West Shore This Week – Holiday season takes flight

Welcome to West Shore This Week, your source for the latest local news and events. Sign up to get this in your inbox every Wednesday.

News and announcements

• Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reported a total of 1,959 new cases of COVID-19 from Nov. 14 to 16. There were 41 new cases reported in the Island Health region during that time period, bringing the total number of active cases in the region to 99, according to Island Health. Henry says this is a “critical” time for us and that people should continue to wear masks, stay home when sick, avoid social gatherings and minimize travel.
• A final draft of the View Royal Park Master Plan was presented at the View Royal Council meeting on Nov. 17. Details in the plan include a defined off-leash area for dogs, permanent washroom facilities and some expansion of the community gardens. Read the full plan here.
• On Nov. 16, Fisgard Lighthouse celebrated its 160th anniversary. The light at the top of the lighthouse was first lit in 1860 and has weathered wind, rain and damage from guns at Fort Rodd Hill. Parks Canada invites community members to share memories through photos and stories and create new ones.
• All schools in the Sooke School District will end three hours early on Thursday, Nov. 19 followed by a non-instructional day on Nov. 20.
• The South Island Prosperity Partnership has released Reboot: Greater Victoria’s Economic Recovery Plan. The Rising Economy Taskforce developed the plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It contains various action items to help economic recovery in the South Island.
• COVID-19 isn’t stopping Belmont Secondary and Royal Bay Secondary from putting on their well-known 10,000 Tonight food drive. This year, it’s taking place by drive-through on Dec. 1, 3, 8 and 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. Cash and food donations will be accepted. Find more information here.
• Colwood and Metchosin will be hosting Backpack Project donation boxes at their municipal halls. Starting Tuesday, new item donations will be accepted through contactless drop-offs. Check out the Backpack Project Facebook page for more information.
• The steel road plates on Veterans Memorial Parkway at Allandale Road are being removed but the City of Colwood says they will be required again in the future. The plates have protected the road surface during work to prepare the Allandale District site for sale and development.
• West Shore RCMP is investigating two suspicious fires that took place within a week at abandoned Langford homes, the Goldstream News Gazette reports.
• The Meanwhile in Sooke Holiday Food Bank Challenge is back and is looking to raise $10,000 for the Sooke Food Bank. Last year, the fundraiser raised $7,500. Donations can be made online.

Community events

• Now until Dec. 6: 💰 The Metchosin Community House is putting on a Silent Auction fundraiser. Treats, treasures and services have been donated by local businesses and community members for it. View items and submit bids in person Sundays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Metchosin Farmers Market.
• Now until Nov. 26: 🍾 Bring your bottles and cans to a contactless bottle drive and help the Goldstream Food Bank raise money for its Christmas hampers. Donations will be accepted at Langford Lanes between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. until Nov. 26 and at Langford City Hall on Nov. 21 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Now until Dec. 1: 🤗 Donate new or gently used coats, mittens, scarves and hats to the Warmth for Winter Coat Drive at Langford Fire Hall Station #1 or Langford City Hall. Donations will be taken to the Goldstream Food Bank.
• Now until Nov. 20: 📈 Participate in the South Island Prosperity Partnership’s Rising Economy Week event. It’s an immersive virtual event that focuses on bringing the region’s economy back and stronger.
• Thursday, Nov. 19: 💼 Students and recent grads of Camosun College, North Island College, Vancouver Island University and Royal Roads University are invited to connect with local employers online at Beyond 2020 – Vancouver Island Career and Connections Fair.
• Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in November: 🎨 Metchosin ArtPod’s new show, Aardvarks to Zeppelins: Kids Creations from A to Z launches on Nov. 6 with an official Zoom opening on Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 21: 🎲 Join Metchosin ArtPod’s Roll a Portrait Zoom workshop for kids and create a colourful, abstract portrait using whatever supplies you have at home and some dice.
• Saturday, Nov. 21: 🚙 Join the West Coast Supercars and Classics for a cruise starting at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre at 12:30 p.m. and ending at the Goldstream Food Bank. Bring food donations and drop them off at the end of the cruise or meet everyone at the food bank at 1:30 p.m. with your donations.
• Saturday, Nov. 21, 28 and Dec. 5: 🛍 Head to the grounds of the Sooke Region Museum for the Sooke Winter Market. There will be coffee, food, clothing, artists and more.
• Saturdays until Nov. 28: 🎄 Head to Veteran’s Memorial Park in Langford for a Christmas Market in the park.
• Sunday, Nov. 22 and varying dates: ❄️ Bliston Creek Farm in Metchosin is being transformed into a local craft shopping destination. Tickets can be booked in advance to help reduce the lineup and crowding.
• Various dates starting now: 🎅🏻 Celebrate Christmas in Langford with a variety of events that start now and last through most of December. The Mistletoe Walk and outdoor skating have already begun.

If you’re planning an event that I should consider for an upcoming list, send me an email and let me know.

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