Tod Creek a tad dirty

Good morning !

Straight up, I’ve been in the news biz since the mid-1980s, and until a couple of weeks ago, had never heard of an atmospheric river. Never heard of a bomb cyclone, either.
Recent reader emails would suggest neither had many of you.
We’re not trying to scaremonger—we’re just trying to stay current with some of these words that have been in the meteorological vernacular for some time.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌦️ 10 / 7

Tomorrow: 🌦️ 9 / 7

Sunday: 🌧️ 8 / 7

7-day forecast

NEWS

Pollution expert report says contaminants found in the Tod Creek Watershed

The author of the report says he doesn’t see any red flags, but there are some yellow ones. Peter Ross of the Raincoast Conservation Foundation found several water samples exceeded environmental safety guidelines, with significant contamination in Tod Creek's stream, river, and runoff water. 

Pollutants, such as PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), detected in the watershed, were of particular concern. 

PFAS are manmade chemicals used in all kinds of consumer and industrial products. They’re also known as “forever chemicals,” because most don’t break down. 

The report noted elevated PFAS levels around the Hartland Landfill and referred to other sources like agriculture, septic systems, and road runoff also being potential sources of contaminants.

The report also highlighted the threats posed by climate change and unsustainable land-use practices to the health of the watershed which is mainly in Saanich. 

Read Sidney Coles’ full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

55K Canada Post workers remain on strike. [Updates]

Crystal Pool remains closed except for non-aquatic activities. [Updates here]

Section of Quadra to reopen at 7am to single-lane traffic today after Saanich condo fire. [CFAX]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

If it’s party time, here are some suggestions to bring the workgang

As the holiday season approaches, it's time to start looking for the perfect venue for your Christmas or holiday party. Luckily, many local restaurants can help make your event an unforgettable celebration.

To make it easier, we’ve put together a list of Victoria restaurants that are now booking holiday parties for groups of all sizes—whether you're planning a corporate event, a family gathering, or a get-together with friends.

If a restaurant you’re interested in is booked up for dinners, check out lunchtime slots for a midday part-ay.

See the full list in Tasting Victoria.

SPONSORED BY CFAX SANTAS ANONYMOUS SOCIETY

Make a Christmas wish come true today

This Christmas season, CFAX Santas Anonymous Society needs your help to make 2,311 Christmas wishes come true. When you visit the Virtual Tree of Wishes, select the most popular gifts requested this season or choose a registered local child waiting for gifts.

Donate the value of a toy or gift card and a Santa’s volunteer will shop for you. Then, workshop volunteers will package your gifts, firefighters will deliver them, and on Christmas morning—well, just imagine the child’s joy when they open your gift.

Please help now, and if you can, consider donating a food hamper or a grocery gift card. Volunteers will pack 3,600 bags of food and include a $100 grocery gift card for perishables.

A charitable tax receipt will be emailed to you.

⭐️ Capital Picks

⚾🎄HarbourCats annual Christmas open house. [Nov. 29 & 30]

🥞 Bring the family to Pancakes & Pajamas for brunch, festive activities, and Santa! Dec. 8 at Hotel Grand Pacific. Free for kids under two.*

🫚🍞 Gingerbread Showcase starts today at Hotel Grand Pacific

🌲 Let’s face it: your door needs a glow-up! Join a Wreath-Making Workshop at Patio Gardens on Nov. 23, 30, or Dec. 1 - Book fast!*

🐻 Hiding from humans: A black bear in Sooke is seen hiding behind a tree after hearing a car drive by (video captured with a trail cam). [Facebook photo]

🎄Lights of Wonder turned on in Centennial Square on Nov. 30. [DVBA]

Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

VicPD says city’s request to cut police budget will mean layoffs
VicPD is looking for $79M+ to patrol Victoria and Esquimalt next year, which would be roughly $7M more than last year’s budget. The city is asking the police to knock $2M off that request. Elizabeth Cull, the police board finance committee chair, says without that 9.71% budget boost, VicPD won’t be able to hire four new officers as planned, and it would have to lay off as many as five existing officers. [CFAX]

