Good morning! 

Over the past year, I have had the incredible opportunity to work as newsletter editor at the Westshore. The community has been so welcoming and has given me the chance to hear new stories, learn about the area, and truly understand how wonderful of a community I was able to work in, but unfortunately my time as editor is coming to an end. For my last edition of the Westshore, I wanted to thank you all for supporting me in this role and am so excited to see where my next role will take me. Cheers and best wishes to all of you!

— Emma

HEALTH

New initiative announced in the Westshore to boost services for mental health and substance use

The Westshore has a new hub for mental health and substance use services that will open its doors to the public on Sept. 4. This hub, located at 681 Allandale Rd., aims to enhance access to care by offering same-day walk-in or call-in counselling, assessments, care planning, and referrals to more intensive services. It provides a permanent location for the 400 current clients and an additional 1,500 people who previously received single-session services out of CARE offices on Goldstream Avenue.

On Wednesday, regional MLAs and representatives from Island Health launched the Westshore Mental Health and Substance Use Hub, a timely event, just three days out from Overdose Awareness Day.

The hub is part of an Island Health initiative to provide more integrated, community-based care. It features a team of experts, including psychiatrists, addiction specialists, and counsellors, working together to offer personalized support. The facility emphasizes a non-stigmatizing, supportive environment, incorporating feedback from Indigenous communities to ensure culturally relevant services.

“It’s more than a medical facility. It’s a place of connection, support, and hope,” said Leah Hollins, chair for the Island Health board of directors.

The new hub also aims to reduce the need for people to travel to downtown Victoria for care, making it easier for residents to access help locally. With features like discreet counselling rooms and soundproofing, the space is designed to respect and protect clients' privacy and well-being. The hub represents a significant step forward in providing comprehensive, accessible mental health and addiction services in the Westshore.

“I know how important it is that we have these services here locally in the community. It’s really important to have a location in the Westshore,” said MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin, Mitzi Dean.

Head to the Westshore to read more about the new mental health and substance use services, and what local MLAs and service providers had to say about the project.

FOOD

Local burger joints to check out

As a big foodie, there’s a craving that I always come back to time and time again: burgers. With plenty of options across the Westshore, including some newly opened spots this year, we’ve rounded up a list of must-have burgers in the area. 

Burger Crush: Located at 116-1901 Sooke Rd. in Colwood, Burger Crush opened earlier this summer and is becoming a popular spot for simple burgers. With a goal ‘“to revive the experience of stress-free, top-notch fast food within our community,” Burger Crush offers three different choices of burgers including a classic cheeseburger, vegan cheeseburger, and a vegetarian cheeseburger. With delicious shakes and side options, Burger Crush accommodates dietary restrictions and is a great option for a quick and tasty bite. 

Burger On Point: Looking to pair a good brew and burger? Check out Burger On Point located behind the Sooke Brewing Company. Serving fries, wings, and of course, a bountiful number of burgers, the kitchen also features a monthly burger flavour for customers to test and enjoy. Burger On Point is open from 4 to 8pm Tuesday and Wednesday, 12 to 8pm from Thursday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays. The Sooke Brewing Company also regularly features new craft beers to enjoy, so head on down to enjoy a flavourful combination of food and drink all-in-one. 

Bucky’s Taphouse: Operating for over 40 years, Bucky’s Taphouse gained new ownership in 2013 and has earned its place as a long-standing community staple in Langford. Up for nomination as one of the best Westshore restaurants, the pub regularly changes its menu items to keep things exciting and new for guests. Offering a variety of tasty burgers, there’s even a deal to get a $22.95 burger and beer offer on Fridays. Located at 2668 Sooke Rd., Bucky’s is open from Tuesday from 11am to 9pm through Saturday from 11am to 10pm. 

Bin 4 Burger: Known for being one of the best burgers in the area (and winning the title last year),  Bin 4 Burger Lounge specializes in gourmet burgers, fresh salads and hand crafted cocktails. Bin 4 has become a popular franchise, earning a reputation across BC for their ‘gourmet’ burgers and inviting menu options. Located on 716 Goldstream Ave., Bin 4 Burger started on Yates Street in 2011 and has only gotten better since its start. 

My-Chosen cafe: A well-known and featured spot, the My-Chosen cafe is home to a variety of inviting meals, especially their burgers. My-Chosen provides a warm and cozy atmosphere, with some great options to choose from. Each burger comes with a side of fries, with gluten-sensitive options for those with dietary restrictions. Since 1987, the cafe has been serving home-style meals to the community of Metchosin, and has expanded into a number of different offshoots, including the sugar shop. While there have been upgrades and new items, the My-Chosen team has committed to maintaining the homey-feel of the original business, and continues to serve delicious burgers which it promised to do from the start. 

Around the 'Shore

🚔 Police look for suspect in theft at construction site: West Shore RCMP are looking for any information on a man who is suspected of breaking in and stealing around $20,000 worth of tools and equipment. The construction site was broken into twice, once on Aug. 8 and once on Aug. 17 at 3 Helmcken Rd. in View Royal. The suspect is described as a light skin coloured male aged 25 to 40 years old, driving a newer SUV with two female passengers and a medium sized dog. 

⚠️ Langford traffic concerns grow as fall nears: Langford commuters have been worried about facing increased congestion on Millstream Road after the government announced the upcoming construction of a new school located by the Costco. With the decision helping parents reduce commute times to school, community members are still worried about the possibility of traffic during drop-off and pick-up times. [Times Colonist] 

⚖️ Man sentenced to life in prison: Damien Medwedrich has been convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of 26-year-old Alex Knatchbell. Medwedrich has been sentenced to life in prison without eligibility for parole for 25 years. [Times Colonist]

🔰 Reserve your spot at the Victoria's Vital Signs 2024 launch, starting at 2 p.m., September 24, at the Victoria Conference Centre! Free appetizers and an exciting keynote on futuristic leadership!*

*Sponsored Listing

Community Events

🎶 Choral Evolution audition: Calling all singers, Choral Evolution is inviting new members to join an open rehearsal and mini audition on Sept. 4. Going from 6:30pm to 9:15pm at the Holy Trinity Church in Sooke, anyone is welcome to attend. Those interested are invited to pre-register online. 

🎥 Movie on the hill: Head up to the hill behind the Juan de Fuca Library this Aug. 29 for a showing of Thor: Ragnarok. Hosted by West Shore Parks & Recreation, the event will start at 9pm, and make sure to bring a blanket. 

🏈 BC Lions practice at Starlight: This Aug. 29, BC Lions fans will have the opportunity to watch the team’s open practice at Starlight Stadium. Hosted as a part of their Touchdown Pacific tour, the practice will go from 11am to 2pm and invites fans to enjoy a free, fun-filled afternoon with music, games, a beer garden, and more. Make sure to register online beforehand to secure your spot.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

A Lesser Yellowlegs seen at the lagoon.  —Gary Woodburn, Colwood

That’s it!

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