Hello, snowy Westshore!
Last year I had a crazy idea for my family that instead of doing a secret Santa among the adults, I would buy presents for all the nieces and nephews, while my siblings and parents would only get presents for me—and they went for it! I feel like I hacked Christmas. This year, it wasn’t even my idea, I guess they just love giving good socks and whiskey.
But what do I really want for Christmas? For The Westshore newsletter to reach 14,000 readers! We’re so close, and I’d love to hit that milestone by the end of the year. Will you forward us to some friends and encourage them to subscribe?
PS: I definitely got some flack for sharing my love of snow on Tuesday, so if you think it's my fault we're covered in fluffy white wonderland, I'm cool with that.❄️
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Langford rushes a temporary tree bylaw into place
Bare trees stand like telephone poles in Langford after a developer tried to deal with some trees before a tree protection bylaw came into effect. (📸 Zoë Ducklow)
Langford council held two urgent meetings this week to adopt a temporary tree bylaw, prohibiting tree cutting without a permit. The emergency bylaw was introduced on Monday and was unanimously passed on Wednesday, Dec. 21.
Two weeks ago, council announced plans to develop a tree management policy. Throughout the campaign, many of the new councillors promised that, if elected, they would implement a tree protection plan for Langford. It was a priority issue, but they had also promised a lot of open communication, robust consultation, and thoughtful decision making.
Staff were working on a draft, and were going to present it to council and the public in February, which is when the full public consultation would begin.
But last week, two developers jumped the gun and limbed several trees (removed all branches but left the trunks standing) on properties that don’t yet have development permits.
Langford staff interpreted this as a reaction to the upcoming bylaw, and—fearing more of the same—recommended an immediate simplified and “very restrictive” bylaw with heavy financial penalties. It would only last for six months, giving council, staff, and the public time to work on the full tree management policy.
That simplified bylaw is what council passed in an unusual Wednesday afternoon meeting this week. It prohibits cutting down (or limbing) any tree 20cm or wider, unless it’s dangerous, and with some exceptions.
CAMPING
View Royal delays final decision on parks camping bylaw until January
View Royal was set to approve a new bylaw that would effectively ban sheltering in its parks entirely on Dec. 13.
After Capital Daily reported on the story, council voted 4-3 to table the matter until January.
In the special council meeting, staff called the 100-metre exclusion for footpaths in the bylaw, which would exclude all View Royal parks, a "typo."
Coun. Ron Mattson advocated to first pass the law and to then amend it in January after they had created a map. “I know that as it's written, it’s got problems. But if we approve this now, staff will have something to work with if [people] start camping,” Mattson said. The bylaw has been in the works for the past three years. Town staff will be returning to council with a map that will show where people can shelter.
The town received an additional 10 letters regarding the bylaw, which so far have been largely against the proposed changes. Nine questioned the decision to allow camping in View Royal parks, a right that has been enshrined in a BC Supreme Court case. Only one wrote in to support a camping bylaw that would help "take responsibility for the social needs of our community."
Around the 'Shore
🌲 Langford man injured by falling tree branch, broken by a heavy snow load. The man was taken to hospital, but is in stable condition. [Goldstream Gazette]
🍁 As your Member of Parliament, Alistair MacGregor can assist you with federal agencies, and help explain how he’s bringing Langford and Westshore voices to Ottawa.*
✏️ Early development is a strong predictor of future success. The Capital Daily Holiday Drive in partnership with United Way Southern Vancouver Island supports early childhood education programs to give local children the building blocks to succeed. Donate today!
🚌 Wheels on the seniors’ bus are rolling again. Community non-profits combined resources to re-open the bus service. [Sooke News]
🤩 You’re invited to the Capital Daily Festival on Jan. 18, an exclusive event for Capital Daily Insiders with some of the city’s brightest citizens like Gregor Craigie and Julie Angus, plus performances by local artists like ASTROCOLOR and Nicky Mackenzie. Grab your tickets now while they last! Not an Insider? Join today to get in.
*Sponsored Listing
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TOGETHER WITH EMOTIONALLY ALIGNED COUNSELLING & COACHING
It’s time to get your life back
With the new year on the horizon, now is the time to focus on you and your mental health. Getting the anxiety, stress, depression, or even anger that you feel under control is doable.
Learning strategies for emotional regulation can improve how you feel about yourself, increase your self-esteem and confidence, and improve your relationships with those you love most.
Emotionally Aligned Counselling & Coaching offers virtual mental health counselling to help guide you through the process of becoming the best version of yourself. They can help you get your life back on track from the comfort of your own home.
Community Events
🎄 Light up View Royal: take a stroll or a drive if you’re able through View Royal’s best decorated addresses.
❄️ Lots of events are cancelled due to snow, which means you’ve got time to cozy up and watch those cheesy Christmas movies we never admit we’ve watched.
What’s Offshore?
🚢**#1**The MSC Carinais a Bulk Carrier built in 2013 and is sailing under the flag of Panama. It is sailing from 🇨🇳 Bayuquan, China ➡ 🇨🇦 Vancouver and was scheduled to arrive on Monday.
SPONSORED POST. CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE WESTSHORE.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MICHAEL UHTHOFF CUSTOM WOODWORKING
Quality cabinetry and furniture
If you have a vision for custom-built cabinetry and furniture, let Michael Uhthoff Custom Woodworking’s small, dedicated team make that vision a reality, from the simple to the sublime. Enjoy a uniquely personalized, seamless experience working in collaboration to design the best product for you.
Westshore Snaps
"We are all happy out here in Metchosin." — Garry Fletcher, Metchosin 😋
📸 Snapped a photo you’d like to share? Send it with a caption and don’t forget to add where you live.