Nov. 25 - Local First Nation chiefs considering legal action against DFO

Good morning !

I visited PKOLS (Mt. Douglas) over the weekend and saw that the stairs to the Summit appear close to completion.

If you’ve ever had to gingerly scooch down the rock face—it’s impossible to do with any amount of grace—you’ll be happy to know the ascent and descent to the parking lot is about to become a whole lot easier.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 7 minutes

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NEWS

Legal challenge looming as Island First Nation
fights for BC’s herring stocks

BC First Nations and conservation groups are rallying for an immediate ban on herring fishing, warning the fish is vanishing from the Salish Sea—but the fisheries department insists the numbers tell a different story.

Eric Pelkey, hereditary chief of the Tsawout of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, told Canada’s National Observer that his great-grandfather and family lived close to the fishery each season, catching and smoking herring in their longhouse for food and trade. 

“It was a real trade item for our people… We always had the smell of smoked herring and smoked salmon in our house,” he said.

Pelkey and other WSANEC hereditary chiefs have been speaking out against the increased fisheries limit set by the DFO, arguing that stocks are running extremely low. Last November, the chiefs called for an immediate moratorium on herring fishing, asking the DFO to respond by January. 

Their calls went unanswered, and in February, the DFO approved an increase in the amount of herring that fisheries can harvest, up to 14% this year from 10% last year. 

Pelkey and other First Nation leaders found the decision “extremely frustrating.” 

Now, the W̱SÁNEĆ hereditary chiefs are exploring legal action over what some members believe to be a violation of Douglas Treaty rights. Environmental activists, including David Suzuki, say there should be no more commercial herring fisheries.

But the DFO says its data on herring stocks differ from conservationist estimates and that it's safe to move ahead with this season’s fisheries.

Read the full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Sooke Potholes parking lots closed this week for paving. [CRD]

Recall: Certain lots of Apotex Inc. brand Extra Strength Ibuprofen Liquid Gel Capsules (400 mg). [Health Canada]

Recall: Yoplait brand YOP Drinkable Yogurt. [Health Canada]

Esquimalt short-term housing survey: Share your thoughts on short-term housing as the township updates its bylaw, or join the open house at Esquimalt Rec Centre tomorrow. [Details]

NEWS

Hospitals' charity raises big bucks for
new surgery equipment

Victoria’s two major hospitals got robotic shots in the arm over the weekend when the Victoria Hospitals Foundation raised a record $3.65M for new surgical technology.

More than 640 business leaders, philanthropists, caregivers, and sponsors attended the VHF’s 33rd annual Visions Gala at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. 

The money they raised goes toward the VHF’s $21M campaign to fund a second da Vinci surgical robot to be used in gynecologic oncology and pediatric surgery, the Island’s first neurosurgery robot for brain and spinal operations, and 60 tools used for oncological procedures. 

“Victoria continues to punch above its weight,” said Avery Brohman, the Victoria Hospitals Foundation CEO.

“Our hospitals are exceptional, our surgeons are at the top of their game, and the innovation we are leading is not happening this quickly anywhere else. At the heart of it all is philanthropy and the people who believe in better care for their community. For that, we are deeply and personally grateful.”

As is Gerald Kersten.

He was onstage Saturday, sharing his experience as one of approximately 300 Islanders to have had robotic surgery at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. 

Kersten paid tribute to his urologist, Dr. Michael Metcalfe, and shared how the breakthrough technology gave him a second chance at life when traditional open surgery for his prostate cancer was deemed too risky.

“Innovative surgical systems and technology help us to provide better care, with better outcomes after cancer surgery,” said Dr. Heather Emmerton-Coughlin, a general surgeon.

“Once a cancer is diagnosed, innovation in treatment is equally vital. We’ve made remarkable strides in surgery for many cancers.”

As a charitable partner of Island Health, the VHF fundraises to invest in best-in-class medical equipment, caregiver education, research, and special projects.

Since 1989, the registered charity has raised more than $233M to benefit Vancouver Island’s acute care hospitals, which serve the region’s 930K+ residents.

SPONSORED BY CONTINUING STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA

Skip the Colwood Crawl

Pursue your passions and discover fresh ideas closer to home. The new John Horgan Campus is now open in the heart of Langford.

Whether you're looking to explore a new interest, improve your skills, or connect with others in your community, Continuing Studies at UVic is offering new, engaging courses such as:

·      Drawing Outside the Lines
·      Exploring Creative Writing: Memoir and Fiction
·      Photography Plus: Understand Your Camera and Improve Your Photos
·      Speculative Fiction
·      Urban Sketching
·      Watercolour for Beginners Workshop
·      Writing the Land: A Place-Based Poetry Workshop

Courses are open for registration, with evening and weekend availability. Ready? Tap into your creativity and get ready to join the fun.

