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Good morning, Tuesday!

Today we’ve got a cool look at the wrestling scene here, an update on next month’s byelection, some events happening around town, and more.

But before we jump in, we want to know…

SPORTS

A look inside the pro wrestling scene on the Island

The music is pounding off the low walls of the Polish Hall in James Bay, with the yells from the ring drowned out by the jeers and cat calls from the fans that tightly surround the wrestling ring. A girl in a flame wrapped shirt screams and flips the bird at what can only be described as a classic wrestling ‘heel’, or wrestler that personifies the classic villain.

Grimaces and pained faces mark over the top holds and leg locks, and every type of aerobatic body slam imaginable is launched from the top of the ring ropes. For close to three hours, chaos, athleticism, and entertainment reign supreme as the cast of characters from 365 Pro Wrestling take to the ring.

Running since 2020 as 365 Pro Wrestling, it was previously known as the Pure Wrestling Association, and was started in Goderich, Ont. in 2005. For 18 years they have been putting on events around Ontario, and for the last 10 years in British Columbia.

With events taking place in Victoria, Sooke, Duncan, Nanaimo, Courtenay, Parksville, and Campbell River, the appeal of pro wrestling entertainment is high around the Island; and judging by the equal parts cheering and taunting crowd, there is a loyal and enthusiastic fan base as well.

Between high fives with wrestlers, grappling duels held among the crowd, and reoccurring call and response, the level of crown engagement and interaction is like no other live event I have seen.

Read more and see the full photo series.

• Interested in checking out an event? There’s an upcoming match on Saturday, June 3 at the Sooke Community Hall, with doors opening at 6pm

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NEWS

Fast-tracked byelection coming to Westshore in four weeks

Premier David Eby announced Saturday that John Horgan’s vacated Langford–Juan de Fuca MLA seat will be filled by a June 24 byelection. Nominations will close at 1pm on June 3, though four candidates have already been announced. Advance voting in what will be BC’s 201st provincial byelection will start Friday, June 16 and end Wednesday, June 21.

Horgan stepped down as MLA and received criticism for going directly into a role on the board of Elk Valley Resources, a coal company being spun off of Teck Resources, which has been fined millions for contaminating BC waterways— an election had to be held within six months of the resignation, which Horgan made official on March 31.

The major parties’ candidates are the NDP’s Ravi Parmar, the SD62 chair and a senior advisor to BC’s jobs minister; the Greens’ Camille Currie, a personal trainer and marine business co-owner who has campaigned to get all BC residents a family doctor; and BC United’s Elena Lawson, who successfully campaigned against a change to BC autism policy.

Also running is realtor Mike Harris of the BC Conservative party, though candidates from parties outside the main three seldom do well in the area. Langford–Juan de Fuca and its previous incarnations have almost always gone NDP, as did predecessors Esquimalt–Port Renfrew and Cowichan–Malahat dating back to the 1970s.

This will be the last race in the riding, which will be split in two in the next election due to Westshore population growth.

A byelection will also be held in Vancouver–Mount Pleasant following the resignation of Melanie Mark, the first First Nations woman elected to the BC legislature, who cited poor treatment as a factor in her resignation.

Around the 'Shore

🚒 Langford Fire Rescue responded to reports of smoke in the woods near Savory Road: Responders were able to contain the fire that had occurred in an abandoned mobile home, on May 24. In a series of recent fires, responders ensured no one was injured and highlighted the importance of fire safety. [CHEK]

🎥 New Netflix documentary highlights Vancouver Island's beauty: Filmmaker Maxwel Hohn is showcasing Vancouver Island’s oceans with his storytelling in the up-and-coming documentary Our Planet II. Known for his Emmy nominations for his work on Island of the Sea Wolves, the local Islander is excited for the film to release on Netflix June 14.

🧘 On June 9, renowned spiritual teacher Dr. John Astin will take you on a journey to the miracle and mystery of the present moment. Presented by Tall Tree Health. Early Bird ends soon.*

💰 Minimum wage workers should look forward to a boost in their pay: The general minimum wage will be raised from $15.65 to $16.75 an hour on June 1 across the province of BC. This is a gradual raise that has been done in past years, and is a process that reflects the goal to aid workers struggling with inflation.

🐑 The Parry Bay Sheep farm faces more predators than in 50 years: Forty lambs and three ewes have died just this season—a drought and a rise in predators being the biggest cause. Cougars have been attacking the farm since January at a high rate, which has the farmers fearing that the death count will only increase as black bear season begins. [Times Colonist]

🛶 An unexpected kayaking experience is a reminder for ocean safety: Ten experienced kayakers were thrown into the water by unexpected windy weather and large waves in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. While the group came out unharmed, it was an important reminder to all water-sport lovers to ensure their awareness on even the best of days. [Vancouver Island Free Daily]

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Community Events

📚 Langford’s book club: On May 30, reserve tickets to discuss Kathryn Schulz’s Lost and Found at 6pm at Milestones, or mark down your calendars for the next book of the month.

💤 Parenting workshop: Register through the WestShore Chamber of Commerce website to join an online workshop for parents to learn about children’s sleep schedules and needs on May 30 from 10-11:30am.

 🎉 Caregiver celebration in Metchosin: On May 30, head over to the Seniors' Resource Centre from 1:30-3:30pm and take part in recognizing the community’s caregivers. This event is free to caregivers, and will be a way to connect, learn, and celebrate their work.

🌙 Sooke Night Market: On June 1 from 5-8pm, the Sooke Region Museum will host local vendors, food producers, artisans, and so much more to highlight the heritage of the area.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Fisgard Lighthouse in Colwood. — Richard Steward, View Royal