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- Nov 27 - Sustainability is cost effective, says CleanBC review
Nov 27 - Sustainability is cost effective, says CleanBC review
Death becomes Craigdarroch. The Canucks donate $10K to local hockey team who had gear stolen.
Capital Daily Team
November 27, 2025
Good morning !
The founders of Root Cellar have sold their business, transferring the Victoria grocery chain to an employee-owned model. All of the staff intend to stay on board, with the reps saying customers shouldn’t notice a difference in service.
As long as the Green Sauce is still available, I’ll keep shopping.
— Robyn
Today’s approx. read time: 7 minutes
🌡️ Weather Forecast
NEWS
Independent review of CleanBC highlights the
financial benefits of sustainability
An oil tanker seen from Vancouver Island. The CleanBC review panel says BC’s decision to invest in LNG projects could be harmful long-term. Photo: Shutterstock
The province has released the final report from its independent review of CleanBC, BC’s climate action plan, which gets passing grades but needs some work, according to the review panel.
CleanBC was introduced in 2018 to create a blueprint for reducing emissions and moving toward a more planet-friendly economy. It set a target for the province to reduce its emissions by 40% by 2030.
At the request of the BC Green Party—as part of its agreement with the BC NDP— the province is looking at what’s working with CleanBC and what needs to change.
BC appointed independent climate-policy experts Merran Smith and Dan Woynillowicz to gather feedback from scientists, Indigenous leaders, local governments, industries, and the Climate Solutions Council to understand the strengths and weaknesses of CleanBC.
Smith and Woynillowicz found that, “for the most part,” CleanBC is working.
“Its policies and programs are measurably reducing climate pollution while creating jobs, improving community health, and lowering everyday costs for British Columbians,” the review report reads.
However, they say the plan has “not yet reached its full potential.”
One area that the review panel highlighted was the economic benefits of improved sustainability—something Smith and Woynillowicz say the province should leverage.
“British Columbia is exceptionally well-positioned for the clean energy transition,” the report reads. “Our province has an abundance of the critical metals and minerals needed to manufacture solar panels, wind turbines, EV batteries, and the transmission lines that are helping electrify the economy.”
At the same time, Smith and Woynillowicz say BC’s current pursuit of increased gas production and new liquid natural gas (LNG) export projects “threatens to set back progress,” adding “significant new sources of climate pollution.”
Smith and Woynillowicz offer seven recommendations for the government to address in a revamped CleanBC plan.
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
Film crews will be at Elk/Beaver Lake today through Saturday, increasing foot and vehicle traffic. [CRD]
Rockland closed at Cyril until Dec. 9: Closure will be in place 24/7, take alternate route. [City of Vic]
Saanich road closure near 1155 Roy, 24/7 until Dec. 5.
NEWS
Death comes to Craigdarroch Castle
Photo: Shutterstock
To borrow from a famous Robert Oppenheimer quote, on Saturday, Craighdarroch Castle becomes death.
The stately, 135-year-old fortress off Fort becomes the show-and-tell location for Camosun College anthropology students, who will teach visitors about the intricacies of death in the Victorian era.
“We are going back in time, and we are inviting the public to come to the wake to see what that would be like,” says anthropology instructor Nicole Kilburn, who teaches the course Anthropology of Death.
Castle visitors on Saturday afternoon will see the casket of John O’Neill, a fictional character of British descent who died in 1900.
His “body” will be laid out in the library room, the same area it’s believed Joan Dunsmuir’s wake took place following her death in 1908, 18 years after her husband Robert had the place built.
Camosun students will perform funeral rites, and rituals of the times will be explored.
Back then, mourning was a prolonged practice—bereavement could last openly for years. And when death called, people let everyone know through acts of mourning and superstition.
They would stop clocks, drape black fabric over windows and furniture, and even hang a black wreath on the front door.
Roughly three dozen students are taking the program, which has been offered since 2018.
“Courses and activities like this provide us an opportunity to think about death and talk about it in a safe way, but also to appreciate being alive,” Kilburn says.
The event runs from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Craigdarroch Castle. All activities are included in the price of a regular admission.
SPONSORED BY CONTINUING STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA
Turn your passion for the planet into purpose
Ranked first in Canada for climate action—and 14th globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings—the University of Victoria (UVic) has been advancing sustainability and community resilience for over 30 years.
According to Dr. Kara Shaw, the academic director of the Transformative Climate Action certificate, the best antidote to climate anxiety is action. “What we urgently need now are people who are skilled at developing and advancing social and political change.”
Continuing Studies at UVic’s climate action programs are designed for professionals and leaders across local, regional or global sectors. From reshaping policies to overcoming barriers, explore the programs and gain the skills needed to address the most pressing environmental challenges.
⭐️ Capital Picks
🕊️ National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is Saturday, Dec. 6.
