Hello there!

Christmas is about one month away, so today we check in on what festivities Westshore municipalities are offering between now and then.

We also have an update on the trial of a Sooke man accused of shooting his neighbour, and then a number of animal-related items in Around the ‘Shore.

— Cam

NEWS / EVENTS

Westshore municipalities are hosting holiday events and free festivities next month

The holiday season is arriving, and Westshore municipalities have a calendar full of festive events planned for families to enjoy. Langford, Sooke, Metchosin, and Colwood—plus Westshore-adjacent Esquimalt—are all putting up sparkling lights and inviting everyone to fun-filled activities for all ages to celebrate the season.

In an economy where families are ever more mindful with their expenses, municipally sponsored events provide accessible entertainment. They're a way for a wide range of people to enjoy a season that can often be expensive, and as stressful as it is cheerful.

Canadians plan to scale back their holiday spending plans this year, an October report from BMO argues, with 41% spending less money on fewer gifts.

“Given the ongoing affordability challenges that many Langford residents are facing, our goal this year was to remove any potential financial barriers by providing activities that are 100% free for everyone,” Coun. Colby Harder said in an email to the Westshore.

“I’m delighted to see our efforts go towards helping people spend time making memories together, rather than spending money.”

This holiday programming includes roaming carol singers and a newly added carousel in Veterans Memorial Park.

Here is a list of the holiday events being put on by Westshore municipalities. We'll be adding more as the holiday month begins, if more events are announced.

NEWS

Sooke man found guilty of shooting neighbour

The court determined that on a May morning in 2022, Paul Tregear, 58, shot his neighbour Anthony (Tony) Nelson in the stomach with a 1940s-style rifle following an ongoing dispute.

Tregear had pleaded not guilty, saying he brought the rifle to warn Nelson about a bear in the area. A jury found him guilty last week of aggravated assault and several weapons-related offences. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Nelson testimonies speak to sudden shooting—and smouldering feud

At trial, the Nelson family testified about the shooting and the events that preceded it. Wendy Nelson said she heard shouting before coming outside to find her husband trying to wrestle the rifle away; she told Tony to “pound him,” saying she feared for her spouse's life in the struggle, and later examined his charred wound.

Tony Nelson took the stand as well, saying that the neighbourly relationship of 15 years fell apart after incidents when Tregear accused him in 2020 of trying to run down his partner Cindy Hehn as she walked her dog on Otter Point Road, and later of stealing his wood and moving the property line.

Treager testimony posits wild bear—and wilder neighbour

Tregear's testimony painted a different picture: One in which he was chasing away a bear and followed it onto the Nelson property before attempting to helpfully warn them but abruptly being beaten in a “blur of fists" by an enraged Tony and having to flee to the woods. Tregear could not explain why he supposedly didn't hear the gun go off, why he didn't call police over being beaten, or why he said “I’m the guy you’re looking for” after being found at his job site and woken up while sleeping in his truck—though perhaps he was just being polite, he suggested during cross.

Second attempt after Sept. mistrial

The trial began anew earlier this month after a mistrial was declared back in September.

It was at that trial that the court first heard that after the non-fatal shot the men struggled over the pump-action rifle, which was later found lying nearby with one bullet in the chamber. Sooke RCMP said they later found Tregear driving, a neighbourhood away—bruised, bloody, and with a black eye burgeoning.

Police found Nelson injured outside and he was taken to the fire hall and then hospital. A fundraiser later gathered $10k in donations for his recovery. Describing Nelson as “one of the kindest, most generous, humble men you will ever meet,” it said that he, and his teenage son, will be “forever affected" by the driveway shooting.

Around the 'Shore

⚠️ “Vicious” Langford dog attack leaves poodle & owner with bite injuries. Witnesses say a large black dog (breed undetermined) got away from its handler and ran across the street to attack; the two handlers needed help from passersby to separate the dogs. The CRD is investigating. [Goldstream Gazette]

🐻🐻🐻 Orphaned baby bears last seen at Townsend & Waddams. Wild Wise Sooke writes that the cubs are approx. 10 months old and may survive by hibernating together even if they are not located and taken to a wildlife facility. They were previously all up in an oceanside tree but disappeared overnight last week. 

🐻🎥 Speaking of black bears in Sooke, one was caught on video hiding behind a tree after hearing a car drive by. [Facebook video]

🐀 Langford woman blames nearby construction for 2-year rodent invasion: She says the mouse infestation has been “like 101 Dalmatians" and has led to her getting to know the exterminator well enough that he invited her for Thanksgiving. She cites nearby demolitions and argues the city should include rodent rules in construction bylaws. [Sooke News Mirror]

Community Events

💜 Community harm reduction event: Changing the Narrative will feature experts to engage with, info about local resources, and naloxone training. Weds. evening at Edward Milne school. 6:15-8:45pm. [Info]

📈 Colwood hosts Prosperity Roundtable for business owners to seek input on its Draft Retail Strategy. Tomorrow noon at city hall. 

🦕 Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt is in its final week at Sooke library.

🛍 Centre Mountain Lellum Holiday Market: Handmade crafts, jewellery, holiday decor. Delicious treats, cozy creations, & a family-friendly festive atmosphere. 10am-2pm Sat.

🎟 2nd Annual Mistletoe Market & T'Souke First Nation raffle to help support families in need over the holidays. Dec 14 & 15

❄💗 Cool Nights, Warm Hearts: Choral Evolution—a 50-member, mixed-voice, auditioned choir—sings a blend of enduring choral pieces and cozy folk songs, including a rich selection of Canadian works. Dec. 6 & 7 at Holy Trinity Church in Sooke. Dec. 8 at Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre. [Info]

What’s Offshore?

🚢🚢🚢  Anchored just off the coast of Colwood: HL Leader (built 2016, Marshall Islands flag, departed from Dangjin in Korea), HL Taean (built 2016, Panama flag, departed from Taean-gun in Korea) & San Felipe (built 2014, Marshall Islands flag, departed from Prince Rupert).

🚢 Anchored further out: YM Movement (2013, Panama, departed Tacoma).

🛳 Moving on: GSL Tripoli, (2009, Liberia flag, departed from Busan, reached Vancouver) 

Westshore Snaps

“Swans at Alberta Head Lagoon on a rare sunny morning.” – Ron Myers, Colwood

Video: The relaxing effect of a tranquil Sooke stream. [Meanwhile in Sooke]

Photo: A recent rainbow via Arts&Culture Colwood.

That’s it!

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

And before you go, let us know: