Good morning! 

As we get closer to the end of the year, we’re starting to look back at some of our big stories from 2023, and the biggest news stories of the year outside of the Westshore as well. Since our coverage is always focused on what’s happening right here in our community, we’re wondering where our readers get their other news.

— Emma

NEWS

No spill response can eliminate risk to marine life in the Strait of Juan de Fuca

Last week, Capital Daily reported that the new 74.5-metre (244-foot) Western Marine Response Corporation (WMRC) vessel named the K.J. Gardner will be docked in Beecher Bay early in the new year. The ship is purpose-built to patrol the BC coastline and respond in the event of an oil spill.

This additional response resource is being deployed in anticipation of the 34+ tankers per month (450 per year) that will come out of Burnaby’s Westridge Marine Terminal laden with oil from the TMX pipeline before making their way through the San Juan Islands and through the Juan de Fuca Strait. 

The tankers carrying this heavy oil will travel the migration routes of significant Sockeye salmon runs that head up the Fraser River and past the Gulf Islands to Ferndale, Washington. Clear Seas, an independent research centre that supports safe and sustainable marine shipping in Canada, says the TMX project could represent a 9% increase in commercial ship traffic traveling through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. 

Those tankers will also pass by the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve (RRER) off the coast of East Sooke where, according to Warden Derrick Sterling, “Humpbacks are visible every day.” According to the RRER site, Southern Resident Orcas also pass south of Race Rocks reserve heading west, and Bigg’s (Transient) Orcas pass, heading East.

Despite TMX assurances that all of its tankers will be carefully escorted by tug vessels through the Georgia and Juan de Fuca Straits and will receive extended pilot guidance to the Race Rocks area, no precautions are 100% infallible.

Read Sidney Coles’ full story on how an oil spill in these waters off Beecher Bay will impact marine wildlife. 

ENVIRONMENT

Expert panels at Royal Roads University involve residents in the climate change conversation

Last week, Royal Roads University (RRU) hosted a week of climate action activities for those looking to make an impact in the community. Topics were explored from a variety of experts, activists, artists, and more, and the panels challenged community members to think outside the box on how they can make a difference in protecting the environment. 

“Royal Roads University’s inaugural Climate Week was a great success. We heard from a diversity of voices on topics such as Indigenous climate action, climate complexity and relational accountability and ‘artivism’,” said Robin Cox, professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability at RRU and Climate Week organizer. “An intention at the heart of pulling together Climate Week was to give voice to and amplify perspectives that are currently at the margins but need to be elevated and heard to address the climate crisis in a systematic way. “

Hoping to put a spotlight on both climate change and Indigenous perspectives, Eriel Tchekwie Deranger opened the event and discussed her work as the director of Indigenous Climate Action; Tchekwie spoke about the front lines of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28), and offered perspectives on the international climate negotiations and Indigenous-led climate movement. As the UN climate summit COP 28 is underway, RRU hosted the event to allow the community to listen to related presentations and join the activities.

“We welcomed community participation and supported students from all disciplines to learn how they can become climate action leaders in their own fields,” said Cox. “Students in the first ever cohort of the master of arts in Climate Action Leadership program at RRU were given the chance to present their research, meet with employers in climate-related fields and take part in a climate action leadership accelerator workshop.”

Throughout the week, participants gathered to listen to each presenter discuss their specific field of work and how to translate that into everyday life. Residents learned about how art can make an impact, what the media can do, and even how a simple conversation can go a long way. Coming away from the discussions, Cox emphasized that one of the most important parts in climate change is coordination and community involvement. By showing up to community events, engaging with discussions, and maintaining an awareness of the climate, each individual can make a difference. 

“The week culminated in a participatory art workshop sponsored by the Resilience by Design lab and the Climate Action Leadership program at Royal Roads; the final image created through hands-on participation is designed to inspire people to see themselves as part of a movement to address the climate crisis through social change,” said Cox. “Organizers from Royal Roads Climate Action, and Sustainability and Resilience by Design Lab hope Climate Week will be a yearly opportunity to elevate diverse climate perspectives including social movements, decolonizing climate action and leadership—they hope to inspire participants to examine climate solutions in a new way.”   

With one more session to come on Dec. 14, the community can reflect on their learnings or even find out more about what the end of the UN conference means for the world. Challenging the future generations to keep hosting conversations, RRU has become a beacon of inspiration to look at climate change in a social way.

Around the 'Shore

🚓 Youth in Langford admit to slashing tires: On Aug. 28, West Shore RCMP received reports that three vehicles had their tires slashed in the Westshore Town Centre parking lot. After months of investigation, police were able to identify three 14-year-olds who admitted to committing the act; the youth participated in a restorative justice forum which ended this week and consisted of the youth writing apology letters, paying a combined fine of $1,050, and learning about how their actions affect those around them. 

🚙 Two injured after a car crashed into a Langford pub: West Shore RCMP are investigating after two people suffered minor injuries after their vehicle crashed into the side of the Loghouse Pub in Langford the morning of Dec. 9.  According to Langford Fire, the vehicle “left the roadway” and hit the patio of the pub, causing the gas line connected to the patio’s heaters to sever—no one inside was injured. [CHEK] 

🌼 Refresh your perspective on your current career or dive into new directions with Continuing Studies at UVic. Enrich your skills and receive valuable training.*

🎁 Langford hockey coach gives back to the community that helped him as a child: Growing up, Jim Knutsen received a Star Wars toy that was a gift from the Santas Anonymous charity, something that would allow him to feel included and change the trajectory of his childhood. Now, remembering that kindness, Knutsen and his team at Juan de Fuca Minor Hockey Association are challenging other minor teams to join him in donating and giving back to the charity that once helped him and his family. [CTV]

*Sponsored Listing

Community Events

🎻 Juan de Fuca Orchestra Concert and Christmas Show: On Dec. 13 starting at 7:30pm, purchase tickets for the Juan De Fuca Orchestra concert at the 55+ activity centre with incredible live music performances for the family to enjoy. Hosting their free Christmas show the next day, the Dec. 14 concert will feature performances from JDF singers, stage players, and much more at 1pm. 

🛼 Teen Roller Skating: As a fun and free option for teenagers only, this is the second last week to join the Eagle Ridge Centre’s roller-skating evenings. Hosted on Dec. 15, the theme of the week is “let it shine”, so make sure to dress up in sparkles, glitters and all things that shine. Going from 4-6:30pm, this is a great way to hang out with friends after school. 

🏮 Lantern Making Workshop: Looking for a family friendly activity to get into the holiday spirit? Join the community this Dec. 16 to make a lantern at the Sooke Region Museum and Visitor Information Centre from 2-3pm. Call the museum to register for $5, and hold onto your lantern for the Sooke Solstice Lantern Walk on Dec. 21.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Afternoon clouds as seen from Esquimalt Lagoon. —Gary Woodburn, Colwood

That’s it!

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