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Postings about Richmond Elementary School have been consolidated to a dedicated Richmond School page. The Richmond School items on this page will keep their headings and historical order but will link to the dedicated page for content.

Emergency Preparedness Workshops

Posted October 7, 2007 by Sheila Critch, President, CCA

The Saanich Emergency Program will be holding a new in-depth emergency preparedness workshop, Emergency Preparedness Begins With You , at three Saanich Rec Centres this Fall. This course is on individual and family preparedness. Individuals and households that are prepared will reduce the impact of an emergency or disaster on their family.

We encourage you to attend the workshop and be prepared for a major emergency.

Starting the Backyard Gardening Network

Updated November 18 by Yves Bajard, Director at Large, CCA

At the CCA, we are now activating the network of backyard gardeners in our Camosun neighbourhood. The intent is to gather together in meetings and by e-mail people from the neighbourhood interested in:

• growing vegetables, fruit and flowers on their lot, or wishing to do so
• improving their practice
• sharing their experience with others
• learning from fellow members and from competent outside ressources
• pooling or sharing equipment, jointly ordering joint seeds or other supplies
• perhaps also offering former backyard gardeners, now without a garden, opportunities to get their hands in the dirt and help grow vegetables or flowers
• and perhaps getting access to fresh produce from neighbouring urban farmers or farmers from west, Central and North Saanich at competitive prices.

Now that Fall is fairly advanced, it is high time to start to explore how to better plan our gardens, and how to organize ourselves, while widening our network. A dozen persons have registered to date, and we have established links with several possible outside suppliers of local fresh produce.

We are now organizing a start-up meeting

When	Monday, November 26th, 2007 7:30pm
Where	Room 201 Ewing Building Camosun College Landsdowne campus

We propose the following agenda:

• 7:30 Opening of meeting, brief introduction of participants
• 7:45 Review and finalization of agenda
• 8:00 Organization of the network and its internal communication patterns, rules of operation
• 8:30 Presentation of possible cooperation with urban and suburban farmers and food providers, inclusion into the network
• 8:45 Organize next meeting, with focus on garden planning for Spring and exchange of knowhow
• 9:00 Other business
• 9:15 Adjournment

Minutes of the meeting will be sent by e-mail to participants, including those who registered but could not attend on November 26.

Interested and willing participants in the Network are invited to contact Yves Bajard by phone at 598-4610, or by email at yves@bajard.net or environment@camosuncommunityassociation.com. Yves Bajard at 598 4610 (or to e-mail him at yves@bajard.net).

Bowker Creek Communi-Tea Celebration

Posted November 8, 2007 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director, CCA

Sponsored by the Bowler Creek Initiative. To learn more, contact Tanis Douglas at tdouglas@crd.bc.ca or call 360-3302.

When	Saturday, November 24th, 2007, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where	Sundance Elementary School 1625 Bank Street

Saanich Civic League: Invitation

Posted November 4, 2007 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director, CCA

District of Saanich Councillor Judy Brownoff forwarded to us this invitation to attend a meeting of the recently formed Saanich Civic League.

Community Meeting on Climate Change

Updated November 18 by Yves Bajard, Director at Large, CCA

As announced at the Browning Park Party of September 15 and confirmed in the CCA's latest Newsletter, we are organizing a stream of community information process. The purpose is to enable citizens of our neighbourhood to inform themselves as objectively as possible and in a timely manner on issues that are affecting our lives.

In this line of activities, the first meeting will focus on Climate Change. It is organized jointly by the Camosun Community Association, the Networking for a Common Future in Sustainability Society (NetCFS) and the Saanich Rebuild Group. It will be held

When	Thursday, November 22nd, 2007 7:30pm
Where	Room 201 Ewing Building Camosun College Landsdowne campus

The theme for this meeting will be a presentation of the Local approach recommended by Al Gore (the author of "An Inconvenient Truth") and his followers by Jack Thornburgh, from North Saanich. This presentation will be followed by a discussion among participants and an exploration of what can be done in concrete terms.

At the end of the meeting, we will explore possible themes of interest to participants. We will also examine briefly a possible organization for these community meetings, and decide on themes, venues and schedules for the next two meetings. Possible topics:

1. follow-up on Climate Change;
2. Legalization of secondary suites in Saanich, pros and cons, discussion; and
3. presentation of Sewage Treatment options for the Greater Victoria, followed by a discussion among participants.

Contributions to room rental costs and ancillary expenses welcome.

