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- Nov 21 - Full-time workers turning to shelters in Victoria
Nov 21 - Full-time workers turning to shelters in Victoria
Sidney's new accessibility plan, humpback in Cadboro Bay, fake calls from the CRD
Capital Daily Team
November 21, 2023
Good morning !
A humpback whale was spotted in Cadboro Bay this weekend. Last year saw a record number of the species in Island waters, so hopefully these gentle giants will continue to be a frequent sight for us Islanders.
— Robyn
Did you see the humpback in Caddy Bay this weekend? |
Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes
🌡️ Weather Forecast
NEWS
Housing so unaffordable that some shelter users have full-time jobs, Native Friendship Centre says
Ron Rice outside of VNFC. Photo: Eric Plummer
The Victoria Native Friendship Centre says that housing (un)affordability has become the biggest local challenge, citing that nine people who stayed in its shelter last winter had at least one full-time job.
The VNFC has delivered housing services for 15 years, including housing for less-conventional social housing users such as grandparents raising grandchildren and youth transitioning out of care. But with the cost of rent and food climbing further and further locally, its executive director Ron Rice says that local housing needs are “shifting in the wrong direction.”
That employment no longer secures housing is especially concerning because housing is relied on to secure many other areas—keeping a family together, pursuing academics, maintaining health. Housing can often be a “pebble in the pond ”for Indigenous people, Rice says, that causes the “first ripple in other challenges.”
A national coalition of Indigenous housing organizations is now calling for more federal focus on Indigenous housing, particularly for low-income people.
In October, VNFC announced it would operate its shelter year-round, which Rice hopes will provide more stability to staff and residents.
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
Watch out for fake calls from the CRD—if a call seems suspicious, hang up immediately.
Missing man, 56, has been found dead, says Sooke RCMP.
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
NEWS
Sidney adopts its first accessibility plan at its council meeting
Photo: Shutterstock
The Town of Sidney released its accessibility plan to the public at last week’s Nov. 14 council meeting, with the plan's main priorities being change readiness, impacts on daily living, mobility, road safety, infrastructure and public space.
The plan outlines not only individual, but “systems changes” to the city’s operations and infrastructure and details 35 initiatives related to transportation, municipal and emergency services, municipal communications and public engagement, employment, and procurement with the Town of Sidney.
These system changes will reflect the principles of active transportation design guidelines and adaptable housing design standards that may be integrated into future zoning bylaws.
The plan will be revisited before its renewal in 2026, with implementations taking place over a short and long term rollout.
SPONSORED BY OUT OF HAND MODERN MARKET
Out of Hand Modern Market is this weekend!
This Friday to Sunday the 34th annual Out of Hand Modern Market takes place in the magical Crystal Garden.
Over 120 makers, designers and artists from across BC have been selected to take part in this special holiday market. For many this is the one and only time they will be in Victoria this season.
This weekend is your chance to buy directly from these creators of stunning jewelry, pottery, bodycare, home décor, art, wine & spirits, food, and more!
Get all your shopping done and enjoy a festive holiday tradition with live music, onsite coffee bar and the chance to win a gorgeous gift box.
For more information, including the list of makers and tickets, click here. Use promo code SHOPLOCAL to save.
⭐️ Capital Picks
🐋 Video: Humpback whale spotted in Cadboro Bay this weekend.
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🗞️ In Other News
People with developmental disabilities going homeless in Cowichan Valley
The non-profit Clements Centre for Families says it’s “truly alarming,” that 7 of its clients are now unhoused and another 6 are in tenuous housing arrangements. Those able to live independently are the most at-risk on this front. [Times Colonist]
CRD weighs joining lawsuit vs. oil companies
View Royal has already signed on to Sue Big Oil, which aims to make fuel companies pay for both the effects of climate change and for burying their own scientific findings for decades. Next month the CRD’s board will vote on whether to have staff look into signing up the whole regional district.[Peninsula News Review]
Car crash on Quadra leaves 2K without power in Saanich
A small Chevy plowed into a parked car on Beckwith, then hit a hydro pole, leaving its sheared end suspended in the air by wires, entangling a BC Transit bus, which was freed by Saanich police. Minor injuries for the driver. No power for most of the day. [CHEK]
First female Regimental Sergeant Major promoted in Victoria
Master Warrant Officer Lisa Kachanoski will be the first ever female appointed to Regimental Sergeant Major in 5th BC field artillery regiment’s 140-year history. Kachanoski was born and raised in Nanaimo. She’ll be responsible for setting dress, deportment and discipline standards. [Victoria News]
🗓️ Things to do
Chamber Competition: Young musicians will perform for professional judges, tonight at the Victoria Music Conservatory at 6pm. [Info]
Pacific Opera Victoria presents Golijov’s Ainadamar: February 21-27. With lush orchestrations, haunting melodies, and soaring vocals, this flamenco-extravaganza is not one to miss! Tickets from $30.*
Bands! Bands! Bands!: The all-ages show is on tonight at the VEC at 7pm, with local acts. [Info]
*Sponsored Listing
👀 In Case You Missed It
The landfill is almost full: $11M expansion is being planned—and so are new rules on what you can dump. [Monday newsletter]
Sunday’s headlines: New phone & online scams target locals. Developer wants out of affordability pledge. [Capital Daily]
28 affordable Indigenous homes completed in new 5-storey on peninsula’s Tsawout First Nation. [BC Gov News]
Photo: Car rolls over in Langford, driver, 22, uninjured but banged-up Toyota and licence, taken away. [West Shore RCMP]
Habitat for Humanity Victoria opens new ReStore, moving from Oak to 721 Vanalman. [Habitat for Humanity]
Sea lion fights octopus in waters near Nanaimo. [Photo / video]
That’s it!
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