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Good morning! 

The Westshore Rebels season kicks off this Saturday, and the team will be working with new head coach Mark Townsend to bring home a victory. Coming off a perfect season, the Rebels are working hard to maintain their legacy. Read all about it, and more, in today’s edition of the Westshore.

— Emma

COMMUNITY

Langford is launching one of its largest engagement strategies this week

At the June 15 council meeting, Langford introduced its ambitious "Let’s Plan Langford" initiative that aims to gather community feedback to shape the city's future in the face of rapid growth projections. Mayor Scott Goodmanson highlighted the significance of this initiative, marking it as one of the city’s most extensive public engagement efforts to date.

The launch event, scheduled for today at Ruth King Elementary School on Jacklin Road, promises a family-friendly atmosphere with activities ranging from games to a barbecue. The main focus, however, will be on involving diverse residents in the Official Community Plan (OCP) process.

Langford councillor Colby Harder emphasized the inclusivity of the engagement strategy.

“I think, is a great opportunity for residents, whether they've lived here their whole lives, or whether they're brand new to the city, to get involved and to have a say in what we're going to see when our city reaches a population of 100,000 people,” said Harder. 

With Langford expected to reach a population of 100,000 in the next two decades, the updated OCP aims to address critical issues such as housing affordability, climate resilience, and social equity. Residents are encouraged to participate via in-person activations that are set for this weekend, as well as an online survey available until September 15.

Langford joins neighbouring municipalities in bolstering civic engagement efforts, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusive and transparent governance practices.

Read the full story by Sidney Coles on what the city is trying to do, and why it’s important for the future of Langford.

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SPORTS

Westshore Rebels starts the season with a new coach

The Westshore Rebels are gearing up for their first game of the 2024 season, and they’re excited to get back to business with the help of new coach Mark Townsend. 

The team announced the joining of Townsend in February after former head coach Dexter Janke took a position with the York University football team; Janke had been with the team since 2022.  

“I am honoured to be joining the Westshore Rebels and I can’t wait for the season to start,” said Townsend. “This team has a lot of potential, and I am committed to helping each player grow and succeed. Our goal is to create a competitive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. I am excited to see what we can achieve together.”

The new head coach has decades of involvement with football, playing in university for both the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. Townsend has accumulated over 20 years of coaching experience, with nine provincial championships won during his time as head coach for the Mount Doug Rams. Townsend also spent 19 years managing the Rams’ football program. Most recently, he was coaching football at Kealakehe High School on the Big Island of Hawaii.

"We are delighted to welcome coach Mark Townsend to the Westshore Rebels family; his extensive coaching background, strategic vision, and commitment to player development makes him the perfect fit to lead our team," said Westshore Rebels president Rob Lervold. "We believe that under coach Townsend's leadership, the Rebels will continue to achieve great success and provide an exciting brand of football for our loyal fans."

Coming off a perfect 10-0 season in 2023 and securing the BCFC Cullen Cup championship, eyes are on the Westshore Rebels in their first game on Saturday, July 20 in Kamloops. The team is hoping to add even more accomplishments to their already impressive streak of competing in five BC Championship games in the last seven seasons, and competing in two National Championships.

“Coach Townsend’s ability to develop and motivate players, makes him the ideal candidate to guide the Westshore Rebels to success,” said general manager Roger Wade. “His coaching philosophy aligns perfectly with the organization's commitment to excellence both on and off the field.”

With their first home game coming up on July 27, locals can secure their seats to cheer on the Rebels at 4pm at Starlight Stadium. 

Around the 'Shore

🔥 Suspect arrested for burning mammoth statue: West Shore RCMP have arrested a 41-year-old man who is suspected of setting fire to the large statue of a mammoth at Royal Bay Beach in Colwood on July 15. RCMP responded to a witness who reported a man appearing to be having a mental health issue and carrying a hatchet; police also seized the hatchet. [Capital Daily] 

⚽️ Fan creates wearable art for Pacific FC centurions: Pacific FC fan Blake McStravick has partnered up with the soccer team and created unique jackets for four players who have each played 100 games for the club. McStravick hand-painted custom denim jackets designed with each player’s unique personality in mind. The jackets will go to players Sean Young, Josh Heard, Thomas Meilleur-Giguère and Kunle Dada-Luke. [Vancouver Island Free Daily] 

💧 Gorge water pollution investigation: The CRD and neighbouring municipalities are looking into the source of milky-white water coming from Cecilia Creek that flows into the Gorge Waterway. The City of Victoria and Ministry of Environment traced the storm catchment to determine where the pollution was coming from, and while there is no information to suggest danger to swimmers, teams are still testing the water to provide a solution for further pollution. [Times Colonist]

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Community Events

💰 Live auction: Head to the Eagle Ridge Arena this July 20 for the Westshore Swap Shop and Market’s live auction. With early viewing from 10am to 12pm, and bidding beginning at 1pm, check out the wide range of items donated by the community. 

🎤 Friday karaoke nights: Enjoy an evening of karaoke at the Grill 54 this Friday, July 19. Starting at 8pm, guests can enjoy the late night bites menu available until 10pm while they sing the evening away. Friday night karaoke will be going until Aug. 30, so make sure to join in on the next event if you can’t make this one. 

🧶 Entwined market: Join the community for the second annual Entwined Market, a celebration of all things fibre. Going from 11am to 4pm, head to the Langford Station on July 20 to check out a range of artists and vendors specializing in crocheting, knitting, weaving, spinning, and more.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Pretty in pink. —Glenys Pumfrey, Colwood

That’s it!

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