Good morning {{First name}}!

This Sunday, while most provinces in the country "fall back" an hour, BC will begin its first winter on permanent daylight saving time. 

The clocks will remain the same here, so you can leave your oven, microwave, and car clocks as they are, but you may want to double-check appointments and calendar reminders in case apps and devices haven't caught up yet.

I'll be interested to see how this new time system is received as we head toward the end of the year. By the winter solstice on Dec. 21, the sun will be rising after 9am—ouch.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

Today: 🌧 9 / 7

Tomorrow: 🌦 8 / 7

Day after: ☀ 10 / 7

7-day forecast

One of Victoria's staple summer events is at risk of disappearing, and tomorrow may be the last day to save it.

For more than 20 years, Victoria International JazzFest got a significant amount of its funding from its title sponsor, TD Bank. But last month, the Victoria Jazz Society, which hosts the festival, as well as other special concerts in the capital city, announced the bank was pulling its support for the 42-year-old summer music fest.

This news came a few months after the society put  its other mainstay summer event, Harbour Blues 'n Roots Fest, on hiatus due to funding issues.

With the loss of TD's sponsorship, the society turned to the public for support, launching a fundraising drive at the end of September. That drive ends tomorrow, and the Jazz Society is still shy of its $250K goal.

As of yesterday afternoon, the fundraiser had reached $214K in pledges, 86% of the amount needed to bring JazzFest back and keep the society going.

Darryl Mar, executive director of the Victoria Jazz Society, told the Times Colonist that if the fundraising goal is met, the JazzFest will "definitely go ahead in the last week of June next year." Any surplus would go toward reviving Harbour Blues 'n Roots, he said.

“The goal is to see both festivals back on firm ground in 2028."  

And if the $250K isn't raised? The society said in a statement that it would “have to consider alternative options, such as closing its doors and discontinuing operations."

"If the Victoria Jazz Society has ever given you a great night of music, introduced you to an artist, or simply made Victoria a more interesting place to live, please pledge today," the society said.

The fundraising drive ends at midnight tomorrow. Donation pledges can be made here.

Saanich road closure: Townley between Dean and Richmond today, 8:30am-3:30pm. 

Single-lane traffic: Tillicum between Regina and Burnside West today and tomorrow, 24 hours.

Recall: Buck Wild Shaft Cocktail Canadian Hard Coffee due to possible spoilage.

The Xʷsepsəm Nation and Township of Esquimalt have formally committed to a partnership between the two governments. 

On Oct.14, they signed a relationship agreement that requires the municipality and First Nation to engage in regular dialogue and work on community initiatives together.

"Today is a historic step forward in the relationship between Xʷsepsəm Nation and the Township of Esquimalt," said Chief Jerome Thomas.

"This agreement recognizes our shared commitment to working together in a meaningful way and demonstrates how strong relationships can support reconciliation, mutual understanding, and lasting benefits for our communities."

The agreement framework requires regular meetings between the township's mayor and council and Xʷsepsəm Nation's chief and council to discuss shared priorities, emerging issues, and partnership opportunities. Staff from both governments will also meet regularly to align on projects and share information.

Key priorities identified in the agreement:

To commemorate the signing, two Garry oak trees will be planted: one in Esquimalt Gorge Park and the other at Xʷsepsəm Nation. 

"The trees will serve as a lasting symbol of the growing relationship between the Nation and the township and the shared commitment to future generations," the township said in a release.

Nobel Prize winner Harold Pinter is renowned for his distinctive dramatic style: economy of language, potent pauses, and an undercurrent of menace.

Betrayal—widely regarded as one of his best—unfolds in reverse—coolly dissecting a seven-year extramarital affair. 

It opens after the affair has ended then proceeds to track it from the final breakup to the first kiss. Encountering the aftermath before the initial spark, the audience becomes acutely aware of the fallout from every decision.

Betrayal won the 1979 Olivier Award for Play of the Year (London) and the 1980 Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Foreign Play (New York).

The Belfry offers pay-what-you-want tickets to all performances.

🦌 Stampede! A herd of elk was captured sprinting in unison in the south Cowichan Valley. [Facebook video]

📋 Seniors and their families are using this readiness organizer to help keep daily life going when someone needs to step in at short notice.*

🏥 The Spirit of Hospitality Lottery for the BC Hospitality Foundation deadline is next Wednesday. 

