Aug 3 - What's happening with Victoria Council

Good morning !

One of the tasks on Victoria council’s agenda today is to decide whether a downtown restaurant should stay open until 2am. Since the pandemic, we’ve seen businesses struggle to keep their doors open, with many closing earlier in the day—like Sherwood Cafe, which recently scrapped its dinner service. If approved, Saint Franks on Yates might prove that late-night eats are needed downtown.

— Robyn

P.S. We’re trying a new look today! Let us know what you think through the poll at the bottom. We’d love to get your feedback 🙂 

Today’s approx. read time: 4.5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 24 / 14

Friday: ☀️ 23 / 14

Saturday: 🌤️ 24 / 13

7-day forecast

🌫️ Air quality: Low risk today (2/10), no smoke expected.

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

NEWS

Victoria council today: conduct code, Canada Day, and a late-night bar

Council will discuss installing a councillor code of conduct—something the province has asked each municipality to consider—along with extending a downtown bar’s hours to 2am, and the city’s role in Canada Day celebrations.

Coun. Chris Coleman suggested council is leaning toward implementing a code of conduct, although “the actual type will be subject to much discussion,” he told Capital Daily in an email.

“Partly because there will have to be a decision as to whether we agree to an integrity commissioner position.”

Both Surrey and Vancouver have estimated the cost of an integrity commissioner to be approximately $200K per year, according to a city report prepared for council. Coleman has suggested exploring whether various CRD municipalities could share those costs.

Council also is considering what role it will play in future Canada Day celebrations.

In a letter to council’s committee of the whole, Mayor Marianne Alto said “it is evident that increasing amounts of public and private funding will be required to maintain the quality and scope of the Celebration.”

The cost and who pays for it should be considered following next year’s celebration, the letter recommended.

Council also will decide whether Saint Franks—a popular restaurant at 727 Yates—can close an hour later each night, at 2am.

The bar’s owners have petitioned council—and it looks like it’s going to happen. VicPD is on board, noting Saint Franks has been operating “for eight years with no issues.”

Letters explaining the application were sent to 869 neighbouring residents and business owners. Of the 33 letters received in return, 28 were supportive of the 2am closing time and five were opposed.

The sustainable planning and community development committee has recommended council vote in favour, saying the move would have “a positive economic impact on the community.”

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Missing teen: Caiden Morris, 14, was last seen in Duncan on Saturday.

Survey on Quadra-Mckenzie development: District of Saanich is looking for input to help with future plans for the area.

NEWS

View Royal joins Saanich and Victoria in Zero Carbon Step Code

Inspired by actions from Victoria and Saanich, View Royal will adopt the Zero Carbon Step Code, which aims to reduce emissions in new buildings.

Starting Nov. 1, new houses and other small buildings will be built to run solely on electricity rather than gas. The municipality is working in partnership with the View Royal Climate Coalition (VRCC) to implement the new code.

Jane Devonshire, a member of VRCC says that this code is positive for both the environment and renters, saying “it’s way healthier, and you actually start saving money on your energy bills.”

View Royal hopes that implementing the code will help reach targets under the CleanBC Roadmap.

Read more on this update at The Westshore.

SPONSORED BY BLUE BRIDGE THEATRE

Blue Bridge Theatre Presents –The Last 5 Years by Jason Robert Brown.

A rich tapestry of the different stages in a romantic relationship.

Directed by Julie McIsaac, starring Seth Zosky and Cheyenne Scott. Designed by Brian Ball, Emily Friesen and Rebekah Johnson

Aug 1-13 at The Roxy Theatre.

Get your tickets here or call 250-382-3370.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🍳 OEB Breakfast Co. coming to Victoria: The Calgary-based breakfast chain is expected to open at 856 Yates St. soon, though the date has yet to be announced.

🚀Are you struggling to change your habits? Tall Tree’s change coaches will be your teacher, guide, and support system on your journey to better health.^*

🍸️ Art of the Cocktail returns this fall with the biggest cocktail party on the Island. Tickets available now.

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🗞️ In Other News

Oak Bay residents bamboozled by scammers: Oak Bay Police say two residents were bilked out of $15K and $2.5K, respectively. The first swindle had the unidentified victim depositing $14.7K in $100 bills into a Bitcoin machine over a two-day period. The second con involved a named victim, Grady Coolican, who says he was hacked by someone who e-transferred money from his account. It’s not known if the crimes are related. [CHEK]

Out of control fire near Sooke: Firefighters are battling a forest fire near Tugwell Creek, north of Sooke, 50km northwest of Victoria. The BC Wildfire Service pegs the blaze at 1.5ha large and says it was human caused. As of late yesterday afternoon, there were 365 active wildfires burning in the province.

Pedestrian struck by Porsche downtown: Officers temporarily shut down an area near Yates and Douglas yesterday afternoon to investigate following the collision. [Victoria News] One person was sent to the hospital, though the extent of injuries is not clear.

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🗓️ Things to do

👘 Daikagura production by Michiyo Kagami: Today’s show at the Canadian College of Performing Arts is presented by the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society and will feature an opening Minyo performance by Rina and the Tohoku Minyo Band, 7pm.

🎭 The Last Five Years at The Roxy Theatre: The American musical directed by Julie McIsaac about a marriage filled with heartache, losses, and victories will show until Aug 13.

🎻 Victoria Symphony at Butchart Gardens: Enjoy some classical music tonight on the open-air stage, 8pm.

🎹 Arthur Rowe with Isidore String Quartet: The pianist will be joined tonight by the award-winning string quartet at UVic’s Phillip T. Young Recital Hall. Pre-show talks 7:15pm, show begins 7:30pm.

🎤 Grandson at Capital Ballroom: The American-Canadian singer and musician will perform tonight. Doors 8pm, show 9pm.

🎙️ Live music at Plaza Franco: Quebec-based singer-songwriter Meghan Oak and folk musician Sara Rose Hebert will perform today at The Francophone Society of Victoria. 5-8pm.

🎼 Free! Full-Flavoured Opera. Enjoy a free taste of Pacific Opera Victoria’s delicious upcoming season at the Cameron Bandshell on August 4 and August 5.^*

^*Sponsored Listing

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: New direct flights from Victoria to Las Vegas announced, BC health workers’ union site hit by cyberattack, Victoria council considering funds for downtown facelift, and more.

Cougar sighting in Colwood near the 490 block of Regency Place on Monday evening.

Public input wanted on Sidney Island deer cull: Parks Canada plans to eradicate invasive European fallow deer to help restore native plant species on the Island.

That’s it!

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