Interested participants are invited to register with Yves Bajard by phone at 598-4610, or by email at yves@bajard.net or environment@camosuncommunityassociation.com.

Community Meeting Notice: Subdivision Application for 1979 Watson St

Posted November 5, 2007 by David Ross, Land Use Director, CCA

When	Wednesday, November 21st, 2007, 7:00 pm to 9 pm
Where	Room 100, Fisher Building Camosun College Lansdowne Campus

Pacific Group Developments Inc. has applied to Saanich to rezone part of 1979 Watson St to RS4. Currently there are no variances included in the application and the applicant would like to keep the existing house on the property. In order to accommodate the existing house the proposed new lot will have to be approx 90 sq m smaller than allowed with RS6 zoning.

The applicant has already contacted the neighbours adjoining the proposed subdivision and is holding a neighbourhood meeting on Wednesday, November 21st from 7pm to 9pm in Room 100 of the Fisher Building at Camosun College. If you live nearby or are interested in this application, please attend, as the applicant will present the proposal and then take questions from those attending.

If you can't attend the meeting and have any questions or concerns please contact landuse@camosuncommunityassociation.com or Denise Kors ph:(604) 864-4971 email: denise@korsdevelopment.com.

The application will have to go before Saanich council in order to get approval which will mostly likely be early in 2008. The following information is from the information package that the applicant submitted to Saanich:

Information:

Address:	1979 Watson Street
Approximate Site Area:	1112 sq m and 11,969 sq ft (approx)
	0.275 acres and 0.1112 ha (approx)
Existing Zoning:	RS6
OCP Designation:	Shelbourne Local Area Plan - Single Family Residential
Adjacent land uses:	Single Family Residential (RS6)

Development Proposal:

Proposed Use:	Rezoning and subdivision of a large single family lot to permit two single family lots. The existing house will remain on the west 601 m2 portion and a new lot is proposed for the eastern 511 m2 portion.
Rezoning Application:	Rezone the east 511 m2 of the lot to RS4 and keep the remaining west 601 m2 as RS6. No variances are anticipated as the two lots will meet the minimum width, FSR and set-back requirements of the RS6 and RS4 zones.
OCP Designation:	Consistent with the OCP and Shelbourne Local Area Plan.
Development Permit:	Not located in a Devlopment Permit area.
Road Right of way:	Watson currently has a 20m Right Of Way.
Restrictive Covenant:	There is an existing restrictive covenant on the south 5 feet of the property for electric light and telephone poles and wires.
Screening for adjacent properties:	There is an established hedge on the east property line.
Trees:	There are two Garry Oaks located on the north property line in front of the existing house and in the Watson Street right-of-way north of the existing house. Neither tree will be impacted by this proposal which retains the existing house. Two smaller trees lie in the building envelope of the proposed eastern lot.

CCA Annual General Meeting: November 15

Posted November 11, 2007 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director, CCA

When	Thursday, November 15th, 2007 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Where	Fisher 100 Camosun College at Landsdowne

For Parking bring $ 1.25 coin. Walking improves your Health.

1. Filmmaker and broadcaster Alana Jones of Victoria will present her award winning film on Drinking and Driving. The film features a family's misadventures in Saanich and the tragic outcome.

Following the film, during Q&A, meet the President of MADD-Victoria, Christine Rundell, her daughter, Richelle Edwards, Alana Jones and Sergeant John Price.

2. Annual report given by the Board.

3. Election of Board. Presently there are a number of vacancies on the board:

• Secretary
• Road Safety
• Emergency Preparedness
• Block Watch
• Newsletter Editor

If you are interested in joining the board, come to our AGM, contact Sheila Critch at 598-2291, or email sheilacritch@telus.net.

Sustainable Saanich Workshop - November 16

Posted October 20, 2007 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director, CCA

A recent email from Saanich provides us information about the next workshop in the Sustainable Saanich Workshop Series. See the poster here.

RJH Patient Care Centre Public Meeting Notice

Posted November 1, 2007 by David Ross, Land Use Director, CCA

As part of the City of Victoria Rezoning process there will be a community meeting held

When	Wednesday, November 7th, 2007, 7:00 pm
Where	Woodward Room Begbie Hall Royal Jubilee Hospital

in regards to the proposed Patient Care Centre. There will be refreshments and free parking in the restricted parking area behind Begbie Hall (Richmond Rd entrance) for this event. Residents of Saanich are welcome to come and give input as we are neighbours to this rezoning application which is located on our border with the City of Victoria.