💪 Step into your opportunity! Stay current and competitive with online professional development programs from Continuing Studies at UVic.*

🎊 Grand opening of Fireweed Veterinary Hospital, 915 Esquimalt Road, today at 10am.

*Sponsored Listing

Shawnigan Retreats offers the perfect cozy retreat for family gatherings or romantic getaways. Nestled by the serene Shawinigan Lake, our luxurious accommodations feature a sauna, hot tub, games room with ping pong, cards, and board games, and even a private pickleball court. Enjoy nearby hikes through breathtaking nature and unwind in comfort. With space for up to 18 guests, Shawnigan Retreats promises an unforgettable experience.

Explore Shawnigan Retreats and plan your getaway today. Learn more about Shawnigan Retreats.

City of Victoria turns down bequeathed waterfront home in Fairfield
When Gerald Stinson died in February, he left his $2.7M home at 1851 Hollywood to the city, hoping the desirable land overlooking Gonzales Bay would be used as a community park. However, the city says converting the approximately 10K-square-foot property into a park would cost too much—about $3.5 million. Generous offer or not, the city says the Gonzales area is already well-served with parks, and it needs to focus parkland investment on underserved areas, such as downtown. [Times Colonist]

UVic announces permanent closure date for Ian Stewart Complex rink 
The ice rink at its Ian Stewart Complex will permanently close on March 31, 2027. While the rink will be shut for good, UVic Properties plans to lease the building, including its gym, office, and storage space. While the rink's closure was announced four years ago, community groups are still voicing concerns about a dearth of available ice rinks in the region. The building will eventually be demolished for a mixed-use university complex with housing, though a timeline hasn't been set. [CHEK]

Driver arrested after head-on collision on West Saanich leaves commuter in critical condition
The southbound and northbound vehicles collided just after 9:15pm on Tuesday near Sparton. The driver of the northbound vehicle was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and has since been airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital. A passenger from that vehicle was also hospitalized. The southbound driver, who appeared to be uninjured, refused to provide a breath sample and was arrested. Saanich Police are seeking witnesses and dashcam video.

😂 Laura Ramoso: The German-Italian comedian and social media sensation will perform at the Royal Theatre tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]

🎤 Begonia: The Juno-nominated musician will perform her pop hits at Capital Ballroom tonight. 8pm. [Info]

📖 David de Pierro: The TikTok star will read from his new book, The Letters I Never Sent, followed by an audience Q&A at McPherson Playhouse tonight. 7pm. [Info]

🕺 90s Dance Party: Halloween Edition: Head back in time with this 90s-themed costume party, featuring music from Britney Spears, Aqua, and Spice Girls, at Capital Ballroom tomorrow. 9pm. [Info]

🎻 Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra in Victoria: See young pianist Madison Brecht take on Chopin, with an opening performance of Rossini, at United Commons. Saturday. 2:30pm. [Info]

🎃 Pumpkin Parade: Proud of your jack-o'-lantern? Showcase it the day after Halloween at Saanich Gorge Park. Drop off your pumpkin 3-5pm; parade at 6pm. Sunday. [Info]

🎶 Tom Cochrane Duo: The iconic Canadian rocker will perform at the McPherson Playhouse. Monday. 7:30pm. [Info]

Wednesday’s headlines: Sooke animal rescuer killed in Ukraine; Hermann’s hits sour money note; Dead humpback found near site of BC Ferries collision. [Oct. 28] 

Craigflower Bridge maintenance: Admirals down to a single, alternating lane, 9am-3pm. Periodic overnight road closures through early November. [Details]

Six Mile Road improvements: Single-lane alternating traffic, reduced speed limit at Damon. Now through December. 7am-5pm. [Details]

Better firefighting resources needed across Greater Victoria, says Esquimalt Firefighter's Union. [CHEK] 

Celebrating libraries: Share how the Greater Victoria Public Library has made a difference in your life for a chance to win a $200 gift basket. Contest closes Saturday. 

Raffle for Healing: Enter for a chance to win one of 4 prize packages and help support the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre. [Enter raffle] 

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