Hello there!

Let me cut to the chase: We have a contest for you.

Hatley Castle is opening up to the public just a few times this winter, on December weekends beginning this Sunday. You can tour the museum, warm up by the fire, go up the grand staircase (which isn't open in the summer), take your holiday photos.

Royal Roads gave us tickets for this Sunday, and—as much as we would like to bring you all—there are only two. So we're asking you all to submit your best fall or winter photos of life in the Westshore, and we'll choose one photo submission to reward with the pair of tickets by the weekend.

You can submit your entry in a reply to this email, or in a separate email to [email protected].

Good luck to you all! For now, here is today's news.

— Cam

NEWS

Grizzlies become Salsa again tomorrow

Some thought it added a nice spice to the ice. Others found it a little too hot to handle.

But there's no denying that the name “Salsa" was a unique—unforgettable, even—choice for Victoria's hockey team back in 1994.

The identity lasted only a little over a decade on the jerseys, but much longer in local sports fans' memories. And starting tomorrow night, it'll be back on the jerseys too.

Grizzlies will become Salsa as the Westshore-based Victoria hockey team dons its former jerseys starting tomorrow. The Nov. 29 game at the Q Centre will feature the original sound effects the Salsa used, along with a 1990s soundtrack and, of course, the (in)famous logos and jerseys. The red “muscular pepper” look celebrates the team's 30th anniversary and in particular its lone championship, won in 2001 while wearing that uniform.

The name started with owners who thought it would be marketable and unique (and who happened to own the Island's Taco Time restaurants) but was subbed off the ice by 2006. The subsequent ownership group had decided it was time for something a little more conventional and regional—plus the former NHLer newly joining the ownership team was a developer of Bear Mountain.

But, as it is with many out-there ‘90s sports identities, the Salsa brand has come to be remembered fondly, and the team's current operators decided the time was ripe—like a juicy pepper—for its return.

Read more on the original Victoria Salsa, and the tributes planned for this season's local hockey games, in the full article at The Westshore.

NEWS

Colwood preserves Pendray House as a heritage gem

Colwood Council has granted Pendray House official heritage protection. This means the iconic 8,400-square-foot home, located near Esquimalt Lagoon, is now officially part of the city's protected heritage collection.

The property, which dates back to the 1920s, was originally built by Herbert and Charlotte Pendray, prominent local figures of the early 20th century. Over the years it has served various communities, from a human development centre to an arts space for the Coast Collective.

This step safeguards its historic charm amidst growing development in the surrounding Pacific Landing and a court-ordered sale of the House and several nearby lots. Although the house on Esquimalt Lagoon was not at risk of redevelopment, this step by the city formalizes its protected status and ensures it will be carefully maintained regardless of owner.

Pendray House now joins other cherished landmarks in Colwood, including the Fisgard Lighthouse and Fort Rodd Hill, highlighting the area's rich history. Notable features of the house include its unique river rock foundation, historic interior finishes, and the surrounding lush landscape of mature trees.

Read the full story at The Westshore for photos of Pendray House, more on its history, and an explanation of local heritage status and which other sites have it.

Around the 'Shore

🅿️ Devon Properties walks back parking fees that turned out to be illegal: The local property management company told residents that they would start owing $150/month for parking, as of Jan. 1. Tenants contacted the city, which confirmed that the covenant on the land guaranteed residents one free parking spot. The company says it mistakenly believed that this guarantee was temporary. [CHEK] 

💥 Navy demolitions today to Dec. 6 on Bentinck Island near Metchosin. These trainings will run 9am-4pm daily but will be paused if whales are nearby. 

📦 Don’t leave packages in car or on porch, West Shore RCMP advise. Thefts typically rise during the holidays season, and thefts from cars were up this month (17 reports) vs. last (13).

🗣 Last day for feedback on Metchosin's draft accessibility plan is tomorrow before 4pm. 

🥫 Food hamper registration deadline is tomorrow for Goldstream Food Bank

🚦 Delays this morning at Wishart & Metchosin Road intersection in Colwood, due to traffic signal maintenance. [9am-noon]

Community Events

🌲 Free holiday events put on next month by Westshore municipalities. [Our roundup]

🦕 Sooke Library events this week: Fun for kids with Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt and Paws and Tales, and education for adults on vegetarian cooking, Android devices, English, and more. [Schedule]

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

🖼 Gifts & Wishes Holiday Showcase. Wed.-Sat. See and shop original work from local artists and artisans at the Arts & Culture Colwood Society near Esquimalt Lagoon.

👟 Exploring Indigenous Perspectives guided adult walk at Witty's Lagoon. Sat. 1:30-3pm. Learn about thousands of years of history and the cultural significance of local plants, animals, and the seasons. [Info]

🎄 Yuletide Market at Bilston Creek Farm on Fri. / Sat. / Sun. 90+ local businesses showcasing their products, food vendors, live music, and more.

🛍 Find more Greater Victoria winter markets in this roundup from Tasting Victoria.

🎶 Cool Nights, Warm Hearts: Choral Evolution concerts in early Dec. in Sooke & Colwood.

What’s Offshore?

🚢  Anchored just off the coast of Colwood: HL Taean (built 2016, Panama flag, departed from Taean-gun in Korea)

🚢🚢🚢 Anchored further out: YM Movement (container ship, 2013, Panama flag, departed Tacoma), Thale Victory (oil tanker, 2006, Norway flag, departed Portland), the aptly named Westwood Victoria (general cargo ship, 2003, Singapore flag, Seattle)

🛳 Moving on: HL Leader (2016, Marshall Islands flag, Korea) & San Felipe (2014, Marshall Islands flag, Prince Rupert).

Westshore Snaps

“Rain and more rain, but when the sun shines we are rewarded.” – photo by Gary Woodburn, with cameos by some of the ships anchored off the coast in mid-November

That’s it!

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

And before you go, let us know: