Oct 21 - Local recount can decide BC election

Good morning !

After a wild weekend in terms of both weather and politics, we have updates on road closures and recounts in the Westshore. The latter could determine the future of BC. But first: a tragic crash has killed a young local. Details below.

— Cam

Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧 11 / 7

Tomorrow: 🌦️ 11 / 7

Wednesday: ⛅ 11 / 5

7-day forecast

NEWS

Crash kills local taxi driver downtown; other driver was allegedly fleeing police

Friends say that Ronnie (Rojinder) Singh, 25, a cab driver, was the person killed on Saturday after being hit by an alleged erratic truck driver around 1pm on Saturday.

A fundraiser said that Singh worked multiple jobs and at nights to help support his family including ailing parents back in India. It is trying to raise the money to cremate his body and send it to his parents in India. 

Other drivers, and friends, gathered at the scene for a memorial on Sunday. Gurinder Banwait told CHEK that Singh had just been sitting at a red light in his Victoria Taxi cab, and that drivers from that and other local taxi companies had come out to honour their late peer. 

Crash, and police role in it, under investigation

BC's Independent Investigations Office (IIO) announced the fatal crash over the weekend. VicPD say the crash happened after they tried to stop the Nissan pickup on Douglas near Courtenay. 

The truck didn't stop, police say, and hit both the victim's vehicle and an inactive BC Transit bus (which had no passengers aboard). The IIO will now investigate what role police action or inaction could have played in the fatal result. It was not fully clear from the statement whether police had pursued the driver, or only attempted a stop.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

60% chance of showers today, tonight, tomorrow.

Saanich will hold its first town hall event tomorrow.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

Support local journalism by supporting Capital Daily. Become a Capital Daily Insider member today and help bring local stories to life. 

NEWS

Local recount set for next weekend could decide BC election 

Sunday's Elections BC update confirmed that Juan de Fuca – Malahat will head to an automatic recount next weekend. NDP candidate Dana Lejeunesse currently leads Conservative Marina Sapozhnikov by a mere 23 votes. 

Recounts begin Oct. 26

All results under 100 go to recounts, in which additional ballots will be counted such as those mailed after advanced voting dates or filled out on paper at election-day voting stations outside the actual riding and then sent over to the proper riding. That process is set to begin Oct. 26 in this and one other riding: Surrey – City Centre, which the NDP leads by just 96 votes. Another Surrey riding barely escaped automatic recount, with the Conservatives winning the initial count by 102 votes on top of living in a narrow win by under 250 votes in Courtenay – Comox. 

Multiple BC election outcomes possible 

In this tight BC race, the NDP are now at 44, the Conservatives at 45, and the Greens at 2 including local newcomer Rob Botterell in Saanich North. If the NDP win both recounts, they and the Greens would have enough seats to both win votes (47) and choose a Speaker (who does not vote). If they win just one recount, they could together hold the balance of power but the need to nominate a speaker would likely deadlock the Legislature. If the Conservatives win both recounts they will be on top with 47 seats, but would face the same Speaker issue. 

Unexpectedly close Westshore race 

The riding is a new one created out of the more rural part of John Horgan's oversized longtime riding and the southern section of the former Cowichan riding. Both Horgan and Ravi Parmar (who ran in the other spinoff, Langford-Highlands) had dominated the previous riding.

Green candidate David Evans, a Sooke small businessman, did fairly well, pulling about 23% of the total. Sapozhnikov, a doctor, is performing above recent Liberal and Conservative challengers, with 39% matching Lajeunesse, a Sooke councillor who worked as a mechanical engineering technologist and forest worker.

NEWS

13 places to get food under $10 in Victoria

In today’s challenging economy, it is hard to find a good dining out deal, so the team at Tasting Victoria decided to highlight some of their favourite places that are serving quality dishes that do not break the bank. Whether you’re craving classics, Mexican, Thai, fresh wraps, or hearty comfort food, these go-to restaurants prepare delicious meals without stretching your wallet.

From Tasting Victoria, here’s where you can enjoy satisfying, affordable eats around the city.

⭐️ Capital Picks

👃 The very smelly pinnipeds of Race Rocks. James MacDonald photo.

👑 New garage rock from Victoria musician King Bob. [Bandcamp]

🤝 Now hiring: Nursing opportunities in senior care at Amica on the Gorge.

🗞️ In Other News

🚲 Langford seeks feedback on Latoria active transit plan
With a new elementary opening Sept. 25, Langford is expediting Phase One of work along Latoria; from Triangle Trail to Whimfield Terrace, improved sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides are being added. Weigh in on the project, and its later phases, via the council meeting on Monday or the survey that closes Tuesday. 

Hwy 14 remains closed between Jordan River & Port Renfrew
On Saturday the stretch was closed all day due to washout. That closure was extended Sunday. The next update will be Monday morning, but CHEK reported that six separate sites along the road stretch were damaged and that it may be closed until late Wednesday. 

257 becomes area code No. 6 for BC as of next May
The province is on track to run out of numbers by May 2026, so will get a new option the year prior. [CBC]

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🗓️ Things to do

🥾 This week is the last chance to see the exhibit “No Walk in the Woods: The History of the West Coast Trail” at the Maritime Museum. [Info]

🌍 Environmental activist Vandana Shiva gives a talk at UVic's Farquhar Theatre on Nov. 5 [Tickets]

🗣 City Talks: Downtown - Dying, Surviving, or Thriving? A panel cohosted by theDock, Sidewalking Victoria, and the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network. 6-8pm on Thurs. Oct 24. [Info/Tickets]

📆 Looking for more events? See them in This Week in Vic. Subscribe to get our weekly events rundown in your inbox every Tuesday!

👀 In Case You Missed It

Initial election results and interviews with local winners and losers. [Capital Daily]

Things you can do to prevent wind & flood damage: City of Victoria tips.

Missing person: Monique Wickett, 23, reported Oct. 10 but last seen May 12 in Victoria. [Photo / info]

Did you know there are bison on the Island? See them here via VanIsleWildlife.

Years after dramatic fire, Whiskey Creek gas station will be rebuilt.