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- July 17 - Saanich still has most dangerous intersection
July 17 - Saanich still has most dangerous intersection
Plus, a new resto in Esquimalt, Saanich accelerates affordable housing
Capital Daily Team
July 17, 2024
In partnership with
Good morning !
For the first time since I moved here in 2012, I have a sunburn. I earned every little satisfying ping of pain by sitting out in the sun all weekend. I missed this feeling. I know it’s not good for my skin, but man oh man, it feels like summer!
— Mark
Have you been baking in the sun, or have you (wisely) been taking precautions? |
Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes
🌡️ Weather Forecast
NEWS
No changes expected at dangerous Saanich intersections
An intersection collision. Photo: Shutterstock
The intersection with the most crashes on Vancouver Island last year was Douglas, McKenzie, and the Pat Bay Highway, the scene of 86 crashes—an increase (26) of almost 50% over 2022.
Popping in at #5 were the crossings at Blanshard Street (Highway 1) and Saanich Road where there were 63 crashes.
Now, even if Saanich wanted to make safety changes to these intersections, it would be at the mercy of the province’s plans because they merge onto highways, which are provincial jurisdiction.
“There are no plans for changes at either location at this time,” a Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure spokesperson tells Capital Daily.
ICBC said one-quarter of the Island’s 40,343 total reported Island crashes—10,985—came at intersections. Injuries occurred in more than half (5,180) of those collisions, which is in the ballpark with the five-year average of 10,329 crashes and 5,715 injuries.
After Douglas and McKenzie, the three most hazardous intersections on the Island were in Nanaimo. Just behind them, with 63 crashes, comes the Trans-Canada at Millstream in Langford, including the on- and off-ramps.
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
Highway 17 overnight closures next week: The highway will be closed in both directions on July 25, July 29, and Aug. 7 for work on the Keating overpass. There will be a detour along Tanner Road, Central Saanich Road, and Island View Road during these closures.
BC, Alberta put a cork in wine dispute. [BC Gov’t]
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
NEWS
Esquimalt heritage building gets new resto
Rosemead House. Photo: Submitted
You may remember it as the Old English Inn on Lampson. The classic heritage house has been restored, given the moniker Rosemead House—and is getting a new restaurant complete with an executive chef with a TV background.
Janevca Kitchen & Lounge will focus on open-flame cooking, using a wood-fire grill to prepare such yummies as steak and charred vegetables. The restaurant wants its cooking methods to complement the heritage of its location.
Its new chef has commanded acclaimed Vancouver kitchens at restaurants such as Osteria Savio Volpe and CinCin Ristorante. Andrea Alridge was a finalist on the cooking competition show Top Chef Canada.
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⭐️ Capital Picks
⚾ Victoria-Victoria. HarbourCats vs. Victoria Mavericks. [6:35pm Tomorrow]
🏳️🌈 Tucked away in Fernwood is a rare, Two-spirit regalia library bursting with pride. The nonprofit VIDEA is helping diverse Indigenous people access traditional clothing to match their identities! Read the article!*
🤝Now hiring: Executive Director at Capital Bike.
*Sponsored Listing
🗞️ In Other News
Saanich makes changes to speed up affordable housing projects
Saanich looked to similar changes made by Victoria to accelerate the availability of affordable housing. The rezoning process will be eliminated for housing projects that meet the required heights set by the district’s OCP. Staff will now be in charge of approving development permits, rather than the council. [CHEK]
Head of IT no longer employed at Elections BC after Saanich case
A BC Supreme Court ruling in June found Guy Gondor, former IT executive for Elections BC, was responsible for giving restricted material from the District of Saanich to his son, Darian Gondor, to help him with a neighbourhood dispute. It was not confirmed whether Guy Gondor was fired or resigned and when his employment ended. [Times Colonist]
BC’s ‘massive error’ cause of child’s preventable death
The lack of communication and due diligence by the Ministry of Children and Families led to the torturous death of Colby, 11, at the hands of his caregiver, according to a report. The boy’s medical issues, the history of abuse by his caregiver, and the isolation experienced by him and his sister were all reasons the case should have been flagged by the ministry before Colby was killed. This lack of oversight is a pattern according to the report. [Vancouver Sun]
The case led to the removal of Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Mitzi Dean from her position as child and family minister earlier this year. She was replaced by Victoria MLA Grace Lore.
