Good morning {{First name}}!

On this day in history, in 1871, John Foster McCreight was selected as BC’s first premier.
A week from today, Lorne Doerkson—another name that I’ll admit is new to me—will be sworn in as the province’s 38th premier.
Doerkson says he prefers government employees working from home to return to the office.
Business owners will be happy to see more foot traffic, but the union representing workers—who right now can work from home two days a week—says remote work has saved the province millions of dollars.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

Today: 🌧️ 13 / 8

Tomorrow: 🌦️ 12 / 8

Sunday: 🌦️ 12 / 7

7-day forecast

Influence Boardshop has been a retail skateboard shop for a decade and a half, but to many young adults it’s been a cultural hub—a place to kickflip or just kick back.

Now the busy, 5,000-square-foot shop and indoor skateboard area on Quadra near Reynolds needs a lifeline.

“We are seeking to start a fundraiser to raise $250,000 to address immediate financial obligations, including completing renovations on our indoor skateboarding parks and cafe,” says co-owner Steven Munro in an email to Capital Daily.

“We are hoping to get media coverage to attract the support of volunteers, accountants, bookkeepers, lawyers, and staff.”

Munro says the unofficial community youth centre is at risk of closing for good, and that’s not good for the dozens of young people who see it as more than a place to skateboard.

He says Influence Boardshop is a place where young people can engage in physical activities, build confidence, develop skills, and connect with a positive, supportive community.

Munro’s goal is to restructure to operate as a nonprofit community youth centre model.

“Our mission has always been simple: to give young people somewhere to go, something meaningful to do and be a part of.”

Munro, who started skateboarding at four, says he woke up every morning knowing exactly what he would do that day: skateboard.

“It encompassed my life in such a big way, in such a positive way,” he says in a video posted to the company website. He says the sport kept him healthy and focused, and it taught him discipline—something he wants to pass along. 

“We are not simply asking people to save a business,” he says. “We are asking for help preserving a place where young people can find their place, discover their potential, and feel they belong.”

Beer Recall due to pieces of metal: Includes non-alcoholic and Molson/Coors beer. [See list here]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

On the water today? Check the tide times for Victoria.

Rent was more affordable for a one-bedroom in Victoria in October, but the cost of two-bedrooms crept up slightly.

Last month, the average one-bedroom unit in Victoria cost $1,984, and the average two-bedroom went for $2,642.

The average price for one-bedroom homes in the city has dropped by 1.5% since this time last year and 0.1% since last month. However, two-bedroom unit prices rose by 0.9% since October 2025 and by 0.4% since last month.

Victoria is currently ranked the 17th most expensive city for renters in Canada. Last month, the capital city was 16th on the list. At the start of this year, it sat at 20th place. North Vancouver and Vancouver were the first and second most expensive, respectively.

A report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation found that Greater Victoria's vacancy rate for purpose-built homes was 3.3% in 2025, the highest it's been in decades.  

Across Canada, the average rent has declined by 3.2% since this time last year, and BC's has dropped by 1.3%, the fourth-largest decline for a province. In September, BC marked two years of declining overall rents; October continued that trend.

This story ran for our Insiders on Nov. 8. Consider becoming an Insider today and be the first to receive stories every Sunday.

Phillips Taproom & Kitchen is now booking holiday parties in Victoria. From semi-private gatherings to full venue buyouts, Phillips offers flexible event options, fresh food from the Taproom kitchen, and a full drinks menu including beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. It’s a festive, locally owned space for teams looking to celebrate the season together.

⚽ UVic hosts the 2026 U Sports Men’s national soccer championship at Centennial Stadium through Sunday.

🔨 Harmony Project Sooke online auction is open until 8pm tonight.

👗 Wear2Start Winter Market is tomorrow and Sunday at James Bay Community School Centre.

💼 Colourful Business 2026 is tomorrow, 10am-3pm, at the Royal BC Museum.

⚓ Royal Canadian Navy Tour: The future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray. Tomorrow, 1-3pm. [SOLD OUT]

🚀 Go—this is your opportunity: Grow your career without slowing down and see results with Continuing Studies at UVic. *

🧶 Looking for a Christmas craft market? [Try this]

*Sponsored Listing

Philosophy MD welcomes the community to its Holiday House Party at 559 Superior on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 1pm to 7pm. Guests will meet the clinic’s physicians and team, learn about cosmetic treatment and skincare options from visiting brand experts, and explore holiday packages. Packages are also available online.

