Sept 28 - Your guide to Truth and Reconciliation events

Good morning !

Greg Martel, the Victoria scammer who swindled hundreds of investors out of millions of dollars, continues to find himself in hot water. We’ve got the latest on Martel’s case from Zander Sherman.

Plus, we look ahead to the different events taking place for Truth and Reconciliation Day, including the massive South Island Powwow happening at Royal Athletic Park. We hope you find a moment this weekend to reflect on the dark history of residential schools and support First Nations in our community.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌦️ 16 / 6

Tomorrow: ⛅ 16 / 7

Day after: ☀️ 18 / 7

7-day forecast

🌫️ Air quality: Low risk today (2/10). Current smoke forecast.

🚘️ Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Greg Martel “conspired” with US investor in fraudulent deal

In an apparent violation of a Canadian court order, Victoria’s accused fraudster Greg Martel transferred a US $5.6 million Las Vegas property to American investor Daniel Castellini on August 29, 2023.

The property transfer was notarized by “audio-video communication” from Thailand, where Martel was living at the time. Martel also gave Castellini two Teslas and a “substantial cash payment” of $300,000.

Most of the information about Martel’s transfers is contained in a new 600-page report published by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the court-appointed receiver and trustee of Martel’s estate.

PwC estimates the total number of investors affected by Martel could be more than 1,300.

Read more from Zander Sherman for the latest on Victoria’s accused Ponzi schemer.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Saanich Central Branch library kids’ section closed today and tomorrow as crews complete upgrades to the lighting system.

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

EVENTS

Here’s what’s happening in Greater Victoria for National Truth and Reconciliation Day

This Saturday will be the 10th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day, which first began in 2013, and the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is the first year the day is marked as a statutory holiday in BC—one of the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

There are plenty of opportunities to dive deep into the history of residential schools, the stories of survivors, and learn how to move toward reconciliation.

Check out this round up of events starting today through to Saturday, and ways to support this week.

SPONSORED BY THE BAY CENTRE

Boardwalk Burgers now open at the Bay Centre

A new burger joint has opened in downtown Victoria and is a new “must try” for Victoria foodies. Boardwalk Burgers, known for their world famous Boardwalk Fries, juicy, delicious, made-to-order burgers and creamy shakes has opened at the Bay Centre. The opening marks Boardwalk Burgers first restaurant on Vancouver Island and third location to open in British Columbia.

You can find Boardwalk Burgers next to the Fort Street entrance across from the newly opened Good Earth Coffeehouse. Be sure to follow the Bay Centre on social for details on their upcoming Grand Opening celebration in October.

⭐️ Capital Picks

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

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🗞️ In Other News

It was a sherbet this would lead to trouble
A 19-year-old man was fined $81 for littering after he threw his McDonald’s ice cream sundae at the driver of another vehicle. Oak Bay Police say the road rage incident happened Sep. 18 at 1am near UVic. [CHEK]

Traffic diverted after truck flips on Pat Bay
A dump truck lost control and slid on its side at the Quadra off-ramp yesterday morning, leading traffic to divert through Royal Oak and causing delays on the Pat Bay throughout the day. It’s believed the truck blew a tire. The driver sustained minor injuries. [Times Colonist]

Salt Spring park groups merge, saying consultations pitted them against each other
Runners, walkers, and various ball sport players now operate as a coalition in Portlock Park 20-year plan discussions, after being upset that different design proposals cut some groups’ preferred infrastructure. [Driftwood]

Victoria says feds owe the city $28M for streamlining housing process
Mayor Marianne Alto wrote the federal housing minister last week asking that Victoria receive its fair share for having excelled at streamlining the housing process. Alto is calling on $28M in funds from the federal Liberals’ Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) to help Victoria out of its housing crisis. [Victoria News]

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🗓️ Things to do

Builders in the Basement: See local bands perform at this rocking musical fundraiser for Help Fill A Dream. Show at 6pm.

Daryl Chonka at Hermann’s: The Salt Spring band will perform their island-born folk music. Show at 7pm.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Photo: See the morning sunrise in Oak Bay.

Saanich, Victoria, Oak Bay directed to build 10,176 housing units. [Capital Daily]

Sentencing for crosswalk crash that killed teen Kaydence Borque—spurring Saanich road safety changes—hands driver six-month ban and $2K fine.

Sherwood closes tomorrow after 5 years in business. [Tasting Victoria]

This bike cart sells beer you can enjoy in public. [Tasting Victoria]

Open fire ban lifts today: The Coastal Fire Centre, including the Island, will allow campfires now.

Want to age in place? Next Day Access delivers and installs mobility and accessibility products right to your home. Schedule your free in-home assessment today!*

Submit your Colwood photos for a chance to be featured in the 2024 calendar.

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