Sept 26 - Victoria gets B grade in latest Vital Signs

Good morning !

The gloomy weather has had me on a movie kick this week—I’ve already seen two movies in the theatre, including the new Beetlejuice which was surprisingly good.

Tonight I’m planning to see Will and Harper at the Roxy Theatre, which will be my first time seeing a movie at the Roxy since it stopped film screenings over a decade ago.

I have fond memories of the Roxy from my teenage years—it had the best popcorn in town from what I remember. I can’t wait to see the WWII shelter turned movie theatre back in action.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧️ 14 / 11

Tomorrow: ☀️ 16 / 11 

Day after: ☁️ 14 / 9

NEWS

Cost of living, housing, and homelessness among top concerns in this year’s Vital Signs survey

Some 6,564 people took part in the 19th community check-up conducted by the Victoria Foundation, and when asked to rate their overall quality of life, they gave a collective B, the same grade as last year, and a setback from the previous when the CRD got a B+ for livability.

The cost of living was cited by 70% to be the No. 1 issue for CRD residents. The housing situation/crisis was second at 58%, followed by healthcare (57%); homelessness (55%); addictions (52%); and mental health (34%). 

While no issue received a failing grade, the matter that got the worst mark was housing. Propelled by a perpetually low vacancy rate, respondents gave housing a D- grade, down from a D last year. 

Vital Signs pointed to the availability (1.6% average occupancy rate for all unit types) and cost (all apartment rent is up 7.8% since 2022) as reasons for the poor grade.

As far as accentuating the positive, 65% said our beautiful natural environment was the best thing about living here, followed by our climate (54%), air quality (52%) and parks (46%).

The report found a lot of work still needs to be done in addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Read more about this year’s Vital Signs findings here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

BC Law Enforcement Memorial Parade: This Sunday, expect traffic delays on Government to the Legislature via Superior and Menzies, 12-3pm.

ROAM changes online posting to only focus on animals which require immediate and critical attention, due to the volume of missing cat reports. [Details]

NEWS

Inquiry finds 2019 death at the Royal Jubilee accidental, calls for improved monitoring of psychiatric patients

After nearly two weeks of hearing witness testimonies and reviewing video footage of the events leading to Paul Spencer’s death in the hospital’s psychiatric unit, the jury made recommendations to Island Health and the Ministry of Health to improve care for people experiencing mental-health crises.

Spencer was involuntarily admitted to the Jubilee’s Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) under the Mental Health Act after he was picked up by Saanich police who said he was exhibiting erratic behaviour.

While at the hospital, he tried to leave, leading security guards to restrain him and put him in a seclusion room. Within eight minutes of being restrained, his breathing slowed to a stop and he died.

Last Fri., the jury found Spencer’s death had been accidental, caused by a combination of physical restraint, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, psychosis, and the long-term use of risperidone, an antipsychotic medication.

Read the full story, including the jury’s recommendations for the Island and province.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🛏️ 5 Island hotels among top 25 in Canada, according to Tripadvisor.

🏡 Quarry Villas at Royal Bay - These 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, duplex or triplex homes, line European-inspired streets, moments from the ocean and a wealth of amenities. Click here to find out more.*

🦆 The beautiful wings of a Northern Pintail. [Facebook photo]

🎃 Create a unique fall centrepiece with pumpkins and live succulents! Attend the Pumpkin Centrepiece Workshop on October 5 from 1:30-3:30pm at Patio Gardens. Register today!*

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🗞️ In Other News

Man dead after construction site incident
West Shore RCMP said that just before 1pm yesterday, they were called to a construction site on Pinehearst Place in Langford where a man in his 20s had been injured and was unresponsive. EMS workers applied life-saving measures but the man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. WorkSafe BC is now involved. Few other details were immediately made available. [RCMP]

Overflow crowd critical of mayor, city over North Park homeless hub
The Dowler Place facility is designed to help the unhoused find housing and treatment but it has found controversy since the project was announced last spring. Some 200+ packed the room and peppered Mayor Marianne Alto and representatives of operator SOLID Outreach with concerns for their family’s safety. They said they’re worried there will be open drug use and an increase in crime once the facility opens. [Times Colonist]

VicPD looks for clues in $200K jewelry and clothing theft near Gonzales Bay
Someone broke into a home on Hollywood on Aug. 6 and left with rings, necklaces, watches, and designer clothing, including shoes. The trail appears to have gone cold, so police are appealing to the public for any information on the B&E or where the ill-gotten booty ended up. You can see photos of the stolen items in this news release from VicPD.

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🗓️ Things to do

🧡 Orange Shirt Day Ceremony at Camosun College: An educational roundtable workshop where educators and college community members discuss allyship and reconciliation at the Building of Na'tsa'maht in Camosun’s Lansdowne campus today. 1pm. [Info]

⚜️ French Bistro Classics Cooking Class: Explore traditional French cuisine and learn how to cook a delicious meal at Sea Cider today. 6pm. [Info]

🍜 Long table dinners by Atelier: A delicious evening at Junction Cidery hosted by chef Matthew Jackson of Atelier, featuring a three-course dinner and wine pairings today. 6pm. [Info]

🎸 Avram McCagherty Quartet: See the guitarist and friends take on traditional jazz with a twist at Hermann’s tonight. 7pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Correction: Monday’s newsletter stated that veteran John Hillman raised $170K in total for Save the Children. This was the amount raised during his first fundraiser in 2020, but he raised $470K+ in total over the years. Capital Daily regrets this error.

Wednesday’s headlines: Provincial election kickoff; Humane Society gets big-bucks donation; Go-karting a no-go on public streets; And more. [Sept. 25]

Free tree tour with City of Victoria arborists. [Details]

Bike riders needed for Reconciliation Ride. [Sept. 30]

Apple harvest: A black bear having a fall snack on the Island. [Facebook photo]

That’s it!

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