At the meeting VIHA will make a presentation on the proposal and then take comments from the public in regards to the new Patient Care Centre and related issues as part of its application to the City. Comments will be also welcome in regards to the "Design Requirements" that were created from the public workshops held last June in conjunction with the North and South Jubilee Neighbourhood Associations, the Camosun Community Association and VIHA (instructions on how to get your copy are provided below under More Information). There will also be info at the meeting in regards to how this particular rezoning will go through the process as no Development Permit is required due to RJH's "Institutional" zoning status and the project going through a design competition.

More Information

You can receive a copy of the Design Requirements through one of the four methods below:

1. EMAIL: Send an EMAIL to Sharron.Martin@viha.ca asking for an EMAIL copy of the 'VIHA Patient Care Centre Design Requirements Document' and VIHA will email it to you in Adobe Acrobat Format.
2. Web Site: Visit the VIHA web site at www.viha.ca/patient_care_centre to read or download a copy of the 'VIHA Patient Care Centre Design Requirements Document' in Adobe Acrobat format. Additional background information on the patient care centre project is also available at this link.
3. Pick Up: Pick up a printed copy of the 'VIHA Patient Care Centre Design Requirements Document', between 8 am and 5 pm in the front lobby of Begbie Hall, 2101 Richmond Road.
4. Mail: Give VIHA your mailing address and they will mail you a printed copy of the 'VIHA Patient Care Centre Design Requirements Document'. You can give them your address by phoning: 370-8111 ext 3664.

Public Forum on BC Government's Land Giveaway at Jordan River

Posted October 30, 2007 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director

Most people were surprised to learn some weeks ago that the BC Government had allowed Western Forest Products (WFP) to remove several large parcels of their private land on Vancouver Island from the tree farm licences under which this land had been managed. Even more suprising was that WFP was allowed to do so without providing the province any compensation and with no restrictions on the future disposal of the land.

Of special interest and concern have been those parcels near Jordan River's Strait of Juan de Fuca waterfront, and a parcel neighbouring the Sooke Potholes. The ocean waterfront includes a beach used by many surfing enthusiasts and a campsite. Sooke Potholes is another recreation area used by many on south Vancouver Island.

The newly formed Jordan River Steering Committee, made up of representatives from the Otter Point and Shirley Residents and Ratepayers Association, surfers, unions, environmental groups and First Nations, has organized a public meeting:

When	Thursday, November 1st, 2007, 7:30 pm
Where	S.J. Willis school auditorium

The group is non-partisan, and anyone with an interest in the land sale or the issue of whether private land should be removed from tree-farm licences without the company paying compensation is welcome to attend.

Concerns on this issue have been expressed by District of Saanich Councillor Judy Brownoff:

These links are to sites run by people and groups that do have an interest, and may provide some further perspectives:

• CoastalBC.com Surfing Vancouver Island

CCA Browning Park Party: Sept 15

Posted August 29, 2007

When	Saturday, September 15th, 2007, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Where	Brownng Park

Featuring:

• Popcorn
• Police Dog
• Jumping Castle
• Crafting Salmon Headbands
• Gardening Network
• Entertainment
• Information on Climate Change and Sewage Treatment
• Bowker Creek Watershed Model

Parking: There are three entrances to Browning Park with limited parking along Browning Street, Knight Street, and MaRae Avenue. If possible, please avoid bringing your car.

Saanich Oral History Project 2007

Posted July 8, 2007 by Sheila Critch, President, CCA

Caroline Duncan of Saanich Archives has notified us that the Municipality is reviving its effort to capture an oral history of Saanich. Here's what she had to say:

Members of the community should feel free to contact Caroline directly with their suggestions.

Saanich Action on Climate Change

Posted June 23, 2007 by Sheila Critch, President, CCA

Saanich is asking for public feedback in developing and implementing their action plan on Climate Change. They "encourage you to forward your ideas on how Saanich should address climate change, green house gas reductions and energy efficiency to climatechange@saanich.ca."

This is from the Saanich web page detailing Sustainable Steps Towards a Greener Saanich:

RJH Patient Care Centre Project Workshops

Updated June 15, 2007 by David Ross, Land Use Director, CCA

Here's the workshop invitation that we're circulating, and here's a workshop brochure. Please make time to attend one of these meetings, learn more, and contribute your thoughts.

On June 19th and 20th, there will be workshops on the proposed Patient Care Centre tower at RJH. The purpose of the workshops is to gather area residents' views and comments for the community design guideline section of the "Request for Proposal" (RFP) process that VIHA is starting in July. There will be more information on this project available in the next few of days via our website and a VIHA mail out to CCA residents south of Lansdowne Rd.

