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- Wildfires warn the Westshore
Wildfires warn the Westshore
Plus, all the events this weekend
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Good morning!
Wildfires are continuing to sweep the province, so the Langford Fire Rescue team is ensuring locals and visitors know about fire prevention and safety. With a warm weekend ahead, locals can look forward to a variety of events in the Westshore to take part in with family, friends, or even solo.
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NEWS
Wildfires warn the Westshore
The Cameron Bluff wildfire. Photo: James MacDonald / Capital Daily
Fire safety is a pressing topic in the Westshore, as a series of wildfires have begun to sweep the Island and the province; with a dry and hot forecasted June, high and extreme fire warnings have been posted across BC.
“We're in an extremely dry spell at the moment and it is pretty early, but our main concern in Langford is cigarette butts,” says Langford Fire Rescue’s acting assistant chief of prevention Simon Chadwick. Chadwick notes that while many wildfires may be unpredictable, a large portion are actually from human activity—in fact, approximately 40% of wildfires are caused by humans.
“It’s important to make sure cigarettes are extinguished in a metal container full of sand or in water,” says Chadwick. “And just taking precautions when you're out on the trail, taking precautions when you're doing things like cutting grass or using chainsaws because they can spark and cause wildfires.”
Just last month, Langford Fire put out seven fires with preventable causes, and Chadwick says it is a reminder to stay aware during the summer months.
7 days 7 preventable fires Langford has attended. Each fire was the result of improperly discarded cigarette butts and or smoking type material. One of which was on a balcony that could have resulted in the loss of multiple townhomes.
— Langford Fire Rescue (@LangfordFire)
2:22 AM • May 22, 2023
“Regarding the Westshore, I think what we need to do as a community is observe if the risk is high or extreme, then we need to follow that campfire ban that will be coming on shortly,” says Chadwick. “What we can do is do our due diligence and make sure that we're safe as a public and not doing anything that could cause any issues—if the public are out and they see any smoke at all or any suspicious activities, report them and we can organize a rapid response.”
There are currently 81 active wildfires across BC; Vancouver Island is currently fighting two. The spot fire near Spruston Road outside of Nanaimo has been put out, while the Newcastle Creek fire on the North Island is being held at bay.
Meanwhile, the Cameron Bluff fire is considered out of control, and nearby Highway 4 was also closed in both directions due to the fire, with governments warning this is just the beginning of wildfire season.
SPONSORED BY INTERTIDAL COUNSELLING & WELLNESS
Give yourself a new kind of summer experience
When you think ‘summer vacation,’ your mind might go to relaxing days spent up-Island, laughing at a local beach with your family, friends and pets; remembering water fights and paddle pools; or enjoying popsicles and corn on the cob. Or maybe not.
Maybe “fond” isn’t how you would describe your memories of summer. And now that you have left those times behind you, you want to do summer right, to enjoy it to its fullest. But it’s harder than you expected.
You might notice stress creeping around the edges. It might be that the more special your summer experience is supposed to be, the more pressure you feel to make it that way. Maybe the past is still getting in the way of making the memories that you’ve always wanted.
The therapists at Intertidal Counselling & Wellness want to help you create a new experience of summer. They offer tools for leaving the past behind, for remaining present with friends and family, and for creating more enjoyment of sun, surf, and sand.
EVENTS
This weekend in the Westshore
Celebrate events this weekend, like World Oceans Day, in and around the Westshore. Photo: James MacDonald / Capital Daily
The Westshore is an exciting place to be this weekend, with a variety of events taking place throughout the area. With many options for outdoor and indoor activities, you’ll want to pack your sunscreen and water bottle for a full weekend of Westshore fun.
🎬 Monthly movie night: For $5 at the door, the Sooke Community Theatre will be playing The Banshees of Inisherin on June 9 from 7 to 9pm. Doors open 20 minutes before the screening and food is not permitted.
🐟 World Oceans Days: On June 10, join the community in celebrating World Oceans Day at Fisgard Lighthouse. Head to Fort Rodd Hill from 10:30am to 4pm and join in on a variety of fun and educational activities.
🥁 Change Makers Gathering Festival: On June 10, from 11am to 4pm at the Starlight Stadium, participate in honouring Indigenous culture, values, and history. Watch musical performances, participate in workshops, and walk through artisan booths.
🎸 Vinyl Wave: Head to the Well Public House on June 10 to watch BC rock duo Tom Watson and Dave Mills perform live—the show starts at 8pm and there is no cover charge.
🛼 Roller derby: The Archie Browning Arena in Esquimalt is hosting an exciting evening of Roller derby this June 10. From 5 to 9:30pm, watch two games with friends, family, or go by yourself—tickets sell fast and are $15 at the door, so purchase $10 tickets in advance online. Children 10 and under get in for free.
Around the 'Shore
💙 Two resident Islanders to act in an independent romance film: Sooke local Justin Holmes and North Saanich’s Koko Farion are making their film debut in a new project called Sandcastles. After Langford’s push to highlight the film industry last year, this film will give a spotlight to the Greater Victoria film industry. [Vancouver Island Free Daily]
🏘️ View Royal mayor looking to pause new developments for six months: Mayor Sid Tobias is looking to bring forward a motion that would put a halt on new development in the View Royal area. Coming shortly after the province announced View Royal as one of 47 municipalities with the greatest potential for growth and slowest approval, this worries residents about their community’s lack of involvement in the Housing Supply Act. [Times Colonist]
👐 Help build stronger communities on Southern Vancouver Island. Support United Way's vital programs and services with your donation today. Together, we can make a difference.*
🚙 Uber launches in the Greater Victoria area, including Langford: Greater Victoria locals are now able to use Uber. Residents from Colwood, Langford, View Royal, and Esquimalt will all be able to access the app's services.
🎻 Classical music meets coastal beauty at the PRISMA Festival in Powell River. Enjoy orchestra and chamber music concerts, daily masterclasses, and more. Experience PRISMA Jun. 12-24.*
*Sponsored Listing
SPONSORED BY WESTSHORE REALTOR PAUL BRUM
Are you thinking about moving?
The right REALTOR® is with you every step of the way—from the search to the day you move into your home (and beyond).
On his website, Paul Brum has some fantastic tips on How to Avoid Moving Day Disasters! Your Westshore Real Estate Specialist will help you move!
Community Events
🛝 Music in the Park: Every Friday from 6 to 8pm until the end of June, Colwood is hosting a series of musical performances in community parks. With food, drinks, and plenty of dancing space, you can watch the June 9 performance of The Men in Black at Colwood Creek Park.
🍻 Fridays at the Station: Up until Aug. 25, the Langford Station will be filled with music, food trucks, and vendors from 4 to 8pm every Friday. Hosted by the Victoria Beer Society, June 9 will see the performance of Down Town Mischief, so make sure to bring some friends.
🏝️ Beach Food and Music: Colwood is hosting musical performances every Saturday evening from 5 to 7pm until the end of summer. Join friends and family this June 10 to enjoy an evening of community and music.
What’s Offshore?
No ships today!
SPONSORED BY MP ALISTAIR MACGREGOR
Proudly representing the Cowichan-Malahat-Langford riding since 2015
As your Member of Parliament, Alistair MacGregor understands that life for Canada’s workers should be getting easier; not harder. If you need assistance with federal agencies, contact him.
Westshore Snaps
“Dusk on a clear cloudless evening creates the illusion of a two-headed duck on Florence Lake in Langford.” - Wally Schmidt, Langford
📸 Snapped a photo you’d like to share? Send it with a caption and don’t forget to add where you live.
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