March 3 - Can you hear the ocean?

Good morning !

It is hard to believe we're already into March and on the brink of the clocks switching once again (next weekend). Today we wrap up one last thing from February. But first, we take a deeper look at the ships you see when you look out into the ocean around the South Island.

— Cam

Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧️ 7 / 3

Tomorrow: 🌤️ 8 / 0

Day after: ☀️ 8 / 0

7-day forecast

NEWS

The not-so-silent effects of marine noise in local waters

For many of us, the ocean is a place of peace and quiet. We sometimes walk along local shores, watching ships silently pass in the distance.

But under the waves the sea isn't so silent—particularly when it comes to those ships. The Juan de Fuca is a prominent route for tankers, commercial shipping, and cruises. And the underwater noise generated by that human activity can be enough to throw off whales’ and dolphins’ navigation, hunting, and communication.

For instance white-sided dolphins, found year-round in local waters, have been shown to spend less time resting and socializing in high-traffic areas.

How does underwater noise play out locally, and what are regional and federal governments doing about it? Read the full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Some sun early this week, but also cold nights.

March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month.

Report potholes in Victoria to [email protected], the city asks.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

More national awards for local distilleries

Island distilleries are continuing to prove that locally made spirits can compete on the national level. Last week at the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition, local distillers took home armfuls of awards, building on big wins just last month at the Canadian Whisky Awards.

But accolades weren’t for only one style or one distiller—local honourees ranged from first-timers to seasoned favourites, and from gin and vodka to whisky and liqueurs. See them here.

NEWS

Black History Month concludes: How a pair of shoes changed 1800s Victoria

This past week was the conclusion of Black History Month. In February we touched on Black writing and poetry in BC and the story of Salt Spring’s original schoolteacher.

But to close out the month we wanted to also re-run last year’s story on how a pair of shoes ended up kickstarting Black history in BC.

The shoes were in a San Francisco shop owned by Peter Lester. But when two white men attacked him with a cane and stole them, racist laws barred him from legal recourse. Fed up, he and business partner Mifflin Gibbs headed north with hundreds of their peers.

Those two had their share of success—Gibbs made history as a Victoria city councillor—but the path to acceptance here was not as smooth as advertised. Read the story here. 

SPONSORED BY THE BAY CENTRE

Meet Over 40 Local Makers Today!

Today from 11 am to 5 pm, meet and support over 40 local artisans from the Victoria region.

The Bay Centre is hosting the “Meet the Makers” market created by the Victoria Market Collective. Market highlights include free 3-hour parking, complimentary spring bouquet for the first 100 attendees and a chance to win a $500 Bay Centre shopping spree.

Today’s market is the second in a three-part monthly market series, hosted at the Bay Centre on the first Sunday of the month. Browse two levels of locally made art, homeware, clothing, jewelry, and more.

This event is created by the female led trio of artisans and founders of the Market Collective with a mission to create a platform to support local and handmade from grassroots to Canadian professional artisans.

Check out today's "Meet the Makers" vendors.

⭐️ Capital Picks

 📸 Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit now open at RBCM, featuring work from Island photographer Garth Lenz. 

👷 Plumbers and Pipefitters reach your full potential with UA Local 324. Enjoy steady and stable employment, higher wages, healthcare benefits, pension plan, and more. Learn more.*

🛩️ A rare retro red seaplane was in the harbour last weekend: a 1975 Cessna Skywagon. [Video]

 🤝 Now hiring: Director of Finance at Belfry Theatre.

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Island senior saved from burning home by couple
Stacy and Kim Duchscherer were checking on their home reno in Hillier, near Parksville, when they saw smoke across the street. Stacy entered the neighbour’s home after seeing it was on fire, and heard a small voice saying “help.” He found an elderly woman with singed hair, and he and Kim carried her to safety. [CHEK]

Body Shop files for bankruptcy, closes Hillside store
The Canadian subsidiary of the company announced Friday that it would immediately liquidate 33 stores, a third of the country’s 105 locations. [Times Colonist]

Clients and ex-staff say South Island contractor owes them thousands
A week after allegations that Blackthorn Timberframe’s owner wrongfully took clients’ deposits, Employment Standards Branch court docs indicate he owes more than $20k in unpaid wages. [CHEK] 

One Colwood taphouse closes, another opens: 328 Taphouse + Grill in Colwood closes and Sawmill Taphouse & Grill opens. The new restaurant will serve 40+ craft beers, weekend brunch, shaft flights, and house-smoked meats.

SPONSORED BY SOUTH ISLAND PROSPERITY PARTNERSHIP

Buy Indigenous: Empower Communities

In a celebratory milestone, the Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC) rejoices as the South Island Indigenous Business Directory surpasses 90 exceptional Indigenous-owned businesses. Thriving within a vibrant community, these businesses exemplify resilience and innovation. Explore and connect today. 

🗓️ Things to do

 🎤 Legends Show: Enjoy tributes to Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison at this show at McPherson Playhouse. Today. 2pm.

🎞️ What’s Your Story 2: Radio host Gregor Craigie shares stories in person and introduces three new local short films. Star Cinema in Sidney. 1pm and 3:30pm. [Info]

🍻 Victoria Beer Week: Check out brewery tours, beer launches, and more during the craft beer festival until Mar. 9.

🎶 Pacific Baroque Festival Evensong: As a part of the annual music festival this choral concert at Christ Church Cathedral will feature music of Northern Italy. Today. 4-6pm. 

🔊 What is a live audio play? Find out when the Belfry Theatre presents Clown Fish by Paul Tedeschini, March 12 - 16.*

*Sponsored Listing

👀 In Case You Missed It

Local tragedies as another pedestrian is fatally hit and new numbers show 39 Islanders died from toxic drug in Jan. [Sat. newsletter]

Friday news: Highway tragedy; empty offices buildings; and more. [Mar. 1]

Half a porpoise was found washed up on Dallas beach.

A full skate, meanwhile, was found beached just across the water.

Vote for your favourites in the 2024 Tasting Victoria Best Restaurant Awards. [Tasting Victoria]

That’s it!

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