When	Tuesday, June 19th 2007, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Where	Hope Lutheran Church 1924 Carrick Street

When	Wednesday, June 20th 2007, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Where	CNIB 2340 Richmond Rd

Please attend one the workshops, as there is a section in the RFP dedicated to community input.

Additional background information on the patient care centre project and the workshops is available at www.viha.ca/patient_care_centre/, where you may find:

• Design guideline categories for workshop discussion.
• Conceptual design renderings of the project
• Information on the rezoning and design processes and proposed transportation demand management initiatives.

Paper copies of the information are available inside the Begbie Hall Main Entrance, 2101 Richmond Rd. Look for a display folder affixed to the wall on the right as you walk in the front door. Reviewing this material before the workshop will help you formulate your opinions. The design guidelines in particular may spark ideas about what you would like to see included or changed about the project. We hope to see you either June 19th or June 20th to discuss this important addition to our neighbourhood. Let's work together to make this proposal the best it can be for taxpayers, patients at RJH and for the neighbours surrounding the hospital. Bring a neighbour, bring a friend, bring your ideas!

Open House for Browning Park Plan

Posted June 12, 2007 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director, CCA and Sheila Critch, President, CCA

Saanich Parks will be hosting an Open House where a proposed park plan based on the information and comments gathered from residents and staff will be on view.

When	Monday, June 18, 2007, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where	Room 219, Young Building Camosun College - Landsdowne Campus 3100 Foul Bay Road

Ticketed parking is available at a cost of $1.75 for 4 hours.

Staff and the consultants working on this project will be on hand to discuss and to obtain feedback on the plan.

Some history on this topic:
August 2006, the CCA got together with over 40 neighbours in Browning Park to gather comments and pass them on to Saanich regarding future development of the Browning Park.
October 2006, Saanich Parks and Recreation hosted a Public Open House to answer questions about Bowker Creek and discuss options for upgrades to the park.

Public Input Sought for Victoria Pedestrian Master Plan

Posted June 12, 2007

The City of Victoria is developing a Pedestrian Master Plan and invites the citizens of all municipalities to comment on current and future pedestrian infrastructure needs within the boundaries of Victoria.

The Pedestrian Survey can be found at www.victoria.ca/pedestriansurvey. Print copies are available at the Public Service Centre in Victoria City Hall. The press release can be viewed here.

ISP, SD 61, and Richmond Elementary in Focus Magazine

Posted May 30, 2007 by Sheila Critch, President, CCA

Check out the June edition of Focus magazine for the latest information regarding the Independence Settlement Project , School District 61, and Richmond Elementary School.

Saanich Official Community Plan (OCP) Review

Posted May 26, 2007 by David Ross, Land Use Director, CCA

http://www.gov.saanich.bc.ca/business/development/laps/ocp_review.html

Saanich is conducting an Official Community Plan (OCP) review. The CCA urges you to take part in the OCP review, as your input will shape the future of Saanich. The deadline for public input is May 31st, 2007.

To gather input for the OCP, Saanich is conducting an online survey as well as phone surveys. A Drop-in Open House regarding the OCP will be held as follows:

When	Wednesday and Thursday, May 30 and 31, 2007, 3:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Where	Salvation Army Church Gym 4030 Douglas St. Northeast corner of McKenzie and Pat Bay Highway

Click on the link above to get more information and to take part in the online survey.

The following is an excerpt from the District of Saanich website:

Updated: Subdivision Application for 3200 Richmond Rd

Posted May 23

We've updated the posting on this subdivision application that affects the local landmark "Snake Rock".

RJH Questions and Answers

Posted May 23, 2007 by David Ross, Land Use Director, CCA

Our neighbours the North Jubilee Neighbourhood Association had the chance to put some questions to VIHA regarding the Royal Jubilee Hospital Patient Care Centre Project. Here's the text version of these questions and answers (PDF 163 KB).

RJH Update

Posted May 16, 2007 by David Ross, Land Use Director, CCA

The hot topic around the 500 bed replacement/addition to Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) is re-zoning. The proposed location for the tower includes what is now a parking lot, plus the current locations of Denman and Bay Pavilions in the City of Victoria.

Because the site is zoned institutional, VIHA is not required to apply for a development permit. A development permit would require VIHA to show drawings and plans to City of Victoria council. VIHA is requesting zoning based on their site availability and patient needs. Once they have the zoning they can proceed to a building permit without a development permit.

