Good morning Westshore! Controversial opinion: I love the snow. I grew up in the temperate rainforest, so our rare and fleeting snow will always be a delight for me. As I write, I'm watching the snowflakes float in every which direction under a streetlight, and while it will all become sludge soon, for now I’m revelling. I know there are many who feel differently—mostly those who work outside or drive a lot, and I hope you stay safe and warm. I also hope it snows for two straight weeks! ❄️
Reporter, The Westshore
WHEN IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NEEDED?
Malahat-owned quarry expansion a study in overlapping interests
A satellite view of the Bamberton quarry. (Google Earth)
A quarry on the west side of the Saanich Inlet has become the source of conflict between the owner, Malahat Nation, and neighbours who are worried that a proposed expansion to the quarry won’t have adequate environmental oversight, and that it won’t consider cumulative effects on marine life.
The Malahat Nation has applied to expand the quarry, as well as the foreshore lease where a small dock is used to transport rock and fill to and from the quarry. The application is under the province’s threshold that triggers an environmental assessment, and even though the nation’s economic development company has followed all the rules for public notification, hardly anyone knew what was happening until this summer.
Like Maureen Alexander, who lives near the quarry. She found out by chance this summer when, walking to the highway from her home on Mill Bay Road, she was stunned by the sight of a bare mountainside where there used to be thick forest. Standing on the side of the highway, she noticed a small sign notifying the public of the expansion application.
“Literally, I was the only one that had a clue that this was going on,” Alexander said.
LOCAL BOUNDARIES
A discrepancy between two maps: Metchosin council tasked with investigating
Not sure what you're looking at? You aren't alone. The maps for the Metchosin Museum Society are rudimentary, but there's a critical difference of three metres between the left and right maps.
What's the solution when two maps of the same place show different property lines?
The Metchosin Museum Society and Metchosin Equestrian Society are facing that conundrum right now. The museum, located in the old barn in Metchosin’s village core, is beside the riding ring. The parking lot between the two is primarily used by people with big rigs and horse trailers, who told council every metre of space matters. But the museum society wants a new roof and slight expansion, which could squeeze out some of the parking lot space. The equestrians are adamant that they cannot lose three metres for safety reasons.
The museum has been around for years, and the rudimentary maps on the old leases show a boundary of five metres on the south side of the barn. Then, inexplicably, the lease signed in 2020 shows eight metres beyond the barn wall. No one seems to know where the change came from. Was it a typo or a deliberate change? Had the museum always had the right to eight metres beyond the barn and the old maps were incorrect?
Mayor Marie-Térèse Little said neither city staff, herself, or either of the non-profit leaseholders could find documentation about the change. Now, the equestrians are advocating for a change back to five metres, but the museum insists it needs the space to maintain and improve its operation.
The eight-metre lease expires at the end of the year, so Council voted to grant a one-year extension, with the caveat that Coun. Jay Shukin take on the job of mediating the two groups to find a long-term solution.
Around the 'Shore
🚨 **Search for Sooke hiker is over:**After nine days of scouring the area around Charters Creek for Melissa McDevitt, rescue crews have called off the search. More than 20 volunteers came last weekend for a massive search, but found no sign of the 39-year-old. Last week, McDevitt’s father flew to the Island from North Carolina to help in the search, but recently left, driving his daughter’s car back home. Sooke RCMP is still investigating. [Chek]
🧠 Cognitive health and wellness: Care2Talk has created a healthcare network on their platform, enabling seniors, their caregivers, and family members to easily collaborate on care in-person and virtually. Learn more about their story.*
🏛 Escaped Metchosin inmate sentenced to life: James Lee Busch was found guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of 60-year-old Metchosin man Martin Payne and was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 25 years. Co-accused Zachary Armitage pleaded guilty to Payne’s murder partway through the trial. He will be sentenced this morning. [CTV News]
🍽️ The Dine Around Victoria Gala is back January 19! Experience Victoria’s vibrant culinary scene, featuring over 50 local restaurants, breweries, wineries, and entertainment. Get tickets today!*
📄 **A Langford funeral home has lost its business licence for not using the proper template:**CARE Funeral Services has been sending its reports to BC Consumer Protection in the wrong format, and it cost the company its licence. [Goldstream Gazette]
*Sponsored Listing
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TOGETHER WITH CAPITAL DAILY HOLIDAY DRIVE
💝 We're almost halfway there!
With only a few more weeks to go, we're nearly halfway to our goal of raising $200,000 in this year's Capital Daily Holiday Drive in partnership with United Way Southern Vancouver Island. This year, your donations will support early childhood education programs, giving 1 in 4 local children the very best start for a brighter future with the building blocks to succeed.
Your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by generous local business partners like Tiny Foundation, All One Fund, DeepWell, Heart Pharmacy, and Lochside Software, Inc. Donate today and invest in the future of our city and region!
Community Events
**⛸**The outdoor skating rink at City Centre Park is decked out as a winter wonderland, and open for skating. There are fire pits, snacks, hot drinks, and skate rentals available. Every day until Jan. 2, registration is recommended though drop-in is allowed.
**🖼 Last chance to shop Metchosin’s Mighty Fine Sale and Show:**featuring fine art pieces from new and returning artists. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 11am-4pm.
🎄Hot chocolate in the park: Slip on your mittens and wander through the light tunnels in Meadow Park. Colwood is serving up hot chocolate and West Coast Soul Collective will sing holiday tunes. Free, Wednesday evening, Dec. 21.
What’s Offshore?
🚢**#1 MSC Carina** (built in 2013) is a bulk carrier ship that sailed from 🇨🇳 BAYUQUAN, China ➡ 🇨🇦 VANCOUVER.
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAPITAL DAILY FESTIVAL
Kick off 2023 with Capital Daily!
On Wednesday, January 18, you’re invited to the Capital Daily Festival, an exclusive event for Capital Daily Insiders that brings together some of the city’s brightest citizens as speakers and panelists, and performances by local artists.
See and hear music by ASTROCOLOR, Wolf Parade co-founder Spencer Krug, Nicky MacKenzie and Old Soul Rebel, and speakers like Gregor Craigie, Luke Mari, Julie Angus, Andrew Wilkinson, and many others. The best part? Insiders get to bring a guest (also for free).
Not a Capital Daily Insider? Join today to join us on Jan. 18, enjoy free merch, and amazing events all year long!
Westshore Snaps
I found Langford's favourite sequoia Christmas tree peeking over the edge of a construction site. Does it get more Langford? 🎅🏼
📸 Snapped a photo you’d like to share? Send it with a caption and don’t forget to add where you live.