Good morning! 

Westshore foodies will be excited to hear that two local eateries are expanding with new locations in Colwood and Saanich. Read about the new openings and more in today’s edition of the Westshore.

— Emma

NEWS

Municipal bylaws still reflect biases against First Nations cultural practices

​​In British Columbia, urban First Nations peoples still face significant challenges to preserving and practising their traditional cultural activities around hunting, gathering and the preservation of food. Any urban environment presents a unique set of obstacles to maintaining cultural practices in communities off and away from traditional territories or reserves and the natural resources that sustain them.

The Ditidaht, Songhees, Esquimalt and Pacheedaht—the “People of the Seafoam”—people living in the Westshore have deep-rooted cultural connections to hunting, fishing, and gathering. As the original inhabitants on the Westshore along the Salish Sea—a region that remains abundant in fish, seafood, deer, fowl and small game—it has become difficult to maintain traditional animal hunting and processing traditions, due to the laws governing the lives of residents outside of their communities. 

Westshore municipalities like Sooke and Langford are not far from traditional food sources and yet, bylaws remain on their books that present challenges to First Nations people who might want to carry out traditional ways of processing and storing traditional foods on their private property. 

Moving to more urban settings, like Langford, View Royal, and Sooke can limit access to these essential cultural activities, disrupting the intergenerational transmission of knowledge like the processing, curing and storage of fish, and curing animal hides. 

Read the full story on the Westshore.

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FOOD

Westshore restaurants expanding in the CRD

It’s always exciting when the Westshore restaurant scene gets attention. Greater Victoria is already home to some delicious food spots, and the list is growing as Tasting Victoria gave a sneak-peek last week into two Westshore food businesses and their expansions. 

While many locals are saddened to hear about the closure of Fifteen Fifty’s Pub Style restaurant after 50 years of service in Saanich, a Langford-based restaurant will be taking over the location to give locals a new opportunity to taste delicious food. 

“I can now confirm that I have sold my business. After 30 years of owning 1550’s restaurant, it is time for me to pass the torch to someone else,” Fifteen Fifty’s owner Keith Campbell wrote in a social media post. “It has been a lifetime of meeting wonderful people within our neighbourhood and making friendships that will last a lifetime. Without your support, we could never have done it.”

Campbell sold the business to Langford’s The Rack West Coast Bistro, which will be opening its second location in the Saanich space left by 1550’s. Campbell assured regulars that he believes the change will be positive for the community, and looks forward to seeing the progress of the second location of the Rack West Coast Bistro. The space will open around Jan. 9, and will specialize in serving locally sourced meals in a warm and rustic atmosphere.

Launching just a few days prior, La Pasadita’s grand opening was this past Saturday. The new venture from Kattia’s Kitchen came all the way from Royal Oak to Colwood at 3582 Quarry St. La Pasadita is a new outpost by the Kattia’s Kitchen team which has a restaurant and food truck in Greater Victoria. It features Mexican dishes, pan dulce, coffee and much more.

Do you have a list of your favourite restaurants in Greater Victoria? The Tasting Victoria team is putting together the 2024 Best Restaurant Awards, and you have the chance to nominate all of your favourites here! 

Around the 'Shore

📚 Greater Victoria Public Library book overdue 82 years: A copy of Stephen Leacock’s Sunshine sketches of a small town, which was borrowed during the First World War, holds the record of the longest overdue book at the Greater Victoria Public Library (GPVL). While the late fees would equal a high cost, a bid to break down barriers to using the public library will clear existing late fines from patron accounts starting Jan. 10. The GVPL will still charge a fee for lost or damaged items 21 days overdue. [Vancouver Island Free Daily] 

📊 Unemployment rate remained stable: Greater Victoria’s unemployment rate in December remained the same as November at 4.1% as economic growth softened late in the year. Statistics Canada studies showed overall employment growth slowed in the second half of 2023, something that can be attributed to high interest rates affecting economic growth. [Times Colonist] 

🚒 Colwood Fire Department thanks couple for saving a driver: A young couple jumped into action and saved a driver whose car burst into flames on Jan. 3 on Island Highway and Sooke Road. Colwood Fire Department say they are thankful and that the couple helped avert a potential disaster. [Victoria Buzz]

Community Events

🎼Rhymer & Wells: Rhymer & Wells is taking the stage at Elements Casino this Jan. 13 for a free live musical performance. Starting at 8pm, the duo will perform well-loved songs from a variety of genres for people to enjoy. 

🪴 Tropical Terrarium Workshop: Head to Gardenworks Colwood on Jan. 14 from 1-2pm for a hands-on workshop about the basics of terrarium planting and care. With three foliage indoor tropical plants to choose from, you can decorate your terrarium and take it home to enjoy in the winter months. Tickets are selling fast, so make sure to book your spot before seats run out. 

🎶 Quiet Winter Nights: Join the Choral Evolution choir for their concert Quiet Winter Nights. Tickets are available for Jan. 12 and 13 at 7pm at the Holy Trinity Church in Sooke. There is also an additional date on Jan. 21 at 2pm at the Langford Legion, so make sure to purchase tickets online.

What’s Offshore?

🚢 The Musky is a bulk carrier built in 2014 and is sailing under the flag of Marshall Islands. It is sailing from 🇵🇪 Matarani, Peru ➡ 🇨🇦 Vancouver and was scheduled to arrive Dec. 30, 2023.

Westshore Snaps

Sheila hiking in Devonian Park.  —Jeanette McMillan, Metchosin

That’s it!

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