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Reporter The Westshore
RECONCILIATION IN TRANSPORTATION
Government gives E&N land back to Snaw-Naw-As
E&N Train Board at Namaimo, BC in October 1979. (📸 Roger Puta)
Faced with a deadline to fund rail on the unused Island Rail Corridor, the federal and provincial governments decided instead to return a portion of the land to the First Nation whose lawsuit sparked the deadline.
Snaw-Naw-As First Nation sued in 2020 for the return of 10.78 acres (4.36 hectares) taken in the late 1800s through a railway-use exception in the Indian Act. With most rail use discontinued as of 2014, a 2021 court decision gave the governments until this Tuesday (March 14) to fund a railway return.
Instead, they gave the land back and said in joint statements that whatever happens with the Island Corridor, it has to be with collaboration from the First Nations.
BC also committed $18 million towards future consultation with the affected First Nations and regional districts that the corridor crosses.
Transportation Minister and Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming said he still wants to see the corridor preserved and used for transportation, but that “any potential future use of the corridor, whether it involves rail restoration or not, must involve First Nations participation and perspectives.”
SURPLUS SPENDING
Your thoughts on spending city budget surplus
Last week lots of readers sent in thoughts about what to do with the millions of surplus budget distributed to municipalities from the province. The number one choice was for recreational facilities—with several people suggesting the money could be used to turn the Westhills YMCA into a regional public recreation space.
Read on to see what your fellow readers had to say!
Around the 'Shore
🌾 CRD voted against dividing ALR land in East Sooke, saying there was no agricultural benefit to the split: Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue had applied to split the property in two, with plans to sell the smaller piece. Sooke Mayor Maja Tait voted in favour, but was defeated by the other Westshore directors. [Sooke News]
🚧 **Salmon defenders protesting plans to widen Malahat at Goldstream:**BC plans to improve safety by widening shoulders, adding barriers and protected pedestrian walkways. But the plan means building out onto Goldstream River, over salmon spawning beds. Protesters say the environmental impact is too great, and are asking for more public consultation. [CHEK]
🧑 💼 Westin Bear Mountain Hospitality Job Fair: March 17 from 3pm to 6pm and March 18 from 10am to 1pm. Register now!*
🚨 Westshore RCMP report increased incidents with youth over the past weeks: In the last two weekends RCMP have responded to 19 incidents, many involving intoxicated youth who were causing a disturbance. Incidents included five fights and two large parties. [RCMP]
🍁 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.*
*Sponsored Listing
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TOGETHER WITH CHERISH AT CENTRAL PARK
Are you ready to upgrade your quality of life?
Cherish at Central Park is an intergenerational community with people aged 55 to 105. Located in the heart of the Westshore in Greater Victoria, Cherish at Central Park offers its residents more than just a home. They offer a community where seniors can age in place gracefully.
Residents have access to a variety of services as their needs change, which significantly enhances their quality of life. The upscale amenities and chef-prepared home-cooked meals awaiting them are within reach. From indulging in the Belvedere Room or beverages and live music in the Jazz Bistro; seniors will enjoy the numerous options to lounge and entertain!
From the billiards room, art studio, workshop, gym, and putting green, Cherish sets a new standard in supportive adult living.
Community Events
🌎 CENiC speakers series: the Colwood environmental group is hosting its annual speakers series over Zoom, five Tuesday evenings in a row starting March 21 with an update on Colwood’s low carbon resiliency plan and planning for climate emergencies, featuring representatives from the city. March 21, 7-8pm.
🎸 **Chilliwack is coming to Sooke!**No it’s not a geographical phenomenon, Chilliwack the band is performing at the Sooke Community Theatre on March 30. Tickets are $50.
🎹 Sooke Philharmonic’s fourth concert of the season: featuring works by Rossini, Mozart, and Vaughan Williams, with a performance by soprano Nancy Washeim, a company favourite. April 1 in Metchosin and April 2 in Sooke.
🐰 Easter egg hunt in Royal Bay: Meadow Park will be full of treasures and activities for Easter fans. April 8, 11am.
What’s Offshore?
Esquimalt Lagoon looking towards Washington State, taken on March 15, 2023 (📸 Zoë Ducklow)
🚢 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. It’s been moored here for a month.
SPONSORED POST. CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE WESTSHORE.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INTERTIDAL COUNSELLING & WELLNESS
Past hardship can be very present
Memories of difficulty are not like other memories. They can include protective body sensations, emotions, impulses, and thoughts that can feel like they are happening now.
If you’re interested in learning more, please feel welcome to book a free consultation with a counsellor from Intertidal Counselling & Wellness.