Without VIHA having to obtain a development permit, the only way that community concerns can be addressed is for covenants to be placed on the zoning by City of Victoria council. Partnerships BC has stated they have a section of their Request For Proposals (RFP) process dedicated for community input. They hope to put the RFP out by July 1st, so our input on the project needs to be submitted by then. The successful bid will be decided by VIHA's selection committee; once selected the bid winner will build and maintain the building on a 30 year contract. Note that Partnerships BC has already put out a Request for Qualifications for this project, with a deadline of June 7 for submissions. The RFQ is available on the BC Bid web site for those who are interested (Browse opportunities by organization, choose "70 Partnerships British Columbia").

In conjunction with NJNA, SJNA, FOBCS and VIHA, we are trying to plan a public workshop before the July target date for RFP issue. The re-zoning process is expected to start at this time as well. This workshop will happen sometime in June, so please check back for the dates, which we'll post as soon we know. There will also be a flyer produced and circulated.

Project Report for Royal Jubilee Hospital Tower

Posted May 15, 2007 by David Ross, Land Use Director, CCA

Just a month ago we posted an article with the news regarding VIHA's plans for a new tower at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) site. Today we're posting the project report for the Patient Care Centre Project (PDF 471 KB) so you can read about the drivers for change at RJH and exactly what the project entails.

Subdivision Application for 3200 Richmond Rd

Updated May 23, 2007 by David Ross, Land Use Director, CCA

The CCA received a notice from the Saanich Planning Department for a single additional lot subdivision application for 3200 Richmond Rd. This subdivision includes "Snake Rock" and is for R-6 zoning (Single Family Dwelling).

The applicant has proposed a covenant on the southern half of the proposed subdivided lot that would entail a no build zone (this will include any structure, such as decks, accessory buildings, etc.). The no build zone also includes the top of "Snake Rock". The proposed house, which is a new house design, would be "nestled" into the side of the rock in a new location facing northeast to minimize blasting compared to the 2005 proposal. The proposal does not max out on any allowable height or square footage rules, and the driveway will be shared with the existing dwelling at 3200 Richmond Rd.

The height of the proposed house is quite a bit lower than a prior subdivision proposal, but there are concerns over future increased height and shrinkage of proposed setbacks. The current proposed house is the same height as "Snake Rock" and neighbours would like to see this remain. Neighbours have also expressed concerns over the house being raised or relocated/expanded to the west side of the proposed lot and would prefer to see the current proposed setbacks remain.

These issues are already addressed in the RS-6 zoning; any alteration would require a variance, of which there are none.

Privacy concerns are another issue. The applicant has agreed to install opaque glass in the new house's deck railings in response to neighbours' concerns, instead of the clear glass that was originally planned. It appears that the only outstanding issue is the construction of a fence along the west lot line of the proposed new lot. Neighbours would like the fence built to address their privacy concerns. The applicant is considering a fence along the lot line bordering lot 1 - the lot in which the existing house will remain - to the west, instead of the whole length, and has yet to make a decision. Saanich is aware of this issue.

Click on the site plan and model thumbnails, below, for larger images. These images have been provided courtesy of Dan Boot, architect for the subdivision applicant

There are no variances planned for either the existing house or the proposed house on the new lot, so this subdivision application will not go before Saanich Council. The Saanich Approving Officer will make the decision on whether or not this application will be approved. They will do so after a sign has been up on the subject property for three weeks, which requirement will be met June 1. The Saanich Planning Department will take comments up to that June 1 deadline.

The applicant did not officially contact the CCA in regards to the changes involved but it appears that they have made considerable effort in terms of the neighbourhoods concerns. A neighbourhood meeting was held "by invitation" by the applicant earlier this year, and the plan has not changed since that meeting.

If you have any specific questions that you need answered please contact our Land Use Directors.

If you feel that something still needs to be addressed please let the Subdivision Office of the Planning Department know about it. You can contact them at 475-5494 ext 3414 or 3415.

The preferred deadline for comments is Wednesday, May 16th at 4:30 pm. The CCA has already submitted comments on behalf of the neighbourhood for this May 16th deadline. Saanich will, as stated above, accept comments up to June 1st. You may also submit your comments on the application directly to Saanich at:

The Approving Officer
District of Saanich
770 Vernon Ave
Victoria BC
V8X 2W7
Fax: 475-5430
email: plansec@saanich.ca

An aerial view and photos of the subject property are shown here; click for larger images:

Aerial view courtesy of District of Saanich Online Mapping System. Thank you, Saanich.

