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Good morning! 

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, which means many families are looking for special ways to celebrate the day for moms, grandmothers, and mother figures. Check out our roundup of events going on in the area this weekend, and more in today’s edition of the newsletter.

— Emma

NEWS

Printable handguns found in multiple police seizures in the Westshore

Last week, Saanich Police and the West Shore RCMP executed search warrants in Colwood and Langford and recovered an untraceable "ghost" gun made with a 3D printer, along with drugs valued at over $200,000. Ghost guns, firearms without serial numbers, are often assembled from individual parts or 3D printers. 

These guns pose a significant growing challenge for law enforcement because owning the printer that produces one is not illegal. This isn't the first time such guns have been found in the Westshore; a year-long RCMP probe in March resulted in the seizure of multiple 3D-printed handguns from residences in Duncan and Sooke, targeting drug-trafficking activity.

In February, BC’s provincial gang unit seized a 3D printer and other equipment from a gun-making operation in Prince George. VicPD Chief Del Manak spoke with the Westshore and emphasized the need for stricter regulations on ghost guns, noting “these provisions are aimed at preventing criminals from using legal technology and/or parts to manufacture illegal firearms used to commit criminal offences.”.

The proliferation of 3D-printed firearms is a concern for police, as monitoring their production is difficult. Despite a national freeze on handgun sales, the affordability and accessibility of 3D printing technology continue to drive their popularity and involvement in gang and drug-related activities in the Westshore.

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

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EVENTS

Mother’s Day in the Westshore

Being a mom is a lot of hard work, which is why many families are looking to plan the perfect day to celebrate Mother’s Day. With the holiday coming up this weekend, there are plenty of events in the area to show your appreciation for your mom, grandma, or mother figure. Here are six things to do this Mother’s Day in the Westshore.

Mother’s Day Plant Sale: On May 11, the Sooke Garden Club will be hosting a special plant sale for Mother’s Day. Hosted at the Evergreen Shopping Centre from 10am to 2pm, this is a great opportunity to pick out a gift with or for your mom. 

Mother’s Day Market: The Langford Station’s Mother’s Day Market is coming up on May 11 and has a variety of fun activities to participate in. With karaoke, a bath salt workshop, a complimentary tea garden, over 20 vendors, food trucks, and more, the event is going from 11am to 4pm for anyone to stop by. 

Women's wellness and metaphysical fair: Metchosin is hosting a women’s wellness and metaphysical fair this Saturday, and it is a great opportunity to get in touch with your spiritual side. Free admission will give you the opportunity to check out psychic readers, mediums, energy healers, wellness coaches, artists, spell kits, sound therapy, cocktails, tea, specialty baking and more. Hosted at the Community Hall, the first 30 guests will also receive a goodie bag. 

Mother’s Day Craft Market: From May 10 to 12, Bilston Creek Farm is hosting a special Mother’s Day Craft Market. Going from 11am to 4pm all three days, Bilston Creek Farm will be host to local makers that offer an array of handcrafted and thoughtful gifts. Entry is $5, and those 16 and under can attend for free.

Mayday for Mother Earth: The Greater Victoria Chapter of the Climate Reality Project is combining Mother’s Day and their love for Mother Earth in their upcoming May 12 event.  Mayday for Mother Earth is a combined climate awareness and Mother’s Day event at Royal Bay Secondary School, and will be going from 12 to 4pm. With a variety of vendors, presentations, exhibits, and more, this is a free family-friendly event that provides an opportunity to learn about the effects of climate change and what people are doing about it while also celebrating moms. 

Bloom Art Show: Celebrate your mom at Arts and Culture Colwood Society’s Bloom Art Show this May 12, featuring a special performance from recording artist, composer, and pianist Morry Stearns. Going from 12 to 4pm, with Stearns performing on grand piano from 2-4pm, the event is free for anyone to attend; this is also your last opportunity to check out the art show itself. 

Around the 'Shore

📝 Sooke’s new director of planning and development: Chris Marshal will be starting as Sooke’s new director of planning and development this June 3. Marshal has had previous experience in similar roles in communities ranging from around 4,000 to 80,000 people. [Island Social Trends] 

🚨 Island London Drugs reopen: Vancouver Island’s nine London Drugs locations have all reopened as of Tuesday morning after the company closed all locations due to a cyberattack. While all of the Island’s stores are open, the company says it is currently unable to fill new prescriptions for customers. [CHEK]

📈 Protest during Langford tax hike: Locals were protesting outside of Langford City Hall on Monday amidst the large hike in property taxes this year. Langford council unanimously confirmed a 15.6% tax increase while around 60 protesters with signs waited outside and objected to the decision; this is the highest tax increase proposed out of all 13 municipalities in the Capital Region. [Times Colonist]

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Community Events

🎥 Movie in the park: Enjoy a free movie in Millennium Park this May 10. Playing E.T., the event will go from 8:30 to 10:30pm. Make sure to bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks.

🎶 Sooke Community Choir: Head to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church this May 10 and 11 for the Sooke Community Choir’s concert Cover Us with Sunshine. Starting at 7pm on May 10, and 2pm on May 11, tickets are available for purchase at the Sooke Pharmasave or through cash at the door; kids can attend for free.

🍽️ Community Dinner: This May 13, head to the Gordon United Church for their free community dinner. Starting at 5pm, all are welcome to come and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by volunteers.

What’s Offshore?

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Westshore Snaps

Witty’s Lagoon Point. —Keith Hutton, Oak Bay

That’s it!

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