July 28 - Old Town is new again at the Royal BC Museum

Good morning !

Bad news for campers who were all set to enjoy the waves and beauty of French Beach this weekend. The park is closed.

BC Parks said a “food-conditioned bear” has been in the area, and won’t leave. Media reports suggest the black bear stormed three tents and even tried to claw its way into an occupied vehicle. French Beach Park was evacuated Wednesday and BC Parks said the park—including camping and hiking areas—is expected to remain closed until Monday.

Reservation holders will be refunded.

— Mark

🌤️ Today's weather: Mainly sunny, with cloudiness in afternoon. High 20C / low 13C.

🌫️ Air quality: Low risk today (2/10), no smoke expected.

NEWS

New Old Town opens tomorrow at Royal BC Museum

An old favourite returns to the Royal BC Museum tomorrow when the popular Old Town gallery reopens, albeit in scaled-down fashion.

The exhibit, depicting small-town BC from days gone by—along with the First Peoples Gallery on the third floor—was shut down more than a year ago to address issues of racism and reconciliation.

When the provincial government announced Old Town was being shuttered on Dec. 31, 2021, hundreds wrote in to complain.

“We have heard you,” Tourism Minister Lana Popham said in May when announcing the exhibit’s return. “Old Town is beloved by hundreds of thousands of visitors. I know people miss it.”

Many Victorians recall youthful school day trips to the museum, with Old Town being a highlight. Most of those highlights are back, including the train station, hotel, saloon, garage, parlour, kitchen, print shop, and Chinatown preserved as they were.

The Majestic Theatre is back, but will showcase BC’s diversity instead of showing silent Hollywood films. The reopening of Old Town is part of the first phase in a multi-year blueprint for the Royal BC Museum.

Several exhibits, such as the Becoming BC Gallery, which includes a likeness of HMS Discovery, fall into the second phase and are slated to return in the future, possibly next year, the minister said in May.

In an attempt to embrace reconciliation, contextual panels providing background and historical reference have been placed throughout the gallery to inspire “critical thinking and ignite imagination, encouraging visitors to consider additional stories that could be shared,” according to a BC government release.

Last year, then-premier John Horgan announced the museum would close for eight years while a $789M building was built to house it. The public outcry forced the NDP government to mothball that decision.

Go behind the scenes at the Royal BC Museum with James MacDonald and our photo series.

Capital Bulletin

⛴️ Coastal Celebration returns to service today after the suspension of all of its sailings since July 19 due to mechanical issues.

NEWS

BC government gives cash to 4 Victoria orgs to combat racism

The organizations are among 68 provincewide to receive the money—as much as $5K—to provide anti-racism awareness and education, resilience training for those who have experienced racism, and supports for newcomers.

The Victoria grant recipients are:

• African Art and Cultural Community Contributor CCC Inc.

• Bangladesh Canada Cultural Association in Victoria (BCCAV)

• Coastal Research, Education, and Advocacy Network (CREAN)

• Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria

A 2021 report, spearheaded by the Greater Victoria Local Immigration Partnership (GVLIP) and the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA), found that 71% of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour personally experienced regular instances of racism in Victoria over the preceding five years.

Last year, a VicPD workplace survey revealed a stark contrast between the views and experiences of the department’s white male members and those of its white female and racialized members.

A little over a year ago, the BC government passed anti-racism legislation authorizing the collection of personal information to try to identify and eliminate systemic racism, advance racial equity, and better meet the needs of Indigenous, Black, and racialized groups in the province. The new law—the first of its kind in Canada—came into effect in June 2022.

The provincial government is working on more comprehensive anti-racism legislation to address broader challenges of systemic racism, inequity, and discrimination in BC.

It’s being co-developed with Indigenous Peoples and other racialized communities and is expected to be introduced next year. The government also wants your point of view, so it published an online survey, which is available in 15 languages and takes seven to 12 minutes to complete.

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EVENTS

Colwood beach party is stacked with fantastic food and music this July

Food and music go together like John and Paul, or Mick and Keith. While yes, separately they’re still amazing—together they’re even better.

Luckily, Colwood is cooking up exactly what you need this summer: a festival of food and music featuring some of the best food trucks in the city, and some super-talented BC bands, too.

The Eats & Beats Beach Party will take place this Saturday at Royal Beach in Colwood from 1 to 8pm. Entry is free.

