Good morning! 

The long weekend is approaching, and everybody is getting excited to kick back, relax, and enjoy the unofficial kick off to summer. For locals looking for fun things to do, read our list of May long weekend activities, and more, in today’s edition of the newsletter.

— Emma

NEWS

Victoria councillors are calling on the Westshore to step up

Municipal councillors in Victoria are voicing mounting concerns over the city's disproportionate burden in tackling the intersecting crises of opioid addiction and homelessness. Despite a slight decrease in opioid-related deaths, the streets of Victoria remain stark reminders of these ongoing challenges.

Councillor Jeremy Caradonna spoke to the Westshore about the overwhelming responsibility placed on Victoria. The lack of shelters in neighbouring areas like Langford, Colwood, and Sooke exacerbates the strain.

“We’re doing too much, that we’ve taken on too much. The province has handed down these affordable housing targets but there are also supportive housing targets and people have to understand that. We have a low target because we have a lot of supportive housing. We are completely overwhelmed,” sais Caradonna.

His calls for decentralization echo throughout council discussions, urging a shift away from concentrating services in one locale. Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi said Victoria is taking the brunt of it because it has the majority of the services available.

Kobayashi is advocating for regional solutions, highlighting the need for equitable distribution of resources. Federal initiatives like Reaching Home offer hope for collaborative efforts and infrastructure development.

However, challenges may persist in garnering support from neighbouring municipalities. The onus will fall on Westshore mayors and councils to forge partnerships essential for reaching comprehensive, collaborative and more local solutions.

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

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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.

RECREATION

Local May long weekend activities for the family

The May long weekend is just around the corner, and plenty of people are looking for activities to do. The Westshore has some fun events in store, with some great spring markets, outdoor activities, and even a weekend-long fair, so make sure to check our list to fill your weekend with fun. 

Spring and summer markets 

There are a ton of spring and summer markets going on this weekend, with options like fresh fruits and vegetables, local crafts, baked goods, clothing and more. Many of the markets in the area are hosted throughout the summer weekly, and are a great option to support local vendors. For a full list of local markets, check out our story on spring markets in the area. 

Food growing workshop

Gardening is a skill that takes time, hard-work, and a lot of patience, which is why it’s so rewarding to see your efforts pay off. Royal Roads University is offering a food growing workshop this May 18 at 10am which is the opportune time to learn some extra tips on how to work on your own garden, and even grow your own produce. With a whole weekend after the workshop, you can register online to tour the farms and learn more about food growth, and then apply it in the comfort of your own garden. 

Luxton Fair 

The annual Luxton Spring Fair is coming to town from May 16 to 19 and is a great way to spend the weekend. Ride on one of the carnival midway rides, play some games, win some prizes, taste delicious fair food, and check out special displays and vendors. Selling tickets online, the event will be hosted at the Luxton Fairgrounds. 

Canvas Family Fest 

Family Fest is coming to Veterans Memorial Park on May 20 and is a free family-friendly option for anyone in the community to attend. Going from 11am to 3pm, the venue will be host to over 15 game and prize stations, art booths, an inflatable castle, food, live music, and more. 

Around the 'Shore

🐻 Bears get into Greater Victoria garbages: BC Conservation Officer Service (COS) received multiple calls about bears digging through trash by midday on May 13 in the Langford area alone. The team has been increasingly dealing with the issue over the past four years due to residents not properly storing and securing their trash. [Vancouver Island Free Daily] 

🏫 Westshore post-secondary school opening postponed: A number of set-backs have delayed the opening of a new post-secondary school at 798 Goldstream Ave. in the Westshore by a year, with the goal of most classes to begin in September of 2025. According to Royal Roads, the project was delayed due to a number of issues, including  supply chain and labour shortages, the RidgeView Place evacuation, and the original mass timber supplier declaring insolvency. [CHEK] 

🚓 Police find missing woman who was last seen in View Royal: A missing 68-year-old woman who was reported missing and last seen in View Royal on May 9 has been found. Victoria Police Department called off the search on May 14, stating that the woman was safe; the woman’s identity is being protected for privacy purposes.

🚨 Esquimalt assaults during Buccaneer Days: Esquimalt’s Buccaneer Days celebration faced some issues this past weekend when a group of 10 to 15 teenagers broke out in a brawl. The group were reported to be involved in incidents involving bear spray, assaulting locals, and stealing fundraiser money. Police are looking for any information from anybody who was assaulted or witnessed any of the incidents. [Times Colonist]

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Community Events

🛍️ Fridays at the Station:  Head to the Langford Station this May 17 for Fridays at The Station. Hosted every Friday from 4-8pm, bring some friends and taste BC craft beer flights, enjoy live music, munch on a variety of food truck options, and shop at the local businesses and art studios.

🎻 Cascadia Strings: Enjoy an evening of string music at the Cascadia Strings concert Struggle and Freedom on May 18. Going from 2 to 3:30pm, the concert’s music will be a selection of classical tunes played at St. John the Baptist Heritage Church. Tickets are available online. 

🎤 Open Stage: Sing your heart out at Sooke Folk Music Society’s open stage evening on May 18. Hosted every third Saturday of the month, open stage starts at 7pm followed by a feature performance at 8:15pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, and free for open stage performers.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Zaandam coming into Ogden Point on April 26. —Shayne Eldridge, Colwood

That’s it!

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