Good morning! 

Whether you’re preparing to welcome guests, or you’re travelling home for the Christmas break, lots of people will be wondering what they can access on Christmas Day to get extra ingredients for dinner or even just to get out of the house. With lots of businesses closed on Christmas Day, check out our list of openings and closures to stock up for the day. That being said, our team will also be taking a break next week, so there will be no newsletter on Tuesday, Dec. 26, but we’ll be back to our regular schedule next Thursday!

— Emma

NEWS

Royal BC Museum receives declaration to repatriate sacred treasures to BC First Nations

The Royal BC Museum’s ethnology collection holds more than 14,000 objects from around the province. They include ceremonial regalia and other beaded, carved, quilled and printed masterworks that date from the early 19^th century to the present. They also include everyday, or utilitarian objects such as bowls and tools. It is one of the most comprehensive collections of First Nations materials in BC.

On Dec. 6, hereditary chiefs and other representatives from Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation gathered in the totem hall of the Royal BC Museum to make a declaration for the return of sacred treasures to their community. 

The Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Persons Act, passed in 2019 and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission brought a reckoning to institutions like the RBCM, where negotiations like these are no longer an appeal to an institutional ethic or morality, but rather a demand they recognize Indigenous rights and laws. 

The question of the ongoing storage and lack of exhibition opportunities came sharply into focus when it was decided last year that the proposed $789M price tag then-Premier John Horgan proposed to renovate was far too high. In response to the failure to secure funding for its overhaul, the museum is preparing to move its collections and research department to a new 15,200-square-metre building in Royal Bay in Colwood.  

The new Colwood building, with a current price tag of $204M will also become the new home of the BC Archives. The BC Archives is a collection of unique personal and government records that the province has identified as enduring historical value. These records include photographs, sound recordings, moving images and cartographic records. 

Head to Capital Daily to read the full story.  

SPONSORED BY CFAX SANTAS

Virtual Tree of Wishes

CFAX Santas Anonymous, a local children's charity, is brightening Christmas for 1,200 families and 2,600 children. Now in its 46th year, CFAX Santas Anonymous is 95% volunteer driven with over 400 volunteers offering their time and skills each year. More than a Christmas charity, CFAX Santas Anonymous continues to help local children and families year-round. The charity provides funding to address child hunger, mental health, literacy, summer camp subsidies and families in crisis. 

Your gift today will help us reach the finish line this week to deliver Christmas memories to thousands of children and their families. Join us at the Virtual Tree of Wishes, donate a child's wish, and our Elves will make it come true. Add a food hamper to complete a family's Christmas. It’s a click away.

COMMUNITY

Holiday closures in the Westshore

As Christmas is around the corner, everyone is cramming in last-minute shopping and preparations to welcome their family and friends. With many places closed on Christmas Day, make sure to plan ahead and get everything you need down to your seasonings, as shopping with closures can be a tricky task. 

Shopping and Groceries 

Most shopping locations throughout the area will be closed throughout the day, so ensure to buy all your gifts and groceries before Dec. 25. Malls in the area along with the big-chain grocery stores like Save-On-Foods, Superstore, and Whole Foods will be closed. Many of the local stores like Quality Foods, Western Foods, and Village Foods will also be shutting down business on Dec. 24. While London Drugs will be closed, Shoppers Drug Mart in Langford will be open from 8am-8pm on Christmas Eve, and 10am-6pm on Christmas Day.  

Open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 

Hoping to head out for a family meal? Unfortunately, many of the restaurants in the area will be closed, but Bear Mountain will be open to host Christmas Eve and Day meals. With two dinner options and a Christmas Day buffet, this is an option for those who don’t want to cook. The Church of Advent in Colwood will also be having a Christmas meal for those without friends or family to join at 12pm on Dec. 25.

Recreation

Most recreation is closed Christmas Day, with some open on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26. The good news? The Westshore is filled with incredible outdoor trails and hikes, so get your coat and hat on and embark on a scenic walk through the area. You can also skate at City Centre Park in Langford on Dec. 25 for some family fun on the ice. 

Around the 'Shore

🚍 Westshore bus route changes in January: Public transit commuters will have to check their routes, because the Westshore bus routes will be going through some changes this January. BC Transit and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission are updating nine routes in response to the growing demand for transit, including improvements in areas like Happy Valley, Latoria, and Royal Bay. [CTV] 

🚔 Jewelry thief suspect turns himself in: West Shore RCMP announced that the suspect who stole jewelry last week turned himself in and was arrested for theft over $5,000. The suspect has been released on an undertaking and is set to appear in court in the new year, as the investigation remains ongoing and police recover some of the stolen jewelry.

🚲 Everyone benefits from a ride: Six years in, Cycling Without Age is increasing its impact throughout Greater Victoria. Click here to read more about how a group of volunteers give seniors and less-abled people the simple experience of a bicycle ride.*

🏟️ Langford hosting another sporting event: Seeing a number of major sporting events over the past year, the City of Langford is excited to continue the sports conversation by hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps Concacaf Champions Cup game at Starlight Stadium. Due to a scheduling conflict, the Whitecaps FC announced their battle against LIGA MX powerhouse Tigres UANL will come to town Feb. 7. [Victoria Buzz]

*Sponsored Listing

Community Events

🕯️ Christmas Eve Participatory Pageant and Candle Light Service: The Gordon United Church is inviting the community to join this Dec. 24 at 7pm for a festive Christmas Eve service and pageant. The event is free and open for anyone to join. 

🎁 Handmade Holiday Market: The last day of the Handmade Holiday Market is coming up this Dec. 24, so don’t miss the opportunity to get some last-minute shopping in. Going from 11am to 4pm each day, the market is an annual Sooke Arts Council event where you can check out a variety of specially crafted goods. 

🎄 Church of the Advent Christmas Dinner: No plans on Christmas Day? Join the community in a festive meal at the Church of Advent and spend Christmas Day surrounded by warmth and new friends. Starting at 12pm, those without family or friends to celebrate with can enjoy a free meal surrounded by others experiencing the same thing; make sure to reserve a spot online, as seating is limited.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Dec. 17 morning sunrise from Eleanor Mann Park, and Deer Park Trail lookout. —Paul Young, Langford

That’s it!

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