Good morning, readers. Two years ago Langford was stunned by the violent shooting of Angela Dalman, a 40-year-old single mother. This week, the man who admitted to the murder received his sentence—life without parole for at least 14 years—and details of what happened that night were finally released.
And, as councils around the Westshore approach the end of the elected term, a regular debate is surfacing in Metchosin.
Reporter, The Westshore
CRIME
Langford man sentenced to life for murder of single mother
Lisa Robertson, left, and Amanda Hawboldt, both friends of Angela Dalman, spoke of her after the sentencing hearing Aug. 23. (📸 Zoë Ducklow/The Westshore)
In a sentencing hearing held this week, Anthony Singh Dheensaw, 38, was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 14 years for the muder of Angela Dalman. He was also sentenced to nine years for attempted murder, which he will serve concurrently.
Details of what happened on March 6, 2020 were revealed for the first time at the sentencing hearing—because Dheensaw pleaded guilty there was no trial.
The murder was a case of mistaken identity, the court heard. Dalman had a similar stature to the person Dheensaw was targeting: the girlfriend of the man who had evicted Dheensaw from his home. He shot her once with a rifle, and she had no signs of life by the time she got to Victoria General Hospital.
Dalman, 40 the time of the murder, had a son, Austin, who is now 18. Her friends and family remembered her as a loving and generous person.
“Everyone says they were her best friend, because that’s really how she made people feel,” said one such friend, Lisa Robertson, on Tuesday outside the courtroom.
HOUSING
The issue of housing is set to simmer ahead of Metchosin’s election
A familiar debate is brewing in Metchosin about housing, change, and how much of it Metchosin should take on. About 10 years ago, the small community was divided over a push to allow detached secondary suites. Now, a Metchosin woman is advocating for temporary structures to be allowed, as well.
Sarah Anthony has been advocating for housing solutions in the rural community, and on Monday night she formally presented her plan to council via the Finance and Environment Committee. Her ask is for an amendment to allow one RV pad or tiny home on any property in Metchosin.
“Obviously we can't solve this whole [housing crisis], but we can maybe help a little bit, maybe ease some pressure,” Anthony said.
She shared stories from several people she’s spoken to over the months who have precarious living situations. Many of them are on a fixed income, and lots even have full-time jobs but are still struggling to find a place to live.
RV pads and tiny homes are easier and cheaper than permanent secondary suites, and they’re already in common use in Metchosin, Anthony said. One of the benefits to implementing her proposal would mean that people who are already living in RVs on Metchosin properties would be able to do so legally. District staff could inspect the homes for safety and compliance with water and sewage bylaws.
Lots of residents were at council chambers to comment, including president of the Association for the Protection of Rural Metchosin (APRM) Jay Shukin.
“I have to say we do not believe that a change is in the best interest of Metchosin,” he said.
He primarily disagreed with Anthony’s claim that RVs and tiny homes are equivalent to secondary suites in terms of bylaw enforcement. Shukin argued that the investment needed from the landowner, and the plans and permits required, ensure longevity and give the district more power to make sure environmental protections are followed.
And because owners of RVs and tiny homes on wheels would not pay property taxes, Shukin said the population increase would be subsidized by people living in regular homes. Anita Strauss agreed saying, “I don't see why the rest of us have to subsidize a style of living that isn't paying anything into the community to help the community thrive.”
Overall, he suggested the proposal wouldn’t even address affordable housing, since it relies on the altruism of the landowner choosing to keep rent affordable and make the space available to people “who are worthy of that alternative housing.”
“I would suggest that the real opportunity here is not for affordable housing options, but for private landowners to develop short-term vacation rental suites,” Shukin said.
“We've done our share for housing by saying that every property can have an in-house suite or a detached secondary suite. That's our contribution. We don't want to attract a whole lot of temporary transient people. That's not how you build community,” Bev Bacon said.
Carrie Hill rejected the notion of a transient population that doesn’t contribute to the community. She’s been in Metchosin for 21 years, working as a farmer.
“I am not a transient nor a difficult or homeless resident. I've raised four of my children here. I'm facing homelessness due to factors that are not in my control, coming up this spring.” She went on to say an RV pad rental would be an ideal solution for her and her children.
Other speakers opposed the APRM’s arguments, and spoke up in support of Anthony’s proposal. Diana Smith took issue with Shukin’s claim that Metchosin isn’t the ideal place for affordable housing because it’s far from community resources.