BCI 2006 Annual Report

Posted May 11, 2007 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director, CCA

The 2006 annual report for the Bowker Creek Urban Watershed Renewal Initiative (BCI) is now available for viewing on our Community page.

Community Input on Hillside Mall Expansion: May 17

Posted May 1, 2007

Oaklands Community Association (OCA) has graciously invited you to a meeting at the Oaklands Community Centre to discuss proposed solutions to issues identified earlier with the planned Hillside Mall expansion. The OCA Land Use Committee says, "The proposed redevelopment redefines and expands the internal retail areas within the Mall as well as proposes a new traffic circulation plan and access improvements along with providing additional parking in a new 2-storey parkade."

When	Thursday, May 17, 2007, at 7 pm
Where	Oaklands Community Centre 2728 Belmont Avenue Victoria, BC Phone: 370-9101

We hope you notice these posters of an artist's rendition of the planned mall exterior (189 KB, PDF) and the proposed site plan (398 KB, PDF) locally advertising the meeting. In addition, you may drop in to the Oaklands Community Centre before the meeting to view a more complete set of plans.

This is a great opportunity to voice your thoughts and ideas on these proposed changes to a major feature that borders and affects our community before it all becomes reality!

Browning Park Garbage Clean Up: April 28

Posted April 21, 2007

Your CCA is leading a garbage clean up in Browning Park. We can use your help. Please meet us at the time and place shown below, and bring your work gloves. As Browning Park includes an open section of Bowker Creek, boots may be useful, too.

When	Saturday, April 28, 2007, start 9 am, end 11 am
Where	South side of Browning Park, on Browning Street

Thanks again Saanich for the GIS map and aerial view used here.

BCI Updates

Posted April 21, 2007

In anticipation of the 2006 annual report for the Bowker Creek Urban Watershed Renewal Initiative (BCI), we've added the 2004 annual report to the 2005 annual report we already had available on our Community page.

VIHA Tower Plans Revealed

Updated April 14, 2007

The Times Colonist newspaper on Thursday, April 12, reported on VIHA's unveiling of their proposed Royal Jubilee Hospital tower plans and location. If you'd like to learn more about this topic, remember that VIHA Director of Planning and Community Engagement, Grant Hollett, will be presenting at the CCA General Meeting on April 19.

This annotated aerial view, based on a map saved from the District of Saanich Online Mapping System (thank you, Saanich), shows the proposed location for the hospital tower. Aerial photography is from May 2005.

Richmond School Lands - Urgent Notice Sent to Mailing List

Posted April 13, 2007

Following up on yesterday's School Board Operations Committee meeting on the Richmond School topic, the CCA has sent out an urgent communication to CCA mailing list subscribers. Please read this important notice on our Richmond School page.

Our two further opportunities to influence the Richmond School outcome are:

When	Monday, April 16, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Where	Saanich Council Chambers 770 Vernon Ave. This Council meeting will consider a report that deals with the sale of school properties.
When	Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Where	Saanich Council Chambers 770 Vernon Ave. This meeting deals with the Shelbourne Local Area Plan.

Shelbourne Local Area Plan: Public Hearing April 17

Posted April 13, 2007

A Public hearing on the proposed revision of the Shelbourne local area plan will be held April 17, 7:30 pm at Saanich council chambers, 770 Vernon Ave. If approved the amendment would help secure additional park land along Bowker Creek to protect the waterway's ecosystem.

When	Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Where	Saanich Council Chambers 770 Vernon Ave.

Richmond School Updates

Posted April 10, 2007

There's been an update to the Richmond School page posting re: the April 12, 7 pm Operations Committee Meeting. This meeting is open to the public, and we need your presence there to support our community association presenters. The agenda for this meeting is here on the School District's web site.

CCA General Meeting: April 19

Posted April 5, 2007

Please come out to our General Meeting. Grant Hollett, the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) Director of Planning and Community Engagement, will share the details of VIHA's business plan to replace the inpatient care facilities at the Royal Jubilee Hosptital.

If you drive your car, please remember to bring $1.25 for parking.

When	Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Where	Fisher building, room 100 Camosun College, Lansdowne Campus

March Newsletter Now Online

Posted April 5, 2007

The March 2007 CCA newsletter can now be read online here. In future, if you're on our mailing list, we'll send around a notice when the newsletter becomes available. Read here on how to subscribe to our mailing list.

Your Help Needed: Richmond School Lands Report

Posted April 2, 2007

Please see this posting on the Richmond School page to learn how you can help your CCA directors speak for the community to the School Board on the future of the Richmond School property.

