ARCHIVE – Langford – Colwood – View Royal & Metchosin [Nov & Dec 2017]
“The new year brings new beginnings and new opportunities. It is a chance to look back at the challenges we have faced, and to resolve ourselves to overcome obstacles in the year to come.
“From addressing housing affordability to tackling the opioid crisis, and the ongoing recovery from last year’s devastating wildfires, we have no shortage of important work to do in the coming year.
“On New Year’s Day we are given the opportunity to think about where we are and where we have to go. It is a day to consider the path ahead and to set our minds to meet our goals.
“In 2018, we will be working hard to create a strong, sustainable economy that benefits everyone, to make life more affordable for families and to improve the services people rely on.
“On behalf of the government of British Columbia, I wish you a safe, healthy and happy new year with many more to come.”
Sunday, December 30 ~ WEST SIDE of VANCOUVER ISLAND. As you ring in the new year tomorrow night, those who are politically inclined and civic minded are already well aware that 2018 is a big municipal election year in BC.
Elections BC says that the municipal and school board election period starts January 1, 2018, even though election day isn’t until October 20. That’s a lot of months of preparation for exposure to the community!
Candidates for Mayor, Council, and school trustee seats across BC may submit nomination papers starting September 4. The official campaign period begins September 22.
West Shore Voice News will in particular follow the campaign action all year in Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, Sooke, Juan de Fuca and View Royal (and school district 62 on the west shore) as candidates shuffle into place.
In our nearly 10 years of covering political and community news of this region, West Shore Voice News (formerly Sooke Voice News) election coverage has proven to get broad readership and good advertising traction.
This is the first municipal/trustee election after a 4-year term. Previously in BC, municipal and school board terms were for three years.
Thursday, December 28 ~ VICTORIA. The BC government is reminding party-goers who intend to use for-hire vehicles such as limousines and “party buses” to familiarize themselves with the laws and regulations that govern these vehicles, to plan ahead for a safe ride home.
Passengers should be reminded that drinking alcohol in any private or commercial vehicle is illegal in BC, whether the vehicle is moving or not.
As New Year’s Eve approaches, consumers are encouraged to look for companies that advertise strict policies related to consuming alcohol in vehicles. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has distributed over 800 decals to operators for display in their vehicles, reminding passengers that consuming alcohol in any vehicle is illegal in BC.
Operators using any size vehicles with limo-style or party bus perimeter seating must have a special authorization licence. These licences state where vehicles can operate and limit fleet size. Passengers should look for a passenger-transportation licence plate and decal on the front of the vehicle, or if there is no plate, ask to see a temporary operating permit, before boarding a bus.
Police will be monitoring limousines and party buses during the holiday season. Operators that allow the consumption of alcohol in their vehicles will be penalized, and passengers in these vehicles also have a responsibility to adhere to the Province’s liquor laws. Operators who do not comply with liquor laws run the risk of losing their licence, and minors in possession of alcohol are subject to a $230 fine.
Make sure the company you are considering is properly licensed in BC by looking it up on the Licensee Report on the Passenger Transportation Branch’s Registry at: www.th.gov.bc.ca/rpt/registry.htm
“Dec. 25 is a special day for Christians around the world. It is a day set aside to recognize the birth of their Saviour, Jesus Christ, and to give thanks to God for the gift of salvation.
“For people of many backgrounds, Christmas is an opportunity for families to gather together and celebrate warmth, good food and good company.
“It offers us a break from the worries of the everyday world and a chance to focus on things that really matter – the people we love and the communities we care about.
“It is also a time to reach out to people in need, and work in a spirit of generosity to help and support each other.
“We hope that British Columbians throughout the province have a safe and joyful Christmas season.
“On behalf of the Government of British Columbia, Merry Christmas.”
To see Premier John Horgan’s interview in West Shore Voice News, click here: December 15, 2017 issue
Friday, December 22 ~ LANGFORD. Long-service awards were given to two City of Langford planning department employees at the municipality’s December 4 Council meeting.
Director of Planning and Subdivision Matthew Baldwin and Planning Assistant Trina Cruikshank were recognized by Langford Mayor Stew Young as he presented them framed certificates and photos.
Matthew Baldwin says: “It is difficult to encapsulate 20 years into a few brief thoughts. I do recall, and I often tell people that when I visited Langford for my job interview that I had to admit that I really didn’t know that Langford was a municipality separate from Victoria, or that there were actually 13 separate municipalities in the Capital Region. I had a coffee with a friend of mine on the morning of my job interview, and asked him what he thought I might need to know about Langford. He told me not to worry too much, because Council had just approved a rezoning application for Costco and that everything would change.” “Since then, I have been involved with the Development Permit for Costco, and development applications for Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Superstore, Canadian Tire, the Brick, Lowe’s to name just some of the bigger stores. I have also been pleased to have been involved in the Westhills Development, Bear Mountain, South Skirt Mountain and Belmont Market since their inception. As a golfer, helping Bear Mountain to develop has been particularly satisfying.”
Baldwin continues: “Behind the scenes, we kept ourselves busy by implementing a new zoning bylaw and Downtown Revitalization Plan for Langford as well as developing a new Official Community Plan for Langford that was developed in conjunction with the City of Colwood. We’ve drawn up design guidelines and zoning for small lot development (something that was an entirely new concept 20 years ago) and we have brought in Development Permit areas for Interface Fire Hazard and environmental protection which have helped shape how the community has grown. Along the way we have also been recognized for our Trail Master Plan and our Affordable Housing program.” “Of course, none of this would have been possible without amazing co-workers being led by an outstanding Mayor and City Council. I feel truly honoured and blessed to have been able to be a part of this.”
Trina Cruikshank says she left a 10-year Planning position at the District of Kitimat specifically and purposefully to go on an adventure with a new Municipality, the then “District” of Langford. That was February 1, 1994. Trina says she has spent the majority of her 24 years with the City’s Planning Department. She fondly remembers that when she arrived, Langford was a bedroom community with small ‘mom and pop’ operations scattered throughout town with little infrastructure and few amenities. She quickly realized the goal to create a community where the citizens could live, play, and work. She marvels at the changes she has witnessed first hand, from a thriving commercial sector to a growing host of recreation complexes and trails, not to mention the countless subdivisions and multi-family residential buildings.
Trina Cruikshank feels a strong connection to the City of Langford and to the co-workers whom she considers her good friends. “In fact, that list includes many of the residents and developers who frequently visit City Hall,” she told West Shore Voice News. Trina says it’s true to her nature that she has also fondly observed the “prettification” of Langford with the addition of landscaping and amenities along the major roadways, particularly the cherry trees, plantings, and burgundy benches along Veterans Memorial Parkway and Goldstream Avenue. Trina adds that she has a full timeline of development firmly implanted in her memory and is proud that her initials “TLC” can be found throughout the City’s records system.
Helijet was to bring Santa to VGH on Tuesday but snow grounded him in Vancouver. This time Santa will arrive by ground travel. Island Health thanks Helijet for still making sure that little patients receive a teddy bear from Santa.
Santa will visit all of the children in pediatrics at VGH – at their bedside. “We have 25 beds for children and often siblings come to see Santa on this special day too,” says Island Health spokesperson Meribeth Burton.
Tuesday, December 19 ~ TRAFFIC UPDATE WEST SHORE. There are numerous power outages in the City of Langford today due to wet snowy conditions.
As of 1:30 pm, power outages are affecting traffic signals at Millstream and McCallum Road (Costco exit), Millstream at the Home Depot entry, and the Goldstream Avenue corridor.
Most of the traffic signal lights in these areas have backup power. However the power outage is exceeding the battery lifetime in some locations.
If traffic signals are not operational, driers are reminded to obey the 4-way stop procedures.
Tuesday, December 19 ~ WEST SHORE. Snow and freezing rain have impacted customers across Vancouver Island, says BC Hydro. “All available resources are out working to restore power as quickly as possible but difficult conditions and extensive damage mean that some customers may experience longer outage durations,” it was stated on the BC Hydro website.
As usual, :individual restoration times may vary and will be provided once full damage assessments are completed. The safety of the public and our crews remains our top priority. Thank you for your patience,” said BC Hydro.
Outages in Colwood, Langford and Highlands since early-to-mid morning are affecting about 3,000 BC Hydro customers still as of 1:15 pm today.
In the Sooke area, as of 1:15 pm there are about 350 people without power west of Sooke, with about 20 BC Hydro customer addresses affected in areas outside of town centre (including Idlemore, 5100-5200 block, and Cedar Park Place
For general driving conditions, MAINROAD SOUTH ISLAND says: Drive with care today. Winter driving conditions. Expect snow, slush and slippery conditions. Use winter tires and be prepared to chain up, if needed. Please be aware of snow plows and snow clearing operations. Updates on Twitter: #DriveSafe
In Langford, the CITY of LANGFORD ENGINEERING said this morning: The City of Langford is asking all traffic to please avoid steep slope areas as we work to clear our roads. In particular please avoid Bear Mountain Parkway. Road clearing priorities mimic most other municipalities – we are clearing major collector roads, bus routes and steep slopes first. Please be patient as we make our way to the smaller local roads. If you do not have to go out, please remain at home. Visibility coming in from the Highlands is very challenging for any drivers coming in from the District of Highlands, several abandoned vehicles Millstream Road at Millstream Lake Road and in the downhill lanes southbound Millstream Road approaching Millstream Lake Road. Snowfall is much more significant in the Highlands and in Langford at the higher elevations.
As of 1 pm today, December 19, the City of Langford reports: “There are several power outages in the City right now including in the Millstream Corridor (Costco and Millstream Village). This is affecting our signal lights because the back up batteries typically last 2 to 4 hours and with Hydro crews swamped our signal lights are going down. We are likely going to send traffic control to the north side of the Highway to help out in the Millstream corridor.”
There are seven City of Langford snow plows out on the roads. One is dedicated for clearing on Bear Mountain Parkway.
The weather is warming slightly so there is now some pooling and minor flooding. “In these instances we typically go out and proactively clear catch basins so we are sending our staff out as we speak to do that all over the City in the major corridors,” says Michelle Mahovlich, Director of Engineering, City of Langford.
“Residents are also asked to clear their catch basins and sidewalks. The temperature will drop over night so we need to minimize slip/fall hazards as well as contain any flooding,” says Mahovlich.
The Sooke School District (SD62) which serves the communities of Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Highlands, Metchosin and Juan de Fuca will receive $23.3 million toward the purchase of 6.5 hectares (16 acres) of land from within the Westhills development.
The site for a middle school and elementary school at the corner of West Shore Parkway and Constellation Avenue will tie together a string of educational and recreational facilities in the area, said Langford Mayor Stew Young, including Belmont Secondary School (where the announcement was made) and nearby public library, arena, bowling alley and sports stadium. Ball fields will be developed as part of the overall project, says Young. He points out the cooperative use of the recreational facilities by students during the day and by the community in non-school hours.
In this his last year of his education career, SD62 Superintendent Jim Cambridge was pleased to host the announcement today, in the commons area at Belmont — the largest school in SD62. He noted that Education Minister Rob Fleming is the former education critic “who knows every rock in the education system”, as a benefit in particular to the fastest-growing area.
A main impetus for gearing up for new schools is to reduce the number of portables currently in use in the overloaded west shore area of SD62. There are presently 13 portables at Dunsmuir Middle School in Colwood and seven at Spencer Middle School in Langford. “We hope to eliminate those in a few short years,” said Cambridge in his remarks at the podium.
Since the availability of new education funding this year, about 3,700 teachers have been hired to help support about 5,000 more students in the community. “We’ve been poaching teachers to come teach in BC,” said Cambridge at the podium. He spoke highly of the SD62 board as being “unique in BC for putting children and learning spaces first”.
Langford Mayor Stew Young called the schools announcement “an early Christmas present”. The mayor who is proactive for community growth and development says “everybody is now taking notice of Langford”. He says that people are excited to be in Langford “because we’re actually providing what is needed by our community”.
SD62 Chair Ravi Parmar addressed the room of about 80 people, thanking the BC Government for “supporting our vision and capital plan” with funding for purchase of the 16 acres in Westhills. Parmar — himself a graduate of Belmont Secondary — said “when this government gets money they spend it”.
Building a new middle school will be SD62’s first priority on the site,followed by an elementary school to address the shortage of K to 5 spaces brought about by an influx of young families to the west shore. About 1,800 more students are expected to arrive in the SD62 catchment area in the next five years.
Present for the announcement by Minister Fleming in the bright spacious Belmont commons room were SD62 trustees and staff; City of Langford Mayor, Council and senior staff; Westhills owners, executive and staff; Education Ministry staff; Belmont principal Ray Miller; STA president Ian Johnson; CUPE reps; parent association reps; members of the business community; and students in study mode upon whom this little event came as a surprise!
Ravi Parmar (Chair). Absent: Wendy Hobbs. [Photo: West Shore Voice News]
BC Education Minister Rob Fleming is scheduled to make an announcement “that supports west shore students”, coming up at Belmont Secondary School in Langford on Monday, December 18.The SD62 school board has in recent months pitched for provincial funds to build new schools in this, the province’s fastest-growing school district. There are presently three SD62 high schools: Belmont in Langford, Royal Bay in Colwood, and EMCS in Sooke.
Receiving the ceremonial cheque on behalf of the Goldstream Food Bank was the organization’s long-time President and Christmas Hamper Fund chair Gayle Ireland. Making the presentation was Ron Coutre, president, Westshore Developers Association and City of Langford Mayor Stew Young on behalf of the Langford EDC.
The busy food bank on Station Road in Langford will process 650 to 700 hampers to individuals and families in need over five days ahead of Christmas. In addition to lots of non-perishable food items and fresh produce, each hamper includes a gift card that can be used for a turkey, ham or other entree for Christmas, says Ireland. Handing out the hampers will be members of the Langford Fire Department, the Coast Guard, and other volunteers. “Everything will be loaded into vehicles for the people receiving the hampers,” says Ireland, clearly proud of the work of the volunteers.
“This $10,000 donation is so generous,” said the food bank president. Ireland explained that it essentially turns into $20,000 worth of food because of discounts given to the Goldstream Food Bank. “And we’re a financially healthy organization because we save for a rainy day.” She reminded everyone that no one gets paid to operate the food bank.
“Doing this was an easy decision,” said Coutre, who said at a meeting of the developers and economic development committee that they all wanted to give back. Stew Young was enthusiastic about reporting success and goodwill: “Everybody’s doing well and it’s a great time to this to happen. Especially in Langford’s 25th year since incorporation, everybody’s on board to do this.” With Coutre piping in: “Especially at this time of year.”
This $10,000 donation was the largest of a collection of donations made by the developers and the City this holiday season. $3,000 was donated to the Langford Legion, with $1,000 to Another Brick in Nepal’s earthquake relief, $1,000 to Santa’s Anonymous, $1,000 to the Children’s Health Foundation, and $1,000 to the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
Tuesday, December 12 ~ LANGFORD. If you’re a late night traveler along Jacklin Road, this info is for you.
From 10 pm tonight (Tues Dec 12) through to 6 am tomorrow morning (Wed Dec 13) there will be some delays for motorists during single-lane traffic on Jacklin in the stretch in front of Westshore Town Centre over to the stretch along the old Belmont school site.
That’s so Shaw can do some fiber optic cable work, says City of Langford Engineering.
Monday, December 11 ~ LANGFORD. On Tuesday, December 12 from 9 am to 12 noon there will be some blasting near the roadside around the Millstream Intersection at Treanor Avenue. Northbound and southbound traffic will be intermittently stopped. For public safety, delays will be for up to 3-minute periods during the blasts. The City of Langford Engineering Dept says the stops will be timed with the traffic lights to minimize delays.
Wednesday, December 6 ~ LANGFORD. A woman driving her car while alcohol-impaired, slammed into parked cars on Sooke Road in Langford on Sunday night, December 3. West Shore RCMP received a report of a possible impaired driver swerving and slamming into parked cars at around 10 pm.
Two women and a small baby were in the vehicle. Witnesses on scene assisted investigators by pointing out the driver.
Subsequent investigation including a breath sample revealed that the woman was above the legal limit. She was issued a 90 day IRP (Immediate Roadside Prohibition) and her vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
Fortunately, no one was injured and the Ministry of Children and Families has been notified.
“If you are planning on drinking, please do not drive,” says the RCMP. “By finding an alternate way home such as transit, cabs, or a designated driver you can help ensure that you, your passengers, and people sharing the road, all get home safely,” says Cst. Matt Baker of the West Shore RCMP.
As part of the Drinking and Driving campaign this holiday season, police across the Greater Victoria area will be increasing roadblocks and sobriety checks to help keep communities safe for the Christmas season.
Tuesday, December 5 ~ LANGFORD. The well-known Evedars Bistro at 2829 Peatt Road in central Langford is under new management.
New owner Laurie Anne Tomin is a Matire Fromager. She has lived and worked in India, Germany, France and England. Her rich culinary ‘tapestry’ influences are woven into the Evedars menu.
A committed gastronome and former cheese maker, Laurie is excited about the cheese and wine pairing event coming up this Thursday night, December 7. For $75 you can taste 8 or 9 cheeses and wines. Contact the restaurant to book your seat for the cheese-wine pairing, at 250-391-8636 or email info@evedarsbistro.com
If you can’t make that event, there is a drop-in open house on Friday December 8 from 3 to 6 pm.
