Good morning! 

The provincial government announced funding for 189 crime prevention projects, with seven coming to the Westshore. Hoping to promote safety, health, and prevention, read all about it and more in today’s edition of the newsletter.

— Emma

NEWS

Crime prevention projects coming to the Westshore

Communities in the Westshore are getting an upgrade in crime prevention and remediation after the BC Government announced a province-wide initiative to advance community safety, address gender-based violence, and support Indigenous healing. 

The projects, which will receive $8.2 million in funding from the civil forfeiture grant program, will go towards 189 community projects across the province, seven of which will be available directly in the Westshore. This decision aligns with the Civil Forfeiture Office’s goals, created in 2006 with the purpose of reducing crime and creating programs that support community safety and crime prevention initiatives. 

“People in our region will be able to find more healing and access support to recover from harmful experiences,” said Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Mitzi Dean.

Each project will be led by a different group based on the specialization and goals. With help from local governments, school districts, community-based organizations, and more, the goal is to get the community involved as much as possible while also helping those in need. 

"Young people are grappling with new and unforeseen challenges,” said Langford-Juan de Fuca MLA Ravi Parmar. “As a young person myself, I see my peers facing these issues, and as a former school board chair, I understand that these struggles impact youth of all ages; the funding being provided to these organizations will support programs that assist young people, who are among those most in need of allies in their corner.”

With the province sharing a list of all the projects and delegations of funding to each, here are some of the local projects in the area: 

The Boys and Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria, Youth Outreach Program available in Sooke and Westshore communities will receive $40,000. 

The Pacific Centre Family Services Association, Family Violence Prevention Program in located in Colwood will receive $40,000.

The Peers Victoria Resources Society, Violence Prevention and Response Program available in Victoria and Esquimalt will receive $40,000.

The Peers Victoria Resources Society, SACRED Program available in Victoria and Esquimalt will receive $40,000.

The Tau Wellness Organization Betwix'd Performing Arts Youth Collective Program available on Southern Vancouver Island will receive $40,000. 

The Whitecrow Village FASD Society, workshops available in Victoria and Westshore will receive $40,000

The WITS Programs Foundation Society, LEADS Program located in Greater Victoria, will receive $40,000

SPONSORED BY INTERTIDAL COUNSELLING & WELLNESS

Your life in review

As an older adult, you may be facing a host of unique challenges. You don’t have to take them on alone.

In our Life Review group, participants will imagine their life as a book, sharing moments of joy and past hardships. Each week there will be a writing topic and ensuing discussion. Group members will identify what is most meaningful in their lives and use these insights to form plans and aspirations for the future.

Running June 7, 14, and 21 at Christ Church Cathedral. Registration closes May 23. Please email [email protected] to register.

EVENTS

Island FanCon brings economic boost

Island FanCon has brought the spotlight to Langford and other nearby cities after bringing over $750,000 worth of economic activity in the surrounding area according to event organizers. Drawing inspiration from Northern FanCon, a highly-anticipated event in Prince George that has been running for a decade, Island FanCon’s launch was a triumph for Westshore communities. 

Island FanCon hosted over 100 vendors, exhibitors, and local businesses, and featured a variety of activities, including celebrity meet-and-greets, shops, interactive workshops, and even a cosplay contest for beginners and experts. With over 3,000 attendees, founder Lonnie Eckardt was excited to see the two-day showcase of talent and products from fans and local businesses alike. 

"We are thrilled to see the positive impact that Island FanCon has had on Langford and the Capital Region,” said Eckardt. “Beyond being a gathering of fans, it's rewarding to know that our event is contributing to the local economy and supporting the growth of local businesses."

A large part of the event was not just to bring in economic activity, but also to foster connections in community engagement and cultural enrichment. With Langford growing bigger each year, the ability to provide a space for fans, artists, gamers, and performers to build relationships is an asset for the development of the city. 

"Events like Island FanCon play a crucial role in driving tourism and economic activity in our city. We are proud to host such a dynamic and inclusive event that brings together fans from across the Region and beyond,”  said Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson. 

With the success of the event, Island FanCon is looking forward to the future of their partnership with Langford and the future of gatherings like this. 

Around the 'Shore

🔋 CRD looks into converting biosolids: Last week, the Capital Region District board decided to move forward with a plan to help use the end product of the area’s sewage treatment process. The three-tiered approach aims to use biosolids for fuel; the plan is to be submitted for provincial approval next month. [Times Colonist] 

🏆 Community project award goes to Langford: The Langford Station is getting recognition for its role in supporting the city’s economy after receiving the Community Project Award from British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA). As a popular spot in the area, the award highlights the success and relationships the business has created. [Goldstream Gazette] 

🚙 Sooke transportation updates: On May 15, the District of Sooke announced the substantial completion of the Church/Throup Roundabout. The district will be working with contractors over the next few weeks to make sure all details are finalized to the best ability, as the completion comes as a part of the ongoing development of Sooke’s transportation infrastructure.

SPONSORED BY PHILOSOPHY MD

Special event: Philosophy MD celebrates anniversary with open house

Victoria's award-winning medical spa Philosophy MD will celebrate its second trip around the sun on May 23 with an open house from 11am to 7pm. The community is invited to meet the experts, tour the artfully designed centre, and toast to healthy skin and confidence! Shop anniversary treatment packages, skincare, and other luxe retail treasures. 

Bring a friend, and RSVP by email to [email protected].

Community Events

🌱 View Royal Garden Club Meetup: This May 22, head to Wheeley Hall behind Esquimalt United Church for the View Royal Garden Club general meeting on Wednesday. Starting at 7:30pm with a $5 drop-in fee for non-members, this month’s topic will surround dahlias, with discussions from Barry Willoughby who has specialized in the knowledge of dahlias for the past 40 years; guests will also be able to check out a judged mini show featuring exhibits from members’ gardens.  

🎶 Music in the Park: Enjoy an evening of live music with Colwood’s Music in the Park series. Hosted every Friday and Saturday until Sept. 7, shows will go from 5:30 to 7:30pm across multiple parks in Colwood with different food vendors at each show. The first show is coming May 24 at Colwood City Hall, so make sure to see which dates and parks work best for you. 

🎤 Friday Karaoke Nights: Get your karaoke on at Grill 54’s Friday Karaoke Nights, going every Friday until the end of August. Going from 8 to 11pm, the grill has their regular menu available until 8pm, and a late night bites menu available until 10pm.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

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Westshore Snaps

Esquimalt Lagoon on a stormy day. —Gary Woodburn, Colwood

That’s it!

If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to another Westshore local.

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