Hello there!

A provincial election is coming up in just over 5 weeks, and in those weeks we'll have more on the local seat races. But the arrival of fall also puts us right around the halfway point between municipal elections. That has one local council planning policy changes to try to make one of the biggest controversies of 2022 a nonfactor in 2026.

But for Colwood, putting constraints on developer money in politics isn't quite as simple as it sounds. Learn more in our lead story below.

— Cam

NEWS

Colwood council working to clean up voter perception on campaign donations

In the months and weeks leading up to Colwood's 2022 election, campaign contributions by developers became one of the biggest issues. In Royal Bay in particular, even small donations were put under a microscope when it came to council decisions and public engagement around development.

Two years later, on Sept. 9 this week, Coun. Kim Jordison tabled a motion addressing potential conflicts of interests between Colwood elected officials, developers and other interest groups.

Her motion requested that elected officials recuse themselves from any discussions, plans, and decisions for anything that could be of value to a developer if the official has gotten anything above $25 (in money or gift value) from the developer or “any closely associated individuals.” 

The motion was unanimously referred by council back to staff for revision. 

When she tabled the motion, Jordison said, “I've seen some shady things happen in the past, and again this past municipal election, that I think we as a council need to address. In the past, some developers have even gone to the extent of having their family members make the donation on their behalf or the company staff to disguise the donation and their names, and I just don't agree with it.”

It is not illegal for developers to donate to campaigns. But, as Coun. Cynthia Day said, “It doesn’t pass the smell test when you have the developer, his brother-in-law and his real estate agent all coming up to the microphone, [and] they don’t live in Colwood and don’t have an interest other than a particular project.”

And while that may sound like hyperbole, Jordison said, “It’s not even a comical thing to say, it’s the reality here.”

Read Sidney Coles’ full story on how Colwood council is looking ahead to the October 2026 election and debating how to ensure campaign fundraising and council decisions are above board. 

FOOD

10 patios to check out while the weather is still warm

It may be September, but the feeling of summer can still be alive as long as you're outside in some sunshine. Catch a few of these outdoor eating experiences before it gets too chilly.

Six Mile Pub + Eatery (View Royal / Colwood) – Established in 1855, Six Mile bills itself as the oldest pub in BC. Its vine-covered patio is a great spot to visit after a day of swimming or hiking at nearby Thetis.

Sawmill Taphouse + Grill (Colwood) – Formerly called 328 Taphouse, its specialty is wood-fired pizzas.

Table Nineteen (Colwood) – A spinoff of the Table Nineteen flagship in Whistler, this restaurant opened in 2020 at Olympic View Golf Club.

Bin 4 Burger Lounge (Langford) –Known for its night-time burger deals, Bin 4's several South Island locations include this Langford patio.

The Rack West Coast Bistro (Langford) – Laid-back West Coast vibes and all-day breakfast.

Darcy’s Pub Westshore (Langford) — At this point, the pub's Langford-core location may be even more central to Westshore nightlife than its Bastion Square counterpart is to downtown Victoria summers.

Stickleback West Coast Eatery (Sooke) – After a day of exploring Sooke and the surrounding beaches, take a seat on this waterfront patio in Cooper’s Cove.

Wild Mountain (Sooke) – Delight in an ever-changing menu of seasonal West Coast Canadian cuisine at this dog-friendly oceanside patio.

West Coast Grill (Sooke) – Another oceanfront patio, with beachy decor and many seafood dishes: clam chowder, oysters, crab cakes, sesame-crusted tuna, and more.

17 Mile House Pub (Sooke) – This 127-year-old building has been an inn, a school, and a venue for religious services—now, it’s the home of live music, pub bites, and Guinness pints.

Read more details on all of these patios and their menus in Tasting Victoria's previous Westshore tasting guide.

Around the 'Shore

🐏 Carcass of horned sheep found on Colwood beach: Wild populations are 100s of km away, so how did it get to the Esquimalt Lagoon area? The Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship says it is actually a domestic mouflon ram—but with no identifying details on the body, its herd of origin remains a mystery. [Goldstream News Gazette]

☎️ The fire department is not calling you to ask for money, says District of Sooke, after phone fraud attempts were reported. Sooke Fire Rescue does not solicit donations (e.g. for Sooke Food Bank and Christmas Bureau) by phone—but scammers might.

🎉 Snuneymuxw First Nation buys Elements casino near the border between View Royal and Colwood. The East Island nation took over Casino Nanaimo in June in a deal with the same seller. Elements has 750 slot machines and 23 live tables. [Nanaimo News Now]

☘ Shamrocks lose national lacrosse final: After winning Game 1, the Colwood-based team was “backdoor swept” 4-1 by the home-field Six Nations Chiefs in Ontario. Due to eastern teams dominating the Mann Cup, the western league re-classified so that its champion can roster up to 3 extra players—but the Shamrocks were abruptly denied this ability until the day of Game 3.

Community Events

👨‍🌾 Annual Fall Garden show, hosted by View Royal Garden Club, is open to the public 1-3pm on Sat. Sept. 14.

👩‍🎤 A free six-week a cappella workshop starts Sept. 17 in Langford with Pacific Edge Chorus.

👢 Colwood family barn dance: A dance, BBQ, and cancer fundraiser by West Shore RCMP at the Juan de Fuca Seniors Centre on Sat. Doors 5pm. Live music (Big Font) 7pm. [Tickets]

🎉 In Sight Festival: Visit Colwood's Meadow Park this weekend for music, cultural dancing, drumming, children’s activities, visual arts, storytelling, & food.

🏈 Westshore Rebels vs Langley Rams: Sunday 4-6pm (Doors 3pm) at Starlight. Featuring a food drive for the Goldstream Food Bank and free entry for minor football players in jerseys. [Tickets]

📖 Storytime in Sooke: Bring your kid to the library tomorrow for reading (10:30-11am) and then playtime. Ideal for ages 2-5.

🎟 BBQ, Raffle, & Garage Sale Fundraiser at Jesken Aerie Assisted Living Facility. Sat 10am-2pm.

🚦 Latoria Visioning Street Party: Colwood wants to engage with neighbours about their vision for the North Latoria Corridor. 11am-1pm Sat. at the roundabout on the new Olympian Way.

⚽️ Pacific FC hosts sibling team Vancouver FC on Sat. at 2pm, along with a visit from Tour de Rock. [Tickets]

🥎 UVic hosts softball tourney: The Vikes Home Series Western Conference Tournament is this weekend at Centennial Park. [Schedule]

What’s Offshore?

These ships were anchored off the coast of Colwood / Metchosin / Esquimalt / Victoria yesterday.

🚢 The Ever Steady is a Container Ship built in 2006 and is sailing under the flag of Singapore. It is sailing from 🇺🇸 Tacoma ➡ 🇨🇦 Vancouver.

🚢 The Pona is a Container Ship built in 2007 and is sailing under the flag of Liberia. It is sailing from 🇺🇸 Seattle ➡ 🇨🇦 Vancouver.

Westshore Snaps

“My dog and I caught this nice sunrise at Langford Lake on Monday.” – Julia

“Enjoying the morning sun while searching for winter supply of acorns.” – Keith Terlson, Langford

Witty’s Lagoon, Albert Head with Washington’s Olympic Mountains backdrop. – Richard Steward, View Royal

That’s it!

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