Nov 16 - The Island's environmental heroes

Good morning !

Welcome to the weekend! With a couple of rainy days ahead, I’m thinking I’ll do my go-to fall meal prep: soup. But the questions remains—to purée or not to purée?

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧️ 6 / 6

Tomorrow: 🌦️ 9 / 6

Monday: 🌦️ 8 / 5

NEWS

Quadratic Sound working with city to fix zoning issues that led to events shutdown

Since the multi-purpose music space announced it would cancel all events due to a zoning issue identified this week, the city’s arts and culture department has reached out to the operators to see if a solution can be found, according to Quadratic Sound COO Emily Mahbobi. 

Mahbobi told Capital Daily the arts and culture staff have said they will review the fire department's report on the space and have reached out to bylaw. She says current zoning for the space seems to allow for clubs to operate, and the issue might actually come down to building permits. If the team can secure the right permit and have the fire department conduct an occupancy assessment, Quadratic Sound could return to event operations, she said.

She stressed that, while it’s unclear what’s in store for the event side of the business, Quadratic Sound remains open for musicians, DJs, and producers to use as a recording studio and rehearsal space. 

But the events were a special feature of the space—commenters on the Quadratic Sound’s social media page called the venue a “non-judgemental” place to hear new and experimental music from local artists.

Mahbobi said its appeal as an event venue was tied to its commitment to creating a safe space for queer and marginalized people to connect with the community.

Read more about this community gem and the current effort to keep this space for live music.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

No mail: Canada Post is on strike.

Pay utility bills, tickets etc. by other means during mail strike, Saanich says.

Expect rain every day over the next week, and highs below 10C.

Crystal Pool remains closed this weekend.

Downtown rally for arms embargo planned for 1pm; CCTV & traffic disruptions expected.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Winners of 2024 Ecostar Awards announced

This year’s awards, presented by Island sustainability non-profit Synergy Foundation, were handed out at a Thurs. night gala at Laurel Point Inn. 

The Ecostar Awards recognize outstanding environmental achievements and since 2015, have been honouring Island businesses, schools, governments, and individuals who have led exceptional environmental initiatives.

With the recognition, this year’s 15 winners received a uniquely designed trophy made from recycled chopsticks and plastic bottles.

Read all about the winners—from tourism companies working to decarbonize the industry, to construction companies keeping waste out of landfills—here.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🎞️ Karuara, People of the River: Peruvian film with a UVic connection. [Cinecenta on Mon.]

🎤 TEDxVictoria speakers wanted for June 9, 10. [Theme: Ripples]

📈 Join over 2000 subscribers getting the latest insights on our region's pressing economic issues like housing, healthcare and more from South Island Prosperity Partnership’s weekly newsletter.*

🦠 Someone call Ghostbusters: Mysterious pink goo found on beach outside Sayward. [Facebook photos] 

🚛 Classic truck and car enthusiasts: Patio Gardens' Vintage Truck Planter Workshop on Nov. 28, 6–8 pm. Limited spots - snag yours fast!*

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🗞️ In Other News

YYJ joins the Sunflower program for people with hidden disabilities
As of Thurs., sunflower lanyards are available to pick up for free for anyone with a hidden disability—including autism, memory disorders, chronic pain, and many other neurological and physical disabilities. The lanyard will subtly signal to airport workers that the person may need some additional support or patience. The program has been growing worldwide, and is in 240+ airports. [Victoria News]

Truck goes through railing—and into water—at Denman ferry terminal
The pair of people in the pickup were fished out by BC Ferries staff, and one was taken to hospital. Due to the 6:45am incident, the route was one sailing behind throughout Friday. Impairment may have been a factor, RCMP say. [CTV]

$110M in BC insurance claims over October atmospheric river damage
Total damage cost will come in much higher due to uninsured properties. The election-weekend storms also caused the deaths of two southwest-Island drivers due to road flooding. [CP / Yahoo]

UVic named #8 in Canada for most employable grads
The new Times Higher Education ranking puts U of T #1, with UVic joining UBC and U of A as the only Top-10 inclusions in western Canada. UVic's co-op program executive director Andrea Giles told CHEK that the majority of eligible students participate in co-op work placements, and that 83% find post-graduation work related to their career including 54% employed by the employer with whom they did the co-op.

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🗓️ Things to do

🎸 The Arkells: The Canadian indie favourites will perform at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]

☕ Specialty Coffee Tasting: Visit Green Cuisine Specialty Coffee Roastery in Market Square today for a unique experience for coffee lovers. 9-10:30am. [Info]

🧑‍🎄 Pet Photos with Santa: Make memories at Buckerfield's Langford with a photo of your pet with Santa. Today and tomorrow. 10am & 2pm. [Info]

🛍️ Colourful Business: Support 25 exciting businesses from racialized people, Indigenous people, and new immigrants at RBCM today. 12-5pm [Info]

🎶 An Evening with Jane Siberry: See the iconic and enigmatic Jane Siberry present her new album at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church tonight. 7:30pm [Info]

🎛️ Flux Pavilion: Catch the DJ and singer at Capital Ballroom tonight. 9pm. [Info]

🎤 A Night for Sharon Jones: See a local 12-piece band pay tribute to the Queen of Funk on the 8th anniversary of her death from cancer. Alix Goolden Hall tonight at 7:30pm. [Info] 

🧒🛍️ Kids Winter Craft Market: Shop art, jewelry, trinkets, and more at the Oaklands Community Centre tomorrow, with handmade goods created by young entrepreneurs (all vendors are kids). 1:30-4:30pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Friday’s headlines: Crestfallen at Confederation Garden Court near Inner Harbour. New Langford campus could be named after Horgan. VEC space gets a new tenant. [Nov. 15]

Unhoused locals unable to check belongings. [Capital Daily] 

Winter/holiday craft markets happening around Greater Vic. [Tasting Victoria]

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

Victoria gets a travel nod from Good Housekeeping.

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