Good morning! 

Many residents in the Westshore are anticipating the official release of each city’s 2024 budget as it gets closer to the May 15 deadline. With Metchosin in the final steps to approve their tax rate and financial plan, make sure to read all about it and more in today’s edition of the Westshore.

— Emma

NEWS

Westshore municipalities prepare for 2024 budgets 

In January, new chief administrative officer Bob Payette was given the task of creating Metchosin’s 2024 budget; after months of deliberation, the Metchosin Special Finance committee is waiting on final approval from the council after confirming their 2024 tax budget this April 4. 

“We are moving nicely towards the final approval process as legislated for the financial plan and tax rate bylaw, and that date is fast approaching for May 15,” said Payette. 

Residents were worried when Metchosin originally released their five year plan for future taxes and budget, which has gone through a number of changes since its creation. In its first drafts, Metchosin residents watched as the tax increase fluctuated around 15%. On top of the 2024 budget, the city had projected an increase over the next four years in the double-digits. 

With many in the community voicing their concerns, the finance committee held meetings with public participation available at both the beginning and end of each session. After a final deliberation, and over nine drafts, the committee was able to get the tax increase down to 7.1%.  

Other municipalities in the area are also facing tax rises, with Langford approving a 15.6% increase, which will be the largest in the area. Victoria Buzz reports that Sooke has proposed a 10.53% tax increase, View Royal a 6.4% increase, and Colwood a 4.9% increase. The Westshore is a growing area, with a forecasted 20% population growth by 2038, leaving many cities to mitigate the expansion through a tax increase. 

Cities are required to have a plan solidified and approved by May 15, so residents will have to keep an eye on their own municipality’s approval of plans.

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RECREATION

Uncertain Pacific FC season kicks off with home win

Pacific FC won a home opener for the third straight year, beating Halifax 1-0 on April 13 with a goal from Ayman Sellouf. The Langford-based team enters its sixth pro season after an off-season marked by departures of its past stars and questions about its future home.

Uncertainty hanging over team and its field

After months of negotiation, the club extended its lease at Starlight Stadium—but only for a year, despite the option for five. Langford is looking at expanding the stadium from 6,000 seats to 10,000 but plans to put it to a referendum now that costs project well above the $4.5M estimate from 2022. 

Pacific FC has been consistently competitive but hasn’t regained the highs of a 2021 championship that was followed by the loss of key contributors. PFC finished #3 last year after a strong regular season wavered in the late weeks but was redeemed by a dogged playoff push. With the veteran core of the title team now cycled out, PFC's challenge is to build new competitive rosters with transfers, signings, and development. 

PFC has again lost key contributors this offseason

Djenairo Daniels is now in Portugal while huge defender Amer Didic switched sides to rival Ottawa along with longtime star Manny Aparicio, a past MVP contender. Replacing them are several new international additions including midfielder Andrei Tircoveanu of Romania and striker Reon Moore from Trinidad and Tobago’s national team. 

PFC will be taking on Valour FC at 7pm on April 19 at Starlight Stadium.

Around the 'Shore

🎫 Taylor Swift concert ticket Facebook scam: West Shore RCMP are warning residents about a fraud on Facebook involving the re-sale of Taylor Swift concert tickets. RCMP have received at least four complaints, describing how they contacted the seller who was “selling” the tickets, sent money, and did not receive the tickets; police believe the Facebook account advertising the tickets for sale was hacked, and that the person’s identity was used to defraud others. 

🚒 Malahat Fire Rescue receives a fire truck from Langford: The Malahat Volunteer Fire Department has just received a donation of a fire truck from the City of Langford after the city decided to repurpose the old truck. The freightliner fire truck has been running for the Langford Fire Department Station 3 fire hall since 2004, and was meant to go into reserve status after the city purchased a new dual-purpose fire engine; the older freightliner was instead relocated to the Malahat Fire Hall earlier this month. [Vancouver Island Free Daily] 

🚨 Police look for a man with four warrants: RCMP are on the look out for a 43-year-old Marshall Ian Ballard who is wanted on four warrants out of Oak Bay and the West Shore. Ballard is wanted on one endorsed warrant and three unendorsed warrants for six charges, including three counts of theft of a motor vehicle and three counts of possession of property obtained by crime; Ballard is described as a 5’10” Caucasian weighing at around 159 pounds with brown hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo of skulls on his left forearm. [CHEK]

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Community Events

🎭 Alice in Wonderland: Join the Amber Academy Youth Fine Arts Society for their rendition of Alice in Wonderland at the Sooke Community Hall. Going from April 26 to 27, the musical is inspired by one of Lewis Caroll’s most famous stories; with a show at 7pm on Friday and two shows at 2pm and 7pm on Saturday, make sure to purchase your tickets online.

🌊 Hike to higher ground: This week, learn more about tsunami risk, safety, and prep with the two high ground hikes hosted at Sooke and Colwood. Going from 11am to 12pm on April 18, the Sooke Emergency Program Team will meet at Whiffin Spit and hike to higher ground while learning more about tsunamis. For those living in Colwood, the event will go from 10am to 12pm on April 19, and start in the Royal Roads lower parking area. 

🥕 Sooke Country Market: Head to the first Sooke Country Market of the season this April 20 in the grass fields above Sooke Fire Hall. Going from 10am to 2pm every Saturday until Oct. 12, shop from a wide range of products including vegetables, crafts, baking, art, and more.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Sooke’s Whiffin Spit. —Richard Steward, View Royal

That’s it!

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