Happily, the rains have come and the fire risk has dropped to ”low” in many Westshore communities. While the big community bonfires are still cancelled, backyard fires are permitted again in Metchosin and Highlands.
Along with the refreshing and much-needed rain, however, comes less light, which can make things look gloomy and sad. Luckily, Halloween decorations are out in full force. Even if they’re spooky, the community spirit cheers me right up.
Send photos of your Halloween costumes this weekend for a chance to be featured on our social media feeds! Make sure you follow @TheWestshoreCa on your favourite social channels.
Reporter, The Westshore
COMMUNITY
Sooke seniors are shimmying towards a new centre—lots of support is still needed
(L-R) Rick Robinson, Mary Dunn, Carol Pinalski, Andrew Moore, and Christine Bossi are in charge of The Gathering Place. Pinalski is from Sooke Seniors Drop-In Centre Society; the rest are from the Sooke Region Healthy Communities Network. (Contributed)
They’ve got the people, they’ve got the land—they just need the money to build.
A coalition of two Sooke organizations has a vision for an affordable seniors home and gathering centre. They want to supply some of the badly needed housing and a social place for seniors to join activities and access services.
With wholesome fundraising ideas like sandwiches for seniors at the Legion—where $5 from every sandwich sold goes towards the fund—a books for boomers collection and book sale, and an upcoming retro-themed dance, they’ve raised just over $72,000. But they need $2 million.
The two groups, Sooke Region Healthy Communities Network and the Sooke Seniors Drop-In Centre Society, decided earlier this year to merge their separate ideas of seniors housing and an activities centre into one project, dubbed The Gathering Place. Not only will this collaboration save on expenses like architects, engineers, and permits, but the building will become a hub for activity.
“We haven't had a seniors centre in Sooke for over a decade,” said Christine Bossi, executive director of the Sooke Region Healthy Communities Network (SRHCN). The former meeting area was lost when the neighbouring dentist office expanded. For a few years they had a twice-weekly rental at the community hall, but that was interrupted by the pandemic.
The Drop-in Society has been looking for spaces to rent in Sooke, but they’ve all had physical barriers for people using wheelchairs or scooters. A dedicated, purpose-built seniors centre will fill a major gap in Sooke services.
The coalition is applying for a grant from BC Housing to fund the residential portion of the building, but there are no grants available to cover the non-residential activities and events spaces. That’s what the $2 million fundraising goal is for.
Raffles, sandwich sales, dances, and auctions will only go so far, so Bossi is counting on large-ticket donations from families.
“Everyone is getting older, right? So everyone is interested in investing in having a seniors centre in the community,” she said. “There are many people in this community who have made their their way nicely through through living here, so they can be possible donors.”
The District of Sooke provided the land, beside the new library on Wadams Way, for $3 a year, with back-to-back leases that add up to 100 years.
To donate, visit The Gathering Place.
Architectural rendering of The Gathering Place with 79 affordable seniors residences.
Missing sailor found dead
(Supplied)
A petty officer on the HMCS Calgary, based at the Canadian Forces’ Esquimalt base, was reported missing earlier this week. The search ended yesterday when his body was found in a wooded area near the barracks.
Carlos Cea was a husband and father of four. Military police are supporting the BC Coroner’s office in the investigation, and said no further details will be released.
The missing person notice had been shared to dozens of groups online, primarily among the large military community on the South Island. Now those notices have been updated with the news of Cea’s death. People who knew him are writing comments with their memories, condolences to his family, and expressions of their own grief.
Cea had served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 18 years, spending close to 1,000 days at sea.
Around the ’Shore
**⚽️ Two Pacific FC players are finalists for CPL Player of the Year,**Alejandro Díaz and Manuel Aparicio. Díaz was a scoring powerhouse for Pacific—he scored 13 goals in the 18 games he played this season before being transferred to Norway. Without even finishing the season, Díaz is tied for second-most goals in the Canadian Premier League's history. Midfielder Aparicio is called one of the hardest working players in the league. His creativity and ball control were a noticeable boon to the team. Pacific won 11 out of 17 games when Aparicio was on the pitch. In the 11 games he didn’t play, the team won only twice. The defending champions are out of the playoffs, after being edged out by Atlético Ottawa on Sunday. The teams were evenly matched, but Pacific hasn’t been the same offensively after transferring Díaz.