Contact Your School Board Trustees

Posted April 2, 2007

The Richmond School page has a posting on how to contact your School Board Trustees.

Web Site Changes

Posted April 2, 2007

With the future of Richmond School dominating our CCA web site, it seemed appropriate to consolidate the related postings to a dedicated page. This gives you a fair chance to read about other issues on this page. Our home page will continue to have Richmond School related news, but as headings and short stubs that point to the detailed content on Richmond School events as they are posted to the Richmond School page.

A mailing list for the CCA president to communicate with you is now available, so we've placed links to subscribe to and unsubscribe from our CCA mailing list in the right hand column of each page.

Finally, we're going to keep a calendar of upcoming events at the top of the right hand column, with links to details about these events.

Subscribe to the CCA Mailing List

Posted April 2, 2007

Recently, the CCA has been requesting people send an email to

register@camosuncommunityassociation.com

in order for us to email out news and updates to community members. We now have a mailing list in place for this purpose. This is a one-way mailing list for the CCA president (or a delegate) to send out information to you. You may subscribe to the CCA mailing list, and once subscribed, you may at any time unsubscribe from the mailing list.

Please use this mailing list instead of the "register" email id previously published. Those of you who have already emailed the "register" email id will have your own email ids added to the mailing list subscriber file.

2003 School Board said: Schools Slated for Closure Will Not Be Sold

Posted April 1, 2007

For a blast from the past, we're posting this media release (625 KB) in PDF format from the School Board dated May 13, 2003. What the community is saying now in many ways echoes what the Board said then. Makes you wonder what changed their minds regarding a sale, and why they couldn't have involved we the humble electorate when they saw the writing on the wall?

Richmond School Workshops Complete, Survey Continues

Posted April 1, 2007

Last week the CCA, along with the North Jubilee Neighbourhood Association, held the two planned Ideas and Strategy workshops to gather community input on the vision for the Richmond School property's future. Those who participated in these workshops had the opportunity to fill out a survey regarding Richmond School.

This survey is available for those who were unable to attend a workshop here (57 KB) as a PDF document. You can print out this survey and drop it off or send it as snail mail to:

		Camosun Community Association
		c/o
		3030 Dean Ave.
		Victoria, BC
		V8R 4Y9
		

If you prefer to send the form electronically, the most common way would be to print it, fill it in, then scan it and email the scanned result to register@camouncommunityassociation.com. Sorry we don't have anything more sophisticated at the moment; if this changes, we'll update this article.

Disappointing Results of School Board Meeting of March 26, 2007

By Al Lubkowski, CCA Land Use Director. Posted Mar.29, 2007

Trustee Charley Beresford's motion for expanding the consultative process for Richmond School to

"...establish a task force which includes representatives from neighbourhood and community organizations, municipal council, and trustees to design a consultation process which incorporates the core values of public participation on the use of Richmond School Lands..."

was defeated by a vote of 5 to 4 (the Chairman has 2 votes).

We are very disappointed by this, since a defeat of this motion means that the community will not now be given "due process" - the opportunity to properly present and discuss our views and ideas (much less a seat at the table) to help decide the fate of our Richmond School lands.

For your information, this is how the voting went:

Voting YES for this Motion were: Trustees Charlie Beresford, Bev Horsman, John Young and Peg Orcherton.

Voting No were: Chairman Michael McEvoy, Trustees Elaine Leonard, Tom Ferris and Mark Walsh.

Had Jim Holland been present he would have voted No also (as he was the author of the "6 point public process" which emasculated the true form and spirit of public process and led to this whole sad affair).

We thought you should know, in case you vote in future elections...

Conversations on Climate Change

Posted Mar.26, 2007

Your local governments are hosting three meetings with presentations, a panel discussion, and audience questions answered, all on the topic of climate change. See the poster and agenda for these meetings here (980 KB) in PDF format.

Plan to attend one of these meetings to learn why we must act now and why your actions count!

When	Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 7:00 - 9 pm
Where	Saanich Council Chambers
When	Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 7:00 - 9 pm
Where	City of Victoria Council Chambers
When	Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 7:00 - 9 pm
Where	Esquimalt Council Chambers

Important School Board Meeting Today!

Posted Mar.26, 2007

See the full article here.

Sale of Richmond School?

Posted Mar.22, 2007

See the full article here.

Road Safety Article

Posted Mar.18, 2007

CCA Road Safety director Neil Arason has written an informative article on Road Safety in the Camosun Community area. Read this on our Community page under Traffic.

