Good morning!

Calling Belmont High alumni! A reader asked that we reach out to the community and mention that the graduating class of 1974 will celebrate their 50th reunion this June 28 and 29. If you or someone you know is from this graduating class, send an email to [email protected] for more information and registration.

— Emma

TRANSPORTATION

Charters Road in Sooke closed until October to upgrade road safety infrastructure

Sooke residents will have to find alternate driving routes after the recent announcement of the closure of Charters Road in Sooke for essential infrastructure upgrades. This construction is coming as part of the district’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), which was created in October 2020 to improve the district as a whole. 

Construction on Charters Road started yesterday on May 27, and the District of Sooke told the Westshore that they hope to have Charters Road open to two lanes by the end of October. The district says the schedule may change due to potential delays from unforeseen circumstances, and that it will keep updating residents with any delays. 

Work around Throupe Creek will allow for the addition of a culvert and structural repairs, along with the addition of sidewalks and bike lanes; while through traffic on Charters Road will be redirected, residents will still be able to use Charters Road from Golledge Avenue and Throup Roads. The school district has already arranged parking accommodations for ball attendees, as the parking lot at Journey Middle School is open to the public on weekday evenings and weekends.

According to the district, the construction taking place was timed to accommodate the fisheries window and protect the ecosystem as much as possible. The repairs are a quick turnaround from the upgrades at the Church/Throup Roundabout, which reached substantial completion on May 15.

“These repairs are long overdue,” said Mayor Maja Tait in a press release about the Charters Road closure. “While disruption during construction is inevitable, the upcoming improvements will significantly enhance safety for our community.” 

The TMP long-term guide for transportation facilities and infrastructure was created with growth and safety in mind; the Westshore’s population growth has boomed over the past decade, rising almost 50% between 2001 and 2016, and a projected 33% growth over the next decade. Sooke’s population alone is growing exponentially as well, with the 2021 census showing the population of East Sooke to Port Renfrew has a 16% yearly growth rate. 

The goal of the Transportation Master Plan is to improve infrastructure and transportation. The executive summary portion says that the TMP was also created to help inform and support future decisions on development and planning, to promote an active community, to collaborate with partners, and to ensure the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Strategic Plan are followed. 

The District of Sooke maintains that safe travel and convenience is a priority, telling the Westshore that “the ongoing process of infrastructure and transportation upgrades in Sooke involves careful planning, coordination, and execution.”

RECREATION

Westshore liqueur gets global recognition

The winners of this year’s World Drink Awards have been announced and once again Westshore and South Island producers have taken home top prizes.

The awards based out of Norwich, UK celebrate the best of global alcoholic beverages and are comprised of several competitions judged by expert panels that recognize everything from rum and tequila to brandy and specialty cocktails. 

This year, local producers won big in the liqueur and vermouth competitions. 

Langford’s Sheringham Distillery took home a gold medal at the World Liqueur Awards for its Fresh Lemon Liqueur in the World’s Best Fruit Liqueur category. It was recognized for the top award alongside Taiwan’s Alex & Harry Distilling Lychee Liqueur and France’s Belle de Brillet Pear and Cognac Liqueur.  

The natural lemon liqueur is made with the distillery’s gin and has a refreshing zesty taste that is the perfect addition to a cocktail or just on the rocks.   

Based in Langford, Sheringham Distillery was founded by Jason and Alayne MacIsaac. The distillery takes strong inspirations from the West Coast. Its utilization of seasonal ingredients found on and around the Island bring an authentically local feel to its spirits that are inspired by everything from blossoming cherry trees in Beacon Hill Park to fresh showers in the coastal rainforests. 

Esquimalt Vermouth & Apéritifs continued the South Island’s winning streak by taking home two silver medals in the World Vermouth Awards competition. 

The craft producer’s Rosso Vermouth took second place in the World’s Best Semi Sweet Vermouth category, while its Dry Vermouth won silver in the World’s Best Dry Vermouth category. They were recognized for the awards alongside Brazil’s Schluck Dry Vermouth and Spain’s Marnuthem Rosé Vermouth. 

Esquimalt Vermouth & Apéritifs’ Rosso is an herbaly and savoury wine-forward vermouth that has notes of cinnamon, cola, and gingerbread. Its Dry Vermouth has a fresh fruitiness to it, with crisp notes of stone fruit, apple, and elderflower.     

Head to Tasting Victoria to read Sarah Madsen’s full story.

Around the 'Shore

🚔 Police arrest drug impaired driver: On May 21, West Shore RCMP arrested a 29-year-old woman for impaired driving after responding to a report of a woman who seemed unconscious in the driver’s seat of a car parked near the 2800 block of West Shore Parkway in Langford. Police checks revealed the vehicle had drug paraphernalia and that the vehicle itself was stolen from Victoria on May 4. The woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and two counts of possession of stolen property, as well as issued violation tickets for no driver's licence, no insurance and given a 24-hour prohibition from driving at her release. 

🏈 Noah Beck visits West Shore Rebels: TikTok star Noah Beck gave the West Shore Rebels in Langford a visit on May 24 at Starlight Stadium. Beck is in town filming a movie called The QB Bad Boy & Me. Beck chatted with quarterback Ethan Pickard to pick up some tips about his position, and will start filming in June; the team will be featured as background players in the movie. [Vancouver Island Free Daily] 

🥕 Island farmers frustrated over stolen produce: Island farm stand owners throughout Greater Victoria have been experiencing an increase in stolen produce and money. Farmers are voicing their frustrations, with a number taking action and installing cameras to protect their goods. [CHEK]

🏡 Discover the elements of living at BELLA PARK at Royal Bay. West Coast contemporary 1 and 2 bedroom residences, designed around a unique central wellness concept. Register today.* 

*Sponsored Listing

Community Events

🌿 Composting crash course: Learn more about composting this May 29 with the Compost Education Centre’s composting crash course. Held at the Sooke Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library from 11am to 1pm, learn tips and tricks about composting and the benefits it gives. Register online to attend. 

💰 Community garage sale: This June 1, head to the townhouse complex at 14 Erskine Lane for a multi-household garage sale. Going from 9am to 1:30pm, browse through a range of household and kitchen items, camping gear, Lego, books, puzzles and more. With more than 10 houses participating, the organizer is asking for guests to not show up early. For more details, email [email protected]. 

🎶 Sooke Secret Garden Tour: Enjoy two days of nature, art and music at the Sooke Secret Garden Tour. Taking place on June 1 and 2, there will be eight private gardens on the self-guided tour and a summer concert on Sunday June 2 at 4:30pm to end the event. Tickets are available online or at the Sooke Museum which is the first stop on the tour.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Portlock Point Lighthouse. —Richard Steward, View Royal

That’s it!

If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to another Westshore local.

And before you go, let us know: