Nov 15 - Unhoused look for place to keep their belongings

Good morning !

Today, stories on storage for the unhoused downtown, some crafty recommendations for those of you starting your Christmas shopping, and a new—already tried and true—dance club for downtown Victoria.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ⛅ 8 / 5

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 7 / 6

Sunday: 🌦️ 8 / 6

NEWS

Unhoused downtown: 'What do we do with our stuff?'

A few weeks ago, the City of Victoria began clearing tents along the Pandora corridor, and at around the same time, a storage facility—at 926 Pandora—where unhoused individuals could keep their belongings was closed. 

That left dozens of people who are unhoused looking for a new place to camp—and also a place to put their belongings once 7am arrives and they have to pack up. 

The rental for the 20-foot shipping container managed on behalf of the city by the Solid Outreach Society, expired on Oct. 31, 2024.

On Nov. 7, Victoria councillors unanimously passed a motion made by Mayor Marianne Alto and Coun. Krista Loughton to relocate the container, but council has yet to determine a new location.

In the meantime, the unhoused are left with few options on what to do with their belongings.

Read Sidney Coles’ full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Crystal Pool’s hot tub, sauna, steam room and pool area are closed due to mechanical issues. Fitness areas remain open. [City of Victoria]

Sign the book of condolences for John Horgan. [BC Gov’t]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

EVENTS

Here are some holiday markets to visit in case this guy can’t bring everything on your list

Victoria is home to incredible artisans, artists, makers, bakers, craft brewers, and more, and as the holiday season approaches, craft markets are the perfect place to pick up these local goods for your loved ones—and for yourself. We have compiled a comprehensive guide to the upcoming holiday craft markets that feature different and unique vendors this month and next.

Amelia Acedo from our Tasting Victoria team has prepared a list of can’t-miss selections so you can pick and choose from among some outstanding craft experiences.

Check out the full guide to all of the winter craft markets right now.

NEWS

Signs suggest something’s amiss at Inner Harbour park commemorating Confederation

If you’ve been to Confederation Garden Court—that’s that neat little plaza with a waterfall and fountain tucked away between the legislative grounds and Hotel Grand Pacific—you may have noticed a blank wall where something seems missing,

Eagle-eyed visitors to the park would have noticed not all of Canada’s provinces and territories are represented in the above photo, taken earlier this week.

The shields—or crests, featuring elements of the coat of arms of each province and Canadian territory—on the right-side wall were sent out for restoration work in early October and reaffixed on Nov. 4, when BC’s and the six other shields were taken from the left-side wall, destined for similar restoration work.

The Legislative Assembly is in charge of the park. The Speaker’s Office tells Capital Daily someone forgot to put up a sign, so for a few days, tourists may have been wondering what happened to half the country. Signs explaining that the crests were removed for refurbishing have since been affixed.

The crests—made of bronze—are expected back and repainted, in three to four weeks, the Speaker’s Office said.  

Cool factoid: That box in the centre below the fountain is a time capsule that’s to be opened in 2067.

SPONSORED BY CORNUCOPIA

Uncork the bold tastes of Cornucopia this fall

This fall, guests are invited to sip, sample, and savour at Whistler's premier event, Cornucopia, which runs from Nov. 7-17. With 70+ tastings and events, attendees can indulge in multi-course culinary demonstrations, spirited parties, and elegant winery dinners.

This year’s spotlight shines on 18 Californian wineries, joining 50+ from across the Pacific Northwest. Whether you love bubbles or bold reds, Cornucopia offers the perfect opportunity to expand your wine knowledge, discover new flavours, and take home new favourites.

Lodging and ticket bundles start at just $95 per person, per night, with a complimentary $100 dining voucher to enhance the experience. Tickets are selling fast, so now is the time to grab yours. From intimate workshops and educational seminars to signature events like the CRUSH Grand Tasting, Cornucopia promises something for every curious sipper and connoisseur.

Cheers to the ultimate fall getaway in Whistler!

⭐️ Capital Picks

🎓 600+ students graduate at the 55th Convocation ceremony at Royal Roads University.

🎅🏽 First seating nearly sold out at Pancakes & Pajamas on Dec. 8! Delicious brunch, holiday activities, and stories with Santa at Hotel Grand Pacific.*

⚾ HarbourCats 2025 schedule just released. [27 regular-season home games]

🎼 Victoria Conservatory of Music presents Daniel Lapp's Home for Christmas concerts on Dec. 18 and 19 at the Royal Theatre. Celebrate the season with us! Get your tickets now!*

🧳 Victoria gets a travel nod from Good Housekeeping.

