Sept 29 - Protests appear at MLA offices

Good morning !

Another day, another protest.

But when you experience the majesty of these tall trees, you can see why, right?

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 4.5 minutes

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NEWS

Protesters march to MLA offices in support of old-growth forests

Locally-organized demonstrations took place across the province yesterday in front of BC MLA offices in a day of action for the protection of old-growth forests on Vancouver Island.

Indigenous land defenders and their supporters gathered in front of MLA Grace Lore’s office for a ceremonial circle, followed by a rush-hour prayer walk through Victoria's downtown core.

Paul Chiyokten Wagner and Pacheedaht Elder Bill Jones led the gathering, which attendees hoped would encourage local politicians to take urgent action to protect the ancient trees.

Jones challenged politicians “to abandon a system of denial that makes them think that they can take everything from the Great Mother and give nothing back.”

The colourful gathering was a chance to renew interest—through commuter disruption—in the plight of ancient trees in the watershed but it was also a call to action for politicians who have remained relatively silent on the issue.

And while many of yesterday’s participants no longer are active in Fairy Creek, they said they maintain their commitment to the cause and to raising awareness of continued logging in the area.

Today, Vancouver Island is home to an estimated 2.7% of what remains of old-growth forests, a forest that makes the region unique in its ecology and that attracts tourists from around the world to visit it.

By Sidney Coles, Local Journalism Initiative 

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

The BC government and public-health officials encourage parents to have their children aged six months and older to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.

NEWS

You soon may have to pay to park at CRD parks

Two years after it was rejected, the idea of paying to park at Capital Regional District (CRD) parks is back—and the CRD board will vote on it Oct. 11.

If approved, visitors to one-third of the district’s 33 parks would have to pay to park in the summer. The proposal is seasonal—so most of the year, there would be no charge—and would fall in line with two CRD parks which already have pay-to-park systems in place, Thetis Lake and Sooke Potholes regional parks.

“As an individual director, I struggle with this decision quite a bit because as local elected representatives we want to keep things as inexpensive as possible for residents and parks are meant to be free,” Colin Plant, a CRD board chair and director said.

Parking fees from nine additional parks have been earmarked to widen several hiking trails, enhance lighting, and repair regional trestles.

“I believe only Elk/Beaver Lake [parks] should be considered,” Plant told Capital Daily. “I also think the increases proposed need to be spread out over a far longer length of time.”

If approved, parking at CRD parks would cost $4 next year, rising $1.50 in each of the following two years. Seasonal passes would go for $30, increasing to $45 in 2025 and to $60 in 2026.

Disabled citizens with designated passes will not be charged under the proposal, Plant said.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

📷 Can you find the photographer? A couple, who got engaged while hiking in the Kootenays, are looking for the Victoria woman who snapped photos of the proposal.

⚔️ Pacific Opera Victoria presents Wagner’s Die Walküre—Oct. 12–21 at The Royal Theatre. Tickets from $30. Don't miss it!*

🪶 Bones of Crows at Cinecenta: The film based on the miniseries about a Cree woman working as a Second World War code talker will screen twice both today and tomorrow, Truth & Reconciliation Day. (5pm and 7:30pm). Also playing at Imax, Victoria. Today at 5:30pm, followed by a panel discussion. Admission is free. Reserve tickets here.

🤝 Corporate Canada's Role in Advancing Reconciliation: We call upon Corporate Canada to heed the TRC Calls to Action #92, 'Business and Reconciliation.' Together we will co-create an inclusive, equitable and sustainable economy.*

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

VIU pulls funding for ElderCollege
Less than a month after registration for its 30th fall session began, the college that provides courses for those 50+ has lost its financial backing. VIU says it’s a cash-flow issue and it will abandon the program as of Dec. 31. [CHEK]

Another major BC Ferries boat in need of repairs
The Spirit of Vancouver Island—which takes passengers on the Tsawwassen-to-Swartz-Bay-route, is going into dry dock for work on its hull. The Coastal Renaissance also is on the sidelines. [CBC]

Suspect at large after UVic student sexually assaulted on campus
The male student was assaulted in a men’s washroom on the ground floor of the Cornett Building by a man described to be in his sixties, who fled on foot. [CTV]

Dump truck with trailer crashes on Malahat
The crash occurred at the Bamberton exit, halting traffic in both lanes. Video footage showed large plumes of black smoke. This is the second dump truck to crash on a Greater Victoria highway this week. [Goldstream Gazette]

Flashmob at Uptown for downed trees
Reworking the lyrics to “Stop in the Name of Love” sung most famously by the Supremes, concerned citizens danced yesterday in support of old-growth forest protection on United For Old Growth Day of Action. See video here.

🗓️ Things to do

Truth and Reconciliation Day Bike Ride. Starts at Songhees Park. Tomorrow at 9:15am.

Improv Wars at the Mint: Teams will go head to head to make you laugh and win the final prize at this improv competition. Show at 8pm.

Prince Again: Party like it’s 1999 at this Prince Tribute show at The Royal Theatre. Show at 7:30pm.

Shred Kelly & Elliot Brood: Catch the emerging Canadian rockers at Capital Ballroom.

Tribute to Burt Bacharach: See the Lorraine Nygaard Quartet take on hits from the beloved singer at Hermann’s. Show at 7pm.

RyGuy, Keoni & DJ Wreckordz: Join this end-of-September dance party at Victoria Event Centre, starting at 9pm.

Lovro Peretić: Catch the first concert of the Victoria Guitar Society’s 2023/2024 season with award-winning guitarist Lovro Peretić at Phillip T. Young Hall. Show at 7:30pm.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Greg Martel is alleged to have conspired with US investor in fraudulent deal. [Capital Daily]

Truth and Reconciliation events in Greater Victoria. [Capital Daily]

Photo: The cutest pine marten checks out beach goers on the North Island.

Thursday’s headlines: Victoria says feds owe the city $28M for streamlining housing process, and I scream, you scream, he threw ice cream at a car. [Capital Daily]

VicPD looking for dangerous man: Milad Herbert, 32, is wanted Canada-wide and was last seen downtown Victoria on Tue.

Specialty food stores in Victoria: [Tasting Vic]

That’s it!

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