🚥 The Galloping Goose has a new solar powered crosswalk where it crosses Happy Valley Road in Metchosin, courtesy of a $10,000 road safety grant from the province. [Island Health]
🏠 Designed for your lifestyle: Centennial Court offers elevated amenities with studio, one- and two-bedroom homes. Move in this winter! Sales start in October, from the low $300s.*
🪖 Canadian military’s chief of professional conduct and culture visited CFB Esquimalt this week: The new position was created last year in response to publicity over sexual misconduct, racism, and misogyny in the Armed Forces. Lt.-Gen. Jennie Carignan is trying to fundamentally shift culture in the Forces by consulting members and training leaders. [Black Press]
🌎 Join the conversation at Rising Economy 2022, an in-person and virtual conference featuring leading changemakers on Greater Victoria’s most critical topics. Nov 15 - 17.*
**🍰 Langford man baking furiously to winThe Great Canadian Baking Show:**John Fowler was named star baker this week for his botanical creations—including his spruce tip cookies with hibiscus jelly. Six of 10 contestants remain; each week one baker goes home. [Vic Buzz]
*Sponsored Listing
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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
**🍔 Langford Food Truck Festival at The Station:**The party’s on, rain or shine, with tents and heaters in case it’s wet and cold. There’s a huge lineup of food trucks, a beer truck and mulled wine station, all to be serenaded by live bands. Plus, professional pumpkin carving, face painting, balloon art, crafts, and all the Station’s artists and businesses. Bring a donation for the Goldstream Foodbank. 2-8pm on Saturday and 11am-3pm on Sunday.
🏒 Westshore Wolves take on the Comox Valley Glacier Kings tonight at the Q Centre. Puck drops at 7pm, tickets at the door.
🎻 The Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra opens its 25th season with Chopin’s lavish Piano Concerto No. 1, featuring award winning youth soloist Carey Wang. Music director Yariv Aloni and the orchestra will also perform Beethoven and Fauré. Two performances: Oct. 29, 7:30pm at St. Mary’s Church in Metchosin, and Oct. 30, 2:30pm at the Sooke Community Hall.
🕺🏻 Little Monsters Ball—a disco party for the whole family at the Juan de Fuca Seniors Centre. This disco has soft play areas for the non-walkers, carefully chosen music levels, glow sticks, and a family friendly environment. Oct. 29, 1:30-4:30pm.
**🍭 Trunk or Treat at Colwood Church.**Annual Halloween bash in the parking lot, with candy, crafts, and pumpkin carving. Oct. 29, 4-6:30pm, 2250 Sooke Rd.
🎃 A decidedly un-preschoolerly party to raise funds for the Metchosin co-op preschool will have live music, dancing, costume prizes, a DJ, and a cash bar. Money is going towards essential building repairs. Oct. 29, 7:30pm, Metchosin Community Hall.
👻Ghostbusters:a Halloween drive in movie fundraiser. The Sooke Harmony Project’s drum line and strings ensemble are hosting a ghostactular drive-in fundraiser. Oct. 30, 6:30pm, SEAPARC parking lot. $25 suggested donation per vehicle—tickets must be purchased in advance.
⛸**Halloween skate at SEAPARC in Sooke:**Grab your Halloween costumes and skates and treat yourself to some spooky skating during the Everyone Welcome Skate. Spooktacular prizes for best costume. Skate Rentals available at our skate shop. Admission is a $2 minimum or a non-perishable food donation for the Sooke Food Bank. Reserve in advance online or in person if space permits.
🧑🏼 🚒 Metchosin’s firefighters have a spookyHalloween Lane for trick or treaters to drive through on Halloween night, from 6-8pm.
What’s Offshore?
Esquimalt Lagoon looking towards Washington State, taken on Oct. 26, 2022 (📸 Tom Gierasimczuk)
🚢 The Great Perseus is a Bulk Carrier built in 2010 and is sailing under the flag of Panama. It is sailing from 🇯🇵 Kokura, Japan ➡ 🇨🇦 Vancouver and was scheduled to arrive yesterday.
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TODAY’S PARTNER: UVIC
Catch the best women’s university rugby
Watch the best women's university rugby teams from across Canada compete for the national championship! Catch the action at UVic, November 2-6.
Get your tickets online atGoVikesGo.com/Rugby2022.
Beer, snacks, and local media chats
🍻 If you’re a Capital Daily Insider, join us Friday for a drink and snacks at Swans Pub in Victoria to chat about how Capital Daily can better serve you, with co-founder and CEO Farhan Mohamed. Friday, Oct. 28, 3:30-5:30pm. We're already 75% full, so claim your spot and register for free now. This event is only open to Insiders.
Not an Insider member? Sign up here for access to Friday's event, plus exclusive swag, discounts, and more!