Heritage Cottonwood Cut Down to Size

Posted Mar.17, 2007

On March 9, as planned, the large cottonwood that formed a hazard to air traffic near the Royal Jubilee Hospital helipad was cut down to a large stump. See the posting below for more details on the events leading up to this.

Former CCA Land Use director David Ross was on hand to take these photos of the event.

Plan for a Healthier Community: Free Workshop

Posted Mar.8, 2007

Active Saanich is hosting a free community workshop titled Plan for a Healthier Community Today! You can join Dr. Lawrence D. Frank as he shares findings from his research on the relationship between our own community design and our health. Find out more and learn how to register for this event here (768 KB) in PDF format, or contact Saanich Parks and Recreation by phoning 475-5424 or emailing crannac@saanich.ca.

When	Thursday, April 5, 2007 at 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Where	Silver City Theatre 3100 Tillicum Road

School District Invites Public to Discuss Richmond School Site Uses

Posted Mar.7, 2007

See the full article here.

Victoria Parks Planning Workshop on March 17

Posted Mar.6, 2007

On Saturday, March 17, the City of Victoria is holding a planning workshop for a Parks Masterplan. They are hoping to get a large cross section of individuals and groups represented at this forum. The workshop invitation is here (640KB) in PDF format. The workshop runs from 10 am to 1:30 pm and will be kicked off with a presentation by Doug Paterson. Read about Doug here (5 KB) in PDF format.

If you would like to attend, register by email at parks@victoria.ca or phone 361-0600.

Note that onsite babysitting is being offered; if you wish to make use of this service, please indicate so when you register.

Heritage Cottonwood Runs Afoul with Transport Canada

Updated Mar.6, 2007

CCA Environment Director, Andrea Gleichauf, met with VIHA's representatives, Grant Hollett (Public Relations) and Keith Sutherland (Site Safety) March 2, 2007 to discuss the cottonwood tree near the Royal Jubilee Hospital. This is what came out of the meeting.

Transport Canada told VIHA that the cottonwood (populous trichocarpa), close to the helipad, must be cut down as it poses a hazard to air traffic. If VIHA refuses to cut the tree, Transport Canada (TC) would close the Helicopter Landing Pad. As per TC, the hospital is also required to enlarge the present helipad to TC standards.

As a result of consultation with an arborist, VIHA initially decided to cut the tree to a fifteen-foot high stump. However, In a follow up meeting with the Municipality of Saanich, it was determined that the stump shouldn't be higher than eight feet. Left higher, the tree would be unstable with an increased probability of toppling into the gym of St. Pat's school, a hazard VIHA and Saanich are not willing to risk. In addition, a sonogram of the tree by the arborist showed that the tree has significant hollow sections.

The mandate of Municipality of Saanich, Ministry of Environment, and Ministry of Fisheries is to cut the tree with a crane, section by section, leaving no debris on the ground. Contrary to this approach, it's been suggested by some neighbours to leave a section of the trunk lying on the ground to provide wildlife habitat. The same approach can be seen along a section of Bowker Creek close to the Hampshire intersection in Oak Bay.

Keith Sutherland promised he'd contact Saanich, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Fisheries to obtain permission so a section of the cutting can be left on the ground. VIHA is willing to replace the cottonwood with something that fits present riparian regulations and that does not grow into an air traffic hazard in the future.

Representatives from VIHA reiterated what they'd said in their May 2006 letter to the CCA," that they have agreed to set aside and make available the triangular parcel of land across Bowker Creek, to the northeast for habitat restoration, in concert with a possible larger restoration of public and private lands in this area adjacent to Bowker Creek".

The tree will be topped March 09, which corresponds with pro-d day at St. Pat's school. Input from the neighbours is welcome.

Update on Richmond School Property

Posted Feb.27, 2007

See the full article here.

Letter to SD 61

Posted Feb.22, 2007

See the full article here.

Update on Richmond School Property

Posted Feb.17, 2007

See the full article here.

Forum on PPPs and the Public Interest

Posted Feb.17, 2007

On Feb.21.07 at 7 pm, Victoria City Hall will host a moderated panel discussion on Public/Private Partnerships and the public interest. Just in time for the debate on our need for sustainable sewage treatment! See the poster in PDF format.

Notable Dates

August 13, 2008	RJH Patient Care Open House
September 11, 2008	Saanich Emergency Program Information Session

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• Corporation of the Township of Esquimalt

• Greater Victoria School District 61
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