🌎 WE ARE ONE! An amazing live show featuring the legendary Roy Forbes, Caleb Hart (Caribbean), CBC's Gregor Craigie, and many others. Dec. 1 at 2pm.*

🐟 Salmon leaps up the falls at Goldstream Provincial Park. [Facebook photo]

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

New Langford university could be named after John Horgan 
The startup school, a Camosun/UVic/Royal Roads partnership, is being built in Langford, where Horgan served five terms as an MLA. The former BC premier died Tuesday, after a long battle with cancer. Former Langford mayor Stew Young says Horgan was instrumental in securing the institution and he deserves the recognition of having his name on it when it opens, which is scheduled to be in the spring. [CTV]

VicPD wants witnesses to driver hitting cars, signs along Dallas
Police got a call around 3am Sunday, saying someone in a black car was driving erratically along Dallas and Wellington. Police said the driver’s car slammed into several parked vehicles and signs and was seen swerving. They caught up to the driver—who they say was intoxicated—near Mile Zero but say he resisted arrest. They eventually took him into custody and he now has a court date. [VicPD]

Victoria Event Centre has a new tenant: it’s a neighbour
Last month, when the Victoria Event Centre (VEC) abruptly announced it was closing, it also said “new operators will be taking over the space.” Now we know who. It’s Paparazzi Nightclub, which is going to expand a few doors down at 1415 Broad under the banner Encore by Paparazzi. On weekends, Encore will have live DJs and a dance floor, and on weekdays it’ll be live shows. [CHEK]

SPONSORED BY WONDERHEADS THEATRE

Experience holiday enchantment with A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol

Praised by the CBC as “Pure magic,” acclaimed theatrical imagineers, the WONDERHEADS will light up the McPherson Playhouse this December with A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol.

This captivating holiday masterpiece brings Scrooge’s Christmas Eve journey to life with giant masks, whimsical puppets, and wondrous theatrical invention. Running Dec. 18-21, tickets are on sale now!

🗓️ Things to do

🎞️ Karuara, People of the River. Peruvian film with a UVic connection. This award-winning film helped win a groundbreaking lawsuit to protect a major river in Peru’s Amazon region. Cinecenta. Nov. 19. 7pm. [Info] 

🎄 Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre: Coming back this year in support of BC Children’s Hospital and showcasing beautifully decorated trees for all to enjoy over the holidays. Bay Centre. Today-Jan. 5. [Info]

🧑‍🎄🐶🐱 Pet photos with Santa: By donation to Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders. Unit 104, 975 Langford Pkwy. Tomorrow & Sun. 10am-2pm. [Info]

💃 A.I.M by Kyle Abraham: A.I.M is galvanized by Black culture and history. Its movement vocabulary draws inspiration from modern, contemporary, ballet, and hip-hop. Royal Theatre. Tonight & tomorrow. [Info] 

🎵 A Night for Sharon Jones: A tribute to the Queen of Funk. Jones superfan Katherine Beckett has assembled a fiery 12-piece band to perform the music of the late, great Miss Sharon Jones and her band, the Dap-Kings. Alix Goolden Performance Hall. Tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

🎤 An Evening with Jane Siberry: Blessed with sincere integrity and emotional depth, she has released 14 studio albums, including her well-loved signature song Calling All Angels. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday’s headlines: Cyclist dragged 20 metres by a truck on Pat Bay Hwy.; CRD considering hiring out to strategize arts facilities funding; VicPD bike beat to return in summer; And more. [Nov. 14]

WSÁNEĆ chiefs call for an immediate stop to commercial herring fishing in the Salish Sea. [Capital Daily]

New and returning MLAs sworn in at the BC Legislature. [Capital Daily]

Survey on aging from the Senior’s Advocate of BC. [Take part] 

Tennessee crooner Jelly Roll kicks off his ‘Beautifully Broken Great Northern Tour of Canada’ in Victoria. [March 6]

GVPL offers free family ebook/audiobook mystery: Montgomery & the Case of the Golden Key is available free worldwide until next Thursday.

Oak Bay Half Marathon registration is now open.

That’s it!

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