Good morning!
Hot weather has been taking over the area, which means dry conditions and wildfire warnings. The province has just released a notice on campfire bans across the province in anticipation of upcoming storms. Read all about it, and more, in today’s edition of the Westshore.
— Emma
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NEWS
District of Sooke updates Parks Finder Map
Sooke Rotary Pier. Photo: John Newcomb / Wikimedia
Visitors will have an easier time exploring Sooke’s 72 parks after the district announced the launch of an updated version of the Parks Finder Map on July 9.
"Our parks serve as essential spaces for recreation, relaxation, and connecting with nature,” said manager of parks and environmental services Emma Taylor. “With the introduction of this upgraded tool, we aim to make it easier than ever for residents to discover and enjoy the diverse range of parks available in Sooke."
The Parks Finder Map utilizes maps and data collected from unofficial documents of the District of Sooke and a variety of other sources; created to help visitors and residents learn more about the area and the amenities, green spaces, walking trails and more. While not suggested as a direct navigational tool, the map is a great source for easily accessible information and tips.
Users of the old version of the maps will notice a new layout when they visit the new site, with a list of parks sorted on the right hand side. This change makes it easier to look through all of the parks instead of searching for each individual park, while also providing clearer instructions for users.
“In this phase of enhancements, our primary goal was to highlight the number of parks in our community and provide baseline knowledge of their features for both residents and visitors,” a spokesperson for the District of Sooke told the Westshore.
The Parks Finder Maps have added an advanced search with the ability to filter parks based on your needs, and when visitors find the park they are looking for, they will be able to have access to detailed information, including amenities, location, and description. The best part? All of this is now accessible on your mobile for planning on the go.
“We plan to continue improving the Parks Finder Map based on user feedback and emerging technologies,” the spokesperson said. “A new feature under development already is a filter to identify shaded areas and cooling stations within our parks; this addition aims to enhance the comfort and safety of park visitors, particularly during hot weather.”
The District encourages community members to provide feedback on their experiences using the Parks Finder Map, and continue to discuss how it can be improved for the future.
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ENVIRONMENT
Provincewide campfire ban starts Friday amidst heat wave
The 2023 wildfire in Cameron Bluffs. Photo: James MacDonald / Capital Daily
On July 10, the province announced that they would be banning campfires for everyone except for the Haida Gwaii Forest District starting at noon on July 12 following a week of hot, dry weather.
The province is expecting a cold front in the forecast, sweeping across northern parts of the province and bringing strong winds, thunderstorms, and potential dry lightning as of July 10. Southern areas have also been warned of wind and dry lightning.
This news follows a record-breaking heat wave that swept the province, with heat warnings in Greater Victoria ending mid-week. Provincial officials say that the ban applies to all public and private land, except when otherwise specified, and will remain in effect until noon on Oct. 31, or until it is rescinded.
As of July 10, the province is currently facing 133 active wildfires. The Coastal Fire Centre, along with all other areas, have had Category 2 and 3 open burning bans in place since May 17.
Stay safe and aware
The province suggests that residents stay aware and prepared for upcoming wildfire dangers. Last year was Canada’s worst wildfire season to date, and while the area hasn’t experienced as many as last year, the risk and danger still poses a threat to the community.
The province has a map of wildfires across BC, updated consistently with information on the severity of blazes and the warnings that come with them. On top of this, the government has provided information on wildfire preparation, safety, and response online.
Municipalities in the Westshore can look to the CRD for more local information on fire response and programs, including the Fire Smart program which allows residents to educate themselves on the matter. We at the Westshore have also released a list of information about staying prepared during natural disasters.
While the provincial heat wave looks like it’s coming to an end, hot weather is a risk in the future; BC offers a range of cooling stations across the province, including in the Westshore, which has a map of local spots for those around the community to safely cool off at.
Are you prepared for wildfire season?
Yes, I'm prepared
Yes, but I could do a bit of updating on my preparations
No, but I'm going to start now
No, I don't really know where to get started
Other (tell us in the comments)
Around the 'Shore
🏢Langford City Hall open after flood:Langford’s city hall services are back and running in full capacity as of July 8 after a flood caused a closure for two weeks. While restoration work is still ongoing, designated signs are in place to direct residents seeking assistance from specific departments. City hall services are also available via email or phone.
⚠️ CRD blue-green algae warning: The CRD is warning swimmers and dog owners about an ongoing blue-green algae bloom at Thetis Lake, Elk Lake, and Beaver Lake. Residents are being advised to keep their animals on a leash and not swim or ingest the water; blue-green algae can produce cyanotoxins that can lead to symptoms such as headaches and abdominal pain, and can cause fatal liver damage in dogs. [Times Colonist]
🐕 Royal Roads students help Victoria Pet Adoption Society: Royal Roads students have come together to build a ‘dog-stick library’ to give away in support of the Victoria Pet Adoption Society’s funding. The giveaway will take place between July 10 and July 14, and will be randomized. Municipalities will also be able to enter to have the piece installed in a local dog park. [Victoria Buzz]
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Community Events
💰 Budget pop-up: Head to the Night Market at the Sooke Region Museum this July 11 for the District of Sooke’s community connection budget pop-up. Going from 5 to 8pm, residents will have the chance to learn more about the local budget process while providing personal input and feedback. Budget pop-ups will be happening until Aug. 15, so keep your eye out for the date that suits you best.
🚲 Live like Jordie bike week: Enjoy a weekend filled with bike activities at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park’s free kids expo and Island Cup Enduro #3. Kids expo will be running on July 13 with a kids guided ride from 10am to 12pm and a dirt jump jam from 1 to 3pm. On July 14, watch professional racers take on the enduro race and compete for the cup. This is a free event, so bring your bikes and friends and enjoy.
🎉Explore Langford block party: Join the community and celebrate Langford businesses at the explore Langford block party this July 13. Going from 11am to 4pm, the event will be hosted at Goldstream Avenue to Peatt Road where participating businesses will be giving out promotions, stamps, and giveaways.
What’s Offshore?
No ships today!
Westshore Snaps
Cedar Waxwings. —Gary Woodburn, Colwood
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