Good morning! 

View Royal’s free tree planting program is just a week away from closing its applications. The town says it has received plenty of applicants already, and is hoping the program will help further its mission of environmental protection. Read all about the program, and more, in today’s edition of the newsletter.

— Emma

COMMUNITY

Metchosin’s delayed exploration option of a village square space may cost the district

The Metchosin Village Square Society's community enhancement proposal is currently stalled. The initiative aims to create a green space at the Metchosin Elementary School site, enhancing it as a community hub and improving the entrance to the school site.

The concept, which has been in development since 2017, received an initial $30,000 grant from Healthy Communities BC for community consultation and design.

Despite receiving overwhelming community support—83% favouring increased social connections and 66% of survey respondents supporting a new public space—the Metchosin council has yet to give firm approval.

Councillor Sharie Epp and Chief Administrative Officer Bob Payette have agreed to visit the proposed site, but no specific date has been set.

Coun. Jay Shukin highlighted the project's potential to enhance the school's viability as an event space, while Epp expressed regret over past delays and potential missed opportunities for funding and engagement with the society. With additional development funding options being explored, a detailed report on the proposal from the CAO is expected by early September.

Read Sidney Coles’ full story on this proposed green space and why ‘third spaces’ like these are important.

ENVIRONMENT

View Royal runs free tree program for fourth year

View Royal’s free residential tree planting program has been a growing success over the past four years, and with residents’ enthusiastic participation, the town is set on creating a greener space for the community. 

On Aug. 1, View Royal announced that the program would be ongoing until Aug. 21, encouraging residents to start their own canopy in their yard one tree at a time. The program is entirely funded through income received through the Town of View Royal's tree removal permitting process, which has allowed View Royal to give the trees to residents for free. 

“The Resident Tree Planting program was created to foster environmental stewardship within the town and to respond and support community preparation for climate change impacts: two goals supported through the Town’s Strategic Plan,” said View Royal representatives in an email to The Westshore. “The purpose of the program is to increase the urban tree canopy within the town, recognizing that there are substantial opportunities to do so on private properties.”

The project is accessible to residents, with the requirements that you need to either own a home in View Royal and have extra outdoor green space suitable for tree planting, and that you are dedicated to planting and taking care of your tree. 

A View Royal spokesperson says that the project supports not only environmental stewardship, but also boosts the town’s Urban Forest Strategy, a project currently underway and expected to be complete in early 2025.

“This program will improve the urban tree canopy within the Town in a financially and environmentally sustainable manner; it allows for the regeneration of the urban tree canopy as some trees reach the end of their life cycles,” said a spokesperson for the town. “Furthermore, until the Urban Forest Strategy is complete, and additional strategies are proposed, this program provides opportunities to offset development related tree removals by planting additional trees in nearby neighbourhoods.” 

Residents will receive a tree after submitting an application, which includes their top three choices of tree which are all native to the region. Once the town reviews the application, staff will be in touch to discuss suitability for the size and type of tree. 

Applicants will need to complete a BC 1 Call Before you Dig request to ensure that trees are not planted over underground utilities. 

“This fall will be View Royal’s fourth event for this program and with each event we are seeing an increase in participation,” said a representative. “We anticipate that as residents become aware of the program, we will see year over year increases in participation—based on the current application list, 2024 may see close to 100 trees being delivered to town residents.”

Residents will be able to pick up their trees from Town Hall in October, and are encouraged to send photos of their tree in its new home. 

Around the 'Shore

🏫 Province announces two new local childcare centres: Two new childcare centres have been announced for Langford and Metchosin, with the Metchosin centre operating at the Hans Helgesen Elementary School with 56 spaces. The Langford centre, which does not have a name yet, will have 49 spaces. Both centres are a part of a provincial announcement and will be part of the provincial government’s fee reduction program. [CHEK] 

🌊 Community group cleans up Esquimalt beach: On Aug. 11, the Vancouver Island chapter of Surfrider Foundation Canada gathered volunteers in the community to help clean up Esquimalt beach. The group has been cleaning South Island beaches for 15 years, and does clean-ups monthly every second Sunday to help reduce water pollution and environmental damage. [Vancouver Island Free Daily] 

🏈 Westshore Rebels lose to Okanagan Sun: The Westshore Rebels undefeated streak is over after they faced up against the Okanagan Sun on Aug. 10 and lost the game in a three-point difference. The Sun are currently the only undefeated team in the BC Football Conference after they beat the rebels 33-30 at Starlight Stadium. [West K News]

Community Events

📝 Canadian newcomers information session: Head to the Gordon United Church this Aug. 14 for an information session on support services available to Canadian newcomers in the Westshore. Going from 7 to 9pm, the event is free and invites anyone in the community to join and learn more about the support services in the area. 

🎉 Roger Wade celebration of life: Celebrate the life of community member Roger Wade this Aug. 14 at Starlight Stadium. Starting at 3:30pm, guests are encouraged to wear a sports jersey and show their support while friends and family share memories and stories to honour Wade. The family is also asking guests to make a donation, in place of flowers, to KidSport Greater Victoria, a charity which allows children under 18 to participate in a season of sport. Wade was a former Langford councillor and Westshore Rebels general manager. 

⚽️ Coffee with Pacific FC: Watch Pacific FC players Marco Dominguez and Zak Bahous try their hands at creating latte art this Aug. 14 at the Westshore Artigiano. Starting at 1:30pm the soccer stars will give latte art a go, followed by an exclusive coffee chat.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

“I see you!” taken on the Royal Colwood Golf Course. —Glenys Pumfrey, Colwood

That’s it!

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