West Shore This Week – It’s fall… and election season

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.

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Fall is here and it seems change may be afoot for more than the leaves. It’s been a week of announcements on the West Shore and in B.C. The number of active COVID-19 cases in the province hit a record high of 1,987 on Monday, the same day a snap provincial election was announced by Premier John Horgan. 

How are you coping with the uncertainty we’ve been faced with? I’m trying to find aspects of my life that I can control, like how often I get outside to explore, connecting with friends and family (virtually), and carving out time to read and relax.

Let me know what you’re doing to take care of yourself during these weird times. I’d also love to hear your thoughts on the newsletter and what you’d like to see. Don’t forget to tell your family and friends about us to help keep independent local journalism going in your community!

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News and announcements

• Get ready to head to the polls on Oct. 24. On Monday, B.C. Premier John Horgan called an election after meeting with Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin to ask her to dissolve the legislature. The two ridings on the West Shore are Esquimalt-Metchosin and Langford-Juan de Fuca. Mitzi Dean is the incumbent for Esquimalt-Metchosin and John Horgan is the incumbent for Langford-Juan de Fuca. The B.C. Liberal Party and Green Party have not yet announced candidates for those ridings. Campaigning and voting might look a little different this year too, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
• The City of Langford has sold the North Langford Recreation Centre to Bear Mountain Adventures Ltd., The Discourse reports. We dug into this story after community members reached out, wondering what was up with the facility.
• The province announced the purchase of an elementary school site in Colwood’s Royal Bay neighbourhood. The Government of B.C. contributed $8.3 million to the purchase and the Sooke School District contributed $1.2 million to it.
• The Royal BC Museum’s new collections and research building will be housed in Colwood. The approximately 14,000-square-metre facility will be built on a 3.2-hectare piece of land at the Royal Bay development. Crews will begin site preparation in October.
• A new Netflix series titled Maid will be filmed at Colwood’s Royal Beach. The limited run, 10-episode series is being filmed exclusively in the Victoria area between September and March. Expect to see film crews in the area as early as the last weekend of September.
• The Metchosin Fire Department is recruiting. Anyone who is interested and is 19 years of age or older can find more information on the fire department’s website.
• The Juan de Fuca pool will remain closed for the rest of the year. West Shore Parks and Recreation says the tentative reopening is scheduled for January, 2021 subject to change in guidelines provided by the province’s health authority. 
• The District of Highlands is developing a South Highlands Local Area Plan. Have your say by taking part in a survey and ask any questions online.
• A Grade 3 teacher at Wishart Elementary is asking community members to talk to their families about keeping Sue Mar Park clean. Kristi Walkey says she took her students to the park during school but spent the whole time picking up broken glass. “I’d love if you could help spread the word to our younger adults to help keep our parks safe,” she says.
• West Shore RCMP is investigating after multiple vehicles were broken into. Police say they received numerous reports of mischief and theft from vehicles parked in a condominium parking garage in View Royal on Sept. 20.
• Police are looking for a suspect after a Colwood homeowner interrupted a break and enter attempt on Sept. 20. More details can be found here.
• The BC Supreme Court has denied a temporary injunction application from the Highlands District Community Association, the Goldstream News Gazette reports. The injunction was an attempt to stop work from starting on a Highlands rock quarry mine before a judicial review took place next month. Work on the mine can now begin.

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Community events

• Friday, Sept. 25 to Sunday, Sept. 27: 🍦 Enjoy one last weekend of Beach Food at the Esquimalt Lagoon from noon to 7 p.m. each day.
• Friday, Sept. 25 to Sunday, Sept. 27: 🖼 The Metchosin ArtPod Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for its last weekend of the Light & Dark show.
• Friday, Sept. 25: 🎨 Join a public paint-in at the Metchosin ArtPod gallery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited. Email [email protected] to reserve a spot. There is a suggested donation of $5.
• Saturday, Sept. 26: ⛳️ Test your luck and watch up to 4,000 golf balls drop to the ground as part of the Rotary Club of West Shore’s charity event.There are cash prizes and the event can be watched online. Proceeds will help West Shore COVID-19 recovery.
• Saturday, Sept. 26: 🌈 Participate in a free drop-in art space for queer, trans and two-spirit folks of all ages along with their friends and family over Zoom. This month, they’ll be distributing embroidery kits for the event.
• Saturday, Sept. 26: 🎶 Take in an evening of jazz online or in-person at Hermann’s Jazz Club with “ladies of jazz” Maria Manna, Maureen Washington and Elaine Lakeman.
• Sunday, Sept. 27: 🎤 Show off your skills at an all-ages open mic night at Ma Miller’s Pub.

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

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Photos of the week

I couldn’t pick just one photo of the week this time around so here are two! The first is of three-year-old Isla Koebernick exploring Goldstream Provincial Park with her dad, Seth. The photo was taken by mom, Jennifer, and posted on their family Instagram account, @wildvanisla.

The second photo is a beautiful shot of Thetis Lake welcoming in the first signs of fall. Thanks to Joseph Campbell for sharing this one!

Have an awesome photo of life on the West Shore? Send it to [email protected]. I’d love to see how you view your community!

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In your words

The Discourse is supported by you, our community. Why?

Caimen says: “I believe in roots journalism and I know it’s a tough go.”

Thanks, Caimen. We believe in digging deep and listening to our community – our roots. Despite how tough it can be sometimes, we love what we do and appreciate the continued support.

With gratitude,

Shalu [end]