Good morning, Westshore readers! I visited a sheep farm this weekend, so don’t be surprised if I quit reporting and become a shepherd. Even though they’d just been fed, a dozen of them wandered over to the fence to say hi and get some face scratches. Their warm breath felt so nice on my cold fingers, and with their funny little sideways pupils and big floppy ears it’s easy to understand why so many people have become hobby sheep farmers.
Like Monique Anstee, who initially got a few sheep because she has a border collie and works as a dog trainer. She was quickly enamoured, and the sheep became a hobby in their own right.
But between the long dry summer and the hungry predators, it’s been a difficult year for those who coexist daily with predators.
Reporter, The Westshore
FARMING
Predators an increasing problem for sheep farmers, but not their biggest challenge
A beautiful black sheep at Perry Bay Sheep Farm. (📸 Zoë Ducklow)
John Buchanan remembers watching a thick black bear stretched to its full height reaching into an apple tree for its lunch—with a flock of docile, unafraid sheep crowded around the tree waiting for leftovers.
That was in the early ’90s. Sheep-bear relations are less beatific now.
In a video captured by a security camera, a lamb is seen frantically running at a gate, but the gate doesn’t budge. A black bear jogs into frame, cornering the sheep between the fence and the gate. It wastes no time going for the lamb’s neck. The video is silent except for the first fence rattle, hooves on crisp leaves, and then the sound of rustling as the bear bites down.
It was the third sheep Monique Anstee lost to a bear this year.
This was a banner year for Anstee, a hobby farmer who lives not far from Buchanan’s farm. She had a record number of lambs, added 20 ewes to her existing flock of 10—and had three sheep eaten by bears.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The bureaucracy of old growth
In its first regular meeting as a council, residents asked that Metchosin sign on to an open declaration calling for a stop to old-growth logging and greater protections for forests. While each councillor said they agreed with the sentiments of the declaration, they voted 3-2 against signing on.
Coun. Jay Shukin said he was “reluctant to sign on to this simply because of where it originates. I would feel very differently if it came from a local government source.” He, Coun. Shelly Donaldson and Mayor Marie-Térèse Little said the letter didn’t overlap with municipal jurisdiction. They also didn’t like being the first municipality to sign on. Other signatories are non-governmental climate organizing groups like Awi'nakoIa Tree of Life Foundation (Kwakwaka'wakw Nation), the BC chapter of Canadian Association of Physicians, Climate Justice Victoria, the David Suzuki Foundation, and Dogwood.
Joan Rosenberg, who spoke in support of signing, said the group, United for Old Growth, is just beginning to reach out to municipalities for support. “You just got stuck as the first because you’re my municipality.” Couns. Steve Gray and Sharie Epp voted in favour.
Pushing back against low voter turnout
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait at the swearing-in ceremony on Nov. 7, 2022. (📸 District of Sooke)
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait wants to rearrange how committee of the whole meetings are used to try to increase public engagement.
“I took it seriously when I saw [voter] turnout drop so significantly in our community,” she said at the Nov. 14 council meeting. “Local government is the level of government closest to the people. We interfere with and upset everybody routinely, and yet we saw low turnout. We need to find a different way of conducting business.”
Her idea is to encourage the public to bring their concerns and issues to committee of the whole meetings where there isn’t a packed agenda. Regular council meetings start at 7pm, and the more involvement there is the later the meetings go. Council unanimously agreed to hold 1pm committee of the whole meetings on the third Monday of the month, and occasionally also the first Monday.
Those meetings can be less formal—she cited ideas from other communities such as hosting the meeting at the high school to get students involved, or offering hot food to encourage people to attend. The committee of the whole meetings are also a good opportunity for councillors to report back on their work at intra-municipal committee work, since time is often tight in regular council meetings but the information is important.
Around the 'Shore
🚍 **Capital Regional District has hopes of making progress on regional transportation with new, collaborative mayors.**Re-elected CRD chair Colin Plant (also a Saanich councillor) said the new mayors in Langford and Metchosin have promised to work collaboratively, something their predecessors did not exhibit. Former Metchosin Mayor John Ranns pulled his support from a tentative regional transit authority because of lack of confidence in the CRD to manage the project. Former Langford mayor Stew Young simply didn’t attend CRD meetings, sending councillors instead. [Times Colonist]
**👩🏻 ⚖️ Two men accused of murdering a retired Metchosin doctor are on trial.**The accused escaped from William Head prison in 2019, and are accused of killing Martin Payne during the few days before they were caught. Zachary Armitage and James Lee Busch pled not-guilty. The trial continues this week. [Times Colonist]
🥳 Colourful Business 2022: Come and join this**amazing expo of diverse businesses** and spectacular live performances on Sat., Nov. 26 at the Victoria Conference Centre. Bring your family and friends! FREE admission.*
🎄 The District of Sooke and Sooke firefighters are gearing up for their annual Christmas fundraiser. This year the goal is to raise $56,000 that will go towards 400 families in need via the Sooke Foodbank and in partnership with Village Foods and Western Foods. Find out where to help here, and how to sign up to receive a Christmas hamper.
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TOGETHER WITH EMOTIONALLY ALIGNED COUNSELLING & COACHING
Life can be better
If you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, anxious, or depressed, you're not alone. Post-pandemic many are people suffering from mental health issues, and with the holidays and new year just around the corner, it can feel like you're never going to catch a break. But there is help.****
Emotionally Aligned Counselling & Coaching offers virtual mental health counselling to those who need it now. Let them help you get your life back on track, from the comfort of your own home.
Community Events
☕️ Friday Socials with Metchosin Seniors’ Association. Drop by the Metchosin Community House for coffee and conversation. Hosted by Baha'is of Metchosin, with music guests. Nov. 25, 1-3pm and the Metchosin Community House.
🖌 Metchosin’s annual Mighty Fine sale and show is back. The show features small fine art pieces from new and returning artists. Every weekend starting Nov. 25 until Dec. 24. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, (plus Thursday, Dec. 22) 11am-4pm.
🎶 Handel’sMessiahperformed by the Sooke Philharmonic Chorus and Orchestra, with four guest soloists. Handel’s oratorio, with its message of hope and joy, is as relevant today as it was at the time of its first performance in Dublin in 1742 and has become part of the traditions of the Christmas season. Dec. 3, 7:30pm at the Sooke Community Hall, and Dec. 4, 2:30pm at Royal Roads in the Dogwood Auditorium. Tickets and more information.
🎅🏼 Very Merry Makers Marketwill showcase more than 50 food and craft vendors, with live entertainment, wreath-making classes, and, if you’ve been good, a visit with old St. Nick himself! 10am-4pm, Dec. 10 and 11 at 4495 Metchosin Rd.
What’s Offshore?
Nothing today!
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CAPITAL DAILY HOLIDAY DRIVE
💝 Help us help local children this holiday season
For the third year in a row, Capital Daily and United Way Southern Vancouver Island are raising funds for vital Greater Victoria community programs. This year, your donations will support early childhood education, giving Victoria kids the building blocks to succeed.
We are hoping to raise $200,000 this year, which can help 1 in 4 local young children and their families. Your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by generous local business partners. Donate today and invest in the future of our city and region!
Westshore Eats
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