Pitch perfect
Starlight Pops bring Vegas to Victoria Page A10
NEWS: Pandora bike lanes behind schedule /A5 ARTS: New studio opens for film productions /A7 SPORTS: Speed skating duo on track for winter games /A11
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Students embrace new shelter across the street Pamela Roth Victoria News
The decision to open a temporary homeless shelter at the former Boys and Girls Club on Yates Street was met with much opposition from neighbours and parents of children attending a nearby school. But one month after the shelter (My Place Transitional Home) opened its doors to 40 campers from Victoria’s tent city, Central Middle School Principal Topher Macintosh said things are going smoothly and students are welcoming their new neighbours across the street.
According to Macintosh, three classes are working on projects to engage those staying at the shelter. One of those projects is a traditional aboriginal welcome song. Another class is making dinner to take over and be served, and other students, already making small lunches for staff, want to do the same for residents of My Place. “The adults were all worried about it but the kids thought there’s a need here so let’s see what we can learn,” said Macintosh. “The students and the staff of the school are embracing it. They are really working now to
make it a great learning experience.” Run by Our Place Society, My Place opened its doors the first week of January, bringing five to six people per day to the gymnasium lined with tents. Staffed around the clock, the shelter will remain open until April 30, offering showers, a place to store personal belongings, daily meals, a TV room, music room, computer room and library. Three people have now managed to find their own housing. PlEASE SEE: My Place shelter, Page A3
Finding missing people a daily task for Vic PD Pamela Roth Victoria News
Every time someone goes missing in Victoria, the file lands on the desk of Detective Chantal Ziegler. Last Thursday, she had two new cases to review. Someone usually goes missing every day. Many of the files often deal with an elderly person suffering from Alzheimer’s or high-risk youth with a history of running away. Ziegler is tasked with doing a risk assessment
on each person, finding out why they are missing and whether there’s any foul play. The first 24 to 48 hours are crucial as police gather as much information as possible to get a better understanding of the risks to the missing person. Their name, description and circumstances are entered into a police database to alert other departments. PlEASE SEE: Tips rolling in, Page A3
Don Denton/Victoria News
Cougar takes flight Victoria Cougars Kenny Britton is upended by Westshore Wolves Jonah Phillips as he chases the puck during first period action at the Q Centre in Colwood. The Cougars won the match, the final regular season game between the two teams, 6-2, but lost on the weekend to Nanaimo, ending their 23-game win streak. Story on Page A11.
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