919. Tonight. 7pm. [Info]

🥧 The Goldstream Farmers Market: One of the region's many amazing summertime traditions. Reminder: the market has moved to 744 Danbrook for the 2026 season to accommodate ongoing improvements at Veterans Memorial Park. Danbrook Park. Tomorrow. 10am-2pm. [Info]

🌹Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour: Explore nine stunning private gardens across Greater Victoria, each alive with spring blooms and featuring live performances by the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Tomorrow and Sunday. 10am-4pm. [Info] 

🍵 Marvelous Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Party: Enjoy an elegant afternoon that will include an assortment of delectable sandwiches and savoury pastries, followed by a selection of exquisite desserts. Odd Fellows Hall. Tomorrow. 1pm. [Info]

🎞️ Green Valley: Film and fundraiser. The debut feature documentary of Victoria-raised filmmaker Morgan Tams, who explores Blue Jay Lake Farm, a remote, self-sustaining community. Vic Theatre. May 22. 6:30pm. [Info]

Thursday’s headlines: Plug pulled on Lights of Wonder; Saanich asks province to resuscitate UVic housing project; Victoria Uber drivers ratify union deal. [May 7]

‘Illegal gaming house’ raided, arrests made on Burnside. [CHEK]

Campfire ban: Category 1, 2, and 3 fires—which include campfires—are banned in the Coastal Fire Centre starting today. [BC Wildfire Service]

Free spring seedlings from the City of Victoria starting May 14.

Mother’s Day Guided Thrift Hunt at Murchies on Saturday. 

The Gordon Head weight room has reopened after extensive repairs. [District of Saanich] 

Life imitates art: See tree swallows in Duncan pose next to educational signs about tree swallows in Duncan. [Facebook photos]

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