Nov 8 - Saanich unleashes its rules for dogs in parks

Good morning !

I received an email today reminding me the Santa Claus parade will hit Victoria’s downtown streets on the 25th—that’s in a little more than two weeks. Time does not stand still.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 11 / 6

Tomorrow: ☔ 10 / 6

Friday: ☔ 10 / 8

7-day forecast

NEWS

Dog owners’ dos and don’ts at Saanich parks

Saanich’s controversial new Animals Bylaw on Monday passed its fourth and final reading, meaning the district’s regulations on where and when a dog is allowed to be off-leash in a municipal park is now written in stone.

But perhaps not carved too deeply.

Coun. Colin Plant calls the process to get here “challenging” for council and unfortunately, “very divisive” for the community.

“I think it is accurate to suggest that nobody in Saanich is likely 100% happy with the outcome.”

With so many varying and valid viewpoints, and human nature being what it is when it comes to abidance, Plant likely isn’t wrong when he tells Capital Daily: “There will undoubtedly need to be a review of the bylaw in the future to ensure it is meeting its objectives.”

Read the rest of Mark Brennae’s story here, to find Saanich’s new dog leash regulations.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Area closures at Island View Beach until mid-December.

Blue/green algae advisory at Thetis: People and pets should  avoid swimming in the area. The Elk/Beaver Lake algae advisory is also ongoing.

E&N trail will be closed for maintenance work today until Friday.

NEWS

Langford making a 25-year plan for trees in the city

The city is now developing its Urban Forest Management Plan, unifying an area of policy previously cobbled together between development permitting and interim bylaws. 

Until recently, Langford had been the only one of 13 local municipalities without a dedicated tree protection policy. Led by former mayor Stew Young, council had rejected such proposals, fearful of “red tape” and excessive restrictions on homeowners. 

The new council, elected a year ago partly over residents’ ambivalence around development, had planned a new tree bylaw for early 2023. It rushed a temporary one into place last December, out of concern developers were cutting trees preemptively.

The city is now working on replacing that with a long-term, collaborative vision that will govern trees in both Langford’s natural forested areas and its yards and streets.

“It is my hope," Mayor Scott Goodmanson told Capital Daily, “that in the long term, the plan really becomes a partnership with the city and developers and builders and investors all working together.”

Public consultation will begin next week, and return next year after a draft plan is ready. 

Read the full story at The Westshore on what the plan will cover, the consultation process, the history of Langford’s parks, and more.

SPONSORED BY OXIO

Made for fair and sustainable prices

oxio internet plays long-term games. That means when it comes to pricing, it shouldn’t be a sprint fuelled by short-term promos. It should be a marathon with pricing that’s built to last.

Think internet access with no hidden fees. No random changes to your monthly billing. No activation costs and all equipment included. All bundled under one sustainable price. And, to keep things fair, oxio offers different plans tailored for you that stay the same as long as you stay with them.  

Make having internet fun again without the need for annual bargaining or worrying about that sneaky fine print.

Start with your next long-term internet provider today using code CAPITALDAILY for your first month free.

⭐️ Capital Picks

📖 Remembrance Day reads are on display at Greater Victoria Public Library branches.

🤰 Pelvic floor birth prep class. Join Tall Tree Health on November 18 to learn ways to improve pelvic health outcomes during labour.*

🐦 Photo: A crow takes in the sunrise near Turkey Head Point in Oak Bay.

😊 We’re Hiring! Account Executive at Capital Daily.

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

CORRECTION: Yesterday, we identified Andrew Petter as a former BC auditor general. He is a former attorney general. Capital Daily regrets the error.

Rallies in Victoria, Nanaimo among dozens across Canada
Some 1,300 people gathered at the legislature to march and call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, one of several that happened throughout the country on Saturday. [Times Colonist]

Some of the names were just for the birds
The American Ornithological Society is changing the names of dozens of birds to avoid monikers deemed offensive. Ann Nightingale of the Rocky Point Bird Observatory says it makes sense. [CHEK]

Car dealership appeals $5.5M court injury award 
Tracy Ann Ward was critically injured when she was hit by a Jeep on Central Saanich Road in 2018. Her sister died in the collision. BC’s Supreme Court ruled the driver was negligent and the dealership was vicariously liable. The dealership maintains it was no longer the owner of the Jeep, and therefore not responsible. [Times Colonist]

Tofino man who killed bears gets 30 days in jail, 20-year hunting ban
He also was fined $11K for shooting a mother and cub in the trees with a bow and crossbow in 2021. Vacationers next door testified against him and had recorded video; the judge rejected his self-defence story and determined he simply wanted to kill the two bears. [BCCOS]

Victoria’s Nelly Furtado to host Junos for second time
The last time she hosted, in 2007 in Saskatoon, she became the first host to win every award she was nominated for. The 53rd Juno Awards will be held Mar. 24 in Halifax. 

SPONSORED BY GLOW INTEGRATIVE

Utilize your health benefits before they're gone

There’s only 7 weeks left to enjoy your extended health benefits before they reset at the end of 2023.

Book your massage therapy, acupuncture, naturopathic care, counselling, and nutrition services at Glow Integrative Clinic.

It's the busiest time of the year so reserve your appointments now to avoid disappointment!

🗓️ Things to do

Alan Carr will make you laugh. The British comedian and talk-show host performs his standup at the McPherson Playhouse, exploring the highs and lows of his life since the pandemic began. Royal Theatre. Tonight. 8pm. [Tickets]

Comedy Night at the Mint. Get some laughs in at this comedy show, featuring local talent. Tonight. 8pm. [Tickets]

Glorious Sons play Save on Foods Memorial Centre. Hot off the release of its new single, the band brings its rocking sound to Victoria. Tomorrow night. 7:30pm. [Tickets]

Barns Courtney performs at the Capital Ballroom. The popular indie singer swings into Victoria as part of his North American tour. Tomorrow night. 8pm. [Tickets]

Book Launch at Munro’s: Award-winning poets Arleen Pare and Barbara Pelman will debut their new books, Absence of Wings and A Brief and Endless Sea, respectively. Tomorrow night. 7pm.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Early childhood educator pay raises are only part of long-term solution to child-care challenge. [Capital Daily]

Tuesday’s headlines: Oak Bay High’s Ukraine challenge, BC Beer Awards. [Newsletter]

Saanich Police Service Dog Hitch has died. Hitch was partnered with best friend Cst. Ken Mead. 

Oak Bay Police fined five drivers $368 and impounded their vehicles for speeding, over the last week. Each was doing twice the speed limit.

That’s it!

If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to a fellow Victorian.

And before you go, let us know: