Good morning!

We hope everyone had a great long weekend and hopefully got the opportunity to spend some time with friends and family on Easter. And for those with little ones, spring break is coming to an end this week with the kids going back to school and routines returning to normal. There’s plenty going on in the Westshore, read on and enjoy today’s edition of the newsletter.

— Emma

ENVIRONMENT

Colwood agrees to explore single-vendor contract for waste management

Colwood councillors are considering transitioning to a single contract vendor for solid waste management in place of its current arrangement with multiple approved service providers. Coun. Kim Jordison proposed exploring this option during a council meeting on March 25, citing potential taxpayer savings and logistical benefits. 

Currently, municipalities like Langford and Central Saanich offer residents a list of private garbage collection companies to choose from. Colwood’s decision will be based on factors such as pricing, environmental impact, and service efficiency. 

“If there's better pricing that we can offer to residents through a single contracted company and logistical considerations with how many trucks that we have garbage in one week on one street, how it impacts the environment and the cost savings, we should look at that,” said Jordison in the council meeting.

Municipal waste management is crucial for environmental sustainability and community well-being. The debate involves weighing the benefits of a single vendor, such as cost-effectiveness and better control over waste management data, against potential drawbacks like reduced flexibility in scheduling. 

Coun. Ian Ward emphasized the need to explore options to benefit Colwood residents and taxpayers. “The worst-case scenario here is that we spend a little money looking at it and decide that it’s not for us, but I think we owe it to the Colwood residents and taxpayers to explore this because we have that economy of scale.”

A decision to proceed with a feasibility plan is expected at the April 8 council meeting.

Read the full story by Sidney Coles on how Colwood might benefit from a single-vendor contract.

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NEWS

Nanaimo man arrested twice in the Westshore in one week

A 36-year-old Nanaimo man is being charged on multiple counts of indecent exposure after being involved in three separate incidents and getting arrested twice in one week.  

On March 24, West Shore RCMP received reports of a man exposing himself in front of a restaurant in Colwood with witnesses, including children. The officers located and arrested the suspect, and released him the day after with conditions to remain clothed in public and not expose his genitals in public. 

Three days later, RCMP received more information about the same man committing indecent acts in front of youths under the Six Mile Bridge in View Royal. Police responded and arrested him within two hours, leading to the further discovery that the man had also been involved in a separate incident in Burnaby months prior.

The suspect was allegedly involved in committing indecent exposure in Burnaby on Nov. 23, where he currently has a warrant out for failure to appear in court. Put before a judge on March 27, and then sent back into custody before his April 2 court date, the man is facing a number of charges including three counts of indecent act, one count of indecent exposure to a minor, and one count of failure to comply with release order.

“Sexual crimes against youths not only affect the victims, but can have lasting effects on the entire community,” said West Shore RCMP media relations officer constable Andrew Matheson in the press release. “We are pleased to see this individual off the streets and want to thank the witnesses for their bravery in calling the police right away. Their information was critical in locating and arresting the suspect.”

Around the 'Shore

🪴 Langford community garden: The City of Langford is preparing to grow its own vegetables this year with the installation of a community garden. The garden will be built in Porcher Park, and has already begun preparation with help from many different groups, including the Greater Victoria Green Team who removed invasive species in the area on March 16. [Island Social Trends] 

💲 Sooke budget items: As Sooke transitions into the 2024-25 year, councillors look towards key budget items to develop the area, including bridge maintenance, 24/7 policing, transportation and road work, and green space and park updates. Sooke residents will see a 10.53% tax increase over the year, with the budget proposals developed after a city-wide survey about Sooke’s budgeting. [Times Colonist] 

💸 Esquimalt man wins lotto: Esquimalt local Douglas Bowker just won the $500,000 Extra prize from the March 16 Lotto 6/49 draw after purchasing the winning ticket at Fraser 25 on Esquimalt Road. According to the BCLC, in the year 2023 there have been more than $38 million in winnings from the Extra and over $120 million in winnings from Lotto 6/49. [Victoria Buzz]

TASTING VICTORIA AWARDS

Have you checked out the finalists?

The final list of nominees is out for all 18 categories. Are your favourites up for the big awards? Make sure to cast your votes!

Community Events

♠️ Texas Holdem Tournament: Join the Sooke Legion every other Tuesday for their Texas Holdem Tournament evenings. Taking place this April 2, 16, and 30 from 6 to 9:30pm, there is a $25 buy in for one of 30 spots, so make sure to plan ahead. 

🎤 Open Mic: Join Sooke Oceanside Brewery this April 4 for a night of open mic. The open mic takes place every Thursday from 7pm to late. Enjoy craft beers and free karaoke.  

🖼️ Goldfinch Art Space: Join the Arts and Culture Colwood Society in celebrating local artists with the Goldfinch Art Space. Open Wednesday through Friday from 10am to 3pm, and Saturday from 12pm to 4pm, the show will go until April 13 and will bring pieces from emerging artists as well as seasoned visual artists to the new space on Goldfinch Road in Colwood.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Goldstream Falls. —Richard Steward, View Royal

That’s it!

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