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If you were unable to watch last week’s Victoria mayoral debate, CHEK-TV is airing it this morning at 8am. It will be aired twice tomorrow (at 2:30pm and 9:30pm) and on Sunday at 2pm. You should also be able to find it on YouTube. Saanich’s debate will air the following week.
— Mark
Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes
🌡 Weather Forecast
NEWS
Sooke brewery fires co-owner, closes for now after residential school denial photo
John Adair, former co-owner at Sooke Brewing Company. Photo: Reddit
Sooke Brewing Company fired co-owner John Adair, issued an online apology, and closed the brewery yesterday after a photo surfaced online, showing Adair wearing a "show me the evidence" T-shirt at the brewery on Wednesday, Truth and Reconciliation Day.
The phrase is associated with people who spread doubt about the horrors of Canada’s residential school system, and the photo sparked an outcry online.
“We want to be unequivocally clear: [Adair’s] views and actions do not reflect the values of Sooke Brewing Company. Its ownership or its staff,” the company posted on Facebook.
“We are devastated by his actions and sincerely apologize for the hurt they have caused,” the post continued.
“We stand with our community in condemning this behaviour and have made the decision to close the brewery for now.”
In a lengthy post that first addressed the photo, Sooke Brewing Company said the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is “a day to honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, acknowledge the profound and ongoing harms caused by residential schools, and reflect on the responsibility we all share in advancing reconciliation.”
The company also said it recognizes that an apology must be more than an expression of regret and that it is “addressing this matter internally.”
The brewery said it has contacted First Nations leaders to "determine appropriate next steps." The brewery said the message on Adair's shirt didn't reflect staff or ownership views.
The company posted again about six hours later, saying Adair had been “terminated, effective immediately.”
Emails to the company did not get through yesterday, and it appeared the brewery’s website was offline.
There was no immediate indication of how long the brewery would remain closed.
⚠ Capital Bulletin
Road closure: Wascana between Obed and Maddock through Oct. 16, 9am-3:30pm
Single-lane alternating traffic:
Carey between Judah and Ridgebank through Dec. 31, 7am-3:30pm
San Juan between Majestic and 1631 San Juan through Monday, 8:30am-3pm
Driving today? Check current traffic via Google.
On the water today? Check the tide times for Victoria.
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NEWS
Langford’s Veterans Memorial Park: expansion completed
The performance bandshell was built with BC timber. Photo: Mark Brennae / Capital Daily
Langford’s largest city park has officially reopened at nearly twice the size after a major overhaul that has added looped pathways, a performance bandshell, accessible picnic areas, new washrooms, and modern outdoor furniture.
The City of Langford said the renovations provide much-needed room for the park to host events such as Langford Light Up, Music in the Park, and the Goldstream Farmers Market.
“As a growing city, we often hear from the community that we need more spaces to gather outside,” said Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson.
In August 2025, the city asked residents what they wanted in a new park. They said they needed enhanced washroom facilities, performance space, and open areas to kick back and chill.
That December, Langford committed $2.65 million from the Parkland Acquisition and Improvement Development Cost Charges—fees charged to developers—to upgrade the park at no cost to the taxpayer, the city said.
The push to expand the park came from a previous council in 2022 after the city bought five adjacent lots—the former Masonic Hall at 679 Goldstream, which was torn down, and four properties on Aldwynd and Fairway.
The Goldstream Masonic Lodge #161 relocated to its new Bryn Maur location after 70 years. Its giant sequoia tree, the centre of attention during the annual Langford Light Up Celebration, is now officially on park property. The expansion, which also preserves mature Garry oak and Douglas fir trees, leaves the park at 3.1 acres, up from 1.75 acres.
Veterans Memorial Park was established in 2001 and remains a tribute to Canada’s war veterans and the military community.
This story ran for our Insiders on Sept. 27. Consider becoming an Insider today and be the first to receive stories every Sunday.
⭐️ Capital Picks
🏒 Victoria Royals host Swift Current Broncos at SoFMC tonight at 7:05pm. [Info]
🪲🎸 The Sutcliffes Dance Party is tonight at Oak Bay Rec Centre’s Upstairs Lounge.
🎭 One woman, her husband, and lover are caught in a game of cat and mouse. Betrayal, Harold Pinter's masterpiece, starts Oct. 27 at the Belfry.*
🕰️ Monster Mash Vintage Fair & Makers Market is tomorrow 9am-4pm at the Da Vinci Centre.
