Nov 6 - How last night's election will impact the CRD

Good morning !

In case you haven’t heard, Donald Trump will become the 47th president of the United States. The Associated Press made the call at 2:37 PST this morning. Our first story today looks at how this will impact the CRD.

In news closer to home, our tourism sector is calling for more hotels.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 9 / 6 

Tomorrow: 🌤️ 10 / 7

Friday: 🌧️ 10 / 9

7-day forecast

NEWS

It’s Trump: the US election will have an impact on the CRD

The US presidential election will have significant implications for Canadian trade and environmental policy that will impact the CRD. Yesterday—before election results were out—we looked at how stark policy differences between a potential Trump or Harris administration could affect many sectors in different ways.

Under a Trump presidency, BC's trade relations with the US could face disruptions due to his aggressive protectionist policies. Trump has pledged to implement a 10% global trade tariff, which could severely impact BC exports, particularly softwood lumber and energy.

He has previously imposed high tariffs on BC lumber, and his "America First" stance could escalate trade tensions, potentially harming BC’s forestry and mining industries.

Trump's rollback of environmental regulations, including a promise to dismantle the US’s Environmental Protection Agency, likely would encourage more fossil fuel extraction south of the border and reduce the focus on clean energy transition options. This could have long-term consequences for Canada’s green energy initiatives, as well as for BC’s growing clean tech and mining sectors that rely on sustainable practices and international cooperation.

In contrast, Kamala Harris likely would continue a more stable and cooperative approach to US-BC trade, emphasizing the renewal of existing agreements like the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Harris supports green energy and climate action, aligning with Canada’s efforts to reduce emissions and accelerate clean energy transitions.

Under a Harris administration, Canada would continue to find opportunities in the US for critical minerals and renewable energy partnerships. Environmental protections would remain in place, benefiting Canada’s clean-tech sectors and reducing the risk of harmful regulatory rollbacks.

In sum, a Trump victory could lead to economic disruptions and environmental setbacks, while Harris would maintain continuity in trade and environmental policy, fostering closer cooperation between the two countries.

For a sector-by-sector analysis of the potential impacts of a Harris or Trump White House, read Sidney Coles’ full story.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

2025 Festival grant program applications open on Fri. [City of Victoria]

Gentle reminder: Don’t leave pumpkins near roadways. [Dangerous for animals]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

Greater Victoria needs more hotels and a bolder vision of the Inner Harbour, says tourist bureau

The region’s tourism bureau released an early Christmas wishlist yesterday with a slew of hotel rooms at the top of it.

Fresh off the release of statistics indicating Victoria attracted just shy of five million tourist visits last year, Destination Greater Victoria (DGV) has come out with its long-awaited—and far-reaching—10-year master plan. It says the region could use another 800 to 1,200 hotel rooms over the next five years to meet the expected traveler demand.

That’s one element of the ambitious roadmap which appears to be a practical wishlist of wants and needs, with hotel space falling into the ‘need’ category.

The CRD has lost a whopping 27% of its’ hotel rooms over the last decade or so—remember Paul’s Motor Inn? Harbour Towers? The Comfort Inn?—at a time when the tourism biz is booming.

DGV CEO Paul Nursey says “four or five [new hotels] would do,” and they don’t have to all be downtown.

What should be downtown he says, is the Royal BC Museum, which he says must remain close to the Inner Harbour, anchoring what he envisions to be an even busier visitor hub than it is now.

DGV’s 2025-2035 master plan calls for all kinds of additions to the tourism sector, including a new conference centre, a reinvigorated Ship Point, and maybe one day way down the road, a rapid transit system connecting the downtown core to YYJ.

Read Mark Brennae’s full story here. 

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🎄 Display a tree at Bay Centre’s Festival of Trees. [Deadline Nov. 15]

🌞 Sunfest announces lineup for July 31-Aug. 3. [Tickets on sale Fri.]

 🪖 Veterans travel for free on BC Ferries & BC Transit. [Nov. 11]

🗞️ In Other News

Metchosin teen killed in head-on crash near Duncan
Daniel Ranns died after his small westbound pickup was struck by an eastbound one-tonne truck on Hwy 18 on Sun. afternoon. Ranns, 18, the grandson of former mayor John Ranns, recently graduated from Royal Bay Secondary in Colwood. Witnesses suggest his vehicle may have drifted into the other lane. Crews tried to free the teen from the wreckage but he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the other truck was hospitalized with what appeared to be minor injuries, RCMP said. [Times Colonist]

Central Saanich reconsiders development for seniors, veterans, and health-care workers
The district’s council—which last month denied the possibility of public input—has decided to review plans for the project proposed for the corner of East Saanich and Hovey roads. Mayor Ryan Windsor said the proposal by developer Aryze was turned down because it defies the district’s official community plan. But a standing-room crowd showed up on Mon., many in support of the proposal which calls for 40% of the units to be affordable housing. The council said it will review the submission during its Nov. 25. meeting. [CHEK]

Power back for most, but some still in the dark after Monday’s windstorm
At the storm’s peak, as many as 290K hydro customers were without power on Mon. afternoon when gusts hit 100km/h—winds were clocked at 107km/h at Gonzales Point, according to Environment Canada’s Armel Castellan. As of yesterday afternoon, about 7,500 were without power and BC Hydro said a handful may have had to spend last night without juice. Castellan said with more gales inevitably on the way, residents should consider clearing storm drains and ensuring they have emergency kits in both their homes and vehicles. [CTV]

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🗓️ Things to do

⭐ Stars on Ice. 2024 Holiday Tour: Elvis Stojko and a cast of champions, including Kaetlyn Osmond, Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje, Keegan Messing, and more. Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Dec. 10. 7pm. [Info]

🎞️ Movie Nights at the Museum: Island of Shadows: D’Arcy Island Leper Colony, 1891-1924 (2000). D’Arcy Island (east of the Saanich Peninsula) is where the federal government sent people affected with leprosy for containment. Fri. 7pm. [Info]

🎥 Physician, Heal Thyself: A documentary on the life and work of trauma and addictions expert Gabor Maté. 2023 VIFF Audience Award winner. Cinecenta. Today & Tomorrow. 5pm & 7pm. [Info]

🦖 Godzilla Minus One: The acclaimed 2023 Japanese film is showing this week in both colour and B&W. Roxy Theatre. Today and tomorrow. 7:20pm. [Info]

🎁 Gifts & Wishes Holiday Showcase: Arts & Culture Colwood Society near Esquimalt Lagoon. Original work from local artists & artisans. 170 Goldfinch. Today-Nov. 14. [Info]

⚱️ Speaking of Death: Conversations about end of life well before death.This month’s topic: Legacy. Caffe Fantastico-Quadra Village. Tonight. 6-7pm. [Info]

💃 Capital City Stomp: Victoria's Workshop Weekend. For these workshops, we recommend that you have some swing dance experience. Sat. & Sun. All day. [Info] 

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tuesday’s headlines: America votes, some of us watch; Saanich police find carjacked Honda; High winds create havoc across the region; And more. [Nov. 5]

A more expensive Victoria may result as the council plans its spending. [Capital Daily] 

Victoria-Saanich Citizens’ Assembly public meeting. [Nov. 20]

Alleged date-rape drugging: Mother and daughter speak out. [CHEK]

Winter shelter spaces across BC. [400 in Victoria]

16th Gingerbread Showcase volunteers wanted. [Habitat Victoria]

That’s it!

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