Cyclist hit on Cook calls for tougher red-light penalties
A Victoria man who used to run marathons—and now is grateful to walk—says drivers who run red lights should face tougher penalties. It took Ron Mierau nearly a year to regain the ability to walk after the driver of an SUV went through a red light on Cook in 2023 and slammed into his bicycle. The driver got a ticket. Mierau says there should be more accountability for drivers who hurt or kill cyclists or pedestrians, including community service, forced traffic education, or requiring them to see from the cyclists' and pedestrians' perspective. [Times Colonist]

BC SPCA rescues 15 neglected animals from Island home
The BC SPCA is seeking donations after rescuing 14 cats and kittens and a severely neglected dog, Betty, from a Vancouver Island property on Oct. 2. Betty was tethered outside with inadequate food and water and a matted coat that caused her pain. The underweight cats lived in a house with feces on the floor. All tested positive for ringworm, and the cats had several parasites. Quarantined and recovering, they will need more than a month’s care before adoption. [CHEK]

Local video game marathon raises $1.3M for charity 
Victoria-based charity Desert Bus for Hope broke its fundraising record during its 20th anniversary livestream event, where people played an ongoing video game for a total of 169 hours. More than 175 volunteers and 5,043 donors took part. The event raised $1,347,514 US for Child’s Play Charity, which donates toys and games to pediatric hospitals, besting the 2024 record of $1,252,690 US. Since 2007, the charity has raised $14.3M US. [Black Press]

🧑‍🎨 Oak Bay Arts Weekend—Fall Edition: Cocktails and Conversations today from 5pm to 7pm. Exhibition and sale tomorrow from 9am to 3pm. Studio tours tomorrow and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm. Monterey Rec. Centre. [Free] [Info]

🎵 Canadian Beauty: Ragged Glory Neil Young Tribute: Victoria’s Canadian Beauty brings back their annual Neil Young tribute. The Coda. Tonight. 6:30pm. [Info] 

🎤 SonReal Live: The Canadian rapper brings his Here Goes Nothing Tour into Victoria’s Capital Ballroom. Tonight. 9pm. [Info]

🛍️ Holiday Shopping at the Empress: SEEK Bespoke Market showcases 42 independent brands offering jewelry, art, skincare, specialty foods, and more. Crystal Ballroom and Palm Court. Tomorrow and Sunday. 10am-5pm/4pm. [Info] 

🕊️ Living in the Now: With Maggie Calder: This workshop is a gentle return to the only moment where peace, joy, and true change are possible. Victoria Truth Centre. Tomorrow. 1-4pm. [Info]

🎶‍ Cecilia: Accordionist Timi Turmel, pianist Erin Leahy, and fiddler Louis Schryer blend Celtic and Québécois tunes with jazz and swing touches. Christian Science Church. Tomorrow. 7:30pm.  [Info]

🏄 Let's Go Surfing: This tribute to The Beach Boys will showcase the band's biggest hits at the McPherson Playhouse. Tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

🚲 Great Ride of Return: A cycling (and 'anything that rolls, including skateboards, scooters, roller blades, and mobility devices') event to raise awareness and funds to support the Gaza Sunbirds in their aid work. Oaklands Community Centre. Sunday. 1pm. [Info]

🚶 Walk Together Against Gender-Based Violence: Join the Women's Empowerment Alliance for Violence Elimination on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Meet at Centennial Square. Dec. 6. 4-6pm. [Info]

Thursday’s headlines: Thetis Lake’s hand-carved sign gets a second life; 27 Islanders died from suspected toxic drugs in September; Christmas craft market info—all in one place. [Nov. 12]

Road closure: Richmond at Fort will be closed until next Tuesday. [7am-5pm]

Saanich single-lane alternating traffic on Hartland at Tod Creek until Nov. 16, 7am-4pm.

Orange weather alert: The rest of the Island is dealing with severe weather. [CHEK]

Rhonda N. McEwen is sworn in as UVic’s 9th president and vice-chancellor. [UVic]

28-year-old cellist to play 319-year-old cello at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium this weekend. [Times Colonist]

Sunfest lineup announced for July 29-Aug.1.

The Atomic Christmas Vintage Fair & Makers Market is tonight and tomorrow at the Da Vinci Centre.

Victoria Fall Art, Craft Fair & Festival 2026 is all weekend at RAP.  

Constructing Kindness pancake breakfast and BBQ fundraiser for Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank is tomorrow, 9am-1pm at Central Saanich Fire Hall.

If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to a fellow Victorian.

And before you go, let us know: