Nov 1 - Greater Victoria tourism on the rebound

Good morning !

A bit of an international angle in this morning’s read. We start with a Fernwood fundraiser that could help change the lives of a family that wants to leave violence in Lebanon to join us in our paradise. Nearly five million people joined us in 2023—as tourists. That’s our second story.

So… any chocolate left from last night?

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧️ 9 / 7 

Tomorrow: 🌦️ 10 / 6

Sunday: 🌦️ 10 / 7

7-day forecast

NEWS

Group moving to bring Syrian refugee family to Victoria

Tomorrow may be just another ho-hum, fall Sat. night in beautiful, bountiful Victoria, but for a young family toiling in a warzone, it’s hoped to be the next step in a massive change of lifestyle and safety.

Sasha Dani knows the transition well. Eight years ago, she arrived in Canada, having escaped a divided Syria aflame in revolution, persecution, and civil war. Now she wants to get her brother, his wife, and their two young children outta there and over here.

“For my brother's family, moving to an affluent country like Canada would mean more than just a change of address, it represents a lifeline and a chance for them to build a safer and more stable life,” Dani tells Capital Daily.

Dani is one of a dozen people who comprise Victoria Shows Love (VSL), a group working with the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, attempting to sponsor the family currently subsisting in a Syrian refugee camp in neighbouring Lebanon.

The group has raised $52K to bring the family here and needs more.

So there’s a major fundraiser scheduled tomorrow in Fernwood. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door.

Read Mark Brennae’s full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Trails reopen: All trails in Sea to Sea, Sooke Potholes regional parks are again accessible; Old Man Lake fire officially out. [Details]

Langford Official Community Plan: Have your say. [Survey]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

Back from pandemic: almost 5 million people visited Greater Victoria in 2023, says tourism board study

Our gorgeous city is once again a hotspot for tourists looking to spend their vacations eating well, watching for whales, and hiking pristine trails, according to Destination Greater Victoria’s (DGV) latest economic impact study. 

Last year, Victoria welcomed a whopping 4.9M visitors who dropped a cool $1.9B during their South Island excursions. That’s half a billion more than the pre-pandemic average of $1.4B.

“The visitor economy has recovered from the effects of the pandemic overall and continues to be a significant driver of employment and economic growth in the region,” the DGV said in a release.

According to the study, the tourism industry generated $3.5B in economic output and added $2B to the city’s GDP. Since 2018, GDP contributions through tourism have risen by 52%. 

The successful ‘23 tourism season brought in $510M in tax money: $30M went to the municipality; $248M to the province; and $232M to the feds. Tax contributions from tourism have also increased since 2018, growing by 36%. 

Next week, DGV CEO Paul Nursey will release the agency’s 10-year plan, outlining a strategy to maintain Victoria’s standing as an outstanding vacation destination. 

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🍖 New resto: Roast Meat & Sandwich Shop—a popular fixture of Victoria Public Market—will open a second location in Uptown at the end of the month. [Tasting Victoria]

🐶 Need a gift idea for the holiday season? Contact Shelly Welch Photography for a gift certificate for the dog parent on your list.*

💼 Best in biz: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce welcomes new inductees into its Business Hall of Fame.

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Coroner concludes Victoria teen’s death was a homicide
Initially, Samantha-Sims-Somerville’s tragic death in 2021 was ruled an accidental overdose, according to her mother, Tracy Sims. Samantha was 18 when she died after attending an apartment party. An autopsy found a combination of GHB—the so-called date-rape drug—and alcohol in her system. Sims continued to investigate and the coroner now says there is evidence the teen unwittingly consumed the drug. [CTV]

Fairfield retailer installs bullet-proof glass after string of window smashing
The owner of 2:18 Run in Fairfield Village Shopping Centre says his store’s front window has been destroyed by both thieves stealing expensive Nike products and drivers accidentally accelerating into the storefront. He’s lost thousands of dollars this year in break-ins, making the $15K price tag of the newly installed Riot Glass a worthwhile investment, he said. [Times Colonist]

Winnipeg man arrested in Colwood car fires, shooting case
Two vehicles were set on fire on Ravenhead last month and several gunshots were fired at and into a Westshore residence. CHEK reports the home belongs to Punjabi singer AP Dhillon. Police got an occupant out of the house unscathed and Colwood Fire handled the blaze. Abjeet Kingra, 25, has been charged with arson and discharging a firearm with intent. Police have a warrant out for another Winnipegger, Vikram Sharma, 23, who they believe to be in India. [RCMP]

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🗓️ Things to do

😆 Laura Ramoso: See the German-Italian comedian, best known for her viral impressions on TikTok, at the Royal Theatre tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]

🏄 Let’s Go Surfin’: Listen to the timeless melodies of the Beach Boys at Mary Winspear Centre tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]

👑 Queen Priyanka: See the first-ever winner of Canada’s Drag Race as she tours her new music at Capital Ballroom tonight. 9pm. [Info]

🎃 Colwood Pumpkin Smash: Enjoy a fun way to dispose of your jack-o’-lanterns at Colwood City Hall. Smash it with a snowblower, fire hose, or heavy-duty equipment. Tomorrow. 12-2pm. [Info]

🎄Cordova Bay Art Group: In Time for Christmas Show and Sale. Original paintings, art cards, and unique handcrafted creations. 5238 Cordova Bay Road. Tomorrow. 10am-3pm. [Info]

Want more events? Subscribe to This Week In Vic and get our weekly events newsletter every Tuesday.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday’s headlines: 555 housing units, grocery store to be built on former bowling alley site in Saanich; Scary Victoria; Controversial candidate Sapozhnikov won’t run again for Conservatives; And more. [Oct. 31]

3 people found dead after rental home fire near Duncan. [CTV] 

Sarah McLachlan postpones tour, including Nov. 20 Victoria concert, due to laryngitis. [Details]

Halloween house maps. [Times Colonist] [Virgin Radio]

Halloween reminder: check for cannabis products in candy. [BC Gov’t]

Big Lonely Doug is seen in the fall mist, with new sapling neighbours. [Facebook photo]

That’s it!

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