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REPLANTING
Trees cut for development fund exponentially more new saplings
These trees will be cut down when the Canadian Tire on Admirals Road expands, but the $500 Canadian Tire has to pay for each one could result in a free tree for your home. (📸 Zoë Ducklow)
Several trees will be cut down when the Canadian Tire on Admirals Road expands, but the $500 Canadian Tire has to pay for each one could result in a free tree for your home.
Late last year, View Royal approved an expansion plan for the Canadian Tire on Admirals and Craigflower roads. These maple trees will be cut down to make way for an extended parking lot and new garden centre, and there won’t be space to replant double the number. So the company will pay $500 for each tree it cuts.
Through View Royal’s new residential tree planting program, money collected from tree cutting permits or cash in lieu payments will be used to buy trees for View Royal homeowners with space and interest.
Any homeowner with adequate lawn space can apply for a tree through the program. Town staff will assess the location to make sure it’s suitable and get a commitment from the owner that they’ll care for the tree. Once approved, a tree will be delivered and planted.
The program just launched in 2022, and already 19 trees have been allocated to homeowners. The new trees will be from View Royal’s protected tree list that are suited for the location: anything from a Garry oak to a Pacific dogwood to a Douglas fir.
Last year, View Royal collected $11,000 from 22 trees that were cut down and unable to be replaced on the same property. It only cost $1,000 to buy all 19 trees, which means with the cash in lieu, more than 200 trees can be planted where only 44 are required for replacement. (Two trees have to be planted for every one that’s cut down with a permit in View Royal.)
ARCHIVES
Camouflage art in the ancient forests
On a sunny afternoon in the dappled shade of Goldstream Provincial Park’s old forest, an unusual scene unfolded. One giant cedar tree, angled away from the granite slab it grew beside, was the centre of quiet attention.
A painter, a model, two videographers, a photographer, and a few helpers watched as the painter transformed the model into an extension of the tree.
Around the 'Shore
❄️ Mystical looking ‘ice hair’ shows up when conditions are just right, as they have been on the west coast this week. [Times Colonist]
❤️ 🩹 What if it was okay to be exactly how you are? The counsellors at Intertidal Wellness think it is. Try a free 15-minute consultation today.*
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TOGETHER WITH****MP ALISTAIR MACGREGOR
Proudly representing the Cowichan-Malahat-Langford riding since 2015
As your Member of Parliament, Alistair MacGregor understands that life for Canada’s workers should be getting easier; not harder. That’s why New Democrats successfully fought for an increase to the GST benefit, rent relief, and a national dental care program.
If you need assistance with federal agencies, or would like to know more about how Alistair is bringing Langford and Westshore voices to Ottawa, please contact him.
Community Events
🎥 Bones of Crows community screening: The movie is the story of a Cree matriarch who worked as a code talker for the Canadian Air Force in World War II. First of a five-part series, the movie was partly filmed in Esquimalt territory. Saturday, Feb. 4, 7pm at Royal Bay Secondary.
🎨 Metchosin Art Pod’s Iterations art show opens tomorrow, and they have a virtual Zoom opening on Thursday. Artists were invited to create art in a series for this curated and juried show. The physical gallery is open Feb. 3 - March 26; the ArtPod is open Fridays to Sundays 11am-4pm.
🏉 **U18 Boys BC Club Final:**Championship rugby is coming to Langford this Saturday as the Salish Sea Warriors take on UBCOB Ravens at Starlight Stadium. Tickets are free, kickoff at 2pm.
What’s Offshore?
Esquimalt Lagoon looking towards Washington State, taken on Feb. 1. (📸 Zoë Ducklow)
⛴ #1 The CS Wu Han is a bulk carrier built in 2021 and is sailing under the flag of Hong Kong. It is sailing from 🇨🇳 Tianjin Xingang, China ➡ 🇨🇦 Tsawwassen, BC and was scheduled to arrive three weeks ago on Jan. 2, 2023.
🚢 #2 The Tenso is a bulk carrier built in 2014 and is sailing under the flag of Japan. It is sailing from 🇯🇵 Hitachinaka, Japan ➡ 🇨🇦 Vancouver, BC and was scheduled to arrive Jan. 25.
🛳 #3 The Golden Magnum is a bulk carrier built in 2009 and is sailing under the flag of Hong Kong. It is sailing from 🇨🇳 Jiangyin, China ➡ 🇨🇦 Vancouver, BC and was scheduled to arrive on Jan. 1.
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH****GABLECRAFT HOMES
Single family homes starting at $949,900
Make yourself at home within the stunning master plan community of Royal Bay, curated and built by GableCraft Homes, known for having a reputation as a new homeowner’s first choice.
Embrace the opportunity to thrive within this thoughtfully designed seaside community with front door access to the Pacific.
Ask about their guaranteed pricing.
Westshore Snaps
A spectacular view of Mt. Baker overlooking lower Bear Mountain. — Wendy Chapman, Langford
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