Good morning Westshore!
The weekend was full of surprises for me of the usual variety—car troubles, snow-cancelled plans, running into old friends—and the _un_usual variety—seeing Neil Young perform in person. You too?
Reporter The Westshore
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ENVIRONMENT
United for Old Growth rally draws a crowd and one very surprising musical guest
Neil Young addresses the gathered crowd at the United for Old Growth rally in Victoria on Feb. 25. (📸 Zoë Ducklow)
Tiny flakes of snow were landing on the remaining crowd. It was hours before the snowfall would begin in earnest, but the front lawn of the provincial legislature buildings was a cold place to be standing still, listening to speakers.
Thousands of people had gathered Saturday afternoon for a United for Old Growth rally with homemade signs to listen to activists, scientists, politicians, Indigenous leaders, and—unexpectedly—Neil Young.
The Canadian legend made his way by train, car, and ferry, guitar and harmonica in tow, accompanied by his wife, actress Daryl Hannah, to add his voice to the melee calling for a halt to the way BC is managing our natural resources, especially forests.
“Oh, this old world keeps spinnin' 'round / It's a wonder, tall trees ain't layin' down / There comes a time,” he sang from his song, "Comes a Time".
HOUSING
Garden suites about to get a little bigger, a little easier in Colwood
Three core changes to the existing rules have been recommended to Colwood council: townhouses and duplexes will be allowed to include garden suites, as long as they can meet requirements for space and lot coverage; garden suites can be up to 970 square feet (90 sq. m) to match the size of secondary suites; and the square footage of garden suites won’t count towards the limit of how much accessory building is allowed in a yard.
Currently, garden suites are only allowed on properties where there is a detached single family home, their size is limited to 645 sq. feet, and they count towards the total allowable square footage of accessory buildings allowed on a property.
Garden suites are treated differently from secondary suites (i.e. a basement suite) in zoning because they’re a separate building from the main house, often above a garage.
A public hearing to discuss the proposed bylaw is scheduled for March 2 at 6:30pm. After the public hearing closes, council is not allowed to hear any more information or opinions, so make sure to get your questions and ideas submitted before then. To contribute, write to council ahead of time, or participate in the meeting in person, online, or over the phone.
Around the 'Shore
🤝 Te’mexw Treaty negotiations are nearing completion: A series of open houses have been planned for the public to learn about the proposed terms. Five nations are part of the Te’mexw Treaty: Beecher Bay (SC’IA⁄NEW), Malahat, Snaw-Naw-As, Songhees, and T’Sou-ke. Negotiations have been going on since 1994 when the Te’mexw Treaty Association was formed.
There are three open houses in the Westshore: Sooke: March 2, 4:30-7pm at Edward Milne Community School. Colwood: March 4, 11am-3pm at the Quarterdeck at Royal Roads, 2005 Sooke Rd. Metchosin: March 15, 4:30-7pm at Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Rd.
👩🏻 💻 Online counselling for those who want to find inner peace and confidence. Emotionally Aligned Counselling can help you move beyond just surviving.*
🏢 Museum costs have risen to $270 million: Royal BC Museum’s collections and research building in Royal Bay is projected to cost the province almost $100 million more than its original estimate, CBC reported. In a news release, the government said the rising price tag is thanks to global inflation and a "hot construction market." The facility is expected to be completed in 2026.
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🚮 Langford retiree on a mission to stay fit, keep city clean: “When I’m out picking up garbage, it’s like a meditation," Tom Kile says. [CTV]
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TOGETHER WITH****GABLECRAFT HOMES
Start making memories today
This established community is built around the beautiful Meadow Park, complete with natural play structures and water features. Schools are just mere steps from your front door, including the newly built Royal Bay Secondary School and a future elementary school.
Enjoy the outdoors in one of the many trails or bike paths, or plan to visit The Commons retail village this summer for your shopping and dining needs.
Now with single family homes ready for quick possession this spring and early summer, make your dream of owning a new home in 2023 a reality.
New 3 bedroom homes starting at $899,900New homes with suites starting at $1,124,900
Community Events
🧵A story of romance, ethics, and the fight for a 7.5¢ raise: The Pajama Game musical is being performed by the Black Wing Theatre Company at Royal Bay Secondary. The story follows Babe, a strong and determined woman who works at a pajama factory. As she leads the fight for a raise, she falls in love with her superintendent. Will she choose love or loyalty? First performed in 1954, The Pajama Game won a Tony for Best Musical and later became a hit film starring Doris Day. March 8-11 at the Teechamitsa Theatre at Royal Bay Secondary.
🗑 **Annual Whiffin Spit beach cleanup with Surfriders:**The beach is a hotspot for styrofoam, so every year Surfriders Foundation organizes a beach cleanup. Bring gloves and a bucket. 11am-1pm.
🤝 Community grants available in Sooke: Non-profit organizations that work in Sooke are invited to apply for a grant from the district of up to $7,000. The grants are meant for projects that benefit Sooke residents that would not be able to operate without financial assistance. Read the details and submit applications here; the deadline to apply is March 15.
What’s Offshore?
Esquimalt Lagoon looking towards Washington State. (📸 Zoë Ducklow)
⛴ #1 The Pan Hope is a bulk carrier built in 2011 and is sailing under the flag of Panama. It is sailing from 🇨🇦 Port Edward (between Prince Rupert and Kitimat) ➡ 🇨🇦 Vancouver, BC and was scheduled to arrive yesterday.
🚢 #2 The HL Vision is a bulk carrier built in 2011 and is sailing under the flag of South Korea. It is sailing from 🇰🇷 Gwangyang, Korea ➡ 🇨🇦 North Vancouver, BC and was scheduled to arrive Feb. 10.
🛳 #3 The Mariloula is a bulk carrier built in 2008 and is sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands. It is sailing from 🇨🇳 Qingdao, China ➡ 🇨🇦 Victoria, BC and was scheduled to arrive on Feb. 11.
SPONSORED POST. CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE WESTSHORE.
Best Indian Restaurant winner (download the guide to find out who it is!)
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TASTING VICTORIA BEST RESTAURANT AWARDS
Your digital pocket guide to the city’s must-try spots
From the best new restaurant to the best hidden gem, download your guide to the winners of this year’s Tasting Victoria Best Restaurant Awards, presented by Gordon Food Service.
With fresh new categories added to the roster in 2023, you’ll want to find out who tops the list this year!
Westshore Snaps
"Amazing sunrises on Triangle Mountain."—Pam Gale, Langford
📸 Snapped a photo you’d like to share? Send it with a caption and don’t forget to add where you live.