🕺 On Oct. 24, Dance Victoria presents Out Innerspace (Vancouver) in the critically acclaimed Rhino at the McPherson Playhouse for one night only! Tickets from $35!*
👚 Fall Clothing Swap is tomorrow, 10am-2pm, at Bay Centre.
*Sponsored Listing
🗞 In Other News
Greg Martel called CHEK-TV reporter and asked for payment for an exclusive interview
Martel, a Victoria man accused of running a Ponzi scheme that bilked investors out of nearly $150M, recently phoned CHEK News reporter April Lawrence from the country of Georgia, where he was reportedly jailed. He said he wouldn't answer questions but would choose one outlet for an "exclusive" interview and twice mentioned that some outlets would pay. Lawrence refused, saying reputable publications generally don’t pay for information, and he hasn't called back since. [CHEK]
Former chief coroner running for Island MLA seat
Lisa Lapointe, BC's chief coroner from 2011 to 2024, is running for the BC Greens in Saanich South in the Oct. 24 provincial election. Lapointe is best known for leading the BC Coroners Service through the early years of the province's opioid public health emergency. She says climate change, housing, health care, and mental-health supports are her key policy concerns. [Black Press]
Victoria Royals hold the season-opening No. 1 ranking in Canada
The Royals missed the Western Hockey League playoffs last season—but this season they’ve been pegged as the can’t-miss team. Of the 61 teams in Canadian junior hockey—comprising the Ontario, Quebec and Western leagues—Victoria’s entry is seen by the experts as the top dog. It’s the first time since October 2017 that the Royals have been ranked first overall. Driven by new transfer rules for American collegiate sports, the Royals brought in some older talent in the off-season, including forward Cameron Schmidt, who scored 51 goals last season, split between Vancouver and Seattle. [Times Colonist]
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🗓 Things To Do
🎨 Seven Embury: The Standard; Artist Seven Embury explores the societal pressures surrounding the male body. Xchanges Gallery and Studios. Tonight at 7pm. Tomorrow & Sunday at 11am. [Info]
🎶 Kanahi Yamashita: The guitar virtuoso will perform at Phillip T. Young Recital Hall tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]
🐶 Pet Blessing: Bring your furry, feathered, and scaly friends to church and have them blessed. Christ Church Cathedral (south lawn). Tomorrow. 10-10:45am. [Info]
🍎 Apple Harvest Festival: Celebrate the apple harvest with apple pie, tea, & live music. Ross Bay Villa Historic House Museum. Tomorrow. 10am-2pm. [Info]
🍂 NPNA Fall Fair & Costume Swap: Raise funds for the North Park Neighbourhood Association grocery hamper program. Sands of Victoria. Tomorrow. 12-3pm. [Info]
🍺 Oktoberfest in Oaklands: Eat, drink, and be merry at this German beer fest at the Oaklands Community Centre. Tomorrow. 5:30-10pm. [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. Tomorrow. 5:30pm. [Info]
🎤 All-Abilities, All-Ages OPEN MIC Coffee House: From first-timers to pros. Guest: Deviato. Learning Commons Room in the former SJ Willis School. Tomorrow. 6:30-8pm. [Info]
🩰 Ballet Rocks: See a unique fusion of classical ballet and rock music in this show at the Royal Theatre. Tomorrow. 7pm; Sunday 2pm. [Info]
💄 Bottoms Up: Catch this drag variety show, featuring Canada's Drag Race contestants, at Capital Ballroom. Sunday. 8pm. [Info]
👀 In Case You Missed It
Thursday’s headlines: Victoria grocer attacked, says company; City helping to foster pet care; Fired prof arrested ahead of UVic Orange Shirt event. [Oct. 1]
Mount Jack wildfire near Sooke now under control. [BC Wildfire Service]
Category 2 & 3 fire bans lifted in the Coastal Fire Centre. [BC Gov]
Victoria’s fire chief pours a little cold water on the firefighter union’s municipal election campaign. [CTV]
Election calls leave provincial parties searching for candidates. [Times Colonist]
Luxton Fall Fair runs through Sunday in Langford. [Info]
BreakOut West Festival runs through tomorrow. [Info]
Victoria Psychic Fair at the Bay Centre runs through Oct. 7.
That’s it!
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