Good morning!

Drivers should prepare for upcoming road work, as the province finishes the Malahat section of Highway 1. Completion of the project will come towards the end of fall, which will be approaching the anniversary of the atmospheric river flood that led to the road damages in 2021.

— Emma

NEWS

Malahat Tunnel construction will cause delays for drivers

The BC government recently announced that work to complete the Malahat section of Highway 1 near the Tunnel Hill project would be starting Sept. 11, causing some locals to plan alternate routes. The Tunnel Hill site has been under repair after being washed out during the atmospheric river flood in November 2021.

Drivers should expect delays as the project moves toward completion at the end of fall, with single-lane alternating traffic in place overnight from 8pm until 6am. Updates on the exact end date will come closer to the end of the project.

This work is expected to take place four to five nights each week from Monday night through Thursday night, with the possibility of an additional Friday or Sunday night when required. This week, as overnight construction gets underway, there is a likelihood work will extend for five nights, with travellers needing to prepare for up to 20 minutes of delay through the site. Short traffic stoppages may also occur throughout the daytime to allow the contractor to safely mobilize and demobilize personnel and equipment.

Despite the inconvenience, the Malahat is still open, with new lane configurations in place through the construction site that will maintain continuous two-way traffic during daytime hours throughout the duration of the project.

Work will be weather-dependent, and was selected to take place at times with the least amount of traffic. The government recommends drivers check conditions and the status of the road work before planning their routes.

COMMUNITY

The Healing Hearts Run returns to the Westshore

One in four women in BC have experienced have experienced miscarriages and pregnancy loss; and one in six Canadian women struggle with infertility. With an emphasis on supporting pregnancy loss and infertility, the second annual Healing Hearts Run will be held on Sept. 23 at Royal Roads University from 11am to 1pm to raise awareness and help the many families who have experienced child loss or infertility.

The Healing Hearts Run was started in 2022 by the Pacific Perinatal Foundation (PPF) as a way to bring the community together through shared experiences, to raise funds, and provide support and services for families across the Island. With a goal of raising $55,000 to support families with counselling, programs, and support, the run is an important piece of the PPF’s mission.

“Last year we had physicians, midwives, counsellors, nurses, social workers—so many of the people who support families in our community were in attendance, really in solidarity and in support because it is something that all of us care really deeply about,” says Stephanie Curran, the co-founder of the PPF. “I really look forward to gathering with the people who are going to come out who have lived through this and are still living through it because even when a loss has happened, however many years ago, it's always with you.”

Head to The Westshore to read more about the Healing Hearts Run.

Around the 'Shore

🚔 Richard Paul Preston dies in custody in Metchosin prison: The Correctional Service of Canada has reported that Preston died in custody on Sept. 2. He had been serving an indeterminate sentence since April 1994 on a conviction of second-degree murder. His family has been notified, and though no information about his death has been released, circumstances will be reviewed. [Vancouver Island Daily]

⚠️ CRD odour advisory in Esquimalt: Between Sept. 11 and 14, the CRD is doing maintenance at the McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, which could lead to unpleasant odours in the area. The odour comes from wastewater, and residents of Esquimalt have been advised to monitor the warnings and that the CRD will try to minimize the impacts as much as possible.

🚀 Don’t be afraid to jump in! Stay current with career-focused training. Micro-credentials, diplomas and certificates. Gain a fresh perspective with Continuing Studies at UVic.

🚒 Important year for Firefighters’ National Memorial Day: Hundreds of firefighters gathered in Ontario on Sept. 10 to mark Firefighters’ National Memorial Day. Firefighters from across the Island, including Langford, attended the Canadian Firefighter Memorial Ceremony to honour the late Langford assistant fire chief Lance Caven and late Colwood fire chief John Cassidy. Over 80 firefighters were honoured this year as Canada battles its worst fire season to date. [CHEK]

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Community Events

🧶 Learn to Knit: Want something cozy to wear this season? Learn how to create a sweater, blanket, or much more for the upcoming fall season at the Langford Station Sept. 14 from 5 to 6:30pm. With all materials provided, you can pay to register for the weekly Thursday class with Spinnacle Yarns.

🚺 100 Women Who Care Westshore: This Sept. 14 at the Royal Colwood Golf Club, join in on making change in the community with a group of women looking to contribute to the local cause. From 6 to 8pm, discuss and vote on the local charity or non-profit organization for that evening's donations, and enjoy refreshments while you mingle and watch presentations.

🎤 Live Coffee House: The Sooke Folk Music Society is hosting its annual coffee house season every third Saturday from September to June, with each performance going from 7 to 9pm. With doors opening at 6:30pm, open stage starts at 7 followed by the feature performance at 8:15pm: tickets are $10 for adults, and free for open stage performers.

What’s Offshore?

🚢 The Jal Kamadhenu is a bulk carrier built in 2020 and is sailing under the flag of Panama. It is sailing from Onahama, Japan 🇯🇵 ➡ Vancouver 🇨🇦 and was scheduled to arrive Sept. 11.

Westshore Snaps

Lone Artist - Digital interpretation: taken at the Arts and Culture Colwood Society, Insight Festival. —Richard Steward, View Royal

That’s it!

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