The 78-seat bistro is open Wednesday through Saturday 9-4 and Sundays 10-2. Open Xmas eve Dec 24 for brunch, 10-2.
Saying he moved to Langford 25 years ago, Horgan says Langford has been “transformative” for him: “I raised my family here, became a member of legislature here, and became the premier here.”
As part of recognizing 25 years of municipal service by Mayor Stew Young and Councillors Denise Blackwell and Winnie Sifert, the premier called Langford’s success “an extraordinary accomplishment”.
“it’s absolutely unparalleled to have that much dedication and commitment to your community,” said Horgan about Langford’s mayor and council. He said that Langford has demonstrated “the things that you can do when you work together and have a vision, and have a community this inclusive.”
Horgan noted Langford’s amenities for young families such as good schools, good sports, great arenas, the YMCA, and libraries. “It just keeps getting better, month after month, year after year. It’s been an extraordinary 25 years in Langford, I have a great deal of gratitude for you,” said Horgan to Mayor Young, Langford council, and city staff.
“People are coming and bringing families here, starting businesses here, and creating opportunities for themselves. It is all because of the work that you do in this room,” Horgan said.
“It’s one of the things our council prides itself on. Helping everybody who’s in business,” said Young, noting how using the services of local businesses is key. “The business community comes to our community.”
Noting his 25 years as Mayor, Stew Young said he is happy and proud to have a team behind him that works so hard to improve the community where he was born and grew up.
Guests this evening included local developers, to whom Horgan gave a nod: in a recent speech to the Urban Development Institute in Vancouver Horgan had highlighted how well things get done to speed along with building permits and the growth of the community.
Saturday, December 2 ~ LANGFORD. The City of Langford’s Economic Development The City of Langford’s Economic Development Commission is contributing to a run of eight performances of Chicago, the musical, taking place at the Royal Theatre in downtown Victoria, December 18 to 23.
Langford’s EDC contribution is in partnership with Bayview Place and Broadway in Victoria. Langford Mayor Stew Young, on behalf of Langford EDC, has thanked presenting sponsor Ken Mariash and Bayview Place, and arts organizer Henry Kolenko for organizing this great event, bringing cast and crew to Vancouver Island to put on a world class show.
Through this event, the Langford EDC has donated $10,000 to the Goldstream Food Bank, $3,000 to the Langford Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion for a holiday dinner for those in need, $1,000 to Another Brick in Nepal’s earthquake relief, $1,000 to Santa’s Anonymous, $1,000 to the Children’s Health Foundation and $1,000 to the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
Performances run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2 pm.
www.chicagothemusical.com | www.broadwayinvictoria.com
Friday, December 1 ~ VICTORIA. November 2017 saw the highest number of property sales of any November in the Greater Victoria area since 1996 — 671 in total (12% more than sold last November). The number of active listings for sale dropped 7.4% in one month from October to November.
The Victoria Real Estate Board (VREB) predicted last month that buyers might accelerate their purchase timeline to buy a home ahead of ‘stress test’ rules set for January 2018. Overall in Greater Victoria there were 307 single family home sales in November selling at a raw average price of $902,985.
It should be understood that VREB’s data-adjusted HPI figures show $693,200, which means people are paying far above what most people hear as the selling price.
In the west shore, the real price of a house in Langford last month was $696,933 (61 sales) while the HPI was given as $593,800. In Colwood there were 15 sales averaging out at $725,290 while the HPI was $658,100. In Sooke there were 18 house sales in November at a real average sale price of $509,418 while the HPI was $483,300.
So that’s almost a million dollars in overall Greater Victoria for a house and over half a million in Sooke where housing is considered to be affordable.
Condo sales rolled in like this: 219 in Greater Victoria averaging $437,822; Langford 26 sales averaging $330,298; Colwood 5 sales averaging $396,900; and one sale in Sooke at $229,000. All stats: www.vreb.org
Thursday, November 30 ~ LANGFORD. For some reason this has come up today about an incident that occurred on October 20.
West Shore RCMP are looking to identify any persons with knowledge of an altercation between youths which occurred on October 20 2017 between 9pm and 11pm in the 2600-block Sooke Rd in Langford (between Mac’s convenience store and Bucky’s Tap House).
Anyone with any information about this investigation is asked to contact West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.victoriacrimestoppers.ca
On this cool Wednesday up at Bear Mountain about 5,000 coho parr were released into Osborn Pond at Hole #15. Skies were grey but the rain held off.
The morning activity was the 6th annual coho release into the ecofriendly habitat. The juvenile salmon will stay and feed in the pond for several months before heading out through Millstream Creek to Esquimalt Harbour and out to the open ocean in the Juan de Fuca Strait. Coho live half their lives in fresh water, and half in the saltwater of the ocean.
The fish each have one of their fins clipped, as a way for identifying them upon their return. It’s an unused adipose fin that is clipped a bit, not a fin that is required for the action of swimming. About 700 to 800 released fish are identified upon return. They don’t make it as far back as Osborn Pond, but for the time being get only as far as some small ponds near Atkins Road. Presently a culvert perched high above the stream presents too much of a jump even for powerful salmon.
The fish were transported out to the pond today in a large container, then directed into the pond through a large plastic hose. It took barely a minute for all the fish to arrive in the pond. Well, except for a handful of stragglers that at the end were dumped into their new habitat from a bucket.
A class of Grade 3 & 4 students from Lakewood Elementary with their teacher Sherri Fawcett were keen observers, gathered on the soggy grass. Between arriving pondside in a fleet of golf carts, watching the small fish being hosed into the pond, and enjoying hot chocolate and cookies, the kids had an exciting and probably quite memorable experience.
The event is sponsored each year by Ecoasis Developments which owns Bear Mountain Resort. Ecoasis Chief Financial Officer David Clark was in attendance, as well as Bear Mountain staff, several volunteers from Goldstream Volunteer Salmonid Enhancement Association, and media.
