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Good morning!

Langford locals now have some answers about a video that surfaced a week ago of a man who claimed to be an inspector deeming an under-construction wall unsafe. More on that in our main story today.

— Emma

NEWS

Langford’s unsafe wall video debunked

Langford residents had a spook recently when a video circled around the community on Aug. 29 of a structure being deemed unsafe. In the video, a man claiming to be an inspector discusses the work on a wall with the construction crew on site. The “inspector” stated that the wall was unsafe and structurally unsound. Taken from an apartment building across from the wall, the video was removed shortly after it was posted, leaving many locals worried and confused.

The city has verified that the wall currently in progress is the MSE retaining wall at 2341 City Gate Blvd. The city also said the man in the video was not a qualified inspector, nor a representative or contractor for the City of Langford.

Many commenters on the thread discussing the video questioned whether the individual was qualified in any other ways, and it has been confirmed that he is not registered with EGBC and is not an engineer or geoscientist, but instead a contractor and salesperson advocating for a different type of retaining wall.

The man in the video has since apologized and stated that his comments were taken out of context and have since been addressed by others; while the city was not involved, the current owner of the property invited the man to the site as part of a preliminary evaluation of available options.

Hoping to calm the public, the city validated with the Professional Geotechnical Engineer of Record that there are no imminent global stability or life safety concerns with the property or retaining wall that so many became concerned about due to the video. Despite the whirlwind, Langford locals can rest assured the wall is safe and sound.

SPONSORED BY DANCE VICTORIA

A Special Offer for the Glittering Seasonal Spectacular: Shumka's Nutcracker!

Save up to 20% off regular priced adult tickets to Ukrainian Shumka Dancers’ Nutcracker using promo code: Nut-Westshore until Sep. 30, 2023, at 10pm.

Featuring principal dancers of the Kyiv Ballet (National Ballet of Ukraine) and the famed Virsky National Dance Ensemble. Shumka’s Nutcracker blends the grace and lyricism of classical ballet with the strength and power of Ukrainian folk dance. This classic tale of young Clara and her dream Prince incorporates Ukrainian traditions and symbols, grand orchestral versions of Tchaikovsky's legendary score, and lavish sets and costumes designed by National Opera of Ukraine’s Maria Levitska. Performed to live music by the Victoria Symphony.

Dec. 1-2, 7pm | Dec. 2-3, 1pm | Royal Theatre

Tickets at Royal and McPherson Theatres or call the box office at 250-386-6121.

NEWS

The struggle continues: Belmont Market parking issues cause frustration

Residents continue to struggle, with no resolution in sight, with the parking issue at Belmont Market. Residents of the Crossing at Belmont apartments have been using Belmont Market parking lots without any complications for years—but now, many are voicing their concerns with a continuous back-and-forth between Killam REIT and residents.

Crombie and Killam REIT, the owners of the commercial unit, parking lot, and apartments at Belmont Market, recently implemented a "Max 3 Hour" parking policy without informing or consulting the public. Indigo Parking is issuing tickets with fines and threatening to tow vehicles that park longer, with some locals even receiving $65 tickets despite parking less than the allotted time. Residents at Crossing only have access to 180 underground parking spots for 180 units, with no option for residents to park outdoors.

Residents have been pushing Crombie to allow residents to park in designated spots, as many want a fair solution; despite this, Crombie has continued to issue tickets, with residents reporting a construction worker and a vehicle parked in an allotted visitor parking space each receiving fines.

The city told a resident that the Belmont development was originally approved under different parking regulations than are in place today; the requirement at the time was one space per residential unit (which was provided in the underground parking structure) and five spaces for visitors. These five visitor spaces are permitted to be shared with the commercial users, and this shared usage is secured in an easement registered on title. Because the city has no jurisdiction over Belmont, Indigo has issued tickets for the designated visitor spaces.

Hoping to gain traction, residents are encouraging each other to continue fighting for a solution as Crombie and Killam REIT state they are working to resolve the issue.

Around the 'Shore

🦫 West Shore RCMP save beaver from traffic: On Wednesday morning, RCMP received a call about a beaver on Millstream Road who was thought to have been injured by a car and would not move. Managing to safely transport the feisty female to the BCSPCA, she was reported as healthy and in good spirits.

🚸 School zones in full effect in the Westshore for the return to classes: As school starts up again, more students will be on the journey to class and drivers are warned to stay aware of school zones. Just last year, the Sooke School District redesigned children’s transportation to and from school in Westshills in Langford due to drivers continuously ignoring crossing guards at a roundabout on Langford Parkway. [CTV]

🤦 Talking about problems with friends and family sometimes has its limits. Try telling one of the friendly neighbourhood therapists at Intertidal Counselling & Wellness instead!*

🏡 Greater Victoria demands outweigh supply in housing: Victoria’s housing sales were slow and steady, as many locals cannot afford the prices in the market. Realtor Marko Juras says that the market is steady due to little choice among re-sale listings in contrast to demand for housing in Greater Victoria, which outweighs supply. [Citified]

🎉 This Sept. 14: Join United Way Southern Vancouver Island for their Community Campaign Kick-Off at Centennial Square, 11am-2pm. High-energy, inclusive, free, and open to all.*

*Sponsored Listing

SPONSORED BY ARTS & CULTURE COLWOOD SOCIETY

In Sight Festival September 9 & 10!

Arts and Culture Colwood Society and Parks Canada present the In Sight Festival - 'seeing a brighter future... ' at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites! Free Admission!

Live Music! Aerialists! Art Showcase! En Plein Air Painting! Kids Art Zone! Indigenous Dancers and Artists! Tasty Food!

Community Events

🍁 Sooke Fall Fair: Started in 1918, Sept. 9-10 marks Sooke’s annual Fall Fair at the Sooke Community Hall. From 11am to 6pm on Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sunday, join the community in the spirit of the “Rural Fair” philosophy.  

🎨 Metchosin Community Day: With a variety of interactive events, entertainment, and shows, the locals of Metchosin are coming together on Sept. 10 from 11am to 6:30pm for community day. Held at the Metchosin Municipal Grounds behind the firehall, this day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the neighbours and friends in the area.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Train tracks in the sun. —Bob Urner, Langford

That’s it!

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