Good morning {{First name}}!

Today is Grandparents' Day! Since 1995, Canada has marked the second Sunday of September by celebrating the essential family members. The day was federally legislated in 2009—though not as a stat holiday—to acknowledge that "grandparents play an important, nurturing role in family life and are a valuable link between generations," according to the act.

If you're a grandparent, I hope you're feeling the love today!

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 8 minutes

Today: ⛅ 20 / 13

Tomorrow: ⛅ 19 / 13

Day after: ☀️ 21 / 13

Firefighters IAFF Local 730 has registered with Elections BC as a third-party advertising sponsor—meaning the union can, and plans to, spend money to endorse candidates and oppose others in this fall’s municipal elections.

“Our message is simple: Local 730 supports those who support us,” said Josh Montgomery, president of Local 730.

“Our members are ready to stand behind candidates who are prepared to stand behind the firefighters protecting this city.”

The union said it is pivoting to backing specific candidates after years of remaining officially impartial because of issues it says directly affect public safety, firefighters’ safety, and the ability to do their jobs “to the fullest extent.”

The union has invited all eight mayoral candidates and each of the 21 vying for eight councillor positions “to learn more about the issues affecting Victoria firefighters in our day-to-day work,” Montgomery said. 

Candidates who champion the union’s priorities will be more likely to receive its endorsement.

Local 730’s 6 priorities: 

If Montgomery's name sounds familiar…

The firefighter was involved in a union-city squabble two years ago. Montgomery wasn’t union president in August 2024, when he was suspended for one day without pay after writing an open letter to BC Premier David Eby.

The union said Montgomery was disciplined for the opinions he shared in the letter, which called on Eby to prevent the opening of an outreach services hub on Dowler.

The premier said no one should be suspended for writing to his office. He said Montgomery deserved an apology and back pay for the day he wasn’t allowed to work, and he offered the union his support. 

The City of Victoria said the mayor and council play no role in the decision-making at the Victoria Fire Department. It said Alto was disappointed Eby weighed in and that she wouldn’t be issuing the apology the premier said Montgomery deserved. However, she did eventually apologize to the public for the rollout of the Dowler facility.

VicPD seeks dashcam video: Alleged assault in Bay/Blanshard parking lot at 10:15pm on Sept. 4.

All-Candidates Meet & Greet: Sept. 24, 6-8pm at The Atrium.

Victoria Mayoral Debate: Sept. 27, 4-6pm at Vic Theatre.

Little Free Library Award winners to be announced today at Oswald Park, 3-7pm.

Pacific FC hosts Cavalry FC at Starlight Stadium today at 3pm. 

Shelbourne Street Improvements Project celebration is tomorrow, 2-3:30pm at Browning Park.

Saanich single-lane alternating traffic: Tolmie at Rutledge tomorrow through Friday, 8am-4pm.