UPCOMING EVENTS: Go behind-the-scenes with our investigative reporter Tori Marlan
In this one-of-a-kind event, you'll get an exclusive look into the making of our investigative report, The Man Who Stole a Hotel, and learn more about the people involved in this ongoing saga

The Sooke Harbour House had been a seaside retreat known for its world-class restaurant and mom-and-pop feel. The mom and pop in question, Frederique and Sinclair Philip, were planning their retirement after decades building the business, and were hoping to sell it. And then Timothy Durkin showed up. They didn't know it at the time, but he was a fugitive from the US, and with a local business partner, Rodger Gregory, he planned and executed his takeover of the hotel.
Capital Daily's investigative reporter Tori Marlan expertly chronicled the story in her piece, The man who stole a hotel, published this spring. She found the people who had been victimized, and questioned how Canadian and US authorities had allowed Durkin and Gregory to take so much despite many warnings.
The story was read around the world, and now we want to give you a peek behind the curtain.
- READ THE INVESTIGATION: The man who stole a hotel: How Timothy Durkin took control of Sooke Harbour House
On Aug. 18 from 6-7 pm, Marlan will be joined by her editor, Jimmy Thomson, to talk about how the story came together. They'll discuss the sourcing, fact-checking, creative decisions, and legal prerogatives that shape a story like this, and answer any remaining questions about how investigative journalism really works.
There will be an interactive Q&A session, and student journalists will have an opportunity for a networking session following the event.
Tickets are $10. Admission is free for Capital Daily members, so if you want free tickets to this event, a host of other benefits and to support the next big investigation, sign up to be a Capital Daily member here for as little as $8.25/month.
Deconstructing the investigation into the Sooke Harbour House
With Capital Daily Investigative Reporter Tori Marlan and Managing Editor Jimmy Thomson
When: Wednesday, August 18
Time: 6 pm
Tickets: Free for members, $10 for non-members – register now
- READ THE INVESTIGATION: The man who stole a hotel: How Timothy Durkin took control of Sooke Harbour House
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