“Tiny house users choosing to live here probably would see the joy of living here is worth the inconvenience, just like the rest of us,” she said. “Let’s do what we can to be part of the solution. Let's share the wealth in a responsible way.”
Mayor John Ranns recalled the debate over detached homes a decade ago, and said the uptake of people building suites was minimal and did not live up to fears that it would change the nature of Metchosin.
“As somebody that has been committed most of my adult life to keeping this place rural, I don't believe that this is going to be a compromise to any of the rural nature of this community,” he said.
The one thing everyone agreed on is that this is a matter for the next council.
Around the 'Shore
🙋🏻 All-candidates forums scheduled for late September: The WestShore Chamber of Commerce will host video-based forums for all Westshore candidates running in the municipal and school board elections this fall. Dates and times are tentatively set for Sept. 27, 28, 29, and Oct 4. Right now the chamber is collecting questions which will be shared with candidates before the forum; submit your questions here.
🤝 Now hiring: Service Desk Analyst at ISM Canada.
🚨 Newfoundland murder convict granted 3 month day parole from William Head Institution. Brian Doyle pleaded guilty to murdering his friend’s mother in 1991—after he allowed that friend to be wrongfully imprisoned for his mother’s death. Doyle admitted guilt during an undercover police operation, and was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2003 for second-degree murder. He will live in a halfway house in Victoria for three months to attend a recovery program, and will return to William Head after three months. The parole board noted that he is at low to moderate risk to reoffend. [CBC]
🛒 Local online Shopify marketplace launching soon! The Westshore is creating an online marketplace that will be a one-stop shop for independent local Shopify stores. If you would like your shop included, send us an email.
SPONSORED POST. CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE WESTSHORE.
TOGETHER WITH ONE BEAR MOUNTAIN
Construction is underway – move in summer 2024!
Construction of One Bear Mountain is underway! Their completion date will have homeowners move in the summer of 2024.
A select inventory of exceptional 2-bedroom+ homes are now available. Choose the unit that perfectly fits your needs: their Sun Collection features exceptional 2-bedroom designs from the mid $700s, or take a look at their Signature Home Collection, which offers larger square footage 2-bedroom+ from $1.5 – $3 million.
Which one will you choose?
Browse available floor plans on their website and find the space that is perfect for you. Learn more at OneBearMountain.com.
Community Events
🎸 This weekend marks the last of Colwood’s summer of music: Country music group The Chick Wagon Band performs at Meadow Green Park in Royal Bay, 6-8pm. And Nautical Disaster, a Tragically Hip tribute band, takes the closing slot on Saturday night at Esquimalt Lagoon, 5-7pm.
🌭Multi-household Garage sale in View Royal at 14 Erskine Lane. There are 28 residences participating, and parking directors will help manage traffic. Aug. 27, 9am-1:30pm.
💜 **Sooke is holding its first International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug 31.**Mayor Maja Tait will make a proclamation recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day, and representatives from T’Sou-ke First Nation will open the evening. There will be stories, poems and music by various volunteer artists. Naloxone training will be provided, and supporting groups will share resources and information about their services. The evening will finish with a candlelight vigil and “say their name” to honour and remember the people we’ve lost. Ed Macgregor Park at 6:30pm.
What’s Offshore?
Max Wei took this photo last year when the Grouse Arrow was in English Bay, Vancouver.
🚢****Grouse Arrow (built in 1991) is a cargo ship that arrived Tuesday night from 🇨🇳SHANGHAI, but its next stop hasn't been shared.
SPONSORED POST. CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE WESTSHORE.
📸 David Cooper
TODAY’S PARTNER: DANCE VICTORIA
Early bird Nutcracker tickets for Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet with Victoria Symphony
Save up to 20% off regular priced adult tickets to Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker using promo code Nut-Westshore until Sept. 14 at 10pm. A snowy pond hockey game, battle on Parliament Hill, Mounties, and a cast of Canadian critters make this Nutcracker memorable.
December 2-4, 7pm | December 3 & 4, 1pm | Royal Theatre
Tickets at Royal and McPherson Theatres or 250-386-6121.
Westshore Snaps
(📸 Shannon Burnside)
"The last of the Daffodil Cup in the Westshore." — Shannon Burnside, Colwood.
📸 Snapped a photo you’d like to share? Send it with a caption and don’t forget to add where you live.