Together with

Good morning!

In our last edition of the newsletter, we announced that Music in the Park was ending last week, and listed the incorrect artist. Unfortunately, the link we pulled the information from was from a previous year, so we are excited to say that Memorial Park Music fest will be continuing into August for locals to enjoy!

— Emma

NEWS

View Royal joins Saanich and Victoria in Zero Carbon Step Code

View Royal locals are moving towards a cleaner future, as the city announced its plans to implement the Zero Carbon Step Code through a partnership with the View Royal Climate Coalition (VRCC). Following the signing of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and committing to support the Sue Big Oil campaign, the step code is a move in the right direction, says Jane Devonshire, a member of the VRCC.

“[City council] really understands that we are in a climate emergency, they understand the urgency of it, which is so helpful,” Devonshire says. “Finally somebody is walking the talk, because the provincial and federal government are not taking concrete, measurable actions like View Royal, so we were extremely inspired by Victoria and Saanich.”

The Zero Carbon Step Code is a voluntary plan introduced by the province to reduce emissions in new buildings. Starting Nov. 1, new Part 9 buildings, which include houses and other small buildings under a certain height and width, will be zero-carbon. Space heating, water, and cooking will become electric, which Devonshire says is better for both the environment and for renters.

“It’s way healthier, and you actually start saving money on your energy bills,” Devonshire says. “It’s important to get educated, especially on the health implications of using gas and to understand that it's still methane.”

With hopes of encouraging other Westshore communities to sign on to the step code, View Royal has made plans to work on climate action. Implementing the Zero Carbon Step Code is a contribution towards View Royal meeting the GHG emission reduction targets mandated by the CleanBC Roadmap.

“With the Zero Carbon Step Code, we will not be adding to carbon emissions from the methane gas,” Devonshire says.

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EVENTS

Sooke Fine Arts show highlights local artists and businesses for its 37th year

The art community in Sooke has come together again, as the Sooke Fine Arts show kicked off its weeklong event last Friday. Running since 1986, the show was originally started by Elida Peers and held by the Sooke Region Museum as a way to promote local arts and the artists in this region. Now, the show is a driving force in supporting local businesses and artists, as all the profits go towards them. Executive director of the Fine Arts Society, Terrie Moore, who helps arrange the show each year, says it’s fantastic to see all of the hard work come together.

“Every year it takes well over 300 volunteers to help us put the show together,” says Moore. “Two of us in the office here work year-round, but we start working on the show starting in January and then physically setting it up at the beginning of July.”

With the show now in full swing, Moore says this year has brought out a particularly positive group, as the colourful artwork brightens the space. Featuring a number of artists, including two from Haida Gwaii, locals will have the opportunity to check out the exhibit and partake in daily events as three independent jurors decide the award winners for this year.

“Every day we have live music, we have artists doing demonstrations, we have artists doing tours [and] talks on the stage presenting different aspects of their work; it’s really an interactive kind of event,” says Moore. “I’ve heard someone describe it as ‘aggressively positive’, and I think they said that because last year was our first year back and there was a lot of heavy material in there, but this year is a solid, colourful, positive show and people are just really responding well to it.”

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and free for those 17 and under. Moore says this is a fantastic opportunity to put a spotlight on both Sooke and its art scene.

“We promote Sooke at our info booths; it's really a stopping point to come see the show and see the local businesses, and then we can tell you about where else to go see and our wonderful neighbourhood,” Moore says. “We have woodworking, gorgeous tables, ceramics, activities… and even a gift shop where everything is under $250; it's really meant to be showing people how accessible art is and what it can mean to everybody to come and see a show like this.”

Around the 'Shore

🏥 Family of Metchosin boy speaks out on his death: After nine-year-old Carter Bonsdorf died due to a mistreated bowel obstruction at Cowichan District Hospital, his parents Alan and Tanisha Bonsdorf are speaking out about the alleged racism and medical incompetence that led to their child’s death. Carter experienced extreme stomach pain, which his parents say was brushed off as the flu despite X-rays noting a possible bowel obstruction. The parents are now looking into legal options for maltreatment and mis-practice. [Times Colonist]

🚗 Twin daughters saved in View Royal fire: The family of Adeline and Everly Odony are thanking Mark Phoenix and another stranger for pulling the twins to safety after the car they were in unexpectedly caught fire. After their grandmother pulled over and got out on the highway, the car quickly engulfed in flames and had drivers pulling over to help—before the car exploded, Phoenix was able to pull the girls to safety. [CHEK]

💫 Mid-August lookout for Perseid meteor showers over Vancouver Island: The annual Perseid meteor showers usually occur between late-July and late-August, and this year is no exception. The Farmer’s Almanac predicts the showers will be best viewed between midnight on Aug. 11 and the early hours of Aug. 13. [Victoria Buzz]

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Community Events

🧺 Colwood Neighbourhood Nights: Join the community this Aug. 1 in fun games, activities, and crafts with West Shore Parks & Recreation. From 6 to 8pm, you can bring a picnic and enjoy an evening of fresh air at Royal Bay Meadow Park. Neighborhood Nights will be running every Tuesday throughout the summer.

🕵️ Smartphone detective audio game: Itching for a mystery? Look no further, as Hearo invites Langford locals to take a chance at its smartphone murder mystery. Open every day until Oct. 5, you can purchase a ticket and explore different areas of the city while solving the mystery.

🎥 Outdoor Movie Series: Head to Esquimalt’s Bullen Park this Aug. 9 at 9pm for a showing of The Princess Bride. With popcorn and crepes on sale, you’ll want to bring a blanket, lawn chair, and some friends to enjoy the evening.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Lunchtime break on the Hurricane Ridge Trail in Olympic National Park.
— Richard Steward, View Royal

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