Nov 19 - Sewage pipe obstruction forces CRD to truck solid waste

Good morning !

I had the pleasure of hosting the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society AGM last night.
These folks do great work to help new Canadians adjust to a whole new way of life.
If you are looking for a fine investment in your choice of very worthy charities, you wouldn’t go wrong in supporting VIRCS!

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 8 / 4

Tomorrow: 🌤️ 10 / 7

Friday: 🌧️ 10 / 8

7-day forecast

NEWS

Something doesn’t smell right: CRD dealing with a wastewater treatment plant blockage

Residents of Victoria, Saanich, and Esquimalt should expect a possible smell in the air and more trucks on the road at all hours as the CRD pivots to keep the sewage system working. 

There’s a blockage in the region’s wastewater treatment system’s Residual Solids Conveyance Line (RSCL), which runs from the McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant (MPWTP) in Esquimalt to the Residual Treatment Facility located at Hartland Landfill—so the CRD is going to use trucks 24/7 to move the waste. 

“To maintain operations during repairs, residual solids from the MPWTP are being transported by truck through the municipalities of Esquimalt, Victoria, and Saanich to locations at Interurban Road and Courtland Avenue and the Hartland Landfill in Saanich,” the CRD said yesterday afternoon. 

The RSCL is a critical part of the wastewater treatment system. It consists of two pipes and three small pump stations. One pipe, 10 inches in diameter, is 19.3 km long. It transports semi-solid sewage from the main treatment plant at McLoughlin Point to the Hartland residuals facility for more treatment.

The second pipe is 12 inches in diameter and 12.4 km long. It returns liquid removed from the residual solids during the treatment process to the Marigold Pump Station and then sends it to McLoughlin Point. 

The CRD calls the repair job a “temporary measure” and says to expect:

• Increased 24-hour truck traffic with the potential for traffic interruptions and delays

• Possible odour issues

• Additional noise

The CRD said that emergency repairs would begin promptly to restore normal service, but it did not provide a timeline.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

BC emergency alert testing: A provincewide system test is slated for 1:55pm today. [BC Gov’t.]

Saanich single-lane traffic: near 4562 Cordova Bay. Today, 9am-3pm.

Galloping Goose closure/detour: Viaduct Park in Burnside Gorge. [Weekdays until Dec. 19]

Cook closed between Johnson and Yates for underground utility servicing. 7am-5pm through Nov. 26. [City of Victoria] 

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Human Rights Tribunal to hear complaints of racism, discrimination against VicPD

The BC Human Rights Tribunal will hear a former VicPD employee’s complaints of racism and discrimination in the department. 

Karendeep Saini, a South Asian woman who worked as a research, policy, and audit analyst for the department from 2017 to 2021, says she was subjected to 11 racist and discriminatory incidents while at work. Saini filed her complaint with the tribunal in August 2021. 

Among Saini’s assertions is an alleged incident where an officer yelled at her for supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, telling her all BLM protesters were "terrorists and gang members.” She also claims that her concerns about racism in the department were brushed off by superiors and that she was threatened by her colleagues when she tried to speak out about discrimination. 

VicPD sought to nullify five of the 11 complaints, as the incidents happened more than three years before Saini filed her grievance. However, the presiding tribunal member said the allegations “form part of a continuing contravention” and would remain in the case. A hearing will be scheduled as the next step.

It’s not the first time VicPD has faced allegations of racism from its employees—Capital Daily previously reported on two officers, both working for the department around the same time as Saini—who filed complaints through the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

In 2023, the tribunal decided to move forward with a complaint from January 2022, filed by Brad Meyer, an Indigenous officer who claims he was treated differently from white officers and witnessed racial slurs against First Nations go unreprimanded by supervisors.

Meyer’s case was dismissed in August due to a lack of materials provided; however, the tribunal member presiding over the case said he “did not doubt” that Meyer experienced “unique and difficult challenges” as an Indigenous officer.

Another complaint, filed in 2021, also moved forward with the tribunal in 2023. Karen Hira—a South Asian woman who worked as a civilian for the department for three years before quitting in the summer of 2021—said she was subjected to “discrimination, racist comments and selective accountability” throughout her employment and that her repeated attempts to have VicPD’s leadership team address her concerns gained no traction. Her complaint with the tribunal included the Victoria-Esquimalt Police Board and VicPD.

The current status of Hira’s tribunal case is not clear. Hira, who was awarded a Medal of Good Citizenship in 2022 by the province, has since launched a training program in smaller communities in BC on how to diffuse racist incidents.

In 2016, the tribunal awarded a VicPD officer $20K for “injury to dignity, feelings and self-respect” after determining that the department had discriminated against him for his political beliefs.

SPONSORED BY CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION OF VANCOUVER ISLAND

Pancakes, pajamas & purpose!

Pancakes & Pajamas is filling up fast! Over half of all tickets and hotel packages are already gone! Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a cozy, festive fundraiser in your PJs at the Hotel Grand Pacific on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Choose from two seatings: 9am or 12:30pm. Bring your kids for a morning of holiday magic, or gather your friends for the afternoon brunch. Enjoy delicious food, festive activities, and cozy pajamas—all while making a difference.

When you attend Pancakes & Pajamas, you’re helping support the health-care journeys of Island families during the holidays and all year long. But act fast—last year’s fundraiser sold out.

Grab your tickets today.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🛹 Sooke Skate Park replacement project begins.

🛝 Saanich Commonwealth Place waterslide is almost ready.

♻️ Environmental sustainability in Greater Victoria has been graded a "B" in 2025. Curious to see the other grades and insights? Read the 20th anniversary edition of Victoria's Vital Signs today!*

📚 2025 Greater Victoria Little Free Library Award winners.

🎄 Looking for holiday light installation made easy? West Coast Pro Painting designs, installs, removes, and stores custom lights for a stress-free festive season. Get a free quote today!*

💻 Discover Tectoria: Friday at Crystal Garden.

🏃 Oak Bay Half-Marathon, Relay, 10K, Kids Run is May 24. [Registration open]

✨ The Philosophy MD Holiday House Party: Nov. 20th, 1pm to 7pm, 559 Superior Street. Enjoy a little celestial sparkle, favourite cosmetic treatments, and skincare shopping.*

*Sponsored Listing

SPONSORED BY CONTINUING STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA

Lifelong learning where you live.

Tap into your creativity at the new John Horgan Campus in Langford. Our art courses in creative writing, drawing, photography, watercolours, and more are now open for registration.

🗞️ In Other News

YYNot?: Direct bus to airport via route 72 proposed
The Victoria Regional Transit Commission is considering the change, which would create a stop at YYJ as well as the ferry terminal, connecting to downtown Victoria. The bus route, if implemented, could worsen the commute for Peninsula riders. Route 88 between Sidney and the airport would be discontinued, and route 81 would fill the gap left by its departure. It’s estimated that the change could add 10 minutes to the average Sidney-to-Victoria commute. [Times Colonist]

Orca observers ‘thrilled’ with Southern Resident killer whale ‘superpod’
A superpod occurs when the entire Southern Resident population hangs out in one place, and it happened last week on the southern tip of the Island. The Orca Behavior Institute (OBI) said whales from J, K, and L pods got together in Puget Sound on Nov. 10 and 11. The OBI says it took advantage of having 74 killer whales all in the same area, and it recorded 1K+ vocalizations, which will be studied. See a map of the killer whales’ travels here in this story. [CHEK]

BC redrawing EV mandate, scrapping 2035 goal 
Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix said yesterday that the 100% mandate in 2035 and a 90% goal for 2030 were no longer “realistic.” The BC NDP will revise its plan in line with the federal government’s soon-to-be-announced targets. A recent report on the challenges BC faces in switching over to EV found that affordability, gaps in the charging infrastructure, and policy changes were the biggest hurdles. [CP/CTV]

SPONSORED BY DANCE VICTORIA

The ‘Nutcracker’ Returns–Shumka-Style!

Ukrainian Shumka Dancers’ Nutcracker returns to Victoria Nov. 28–30. Touted as “Canada’s Ukrainian Nutcracker,” Shumka pairs the elegance of classical ballet with the dynamic power of Ukrainian dance. Featuring the Victoria Symphony, lavish sets, ornate costumes, and Ukrainian symbolism, this production delivers a joyful reimagining of the beloved wintertime classic.

🗓️ Things To Do

🔤 Rotary Spelling Bee Breakfast Fundraiser for Literacy: Test your spelling skills in this fun, fast-paced adult bee supporting Victoria Literacy Connection's vital reading, writing, and learning programs at Victoria Marriott Hotel today. 7:30-8:30am. [Info]

🎷 Victoria Jazz Jam Session 5: Musicians can bring their instruments to play with the Tom Vickery Trio house band at The Coda today. 6:30-8:30pm. [Info]

🎹 Louise Rose: Alone Together: See the living Canadian treasure perform solo jazz piano and vocals at Hermann's today. Doors 5:30pm, show 7-9pm. [Info]

🎶 Jeremy Dutcher: The Polaris Music Prize winner and classically trained Two-Spirit tenor will perform at Mary Winspear Centre today. Doors 7pm, show 7:30pm. [Info]

👠 Drag Bingo: Win fun prizes while enjoying fabulous drag entertainment at this weekly bingo night at The Vicious Poodle today. 8pm. [Info]

🎞️ Free documentary screening: See Hunt for the Oldest DNA, an Emmy-winning documentary, at Glenlyon Norfolk Senior School. A Q&A session with the filmmaker, Victoria-based Niobe Thompson, will follow. Tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tuesday’s headlines: Drift logs damaging BC shorelines; Victoria progressing on housing targets and needs more family homes; Safety plan should have been started earlier, Mayor Alto says. [Nov. 17]

Christmas plants stolen from downtown bakery patio. [CHEK]

Greater Victoria man wanted on a warrant for child pornography offences. [Times Colonist]

Saanich road closure: Iona between Cedar Hill Cross and Broadmead, through Nov. 28, 24 hours

Think Local Week: Join the celebration—support local businesses and win prizes. [Details]

UNIQLO opens at Mayfair Shopping Centre on Friday.

Hotel Zed / Accent Inns owner wins Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year Award.

Bridges over James Bay: See the first and second bridges built over the bay in the 1800s. [Facebook photos]

That’s it!

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