Featured acts include Victoria bands The Projectors and OK CHARLIE, as well as the Tragically Hip tribute band The Nautical Disaster, and headliners The Zolas.

Throughout the day enjoy the craft beverage garden, a street market full of local vendors, and a climbing wall. Plus, bring a floatie, a paddleboard, or get to Royal Beach by boat, as this festival is on the banks of the beautiful Juan de Fuca Strait.

Find out more about the local food trucks attending and how to get there.

Capital Picks

🎤 IYAKT Indigenous Music Festival: The annual festival will include food trucks, craft vendors, and performances by Auntie Kate and the Uncles of Funk, Lost Talkers, and Paint the Town Red. Today and tomorrow at Hampton Park.

🏳️‍🌈 Salt Spring Pride Festival: Events this weekend will include a Pride Parade, a Pride Dance, and an outdoor stage. Today until Tuesday.

🎻 Get Back at The Butchart Gardens: The Vancouver-based band will play Beatles tunes tonight on the open-air stage, 8pm.

💃 Latin Night with DJ Wale: Enjoy music, dancing, and drinks tonight at the Victoria Event Centre, 10pm-2am.

💧 Talk to Waterworks Irrigation for custom irrigation systems, water features or landscape lighting to enhance your outside living space. Learn more and get a free estimate. Quotes provided within 48 hours!*

🎙️ A Night to Buena Vista Social Club at Hermann's Upstairs: Cuban pianist Pablo Cardenas will play the music of Buena Vista Social Club tonight, doors at 7pm and show 8:30-11:30pm. [Details]

🛼 Sidney Summer Roller Disco: This summer-themed roller skating event at Mary Winspear Centre’s Bodine Hall will offer games and skate rentals, 7-9pm.

🍸 Mozart and Martinis at The Atrium: Enjoy a performance from the Victoria Symphony while enjoying cocktails and appetizers, 5pm.

🎹 World Hepatitis Day fundraiser at Friends of Dorothy: Tonight’s Dinner and Drag event hosted by Mina Mercury will raise awareness and funds for AVI Health & Community Services. 6:30-8pm.

🎻 Free! Full-Flavoured Opera. Enjoy a free taste of Pacific Opera Victoria’s delicious upcoming season at the Cameron Bandshell on Friday, August 4 & Saturday, August 5.*

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In Other News

🚨 Oak Bay death considered suspicious
After Saanich police determined the death of a man found in the bushes near Beach Drive suspicious, Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crimes Unit (VIIMCU) took over the investigation. A portion of the road remains closed. It’s believed to be an isolated incident with no risk to the public.

🚌 More electric buses coming to Greater Victoria
Nearly $400M will be funded by the federal government to add 115 electric buses throughout the province, with many going to municipalities in the CRD. BC Transit is aiming to have an entirely electric fleet by 2024. [Victoria News]

🏥 Teen suffers serious injuries falling from Thetis Lake cliff
An exchange student has non-life-threatening injuries and fractures after a nearly four-storey fall, CHEK reports. The student hit the cliff face several times and suffered fractures and head injuries.

👟 Shoe with suspected human foot found at Gonzales Beach
A man found the remains on Sunday and turned it over to the BC Coroners Service, which is now investigating. Authorities say a foot in a shoe will remain intact after a body has been decomposing in water over time. Since 2007, six shoes with human remains have been found on or around the Island. This is the first one found since 2021. [Times Colonist]

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• Client Support Technician - Auxiliary - BC at ISM

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In Case You Missed It

🐶 Victoria brewery creates pet menu: Moon Under Water’s new menu will feature dog-friendly chicken stew, meatballs, and beer. [Tasting Victoria]

📰 Thursday’s headlines: Central Saanich to get new bike lanes and trails, fracking protesters rally in front of Murray Rankin’s office, body found in bushes in Oak Bay, and more. [July 27]

⛵ Provide input on Sidney’s new logo: The town is requesting community feedback on two design options. Online survey closes Aug. 8.

📖 Victorian author wins BC Historical Federation award: Jennifer Iredale won the best article award for her work Well Made Baskets: Nlaka’pamux Basket Makers and All Hallows School.

🛶 Learn how students at Bayside Middle School are bringing community together while working towards Truth and Reconciliation in the 2023 edition of Pulse Magazine.*

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