The parr weight about 8 to 10 grams. The eggs were harvested last November and volunteers have been overseeing their rearing.
The hatchery has over 90 active volunteers. “It’s a model of how public involvement in wildlife conservation and preservation can provide environmental rewards without costing the taxpayers large sums of money,” explains McCully. He says that recent survival rates for South Vancouver Island streams are as low as one-half of 1%. “Giving these young fish a fighting start is extremely important”.
Improved salmon stocks will support food fishery for First Nations communities, the sport fishing industry, and local and charter fishing operations. Prior to the introduction of parr to Osborn Pond, there were no salmon in Millstream Creek.
Monday, November 27 ~ LANGFORD. There was a quake this evening in the west shore, that’s a fact. How strong it was or location are variably reported.
Natural Resource Canada (NRC) reported a 2.0 Magnitude quake as occuring at 7:02:50 PST at a depth of 10 km.
The location of 48.51 N and 123.6 West of the November 27 quake was reported by some media as NE of Sooke, which puts the actual location in Langford.
The US Geological Service called it a 2.4 Magnitude quake “between Langford and Sooke” at a depth of 24.2 km.
By all measure it was a small quake, with damage neither reported nor expected, says NRC.
It was enough of a shakeup that social media was active with people’s reports of feeling a quake.
And it was felt in Colwood. During the City of Colwood council meeting Mayor Carol Hamilton paused to inform the room that a 1.9 quake had occurred in Langford “so that was an earthquake we all felt (as the meeting started)”.
The annual Xmas Tree Sale Fundraiser by the Colwood Campus of SD2’s Westshore Centre for Learning & Training is popular! Last year was bigger and better than ever, and the same success is expected this year.
The freshly cut trees can be purchased daily from Friday, Dec 1 through Sunday Dec 17 outdoors at the campus at 2139 Sooke Road (Mon-Thurs 3-7 pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm). Students and staff have made crafts, jewelry, baking and more for sale as well. Proceeds from the annual tree sale support the grad ceremony costs in June, for space rental, gowns and catering.
The funds ensure that no grad goes without participation in their special day. Colwood Campus includes high school students as well as adults returning to graduate.
A new angle in 2017 is that the Environmental Studies students have been learning about sustainable tree farmingfrom Mike Fleming of Saanichton Tree Farm who has supplied the sale for a few years now. “Back in May we went up to the Shawnigan Lake farm and helped clear brush, care for the trees and fertilize,” says WCLT teacher Debbie Lodewijk who coordinates the annual tree sale event. “We will be going back the last week of November to help cut and load the trees for our fundraiser.” That includes spruce, pine, and fir.
Hand-crafted items made include centerpieces, herbal bath salts, healing salve, ornaments, dog biscuits, baked goods, cards, and knitted items.
It all happens outdoors, so dress for the weather!
Friday November 24 ~ LANGFORD. A Shift into Winter information booth about winter driving safety will be at the Victoria Royals game in Victoria this evening, 6 to 10 pm. It’s an opportunity presented by Mainroad South Island to share road safety information with the public.
The main depot for Mainroad South Island is in Langford, conveniently located as a large facility on the new West Shore Parkway near Hwy 1.
Today Mainroad South Island manager Rick Gill and Operations Manager Leon Bohmer spoke to media about their preparations for the winter season. Weather is expected to be about the same as last winter, including snowfall and icy road conditions.
“Safety of the travelling public is of utmost importance,” said Rick Gill, manager, Mainroad South Island. “It’s a challenge when winter comes. But it does snow in this region. So we try to educate the public about safe winter driving,” said Gill.
By de-icing roads with brine ahead of expected snowfall, Mainroad South Island hopes to get ahead of any major road condition problems this winter.
Look for a full article coming up in the November 24th print/PDF issue of West Shore Voice News (being posted this weekend on this website ). | More about winter driving: www.shiftintowinter.ca
Photos (from top):
>> Snow plough in winter storm [Mainroad South Island]
>> Mainroad South Island Operations Manager Leon Bohmer (left) and Manager Rick Gill, with the newest of four 4-ton sander trucks, at their main facility in Langford [West Shore Voice News photo, Nov 24/17]
>> Salt can be loaded up into trucks on short notice, from a ready supply on hand at the West Shore Parkway location [West Shore Voice News photo, Nov 24/17]
Monday, November 20 ~ LANGFORD. Lowe’s settling in at the Langford store, just in time for the Christmas season.
After an upbeat opening at the Lowe’s store in Langford on October 5, the staff at Lowe’s got right down to work serving customers. The former RONA premises had been packed down, inventory and shelving pushed aside, and a whole new setup put in place in the 100,000 sqft premises. That was from April to October. The number of inventory SKU’s has doubled to about 50,000 items.
The types of building construction and home improvement products for sale are much the same as before, but with more variety and more of a one-stop offering, explains Assistant Manager David Palmer. And a full-time delivery person on staff means that shipments can go out quickly to construction sites with the store’s 25-ft flat deck truck that has a fork lift. Of the former RONA staff, about 70 stayed on and some new staff were hired.
Bringing new employment opportunities to Langford is helpful to the local economy. There are now about 120 staff at Lowe’s in Langford, compared to about 80 with the former RONA, allowing for more personnel in most departments. The employee tally will probably reach 150 including seasonal workers for the holiday season, such as cashiers as well as staff for the garden centre, says Palmer.
There is a strong emphasis on service to builders and contractors who can enjoy a flat 5% off all products in the store. The outdoor lumber yard has up to about 50,000 sq ft of space to offer a wider range of building materials than before.
Available to Lowe’s customers are options for various purchase and financing opportunities from discount card to full financing. Business accounts and credit cards are other options.
Store manager Peter Devries, assistant manager Michelle Hannay, and assistant manager Kim Rieger have stayed on from the RONA store.
Photo [November 2017 – West Shore Voice News]: Many of the former RONA staff have stayed on at Lowes, including (from left): Jackie Genereaux, customer service rep; Gena Forno, admin department manager; and Janice Dalzell, customer service rep. David Palmer, assistant manager, has been with Lowe’s for about 1.5 years and has overseen the construction of two Lowe’s stores (Tillicum Mall last year, and Langford this year).
Friday, November 17 ~ LANGFORD/SOOKE. BC Premier John Horgan — MLA for the Langford-Juan de Fuca area through which Highway 14 (Hwy14/Sooke Road) runs, has told Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) staff to go back to the drawing board.
Horgan has recently reviewed a long-awaited report intended to improve driving and safety conditions on the winding, through-the-hills provincial highway that connects Sooke and westerly beyond to the rest of Greater Victoria. The Premier has asked for more details and options, to work harder on finding a solution, it was learned from government officials on November 17.
The first draft apparently has some “good projects” within it, but “not sufficient scale that the MLA wants”. While this delays the timeline for seeing improvements on Hwy 14, it will likely come as good news to Sooke residents, commuters, and the regional tourism industry because it means the Premier (who is directly familiar with details of the road) is watching out for his constituents and the region, toward a better result. It also makes sense to use taxpayers’ dollars wisely, and if the improvements will leave some things undone, then it’s prudent to further develop some meaningful improvements.
Premier Horgan has asked senior officials to engage in a very focussed consultative process with an informal regional group of business people (that sometimes refers to itself as the Sooke Economic Development Commission) who focus on Hwy 14 issues and also Sooke Mayor Maja Tait.
Mayor Tait was been awaiting the transportation report along with everyone else. Today she said: “Premier Horgan as our MLA is well aware of needed improvements to Hwy 14, and while MOTI staff have worked to have the draft completed, I’m grateful that our MLA and Premier is taking the time to ensure the study fully captures the necessary improvements for the safety of our residents and visitors.”
In recent years some improvements have included wider shoulders including bike lanes in some stretches, as well as the roundabout in Sooke town centre. Otherwise, there remain several sections that obviously require left-turn lanes for improved safety (such as at 17 Mile House, and at Manzer Rd) and improved lighting all along the highway — Sooke to Langford — that would produce immense improvements in safe use of the road for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
And here’s what MOTI had to say about their rejected report today: “BC is working hard to build roads and highways that support growing communities and help encourage economic development across the province. For Hwy 14, we want to make the corridor between Langford and Sooke as safe and as accessible as possible – not just for people in cars, but for people who take transit and people who bike and walk.”
The ministry also says that it focused the corridor study on safety upgrades “because people who frequently travel the route told us they were concerned about reliability and wanted to see it closed less frequently.” Apparently the study also looked at ways to promote greater transit use, and how to encourage more cycling over the short and medium timeframe. “The initial findings identify several safety and transit improvements that could be implemented over the next year or two in addition to the work that is already underway,” said a statement by MOTI.
“The ministry is going to take the report a step further, looking at ways to make travel along this route more reliable and to increase mobility, such as adding future passing lanes and potential short road re-alignments to straighten out some of the curves,” said MOTI officials on November 17.
“We’re going to expand the study to go all the way to Port Renfrew and we’re going to hear from stakeholders in the region to get their ideas for long term improvements on this corridor.” MOTI concluded: “This government cares about building strong, connected communities and is committed to solving the broader transportation challenges and needs in the South Island region.”
On Monday, November 20 a presentation about Hwy 14 and broader transportation issues will be hosted by Transition Sooke at Edward Milne Community School, 6218 Sooke Rd, at 7 pm. The event is open to the community and is expected to be well-attended.
This article first published in the November 17, 2017 issue of West Shore Voice News.
As announced yesterday by Rugby Canada, a restructuring within the burgeoning National Sport Federation will be implemented “to drive operational excellence”.
The restructuring announced today allows the organization to align and focus its resources with its evolving high performance objectives and expanded National Team operations in Langford, along with the opening of the Al Charron Rugby Canada National Training Centre at 3019 Glen Lake Road in early 2018. The cost of the joint project of the Government of Canada, City of Langford, and Rugby Canada is $7.84 million.
As part of the restructuring, several departments will relocate to Langford over the next three to six months from the organization’s corporate office in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Rugby Canada’s Finance, Marketing and Communications, General Operations and Governance departments will relocate to the Federation’s existing Centre of Excellence facility at 3024 Glen Lake Road.
“This is a good organizational change from the top down,” says Langford Mayor Stew Young. “It is good for rugby’s advancement on the world stage and good for the athletes. Most of the teams Canada competes against have made changes and are showing results,” he said this week. “Centrally focusing on the front office is good for rugby in Langford. We are are strong partner and supporter of Rugby Canada and look forward to a long committed relationship with rugby players and staff.”
Mayor Young is looking forward to the grand opening of the Al Charon Centre for excellence which he says “will be a huge benefit for the Canadian men’s and women’s teams and give them the extra advantage while playing for Canada on the world stage.”
The Rugby Department within Rugby Canada has been led by Jim Dixon for the past two and a half years. “On behalf of the Canadian Rugby community and everyone at Rugby Canada, I would like to thank Jim for his commitment to the organization, our National Teams and Development programs. We wish Jim every success in the future,” said Allen Vansen, CEO, Rugby Canada.
An external party with relevant expertise in the Canadian sport system was called in to help assess and guide the restructuring toward “increased synergies in the daily operations of the staff and permit a downsizing of Rugby Canada’s office requirements in Richmond Hill for efficiencies”. Rugby Canada’s Board of Directors says it fully supports and endorses this new organizational change. It is absolutely necessary,” said Tim Powers, Chair of the Rugby Canada Board of Directors. “We would also like to thank Jim, Myles, Linh, Carlos, Nina, Audrey and Cindy for their unwavering commitment to our sport.”
“This marks the beginning of a new era for Rugby Canada, as one of Canada’s fastest growing sports,” added Vansen. “While always difficult to reach these tough decisions, this is the best path forward to reach our organization’s performance and growth objectives. These changes will help Rugby Canada build a world class organizational culture and enhance the performance of our Sport development and National Team programs, today and into the future.”
