Good morning {{First name}}!
We’re kind of ducking between major storms, so you should be waking up this morning with a little light rain outside and your power on inside.
But more high winds and heavy rain are on the way, with another atmospheric river storm expected between now and Tuesday. So it’s going to get gnarly again, like Friday, when thousands of BC Hydro customers on the Island—and more on the mainland—were without power, largely in Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, and Sooke.
BC Ferries reports some sailings are at risk of cancellation this morning, so as usual, if you’re taking a boat, do check the carrier’s service notices.
— Mark
Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes
🌡 Weather Forecast
NEWS
Oak Bay closes Willows Park playground, citing safety and end of useful life
The sun sets on the playground equipment on Willows Beach. Photo: Mark Brennae / Capital Daily
One of the area’s most scenic swing sets and kids' playgrounds is closed to families for the foreseeable future.
“Recent technical assessments have identified that playground equipment at Willows Park will be decommissioned,” the District of Oak Bay said on its website.
“This is due to the playground being at the end of its useful life and the inability to be maintained to meet safety standards,” it said.
Earlier this week, the district erected sections of fencing around the oceanside playground located at Dalhousie and Beach. Signs on the fencing do not indicate when the equipment will be taken down and replaced.
“We understand the enjoyment this playground has provided for the greater community,” the district wrote on social media.
The post said a report on a project plan for the future of the 1.17 ha waterfront park will be brought to the council in the new year. On its website, Oak Bay’s Parks & Rec department said staff have not yet developed that plan.
That has some parents wondering about the timing of the closure and when they can expect the equipment to be replaced.
“My 3 kids are on that playground all the time,” said one mother on the district’s Facebook page. “There are no hazards… Why is it being closed before the report is even completed?"
A request made yesterday to find out more from the mayor was not returned in time for this article.
A budget line in Oak Bay’s 2026-30 financial plan earmarks $600K in capital purchases for Willows Park and playground for 2027.
The district said there will be public engagement—including with the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations—on the future look of the park.
⚠ Capital Bulletin
North Quadra Urgent & Primary Care Centre closed today due to a planned BC Hydro outage. [Island Health]
BC Ferries is free for active, reserve, and retired military personnel and cadets today on Indigenous Veterans Day and on Wednesday for Remembrance Day.
Little Fernwood Book Fair is today 12pm-4pm at Paul Phillips Hall.
118th Canadian Bowl: Westshore Rebels host Regina Thunder in the Canadian Junior Football League’s finale today at 1pm at Starlight Stadium.
Jim Jefferies brings his standup to the SoFMC tonight at 7pm.
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
On the water today? Check the tide times for Victoria.
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