Explore the new courses

⭐️ Capital Picks

🎸 Goo Goo Dolls coming to Victoria with Dashboard Confessional on March 19.

🎵 Victoria’s Nelly Furtado to be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. 

🫂 Belonging and Engagement 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!*

⛸️ Outdoor rink returns to The Butchart Gardens after a five-year closure. [Details]

🕯️ Vigil today at the legislature: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. [Info]

🌹 Experience The Magic of Christmas at The Butchart Gardens this holiday season. December 1 through January 6, reserve your date and time to visit.*

🚌 BC Transit routes with reduced service over the holidays. [Victoria Buzz]

🎶 Warm Your Heart This Sunday! More than 70 amazing performers in Victoria celebrate our differences and what unites us in "We Are One!" 2025. Full info and tickets here.*

^{*Sponsored Listing}

SPONSORED BY BELFRY THEATRE

Esmé Massengill and Schnitzel star in Little Dickens

In Ronnie Burkett’s Little Dickens, the cast of The Daisy Theatre takes on the beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, in the merriest marionette mash-up ever.

A raucous, adults-only holiday treat, Little Dickens starts December 2.

The Belfry offers pay-what-you-want tickets to all performances.

🗞️ In Other News

Drain cover mishap at Pat Bay flyover leaves drivers with hefty repair costs
Temporary lane markers near the newly constructed flyover at Keating Cross directed drivers over the loose drain cover, causing at least eight vehicles to be damaged. The first incident happened on Nov. 11, and more damage occurred on Thursday and Saturday when traffic was shifted the same way. One commuter says they lost a tire after driving over it. The Ministry of Transportation has apologized and instructed the contractors to improve oversight. Drivers with damaged vehicles can seek financial compensation. Traffic has been adjusted to prevent driving over the catch basin. [Victoria Buzz]

Island Health nurse fired for rejecting COVID injection to get human rights hearing
Lindsay Sharp was fired in March 2022 after she refused provincial orders to take the vaccine. Sharp, who suffers from complex medical issues, said she was worried the inoculation would cause a stroke. She also said her Christian beliefs prevented her from getting the shot. The BC Human Rights Tribunal turned down Island Health’s request to dismiss the case and ruled that evidence, including a doctor’s letter, as well as Supreme Court of Canada rulings on religious beliefs, was enough to warrant a hearing. [CHEK]

DVBA says city’s downtown cleanup is starting to show
The Downtown Victoria Business Association says it’s seeing less open drug use and fewer needles on the streets. It says this is likely because supportive housing and safe injection facilities are providing places to use and dispose of them. DVBA Executive Director Jeff Bray says an increased police presence has also helped, and that it appears less “street stuff” has been happening. Last July, the city injected $10M into street safety programs after the DVBA raised serious concerns that crime was scaring away businesses and customers. [Times Colonist]

SPONSORED BY DANCE VICTORIA

Shumka's "Nutcracker": Ukrainian Twist on Wintertime Classic

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

🔊 Sensory-Friendly Hours at the Maritime Museum: Explore the exhibits in a quiet environment with low volume, dimmed lighting, and a scent-free atmosphere today. 9:30am-12pm. [Info]

📚 Placemaking: Building Safe, Connected, and Resilient Communities: Learn about community design through little free libraries and road murals with Saanich Councillor Teale Phelps-Bondaroff at theDock Centre today. 6-8pm. [Info]

🍛 Food, Friends & Future Choices: A Community Dinner: Join this dinner with Support Network for Indigenous Women & Women of Colour for information about contraception options in a relaxed, supportive setting at 990 Hillside today. 6-8pm. [Info]

🧑‍🎄 Camosun Christmas Market: Shop from 40+ student artists and vendors while enjoying hot chocolate and photos with Santa at Camosun Lansdowne Campus tomorrow. 2-5pm. [Info]

🎷 UJAM Club Night: Anything Goes: Open-theme jazz night welcomes singers and instrumentalists to perform their favourite tunes at Hermann's tomorrow. 7-9pm. [Info]

🏮 Flavours of Fan Tan: Explore the historic Fan Tan Hotel's Gambling Den with featured cocktails, a dim sum feast, and wine pairings at 541½ Fisgard tomorrow. 6-9pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Sunday’s headlines: Robotic arm helping Victoria seniors eat; Weekly roundup; Holiday markets in Greater Victoria. [Nov. 23]

Sewage pipeline blockage removed. Transportation of solids still in effect. Updates here.

Crystal pool replacement: waterproof from budget cuts. [Times Colonist]

King Charles III Coronation Medal awarded to Island woman. [CHEK]

Virtual open house: Saanich tree protection bylaw update tomorrow. 

Public hearing: Sooke Official Community Plan on Dec. 3.

The Santa Claus Parade (with a new route) is happening Saturday.

That’s it!

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