Brawl at Saanich shopping centre leads to arrest
A fight broke out Wed. night at Royal Oak Shopping Centre—it was over by the time the police arrived, but one individual involved had fled the scene. Of those remaining, one person had non-life-threatening injuries and received treatment at the hospital. The person who fled was arrested later that evening and was held in custody overnight. [Saanich PD]

Man found guilty in 2022 Sooke shooting 
Paul Tregear, 58, shot his neighbour Tony Nelson in the stomach with a 1940s-style rifle following a dispute. Tregear had pleaded not guilty, saying he brought the rifle to warn Nelson about a bear in the area. A jury found him guilty of aggravated assault and several weapons-related offences. A sentencing date has not yet been set. [CHEK]

‘Bombs’ away: terminology aside, that was a big storm
Wednesday’s bomb cyclone—a storm distinguished by a severe drop in pressure (and a somewhat stormy backlash toward the meteorological terminology, although it is accurate)—left 300K homes and buildings without power and Victoria one of the hardest-hit areas. “Whether it was a bomb or a cyclone, it was a very significant event,” said spokesman Ted Olynyk, who called it one of the worst storms he’s seen. [Times Colonist]

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SPONSORED BY BELFRY THEATRE

Crush Plus Online Auction 2024

You can register on hibid now! Bidding opens Nov. 25 for fine wine, whisky, brandy, dining and travel experiences, jewelry, gift baskets, and more! All funds raised go towards the Belfry 2024/25 Season productions and programs.

🗓️ Things to do

🤣 Whose Live Anyway? Members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? present their new improv tour: 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and songs, based on audience suggestions. Royal Theatre. Jan. 16-17. 8pm. [Info] 

❄️ WinterFest 2024: Royal BC Museum. Food, warm drinks, and multicultural performances pair with local vendors. RBCM. Nov. 30 & Dec. 1. [Info]

🏊 Crystal Pool: Pop-up information kiosk. Learn more about the referendum on a new pool. Oaklands Winter Market. Oaklands Community Centre. Tomorrow. 11am-4pm. [Info]

🎸 Jesse Roper: The Metchosin One, along with The Pretty Good Band will perform tracks from the forthcoming LP, and hopefully some from his awesome Horizons album. With special guest Nicky MacKenzie. Royal Theatre. Tonight. 8pm. [Info]

💈Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street: A Musical Thriller. An unjustly exiled barber returns to 19th-century London seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. McPherson Playhouse. Tonight-Dec. 1. 7:30pm. [Info]

🎻 Victoria Chamber Orchestra Concert: Conductor and Music Director Yariv Aloni brings you Bach’s Art of Fugue. Former First Metropolitan United Church. Tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]

🎄Tree Light Up & Holiday Show: Uptown Christmas kickoff. Exciting acts such as The Midnights, County Line, Enchanted Fables sing-along, and more—including a big tree. Uptown Shopping Centre. Tomorrow. 5pm. [Info]

🕯️Fresh Holiday Wreath Workshop: Get artsy and create your own beautiful wreath to decorate your home at Christmas. Bespoke Blossoms. 2616 Bridge. Tomorrow. 4-6pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday headlines: Body surfing in blustery weather deemed risky; 77 units burn before they open in major Saanich fire; BC delegation heads to Hollywood to score some films; And more. [Nov. 21]

Vic scientists say let’s be more realistic about net-zero carbon emission targets. [Capital Daily]

Burnside property owner given 60 days to clean up outdoor mess. [Times Colonist]

Saanich’s Emergency Weather Response for unhoused people blasted after bomb cyclone. [CHEK] 

Cops for Cancer gala raises $65K. [RCMP]

Sports card collection found in Centennial Park. [RCMP]

That’s it!

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