4 HarbourCats drafted into Major League Baseball, another signs with M’s
Outfielder Lucas Ramirez heads the list, selected in the 17th round by the LA Angels. Ramirez—the son of former MLB great Manny Ramirez—had a scholarship to attend the University of Tennessee, but the 18-year-old is expected to sign with the Angels. Ontario pitcher Ryan Magdic was taken three rounds earlier by the Oakland A’s. Sean Heppner, a pitcher out of UBC who starred with ‘Cats last season went in the 12th round to Cleveland. Colorado picked pitcher Hunter Omlid, who hurled here in 2019, in the 20th round. Catcher Connor Dykstra from Chilliwack agreed to a free-agent deal with Seattle. [HarbourCats]
SPONSORED BY THE BUTCHART GARDENS
Summer entertainment
Enjoy live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday nights at The Butchart Gardens. See Barney Bentall, Tom Taylor, and Shari Ulrich (BTU) tonight at 8pm, as well as rocking boogie woogie, flamenco, calypso, classical music, and more onstage throughout the summer. Entertainment is included with the price of admission. Visit the website for details!
🗓️ Things to do
🎨Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s 35th annual Paint-In. See Island artists create work in real-time, with activities, music, food, and a beer garden. Sat. Moss Street. AGGV opens at 10am. Paint-in at 11am. [Info]
🛍️ Oaklands Sunset Markets: Check out 50 local vendors, a huge variety of food trucks, great music, kids activities, and more at the Oaklands Community. Today. 4:30-8pm. [Info]
🎶Music at Ship Point: Catch live music in the Inner Harbour. Indie rockers Sail Cassady. Today. 5-6pm. [Info]
🚲 Music by the Shore: A bicycle-powered concert: Catch performances by Okan Yedikuvvet (Turkish music featuring bağlama), Shauntelle DC (spoken word), and Pesewa (ambient afro-futurist folk) at Reeson Park. Today. 6:30-8pm. [Info]
😂 Phillips Comedy Night at The Mint: See a lineup of hilarious local comedians and enjoy a refreshing cocktail. Tonight. 8pm. [Info]
🎵Sean Drabitt Quartet: Drabitt will play his standup bass alongside talented friends at Hermann’s. Tonight. 7pm. [Info]
🎈Langford Community Fun Day: Free fun activities, including face painting, BBQ, music, and games. City councillors and staff will be there to take feedback from the community for future initiatives. Ruth King Elementary Field. Tomorrow. 12-7pm. [Info]
🎷 VSMF Outreach Concert: See this free classical performance, with saxophone and piano, at Christ Church Cathedral. Tomorrow. 1pm. [Info]
🎸 Bluestem: See the band make their Victoria debut at the Victoria Event Centre. Tomorrow. 8pm. [Info]
👠 Fern a Drag Show: See this Fernwood classic, with hosts Vivian Vanderpuss and Woofie, at Fernwood Inn. Tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]
🎶The Lee Boys: See this top sacred steel group as it combines gospel, blues, and jazz. Hermann’s. Tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]
👀 In Case You Missed It
Tuesday’s headlines: Mammoth fire in Royal Bay; 14 Victoria sports orgs to split $488K+ in funding; Cadboro Bay boat beef buoyed by campground idea; And more. [July 16]
Seniors in retirement homes gain tenancy protections. [Capital Daily]
Oak Bay cafe owners celebrate patio win after tense dispute with the council.[Times Colonist]
7 of Victoria’s most photo-ready restaurants. [Tasting Victoria]
Aphids leave honeydew for honey bees. [Photo]
Monkey puzzle tree falls in James Bay. [If a tree…]
That’s it!
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