Turpin’s legacy Outgoing UVic president talks about the future Page A3
ARTS: Christian filmmaker challenges idea of hell /A10 NEWS: Bus drivers threaten to walk out Jan. 22 /A8 SPORTS: Grizzlies newcomer has Royal pedigree /A15 Vancouver Island’s Only Authorized MURPHY BED DEALERS
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Searching for shelter Extreme Weather Protocol helps homeless get off the streets Brittany Lee News staff
When extreme weather hits the Capital Region, Jen Book springs into action. As regional co-ordinator for the Greater Victoria Extreme Weather Protocol, she oversees efforts to help Victoria’s homeless population access additional shelters, on winter nights they would otherwise spend battling cold and wet conditions outdoors. “Any snowflake in the forecast and we’re activated,” Book says. The protocol is triggered before and during weather events including sub-zero temperatures, extreme wind or rain, and snowfall. While November and December tend to be the coldest months on average in the region, the number of times the strategy is activated fluctuates. EWP figures show a high of 82 one winter and a low of 25 in another. This season has been
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Wiggle room left on bridge contract Contingency plan aims to cover any unanticipated costs Daniel Palmer News staff
Sharon Tiffin/News staff
Jen Book, regional co-ordinator for the Greater Victoria Extreme Weather Protocol, holds the tools of her trade – pillow, sleeping mat and blanket – outside the Salvation Army on Johnson Street. The sign tells the street population that shelter is available during extreme weather. relatively mild so far, with just eight activations between Dec. 3 and Jan. 3. That’s not unusual, says Book, recalling last year’s activations
began in January. “If we get hit with lots of cold temperatures, lots of rain, lots of wind or anything else, then we’re looking at more
activations, and if we have a mild winter, it’s the opposite.” PLEASE SEE: Non-downtown shelters, Page A4
For the first time, the most expensive residential properties in Victoria and Esquimalt are both luxury condominiums. The News’ Daniel Palmer explores the phenomenon on Page A5.
The Swallows Landing development perches high above West Bay in Esquimalt. A penthouse suite in one of the towers is the township’s most expensive residential property based on its 2012 assessment. Sharon Tiffin/News staff
Mayor Dean Fortin and city staff are trumpeting a fixed-price contract to replace the Johnson Street Bridge, unveiling efficiencies they say will keep the project within its $92.8-million budget. The $63.2million contract with PCL Constructors We s t c o a s t leaves about $2.8 million to cover unanticipated costs, under council’s approved spending cap for con- Dwayne Kalynchuk struction. That’s near the five-per-cent contingency normally allocated for a major infrastructure project, city engineering director Dwayne Kalynchuk said Monday. The city is still on the hook for any unanticipated geotechnical changes, such as the discovery of archeological remains or the necessity to bore deeper into the harbour bed for adequate anchoring, he said. PLEASE SEE: Bridge contract clarified, Page A13
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