🐟 A spotted ratfish was spotted near Viictoria. [Facebook photos]
👩⚖️ Protect your rights and dispute your driving prohibition with the help of a knowledgeable lawyer. Contact Acumen Law Corporation today to start your defence.*
🤘🎸 Megadeth coming to Victoria with Anthrax on Feb. 15.
🥞 Pancakes & Pajamas tickets are going fast! There are still some tickets left for the 12:30 pm seating. Join us for brunch and help Island kids!*
🎤 Everyday People–SingYourJoy in Concert on Dec. 7.
*Sponsored Listing
SPONSORED BY PHS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY
Seniors homelessness crisis
Help seniors in crisis – and your donation will be doubled, making twice the impact.
Gifts will be matched to a total of $10,000 until midnight on December 2 – Giving Tuesday.
Please donate here.
PHS Community Services Society provides supportive housing, healthcare and harm reduction in Victoria and Vancouver.
🗞️ In Other News
Two Island MLAs appointed parliamentary secretaries
Esquimalt-Colwood MLA Darlene Rotchford and Ladysmith-Oceanside MLA Stephanie Higginson have been appointed as parliamentary secretaries by Premier David Eby. Rotchford was named parliamentary secretary for armed forces development and veterans affairs in the Jobs and Economic Growth Ministry. Higginson was appointed parliamentary secretary for primary-care access in the Health Ministry. Rotchford, whose district is home to the Canadian Navy’s Pacific base, is tasked with strengthening relationships with the armed forces. [Times Colonist]
Westshore-to-Victoria ferry idea resurfaces in Colwood, but not for long
Language in Colwood’s maritime plan to include a ferry service from the Westshore to Victoria was scrapped, with Mayor Doug Kobayashi saying council has not had a chance to debate the possible service. The idea has been batted around for years. In 2019, a study paid for by BC Ferries suggested such a service could attract as many as 3,100, but would not provide a financial benefit. Kobayashi said it was too premature to include a reference to a ferry in the plan, leading the council to remove it. [Victoria News]
Vancouver Canucks score big, replace Island hockey club’s stolen gear
Last month, someone made off with nearly $3,500 worth of equipment belonging to the South Island Ravens, a team with players of all ages with developmental and intellectual disabilities. On Tuesday, the team was invited to Marilena Cafe on Douglas, which is operated by a company owned by Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini, who had a surprise. He and Canucks alumni Stan Smyl and Darcy Rota presented the team with a cheque for $10K. The Canucks also invited all the Ravens to a game in March. [Goldstream Gazette]
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🗓️ Things To Do
🖊️ Holiday Linocut Cards: Create your own carved stamp and holiday cards in this hands-on printmaking workshop for ages 10+ at the Maritime Museum of BC today. 5:30-7:30pm. [Info]
🎶 The Soul Shakers: The Victoria favourites will deliver high-energy soul and R&B classics at Hermann's tonight. 7-9pm. [Info]
🎵 A Tribute to Neo Soul: Acclaimed vocalist Skyla J and her seven-piece band celebrate the modern Neo Soul movement at Emporia, Langford’s newest venue, tonight. 7-9pm. [Info]
😆 Hecklers Presents: The Student Showcase: Ten up-and-coming comedians showcase material developed in the first-ever writing workshop course at Hecklers Bar & Grill tonight. 8pm. [Info]
🍵 Tattooing Your Very Own Matcha Bowl: Design and decorate a hand-thrown ceramic bowl while enjoying handcrafted beverages at Routine Coffee today. 6:30-8pm. [Info]
🎄 BC Parliament Buildings Light Up Event: Enjoy family-friendly activities, musical performances by local choirs and bands inside before moving outside to witness the lighting ceremony at the legislature tomorrow. 3:30-6:30pm. [Info]
🎸 The History's Future Tour: Vancouver Island rockers End of Thread and Ironhead deliver classic covers and original thrash metal at The Coda tomorrow. 6:30pm. [Info]
🩰 Ukrainian Shumka Dancers' Nutcracker: 70+ performers blend classical ballet with Ukrainian character dance in this folk ballet, featuring the Victoria Symphony and local youth dancers, at the Royal Theatre tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]
👀 In Case You Missed It
Wednesday’s headlines: Non-profit looks to add ‘Victoria’ sign to Centennial Square; 4 arrested at Upper Walbran Valley blockade; Pacific FC to remain in Langford next year. [Nov.26]
80 overdoses occurred in 24 hours in Duncan last week. [Times Colonist]
Gordon Head Rec Centre weight room will not reopen next month as planned.
Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre closed for annual maintenance Dec. 8-28.
GVHA’s annual Harbour Holiday Lights event is Thursday, Dec. 4, 5-8pm.
Outdoor rink returns to The Butchart Gardens after a five-year closure. [Details]
BC Transit routes with reduced service over the holidays. [Victoria Buzz]
Meet Captain Canuck creator Richard Comely Friday in Langford.
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