Good morning!

There have been a few announcements about health facilities coming to the Westshore recently. Last week we reported on the celebration of the Foundry centre and in today's edition you'll learn about a new mental health and substance use support hub currently under construction in Colwood. Read that story and more in today's edition.

— Emma

ENVIRONMENT

Delays, disruptions, fires, and health concerns: CRD's biosolids plan beset with issues

After a series of setbacks and delays, including two fires at the Lafarge cement plant in Richmond, the CRD board approved a biosolids management plan on May 14. The plan comes just in time as biosolids pile up in significant quantities at the Hartland Landfill and in the Cassidy gravel quarry south of Nanaimo. The proposed three-tiered approach will be submitted to the province for approval later this month and by January, the CRD will have to implement it.

The first tier is to establish an advanced thermal processing plant at Hartland Landfill that will convert biosolids into biochar—a black residue and form of charcoal. The pilot project isn’t expected to be up and running for at least another two years.

In the meantime, the CRD will continue to direct biosolids to Cassidy quarry and to Lafarge in Richmond, to be used as an alternative fuel in its cement production process. It is also considering the land application of the biosolids as forest fertilization.  

These processes aren't new. They have been the CRD's chosen method of dealing with biosolids for years. But they’re not working. There have been delays and disruptions, as well as concerns about public health and environmental harms associated with the land application of biosolids. 

Head to Capital Daily to read Sidney Coles’ full investigation on what’s been happening with our biosolids.

HEALTH

New mental health and substance use hub under construction

On June 7, Langford-Juan de Fuca MLA Ravi Parmar and Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Mitzi Dean joined Island Health Mental Health and Substance Use staff for a tour of a Colwood facility that is scheduled to open later this year to help Westshore residents with mental health and substance use support.

“Mental health and addiction challenges can affect anyone, and as our communities grow, so does the need for dependable care close by,” said Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside. “With this hub, we are bringing together mental-health and addiction services, and supporting individuals and families right where they live; this makes it easier for people to get all the care they need, where and when they need it.”

The western communities service hub, which is currently under construction at 681 Allandale Rd., was designed as a way to prioritize and unify substance use and mental health services. With immediate access through same-day walk-in or call-in counselling and five-day-a-week assessments, the hub aims to alleviate the wait-times and difficulty many patients experience in getting care. The hub will also provide specialized ongoing support for clients through a care coordinator. 

“Island Health recognizes and is responding to the growing need for mental-health and addictions care in our communities,” said board chair of Island Health Leah Hollins. “By providing local services for low to moderate mental-health and addiction needs and connecting those with higher needs to specialized care, we are creating a co-ordinated and effective care system.”

The new facility will be using a model developed in consultation with local Indigenous communities to ensure culturally informed and relevant services. By hiring a range of workers in different fields, like psychiatry, addiction medicine, nursing, counselling, occupational therapy and peer support, the hub’s goal is to personalize each care experience to each unique circumstance. 

“People living in the Westshore will be able to access mental-health care where and when they need it with this new hub coming to Colwood,” said Dean. “This new and responsive service will deliver crucial services to people quickly, helping their recovery and healing journey.”

Scheduled to open later this year, the hub aims to improve access to care as part of the province’s work to build an integrated system of mental-health and addictions support. The facility will be available for residents in Colwood, Langford, Sooke, View Royal, and areas in the Juan de Fuca.

Around the 'Shore

💰 City of Langford loses appeal against personal injury case: The City of Langford just lost a $1 million appeal against local Sherry Matthews who had been hit in the head with a hockey puck at Langford’s Eagle Ridge Hockey Arena in 2014 and sued for damages. Matthews brought the suit forward in 2014 and won in 2023;  the city took responsibility for the incident, but appealed the amount paid. In a unanimous decision on June 6, the jury said that Matthews' suit was justified, and that damages suffered were backed by evidence. [Vancouver Island Free Daily] 

🚔 Impaired driver arrested after assaulting police officer: West Shore RCMP arrested a 24-year-old woman on June 7 for impaired driving, assaulting a police officer, and resisting arrest. Police responded to a call of an impaired driver at Merchant Way and Kelly Road in Langford; when officers told the woman she was suspected of being under the influence, she ran away and resisted arrest. The woman is now facing multiple charges, and is set to appear in court within the next few weeks. 

⚠️ Water advisory for six South Island beaches: Island Health is warning residents about the water quality of six beaches in the South Island. Unsanitary water conditions were found at Coles Bay Beach, Ross Bay Beach, Kinsmen Beach, Saanich Inlet, Langford Lake, and Hamsterly West. [CHEK]

Community Events

✅ Zero waste living: This June 13, head to the Sooke Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library for a workshop on how to make your life more waste-free. Going from 6 to 8pm, the free event will provide participants with some tips and tricks on making your life more sustainable. Bring some note-taking materials. 

🥳 Sooke Youth Fair: Enjoy an evening of fun this June 14 with the Sooke Youth Artists Fair. Held at the Community Hall from 5 to 9pm, check out a variety of food, art, games, prizes, and more at this free event. 

🚲 Jordie Lunn Bike Park Clubhouse opening: Visit the Jordie Lunn Bike Park this June 12 for the grand opening of the clubhouse. The event starts at 11am, and details will be available on the City of Langford website.  

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Highland Pacific Golf Club. —Stephen Hansen, Colwood

That’s it!

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