Good morning!

Langford says travelling to school is about to get safer, after the city announced eight infrastructure upgrade projects to promote transportation safety. With a number of partners funding the project, read all about it and more in today’s edition of the Westshore.

— Emma

NEWS

City of Langford announces infrastructure projects

The City of Langford is getting some upgrades after it announced eight significant infrastructure advancement projects on Tuesday to provide safer travel to schools. 

In collaboration with Sooke School District (SD62), the City of Langford will be working on six sidewalk infill projects, one multi-use path, and intersection upgrades at Veterans Memorial Parkway and Goldstream Avenue. Funding will come from the City’s General Amenity Fund, SD62, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s (ICBC) Road Improvement Program, and the Ministry of Transportation's Active Transportation Grant.

“The City is pleased to be partnering with School District 62, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and ICBC to improve connectivity throughout the City and provide safer routes to school,” said Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson. “Council is committed to providing safe, active transportation infrastructure for all residents, especially for vulnerable users.” 

The decision to move forward with the project was made by the city after they identified areas in need of sidewalks or pathways where improvements were not likely to happen in the near future. On top of this, the city designed a number of the projects to provide safer routes for those attending school in the area.  

“With the unveiling of enhanced infrastructure around schools and neighbouring communities, the City of Langford reinforces its commitment to safe and accessible active travel routes for both students and residents,” stated Amanda Dowhy, board chair of the Sooke School District. “The collaborative partnership between the School District and the City of Langford highlights the power of collective action in creating environments where safety and well-being flourish.”

The projects announced support the City of Langford’s first strategic plan, which prioritizes transportation safety, opportunity, and awareness; this is the second major transportation update Langford has made this year, with the implementation of a traffic calming policy in January being the first.

Some projects are nearing construction, while others are currently in the design phase; despite different starting dates, all projects are expected to be completed in 2024 and 2025.

Read the full story for details on the eight new projects.

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ENVIRONMENT

Solar-powered platform and flip baskets put a modern spin on an ancient harvest

The history of Indigenous shellfish harvesting on Vancouver Island is extensive, dating back thousands of years. But as global demand grows and shellfish populations dwindle, Vancouver Island is looking to make changes to bring back some balance. 

The T’Sou-ke First Nation is modernizing its shellfish harvesting with modern technology; with a newly solar-powered work platform, they're growing their aquaculture project, aiming to make it economically and ecologically sustainable. 

Their tenure in Sooke Basin has the capacity to produce over 3 million oysters,  helping the Nation tap into a multi-million dollar North American market. Thanks to innovative technology like FlipFarm equipment from New Zealand, their operations are becoming more efficient and environmentally friendly. These flip baskets streamline bio-fuel reduction and processing, ensuring premium oyster products for domestic and international markets.

“It works because we're protected from the ocean swells. But we still have enough wave action which is the driver for the quality of the oysters because the wave action keeps moving them around and allows for the shells to harden,” said Jeff Frank, advisor to the Nation. 

With the conversion of their gasoline-powered work platform to solar power, T'Sou-ke Nation is spotlighting, again, its commitment to achieving self-sustainability through solar power generation. The move reflects their dedication to reducing environmental impact while driving growth and innovation in the community.

Head to the Westshore to read the full story by Sidney Coles. 

Around the 'Shore

🚨 Police look into multiple graffiti reports: West Shore RCMP are investigating multiple reports of graffiti in Langford, with the same graffiti tag showing up on five separate buildings. Police are still looking for the suspects after the latest report, which was on April 5 at around 3am; a witness reported two unknown male suspects, one of which was on a bicycle and the other on foot. 

💰 Cost of living affects social service providers: The Sooke Food Bank is a staple in the community in providing groceries, talking to a nurse, and even getting a haircut, but with the recent cost of living, the service is struggling to make ends meet. The food bank’s costs have increased by 36% over the past year while revenue has gone down by 21%; according to the president, the Sooke food bank served 698 households last month. [Times Colonist] 

🛍️ Second Value Village location coming to Colwood: Value Village is opening another location, and it’s coming to Colwood Corners later this year. The store is a thrift chain with a variety of clothing, household items, games, books, and more. [Victoria Buzz]

🍽️ The Westshore’s best restaurants: Check out the finalists in the Tasting Victoria Awards and make sure you vote for all your favourite local restaurants!

SPONSORED BY VICTORIA CHINATOWN MUSEUM SOCIETY

Awakening Chinatown returns May 26

From tantalizing treats to enchanting beats, come celebrate the rich tapestry of Chinese culture in Victoria's historic Chinatown. The festival provides fun for the whole family, featuring Chinese dance, opera, magic, arts and crafts and more, on May 26 from noon-5:30pm.

Learn more and plan your visit!

Community Events

🌿 Invasive species removal: This April 20 from 10am to 1pm, help remove invasive periwinkle and other introduced species at Ayum Creek. With tools, gloves, and snacks provided, anyone is free to join in; it is recommended to bring your own gear if you have it, water for the day, solid footwear, appropriate dress. 

🎳 Lawn bowling open house: Looking to learn more about lawn bowling? Head over to the Juan de Fuca Lawn Bowling Club this April 21 and 27 to learn from a team of qualified coaches who will teach you the basics. Going from 1 to 3pm on both days, the Bowling Club asks participants to wear flat soled shoes and comfortable clothing; all other equipment will be provided.

🌎 Earth Day: Celebrate Earth Day at Jordie Lunn Bike Park and Gravity Zone this April 21 for a day of family fun. Going from 11am to 2pm, guests will have the opportunity to take home tree saplings, enjoy drinks and treats from Rhino Coffee, borrow a bike from Broad Street Cycles, or get crafty with West Shore Parks and Rec. There will also be plenty of educational opportunities to learn more about Earth Day and its importance, so make sure to check it out.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Cormorant challenged a rival for a post at Royal Roads. —Gary Woodburn, Colwood

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