Sunday, November 12 ~ WEST SIDE. The official opening of the Constituency Office for Esquimalt-Metchosin will be held on Wednesday, November 15, from 4 to 6 pm.
That’s Mitzi Dean’s new constituency office. Dean was elected MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin in the May 2017 BC provincial election. But it took a while to find and then renovate the office. The address is 104-1497 Admirals Road.
There will be light refreshments at the 2-hour drop-in event, and a chance to chat with Dean about any issues or concerns you may have in the broad area that her riding serves: Esquimalt, Colwood, View Royal and Metchosin.
Langford is Horgan’s home town. For many previous years however, as MLA before becoming Premier, Horgan attended Remembrance Day at the Sooke Legion in the other area of his riding.
VIPs arrived in a parade. At Veteran Memorial Park, about 1,000 people were gathered under threat of rain, standing or seated in some bleachers in the cold for the one-hour event.
Service personnel in uniform stood in formation for the entire hour. Music by the Westshore Community Concert Band, Gordon United Church Choir and Westshore Girl Guides.
Roads were closed in central Langford, including by large trucks positioned horizontally across roads. Helicopters and airplanes flew overhead at various points. On-the-ground security was present but not overtly obvious.
Four mayors from the west shore area laid wreaths immediately after Premier Horgan: Langford Mayor Stew Young, Colwood Mayor Carol Hamilton, Metchosin Mayor John Ranns and Highlands Mayor Ken Williams.
Friday, November 10 ~ LANGFORD. West Shore RCMP have issued a traffic advisory for some traffic disruptions during the course of Remembrance Day ceremonies on Saturday, November 11 in Langford. There will be road closures to vehicle traffic for the duration, from 10:30 to 12 noon.
Peatt Rd / Station Ave
Veterans Memorial Pkwy / Station Ave
Goldstream Ave / Veterans Memorial Pkwy
Goldstream Ave / Aldwyn Rd
Aldwyn Rd / Fairway Ave
Veterans Memorial Pkwy / Hagel Rd / Meaford Ave
This year, BC Premier John Horgan (MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca) will be attending as well as four west shore mayors will be in attendance: Langford Mayor Stew Young, Colwood Mayor Carol Hamilton, Metchosin Mayor John Ranns, and Highlands Mayor Ken Williams.
West Shore RCMP encourages everyone to come down and take part in the Remembrance Day ceremonies “as we say thank you and give a thought to the sacrifice made by the Men and Women of the Canadian Armed Forces, in conflicts both past and present”.
Wednesday, November 8 ~ GREATER VICTORIA. New chairs have been announced today for the Capital Regional District (CRD) and Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) Board of Directors. The two Boards elect a Chair and Vice Chair each November.
Heading into 2018, CRD says in a news release that their organization’s focus will be on enabling sustainable growth, enhancing community well-being, and developing cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services throughout the region.
CRD Director and Mayor of Sidney Steve Price is the new 2018 CRD Board Chair, and began by chairing today’s board meeting. Price has been a member of the CRD Board since 2015, serving on various CRD standing committees. He was first elected to Sidney Council in 2008 before election as Mayor in 2014.
CRD Director David Screech is the new 2018 CRD Board Vice-Chair. Screech has served on the CRD Board since 2015 and on various CRD standing committees. He was first elected to View Royal Council in 2002 and then as Mayor in 2014.
Director Marianne Alto has been re-elected for a second year as the 2018 CRHD Chair. Director Alto has been a member of the CRD and CRHD Boards since 2011. She has provided leadership for the CRD’s First Nations Task Force and serves as a member of various CRD committees.
Director Susan Brice has been elected as the 2018 CRHD Vice-Chair. Director Brice has served on the CRD and CRHD Boards for several years, including as CRD Board Chair in the late 1980s.
The CRD and CRHD Boards share the same directors and officers. A corporation of the CRD, the Capital Regional Hospital District partners with Island Health and community stakeholder agencies to develop and improve healthcare facilities in the region, including replacing buildings that have reached the end of their economic and functional life.
Representation on the CRD and CRHD Boards balances varying population bases with community interests. In accordance with Provincial legislation, each municipality appoints one director for every 25,000 people and directors are elected to represent electoral areas. Voting units are assigned based on one unit for every 5,000 people.
| Name, Title | Municipality or Electoral Area | Role | Assigned votes | |
| Steve Price, Mayor | Sidney | CRD Chair | 3 | |
| David Screech, Mayor | View Royal | CRD Vice-Chair | 3 | |
| Marianne Alto, Councillor | Victoria | CRHD Chair | 4 | |
| Susan Brice, Councillor | Saanich | CRHD Vice-Chair | 5 | |
| Richard Atwell, Mayor | Saanich | Director | 5 | |
| Denise Blackwell, Councillor | Langford | Director | 4 | |
| Judy Brownoff, Councillor | Saanich | Director | 4 | |
| Barbara Desjardins, Mayor | Esquimalt | Director | 4 | |
| Alice Finall, Mayor | North Saanich | Director | 3 | |
| Carol Hamilton, Mayor | Colwood | Director | 4 | |
| Lisa Helps, Mayor | Victoria | Director | 5 | |
| Mike Hicks, Director | Juan de Fuca Electoral Area | Director | 2 | |
| David Howe, Director | Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area | Director | 2 | |
| Ben Isitt, Councillor | Victoria | Director | 5 | |
| Nils Jensen, Mayor | Oak Bay | Director | 4 | |
| Wayne McIntyre, Director | Salt Spring Island Electoral Area | Director | 3 | |
| Dean Murdock, Councillor | Saanich | Director | 4 | |
| Colin Plant, Councillor | Saanich | Director | 5 | |
| John Ranns, Mayor | Metchosin | Director | 1 | |
| Lanny Seaton, Councillor | Langford | Director | 4 | |
| Maja Tait, Mayor | Sooke | Director | 3 | |
| Ken Williams, Mayor | Highlands | Director | 1 | |
| Ryan Windsor, Mayor | Central Saanich | Director | 4 | |
| Geoff Young, Councillor | Victoria | Director | 4 | |
A standing committee structure, including appointing committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs, will be announced on or before the next CRD Board meeting on December 13.
In 2017, under Chair Barb Desjardins, the CRD Board continued to make progress on the 2015-2018 CRD strategic priorities which outline the direction and priorities of the CRD Board. The corporate plan, multi-year service plans and progress reports can be found at https://www.crd.bc.ca/about/how-we-are-governed/strategic-priorities-plans
All six candidates are new to politics. By professional background the group included a police officer, a retired View Royal city staffer, a realtor, a web designer, a university student, and a municipal planner. On the ballot for the November 18 by-election are Mark Brennan, Nathan Daisley, Adam Flint, Angela Hanes, Damian Kowalewich, and Jodi Zwicker.
View Royal Mayor David Screech said afterward that a new councillor can make a difference. There is a only a year until the November 2018 elections for all municipalities in BC. Screech says he expects he will run again for Mayor in 2018; he’s been on council for 12 years, the last three as Mayor.
None of the discussion got deep into any decisions made by Council in recent years or anything related to tax rates or budgets.
A small municipality with a population of about 11,000, View Royal is centrally located with four transportation routes intersecting, Victoria General Hospital as a key public destination and employer, and serves as home to a major casino that generates gaming revenue for View Royal, Langford and other west shore municipalities. The municipality is by default a key player in major decisions in the Greater Victoria area.
Councillors presently on View Royal Council are Ron Mattson, John Rogers, and Aaron Weisgerber. The new councillor will fill the seat left vacant by Heidi Rast who has relocated out of the area.
More info on the by-election candidates at www.viewroyal.ca
Tuesday, November 7 ~ LANGFORD. The upcoming Remembrance Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Langford is expected to fill the park. The public should get there early to get a good standing spot or a spot on the bleachers, says Norm Scott, president, Langford Legion.
This year, four west shore mayors will be in attendance: Langford Mayor Stew Young, Colwood Mayor Carol Hamilton, Metchosin Mayor John Ranns, and Highlands Mayor Ken Williams. BC Premier John Horgan (MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca) will be attending.
The public will start arriving around 9:30 am. The event starts promptly at 11 am and lasts about 50 minutes.
An oak tree from Vimy Ridge — planted in the park a few weeks ago — will be noted during the ceremony. On October 27 a Vimy Ridge memorial was commemorated by Langford Legion members with Langford Mayor and Council in attendance.
The Remembrance Day event in Sooke will be held at the Sooke Legion cenotaph. Representing Premier John Horgan (MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca which includes Sooke) will be Patrick Swinburnson, principal of Edward Milne Community School.
The Remembrance Day event in Esquimalt will be attended by Randall Garrison, MP (Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke) and Mitzi Dean, MLA (Esquimalt-Metchosin).
Speed reader boards are those electronic signs that use radar to detect the speed of an approaching vehicle and display the speed on an LED variable message display. The speed display is typically combined with a static (non-electronic) display that includes the text “Your Speed” or similar.
The posted speed on Highway 14 in that section heading westbound toward West Shore Parkway is 60 kph (or 50 kph when children are on the highway) and when heading eastbound just at West Shore Parkway and heading to the Langford town area.
Hwy 14 beyond West Shore Parkway on the way to Sooke has a 80 kph posted speed limit on the 4-lane section, reducing to 60 kph again when the road is single-lane heading to Sooke.
The intent of the Speed Reader Board is to encourage compliance with the posted speed limit by making motorists aware of their actual speed. They are intended to be used as supplements to the maximum posted speed signs to encourage compliance when transitioning to a lower posted speed, such as school zones, road construction zones, and communities located along highways.
“The fatal crash five years ago on Highway 14 was a tragedy, and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and friends,” said the BC Ministry of Transportation last week. “Following the incident, Ministry staff reviewed this section of the highway as part of assisting local police with their investigation into the crash.”
MOTI continued: “Since the crash, the Ministry installed a new crosswalk and an eastbound bus stop near Slegg Lumber, and earlier this year completed a new westbound bus stop. In addition, we have ordered speed reader boards that will be installed in the Luxton area of the corridor in the coming weeks.” But still no additional lighting.
The Sooke Economic Development Commission (EDC) which has taken on Highway 14 issues as its key mandate toward expanded economic growth for the Sooke region, eagerly awaits the report. The group may soon have specific observations and improvement requests for various sections of the road to Sooke.
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait told West Shore Voice News last week: “We continue to wait for the preliminary report, and look forward to working with the Province on continued improvements to Highway 14.”
Saturday, November 4 ~ VICTORIA. The real estate market in the Greater Victoria area is shifting rather rapidly. But the Victoria Real Estate Board (VREB) says the market is still stable. A total of 664 properties sold in Greater Victoria in October 2017. That’s 9.7% fewer than the 735 properties sold in October last year.
VREB says the longer term picture shows October sales as 17.1% above the 10-year average of 567 properties for the month of October. They conclude: “The market is still very active here in Victoria… in spite of the ongoing low inventory levels.”
For Greater Victoria overall, the actual sales average of 294 sales was $854,833 (data-adjusted HPI $690,000, down from $700,800 in July which is considered the peak month before the market began its sudden adjustment).
October in the west shore: Langford: actual sales average $761,550 for 45 sales (HPI $589,800 down from $592,300 in July). Colwood: 17 sales averaged a real average of $664,582 (HPI $646,600 down from $660,400 in July). Sooke: 27 sales produced a real sales average of $514,048 (HPI $479,900 on par with $479,100 in July). View Royal: 12 sales averaged $623,750 (HPI $707,300 up from $687,400 in July).
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