Tues. May 30 - Go-By-Bike Week kicks off with free transit

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning!

Last week we collected some Pic-A-Flic memories from community members, which we included in today’s newsletter. We loved hearing how this business impacted the city in big and small ways—it really shows what makes Victoria a unique place.

With that in mind, we’d love to hear about other local businesses that have left their mark on you. What’s a store, restaurant, movie theatre, or any other business that you think everyone in Victoria should know about? Reply to this email to let us know!

Alright, let’s dive in.

NEWS

Victorians mourn Pic-A-Flic’s closure

Last week, Pic-A-Flic announced its upcoming closure in September, signalling what appears to be the end of the video-rental era here.

The beloved video store first opened on Cook Street 40 years ago before relocating to its current location at Stadacona Centre in 2018. While major video chains like Blockbuster struggled to survive the rise of streaming services, Pic-A-Flic’s unique offerings and loyal customers kept the business afloat.

“We have films that you’ll never see anywhere else or be exposed to anywhere,” said Kent Bendall, owner of Pic-A-Flic, saying costs were too high to keep the business operating. “It’s heartbreaking but it’s the way it has to be—it’s just financially not manageable.”

Over its decades-long run, Pic-A-Flic amassed a following of loyal movie buffs seeking to find alternative choices, leading many to mourn its closure.

Read more about what locals are saying, and find out where you can still rent movies in the city.

Capital Bulletin

🌤️ Today’s weather: Mainly sunny. Wind in the afternoon. High 20C / low 10C.

🚲 Free transit for cyclists: Cyclists ride free on BC Transit for Go By Bike Week, now to June 4.

💵 Minimum wage increase: General minimum wage will increase from $15.65 to $16.75 an hour on June 1.

🚌 BC Transit service interruptions: 11 bus routes may experience cancellations due to required maintenance. Check NextRide, the Transit App, or BC Transit’s website for updates.

SPONSORED BY SWANS PUB

Beer, history, and good food

Experience the vibrant ambiance and rich history of Swans Pub, Victoria's social scene hub. Opened in 1989, this cherished landmark, housed in a historic, 100-year-old granary warehouse, showcases original wood beams and brickwork, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for groups.

With 58 draught lines, Swans serves its own crafted beers and a curated selection of BC and European brews. Enjoy made from scratch dishes evoking comfort and nostalgia, featuring freshly-baked bread and hormone-free, grass-fed meats from local BC farms. Don't miss the $13 nightly special: mouthwatering made-in-house burgers with fries or salad.

Immerse yourself in community, history, and delectable flavours at Swans Pub. Reserve your table now for unforgettable memories and good times.

NEWS

Duncan teen’s death now under investigation as suspicious, though not homicide

Duncan North Cowichan RCMP has apologized for a “miscommunication” that initially described the death of Carsyn Seaweed, 15, as not suspicious. Seaweed, who was from Cowichan Tribes and the Na̱mǥis Nation, died after being found semi-conscious on May 15. Family members said she was covered by pallets, cardboard, and twigs.

Family and supporters, including other Cowichan Tribes members who have lost loved ones, rallied on May 26 at the RCMP detachment to bring attention to the case and its handling. There they received the apology for RCMP’s prior comments that there was no criminality involved in the case, saying they have in fact been “examining multiple criminal aspects” of the death.

A march is now planned for tomorrow at the Quw’utsun Cultural Centre as the community continues to rally.

Read more from Anna McKenzie here.

Capital Picks

🔄 Levidrome: Which two words spell each other backwards and are described by this clue: A poor blot. Answer on Facebook or Twitter and tag #levidrome and #capitaldaily. Last time: Cooking spray to find your way = Pam map

🎸 Just announced: Canadian rock band Billy Talent is coming to Victoria on Oct. 11. Tickets on sale starting June 1.

🐦 Blue Bridge Theatre presents Miss Julie by August Strindberg. A devastating examination of gender politics and class struggle. May 30-June 11, 2023 | The Roxy Theatre | 250-382-3370*

🧾 Saanich draft OCP webinar: Learn about the new draft community plan and ask questions to the District project team today, noon-1:30pm. [Pre-register]

🍷 Best fine dining in Victoria: The top three fine dining experiences as voted by readers in the 2023 Tasting Victoria Restaurant Awards. [Tasting Victoria]

🎪 Just announced: Cirque du Soleil is bringing its show Corteo back to town, for seven performances from January 11 to 14. Tickets on sale June 5.

🤝 Now hiring: Accountant at Victoria Hospice Society.

*Sponsored Listing

In Other News

🐛 Tent caterpillar outbreak hits Island
The silk-spinning caterpillars do little long-term harm to host trees, though they may pause fruit trees’ fruit. Experts say an outbreak, which typically happens at least once per decade, was overdue. [CBC]

🐆 Six cougars killed after predatory attacks on Metchosin sheep farms
The BC Conservation Officer Service has captured the cougars to reduce the number of animals killed, although the service asserted it is not looking to create predator-free zones. Metchosin’s Parry Bay Sheep Farm estimates that 41 of its sheep have been killed by cougars this year. [CTV]

SPONSORED BY HEAT SAVERS HOME COMFORT

Rebate eligible ductless heat pumps available now

Heat Savers partners with leading manufacturers to provide the best solution for your space and budget.

Get your free in home estimate today and qualify for immediate install, with no payment and no interest financing for three months.

In Case You Missed It

🚒 Comox gas station fire: The Esso’s co-owner rushed out to rescue a senior who had crashed into a gas pump, sparking the huge fire. [CHEK]

🐦 Rare birds could cause logging limits: Researchers are proposing an expansion of Fairy Creek old growth protections after documenting marbled murrelets in the watershed. [Capital Daily]

🚨 Cyclists hit by cars: Cordova Bay Road was closed by Saanich police after a driver struck a cyclist near PKOLS on Sunday morning. Two were hospitalized last Wednesday after a cyclist was hit near Bay and Vancouver.

 😋 Stay up to date on the latest in Greater Victoria’s food scene with Tasting Victoria’s weekly newsletter. Subscribe today for the most delicious newsletter you’ll ever read.

🪛 Where’s our IKEA? A story from our archives takes a look at the brief and largely forgotten moment in the 1980s, when Victoria was home to one of the first IKEA stores outside Europe.

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