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Bear Mountain has been facing scrutiny from nearby residents after implementing a $45 fee to access the property and facilities. We’ve got more on that in our top story today. And for those looking to connect with the community, the Westshore Swap, Shop and Market is a new twist on a local tradition, as it encourages locals and visitors alike to check out the treasures it holds.

NEWS

Locals angered at $45 fee on Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain has been heavily criticized the past few weeks, as it begins to implement fees for non-residents to pay when accessing the property, leaving locals feeling confused and exploited.

Mount Finlayson’s trails, which are considered part of Goldstream Provincial Park, go through Bear Mountain properties and have always been free to access. For years, locals and visitors have used the beautiful walking trails, like Kimberley Falconer, who lets her son use the trails to walk up to his friend’s house. Falconer’s entire family uses the trail for a quick shortcut to other neighbourhoods—for her son, it is just a 10-minute journey from her location in the lower Highlands to Haddington almost every week.

Out on a walk with her family one morning, a security guard pulled Falconer’s family aside and told her that Bear Mountain was now asking non-residents to pay a fee to access the property, leaving her extremely frustrated.

“So my son can't walk up to his friend's house in the higher neighbourhood now unless he has a $45 pass,” says Falconer. “Up at the top of Haddington, it's still the Highlands community.”

The new fee is being called a waiver by Bear Mountain, and allows access to not only trails, but also the facilities; despite this access, many residents do not want to pay the waiver to only use the trails.

Now, locals across the area are rallying over the lack of clarity, communication, and publicity of this fee, putting the private owners of Bear Mountain in hot water.

Read the full story at The Westshore.

SPONSORED BY PRISMA FESTIVAL

Experience PRISMA in Powell River

Classical music meets coastal beauty at the PRISMA Festival in Powell River. Top music students and renowned guest artists unite for two weeks of performances, to the delight of a live audience. Come see it for yourself, June 12-24.

Enjoy daily musical events including orchestra and chamber music performances, masterclasses, and limelight concerts—all open to the public. Or, check out the popular Sail to the Symphony tour package for Vancouver Island residents, and the free, family-friendly PRISMA on the Beach celebration, which attracts thousands annually.

PRISMA is the proud 2022 recipient of the Tourism Award from Powell River Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, recognizing an outstanding visitor experience that “actively encourages the growth of Powell River and Area as a destination.”

Get your tickets now!

EVENTS

Bringing a swap, shop, and flea to the Westshore

Every Sunday morning, locals gather in the library parking lot at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre to swap and shop. The weekly event, called The Westshore Swap, Shop and Market (WSSM), has already become a local summer staple, as it revives the Western Speedway tradition. The market mixes elements of swap/flea markets, craft fairs, and farmers markets, which results in an exciting Sunday event for families to enjoy.

For years, the swap and shop out at the Western Speedway was a local favourite. With a variety of treasures to find, Sean Chewka and his business partner fell in love with the idea of swap markets.

“We've had all sorts of small businesses—we love market selling, but the swap shop was always near and dear to us,” said Chewka. “Unfortunately when they knocked it down, we were broken a little bit and we figured there was a bit of a hole in the market.”

With the opportunity in front of him, Chewka became the co-owner of the WSSM—a decision that would come with some risks.

To read more about the swap shop, click here.

Around the 'Shore

🛠️ A Sooke woman turns a retro camper into a cozy Airbnb: Miranda Aloma converted an older trailer into a beautiful and bright guest home, and is charging $94 a night on Airbnb. Filled with everything a guest would need, the camper is surrounded by lush forest and allows for a private vacation.

🎥 Filmed in Langford and Sooke, this short film puts the spotlight on land preservation: Colwood resident Valerie Frances Oliver has begun to film Mary Two Bears in hopes of highlighting the importance of Indigenous culture and land as expansion threatens their lifestyle. [Vancouver Island Free Daily]

🚨 Westshore RCMP finds missing 23-year-old male: Dalton Austin was found deceased on June 11 after going missing on May 31. RCMP announced that it did not believe any criminal activity was involved in Austin’s death.

🏘️ A 161-unit rental project in Sooke looks to move forward: Following the approval of a 98-unit residential development, developer WestUrban waits for a permit to develop a series of new units for rent on Sooke Road. These improvements are vital after Sooke landed on “the naughty list” of 47 municipalities in BC needing faster housing development. [Citified]

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SPONSORED BY MEGSON FITZPATRICK-ACERA INSURANCE

Coming summer 2023 to The Commons at Royal Bay

After 55 years in business, Megson FitzPatrick-Acera Insurance is in the Westshore! They’re excited to have joined the many amazing businesses in Royal Bay and look forward to meeting the community.

Stop in (#203-345C Latoria Blvd.) and help celebrate their ribbon cutting next Tuesday, Jun. 20 at 10am.

Community Events

 🎨 Wednesday night paint session: Join Sharon March this June 14 for her alcohol ink landscapes and abstracts night, in which you can learn art techniques as either a beginner or expert. From 6 to 9pm at the Let's Paint with Sharon Studio, the painting lesson is $50 for participants.

🚺 100 Women Who Care Westshore: On June 15 from 7 to 8pm, join over 100 women at the Royal Colwood Golf Club to make a change in the community. Discuss and vote on the local charity or non-profit organization for that evening's donations, and enjoy refreshments while you mingle.

⛴️ Navy Run: Offering a number of courses, the Esquimalt Navy Run brings the community together and allows them to interact with the navy. Starting at 8:15am at the Naden Athletic Centre, runners can register online for the June 17 event.

🗓️ Stay connected to all the best events happening around Greater Victoria in this new weekly newsletter.*

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Royal Bay with Washington’s Olympic Mountains as a backdrop - Richard Steward, View Royal