Dec 27 - Desperate search for bear cub on highway

Good morning !

Have you ever encountered an injured animal? I once had to call in a disoriented deer I saw running, hurt, around Oak Bay’s Ocean Drive squaring off with dogs and cars. 

Several Islanders similarly found a bear cub in the middle of the highway. They got it off the road—but getting it to real safety proved to be much harder. 

More on that below.

— Cam

Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes

We’re holding our 4th annual holiday fundraising drive! Every dollar readers donate from now until Dec. 31 will be matched and donated to Saanich Neighbourhood Place.

Funds raised will be used to support local families in the areas of inclusive childcare, parent education and support programs, and food equity services. Get all the details here.

Help us reach our goal of $100,000 by the end of the year!

Don’t wait: The next $4,070 raised will be matched 2-to-1! So a $50 donation today will be matched for a total of $150 raised!

Special thanks to Lochside Software and Tiny Foundation for generously matching donations

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌦️ 11 / 8

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 11 / 7

Day after: 🌧️ 11 / 5

7-day forecast

NEWS

Sad end to Islanders’ desperate search for baby bear seen on highway

Images circulated this past weekend of a lost young black bear in the middle of Hwy 19 in Comox Valley. Drivers worked together to direct it to safety, and posts on Facebook called on the public to locate the cub and help get it to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre.

That centre often cares for orphaned bears; it had 7 in its care as of early Nov., with plans to release them next summer.

On Tuesday, though, the BC Conservation Service confirmed to Global that it had euthanized the wandering cub after determining it was too weak and injured to survive the winter. Locals who searched for it argue that it should have been given a chance at a rehab centre before such a final decision was made.

No update in weeks on another loose animal in east Island
The wolf-dog near Coombs, nicknamed WD-40 for its slipperiness, has evaded traps and allegedly killed pets. Both the conservation service and BC SPCA say the hybrid is not within their jurisdiction.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Wind warning continues for north Island.

Mt. Washington cell service & Wi-Fi knocked out due to damaged cable.

Driving today? Check the current traffic.

Crystal Pool remains closed until Jan. 2.

NEWS

New playground coming to Sidney’s Brethour Park

Sidney council wants to make Brethour Park better for playing—and for staying. After reviewing several design options, it chose a new playground intended to allow more people to use the equipment, from kids with disabilities to caregivers.

Council aimed to make the playground’s design as accessible as possible, with a fully rubberized surface, rather than wood chips, to offer easy movement to those with mobility issues. It will also feature a merry-go-round with space for wheelchairs, a first for peninsula playgrounds. 

The playground is expected to open next summer, costing Sidney nearly $300,000.

Read more on the playground’s features here.

SPONSORED BY VICTORIA FOUNDATION

Be inspired by Victoria's greatest changemakers

Read this incredible statistic: Last year, the non-profit Soap for Hope Canada rescued over 136-thousand pounds of soap products, pillows, linens, and other hotel items from the landfill. It then redistributed over 2.3 million of these items to people in need.

This month on the Vital Victoria Podcast, Anne McIntyre talks to host Lucky Budd about how her non-profit tackles sustainability issues in the hotel industry and provides hope through hygiene to those who need it most. Listen to the full episode here.

🎧 Want to connect with more changemakers in Greater Victoria? Every month, the Vital Victoria Podcast delves into findings from the Vital Signs program by highlighting people who are working tirelessly to create a vibrant, caring community for all. Tune in!

⭐️ Capital Picks

🌕 Photo: Boxing Day full moon in Esquimalt Lagoon.

🪨 That rock has a red beak—or could it be a semi-disguised Black Oystercatcher? [Photo]

📈 Progress your career growth! Jump into new possibilities and build your future. Gain valuable skills and career training with Continuing Studies at UVic.*

🎙️ Today on community radio: CFUV’s Wednesday lineup ranges from eclectic music to interesting conversations—no, literally, one of today’s programs is called Interesting Conversations. [Schedule / stream]

🩰 Did you know? Mini-subscriptions are available for Dance Victoria's 2023/24 season. Don't miss Compagnie Hervé KOUBI, Nrityagram Dance Ensemble, and Ballets Jazz Montréal! Visit the website.*

🤝 Now hiring: Corporate Controller - Hospitality at Westin Bear Mountain Resort & Spa.

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

West Island faces “hurricane force” winds & nearly 3-storey waves
A storm has brought winds up to 120km/h to the Island’s northern west coast and waves 6-9m high (19-29 feet) to its southern west coast, which includes Sooke and Port Renfrew.

Resurgent Royals resume bounce-back season
The 20-12-0-2 team has already passed last year’s 17 wins, taking 6 of its last 7 games before the mid-Dec. break and reigniting playoff hope after two seasons falling short. The Royals play tonight and tomorrow on the road, then twice at home for New Year’s weekend.

This kid cares—and carols
For four years Weston, 9, has been singing Christmas songs outside Tanner’s Books in Sidney to raise money for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank. [PNR]

Hwy 4 reopened yesterday after Christmas Day closure
Two rocks fell through the barrier and into travel lanes, but caused no injuries, the transportation ministry said. Crews repaired the barriers at Cameron Bluffs where wildfire and the resulting instability closed the highway for nearly three months this summer.

🗓️ Things to do

🧹 Curling championships: The Victoria Curling Club hosts the BC Under 18 & BC Mixed Doubles championship. Today to Dec. 31. More info, & livestreams all week, here.

⛸️ Holiday skating & hockey this week at Panorama Rec. 

🌟 Lights of Wonder. Today’s entertainment at the light display in Centennial Square: 4pm: Irish dancers. 6pm: Slim Sandy and the Atomic Cocktails. 7:30pm: An & Ben.

🎹 Evan Crofton Trio: See the jazz trio, featuring Busty and the Bass member Crofton, perform at Hermann’s, tonight at 7pm.

🎄 Last week to explore 70+ decorated trees during the Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre. Get 3-hrs free parking on weekends & free after 4 pm on weekdays. Plan your visit today!*

*Sponsored Listing

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tuesday’s headlines: Toxins found in orcas near the Island, HarbourCats’ year in review, weather alerts. [Newsletter]

The best holiday light-ups in the region—and the international attention drawn by one local display (and its hate mail). [Newsletter]

Meet the people behind the scenes at the BC Legislature. [Capital Daily]

VicPD officer served up ‘cup of vomit’ on busy Christmas Eve. [CTV]

That’s it!

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