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To mark the fifth Truth and Reconciliation Day, the South Island Powwow was held at Royal Athletic Park yesterday. Thousands donned orange shirts to attend the cultural event, which honours survivors of Canada's residential school system and has become a yearly staple for many.
Did you attend the powwow or any other T&R Day events yesterday?
— Robyn
Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes
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NEWS
Victoria grocery store manager assaulted, says Pattison president in open letter
Photo: Shutterstock
A Victoria Save-On-Foods store manager was assaulted last week, sustaining a concussion and serious injuries, according to parent company Pattison Food Group.
On Tuesday, Jamie Nelson, president of Pattison Food Group, shared an open letter condemning the alleged attack and the rise of violence toward frontline retail workers.
Nelson wrote that the store manager "lost consciousness, sustained a concussion, and suffered significant injuries that will likely require surgical treatment" after being "seriously assaulted" at work.
Nelson did not specify where the alleged assault occurred.
The incident reflects a growing trend of severe threats and confrontations directed at Pattison store employees, he said.
In his letter, he also referenced a "deliberate fire" set earlier this year in a Nester's Grocery store in Vancouver while staff and customers were inside.
"In both cases, lives were put at risk, and the consequences could have been far more tragic," Nelson wrote.
"When a store manager is left unconscious following a violent assault and an occupied grocery store is deliberately set on fire, we should view those incidents as warning signs. We cannot wait until someone loses their life before deciding that enough is enough."
Nelson said retailers across Western Canada have raised concerns about a rise in aggressive behaviours in stores since the pandemic.
"What began as an increase in theft has evolved into something far more serious."
Nelson said employees and shoppers have been "threatened, assaulted, spit on, and confronted by individuals carrying weapons."
He called the problem complex, pointing to food insecurity, homelessness, and mental-health issues as drivers of the trend.
"However, both things can be true at once: we can support vulnerable individuals while also protecting frontline workers."
⚠ Capital Bulletin
Government closed, from Superior to Michigan, today and tomorrow. 7am-4pm.
Category 2 & 3 fire bans lifted in the Coastal Fire Centre. [BC Gov]
Single-lane alternating traffic at 4550 Blenkinsop today, 8am-1pm.
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
On the water today? Check the tide times for Victoria.
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NEWS
City of Victoria, BC Housing fund foster care for pets while their humans seek treatment
Photo: Recovery Tails Society
Beginning this fall, people who need to go into treatment, hospitalization, or shelters—but were reluctant to do so because they had pets to care for—will be able to access programs knowing their beloved animal is safe.
The city has partnered with BC Housing and the Recovery Tails Society to provide short-term foster pet care.
“For many people, pets are family, and the fear of being separated from them can be a real barrier to accessing care, treatment or housing,” said Mayor Marianne Alto.
The Victoria Pet Care Access Support program will ensure pets get safe, temporary care while their humans take steps to recovery, stability and well-being.
The Recovery Tails Society matches pets with foster homes and then arranges for the pet to be returned to its person.
“We work collaboratively with pet owners, foster caregivers, service providers, hospitals, treatment programs, housing providers, and other community partners to coordinate placements and reunification,” said Priya Sharma, who co-founded Recovery Tails in 2025.
“Having a pet does not need to stand between someone getting access to care and support for long-term success.”
The City of Victoria is investing $60K from its Community Safety and Well-being Plan, and BC Housing is providing $30K to fund the 18-month program.
The involvement of the city and BC Housing helps expand the Recovery Tails Society’s free pet care to people seeking addiction and mental-health treatment, hospitalization, and housing challenges.
⭐️ Capital Picks
💛 Today is National Seniors Day.
🎡 Luxton Fall Fair is tomorrow through Sunday in Langford. [Details]
🦢 Visit Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary Silver Swans’ Winter Craft Sale Nov. 7-8. Beautiful décor, quilts, ornaments, and more. All proceeds fund nature education and conservation!*
🎶 BreakOut West Festival: Hear live music by breakout BC artists in venues across Victoria. Now through Saturday. [Info]
🔮 Victoria Psychic Fair at the Bay Centre, today through Oct. 7.
👵 Aging in place starts with an honest look at the home. This free walkthrough guide shows where to start looking, from room to room.*
☑️ Voting information for municipal elections on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
✅ Voting information for provincial elections on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026.
*Sponsored Listing
🗞 In Other News
Fired university professor arrested at UVic ahead of Orange Shirt Day event
Frances Widdowson—a controversial political scientist known for denying the trauma caused by residential schools—was arrested Tuesday on UVic's quad, just before an on-campus Orange Shirt Day event. Police asked Widdowson to leave university grounds peacefully, but she refused and argued with officers for several minutes before she was apprehended. This is the second time Widdowson has been arrested at UVic for an unsanctioned appearance; she was arrested for trespassing in December 2025. Those charges were dropped in June 2026. [Times Colonist]
Noodles for euros: Langford ramen restaurant accepting European currency
Canada’s foreign relations appear to be an appetizing topic for the owner of the Japanese-Canadian restaurant Ramen Arashi on Westhills Drive. Allan Nichols noted how Canada was recently invited to become the European Union’s first-ever associate member, and he figured it was “a great opportunity” to accept European cash “if we were going to be friends with them.” The restaurant is now accepting euro bills and coins. The exchange rate at Ramen Arashi is $1.50 CAD per euro. [CHEK]
Maintenance workers may need to temporarily remove election signs in Langford, will return them
The City of Langford is asking residents not to harass boulevard maintenance workers who may need to temporarily move election signs while mowing, weeding, or cleaning. While it is illegal to move election signs on private property before, during, or even after an election in BC, workers from Victoria Contracting have been authorized to temporarily move them. The city says signs will be returned as close to their original spots as reasonably possible. [Black Press]
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🗓 Things To Do
♦️ Dinner & A Show—Nearly Neil: Enjoy a roast beef carvery buffet, followed by the music of Neil Diamond at Elements Casino tonight. Feast at 5:30pm. Music at 7pm. [Info]
🚲️ Poetry and Hip Hop by the Shore: Free bicycle-powered performances in Reeson Park by spoken word poet Shauntelle Dick-Charleson and Hip Hop emcee Nikky E, tonight. 5:30pm-6:30pm. [Info]
🇮🇹 Concerto di Margherita: Italy: The Early Music Society of the Islands presents its season opener, featuring five multi-talented Italian musician-singers at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]
🎸 The Sutcliffes Dance Party: Hear early-period Beatles tunes at Upstairs Lounge, Oak Bay Rec Centre tomorrow. 7:30-10:30pm. [Info]
🍎 Apple Harvest Festival: Celebrate the apple harvest with apple pie, tea, and live music at Ross Bay Villa Historic House Museum. Saturday. 10am-2pm. [Info]
🍂 NPNA Fall Fair & Costume Swap: Enjoy s'mores, pumpkin carving, and a costume swap at Sands of Victoria. Saturday. 12-3pm. [Info]
🏠 Hearts for Homes Gala: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Vancouver Island hopes to raise more than $300K to support its housing programs. Union Club of BC. Saturday. 5:30-10pm. [Info]
🏈 Westshore Rebels host VI Raiders: Military Appreciation Night. BC Football Conference action at Starlight Stadium Saturday. 7pm. [Info]
👀 In Case You Missed It
Tuesday’s headlines: Two days of honouring residential school survivors; JazzFest hits sour note; 3 quakes in 7 hours strike off the Island’s northern coastline—no damage. [Sept. 29]
Witnesses sought for alleged assault in Beacon Hill Park on Sunday. [VicPD]
Wanted man: Joel Reed, 36. Do not approach. [VicPD]
Winter tires are required to drive Malahat and Highways 4, 14, and 28 as of today.
BC judge tosses trafficking convictions against Vancouver compassion club, DULF. [CBC]
The Price is Right Live on Stage today, through Oct. 5, 7pm, at the Royal Theatre.
That’s it!
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