Good morning Westshore readers, and a happy welcome to all of our new subscribers. Many of you signed up to read the feature profile on Langford’s new mayor, and based on the feedback I’ve heard so far, it was worth it. Today we have news of a View Royal bylaw that might contravene the provincially legislated right to shelter. More on that below.
I’m thrilled to have you here—please write to me anytime with ideas, feedback, questions, stories, photos, jokes, hot takes… etc. I read and appreciate it all! Just reply to this newsletter, or email me at zoe@thewestshore.ca.
Reporter, The Westshore
SHELTER
View Royal to prohibit camping in all parks but one—and new bylaw wording prohibits it there too
Overnighting will be permitted only in View Royal Park in a bylaw update, three years in the making. But if implemented as written, the bylaw could violate a BC Supreme Court ruling by effectively banning all sheltering. (📸 Zoë Ducklow)
The Town of View Royal is looking to restrict camping in 44 parks in the latest version of a camping bylaw, leaving only View Royal Park accessible for those seeking temporary overnight shelter.
But camping there would be technically illegal too, according to the wording of the bylaw, which among other things excludes people from erecting shelters within 100 metres of a footpath. There is no part of View Royal Park more than 100 metres from a footpath.
Mayor Sid Tobias says that the bylaw was not intended to be a wholesale restriction, and that allowances will be made once staff confirm just how much of the park will be available for shelter.
When made aware in an interview with Capital Daily of the potential for the bylaw's wording to create a complete camping ban, Tobias said that changes may be needed.
“If that’s the case, then we may have to amend the bylaws to be able to permit an area for it,” he added.
By Michael John Lo
INFRASTRUCTURE
Historic land swap development to have water and roads, financed by Langford
Langford City Council has agreed to pay for infrastructure connections in portions of the Centre Mountain business park and residential neighbourhood with a $46 million loan—$20.2 million for roads in the business park, $15.1 million for water hookups, and $10.2 million for roads in the residential area. (The money will be recouped through property taxes in the affected area, assuming council also passes a parcel tax bylaw in a coming meeting.)
The development is the result of the historic 2016 land swap and tax revenue sharing agreement between Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation, Langford, and Metchosin. The deal was called a reconciliation agreement. Sc’ianew gave up park land acreage to Metchosin, and Metchosin gave acreage to Langford for development.
Among the 380 acres that was transferred into Langford there will be a business park, of which one section will be owned and operated by the Sc’ianew First Nation—it is their core benefit from giving 370 acres of land to Metchosin. Each of the three governments will share the tax revenue from the Centre Mountain development.
Elected Chief Russ Chipps spoke at Langford’s meeting on Monday to urge council to approve this next step in the development that’s been in the works since long before 2016. He described it as the physical work of reconciliation, saying the benefit of revenue and housing to the nation is critical.
Addressing a possible objection about environmental conservation, Chipps said it can’t always be about saving green space.
“There's got to be a balance. We can save trees, we can save stuff, but we got to start saving human beings in order to use those lands or parks,” he said. “What we're saving is for naught if we can't get along, if we can't look after each other.”
Chipps was accompanied by a lawyer for Sc’ianew, Robert Janes, who spoke of the arduous process that led to the land swap and development plans since then. The bylaw that was before council on Monday is the second-to-last step—next is a parcel tax bylaw which will collect tax off the properties benefiting from the $46 million loan and infrastructure investment.
Council passed the bylaw unanimously.
Around the 'Shore
🐕 🦺 **Best news about a very good dog!******A black mastiff-retriever named Luna was lost for seven days in Highlands before being found, stranded on a narrow cliff above Finlayson Arm. [CTV]
🎁 Surprise your loved ones with a custom-built gift of woodworking. Michael Uhthoff Custom Woodworking builds unique, quality pieces to dazzle those on your gift list this holiday season!
🏎Future in the fast lane: Sooke teen cleaning up at go-kart racing [Sooke News Mirror]
💪🏻 Gift yourself a healthy lifestyle this year with help from the Westhills Y! Memberships are 10% OFF for Langford residents. Sign up at their website!
**🎄 Guerilla Christmas decorating in parks is cheery, but can harm wildlife CRD warns.**Decorations look nice to start, but quickly turn to garbage. [Chek]
🍔 Today is the last day to vote on the Tasting Victoria Restaurant Awards!Click here to tell us your favourite spots.
*Sponsored Listing
SPONSORED POST. CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE WESTSHORE.
TOGETHER WITH CARE2TALK
Care2Talk Health: Healthcare access and easier communication for the senior in your life
Seniors face physical and mental challenges that can make it difficult to stay connected, access doctors, and more. This can increase feelings of isolation and loneliness with negative health impacts.
Care2Talk empowers seniors to get the care and connection they deserve and gives the whole family access to a team of physicians specializing in complex care.
Simplified communication for seniors:- Easy-to-use tablet wth one-touch calling- Secure contact list- Video calls with closed captioning
Direct access to a family physician:- When one family member has Care2Talk, the whole family does- Book virtual or in-person appointments and attend together- Stay current with notifications about your senior's health
Find out how your family can get started today.
Community Events
🥐 **What fuels the MyChosen Cafe:**The Metchosin Seniors Association hosts semi-regular interviews between members of the community. This Friday, owners of the beloved MyChosen Cafe will be interviewed by their daughter. Watch the video presentation live at 11am, or watch the recording at your leisure.
🛷 Santa's visiting Highlands! The Highlands Fire Department is taking a drive around Highlands on Dec. 10, with a special guest hitching a ride atop a fire truck: Santa and his reindeer.
🎄 Very Merry Makers Market will 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?
Esquimalt Lagoon looking towards Washington State, taken on Dec. 7, 2022 (📸 Zoë Ducklow)
🚢 #1 HL SAMCHEONPO (built in 2016) is a bulk carrier from 🇰🇷 INCHEON, South Korea ➡ 🇨🇦 DELTA, BC, still chilling in front of the Esquimalt Lagoon since arriving Sunday afternoon.
SPONSORED POST. CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE WESTSHORE.
IN PARTNERSHIP 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. If you need assistance with federal agencies, contact him.
Westshore Snaps
Didn’t have the full gear with me, but the iPhone 14 did a half decent job of capturing this scene at Glen Lake a couple days ago. —Adam Sobkow, Langford
📸 Snapped a photo you’d like to share? Send it with a caption and don’t forget to add where you live.