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BC Ambulance Service: Possible New Home for Temporary Ambulance Station

Updated November 20, 2008

As reported in the media in the past few days, BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) is in talks with the owner of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) to lease the property at the north-west corner of Bay and Richmond. BCAS has formally put their plans to move to the Carrick St. location on hold as they assess the CNIB site.

We see this as a credit to the persistence of local residents and MLA Rob Fleming. You can view this letter sent to residents of the earlier planned site on Carrick.

Here is the article that was on the CFAX website a few days ago:

BC AMBULANCE IN TALKS TO RELOCATE TEMPORARY STATION TO CORNER OF RICHMOND AND BAY
Nov 18, 2008

THE BC AMBULANCE SERVICE HAS ANNOUNCED IT'S POSTPONING ITS PLANS ON RELOCATING THE JUBILEE AMBULANCE STATION TO CARRICK STREET IN SAANICH.

BC HEALTH MINISTER GEORGE ABBOT SAYS THE DECISION COMES AFTER NUMEROUS CONCERNS WERE RAISED BY PEOPLE WHO ALREADY LIVE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

ABBOT SAYS AN ALTERNATE SOLUTION HAS BECOME AVAILABLE.

THE AMBULANCE SERVICE IS IN EARLY NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE OWNER OF THE CANADIAN NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND TO LEASE A PROPERTY AT THE CORNER OF BAY AND RICHMOND.

IF THE NEGOTIATIONS ARE SUCCESSFUL, BC AMBULANCE SAYS IT WILL ACTIVELY PURSUE A LEASE AT THE BUILDING AND CONTRACT ARCHITECTS TO MAKE THE MINOR RENOVATIONS NEEDED TO TRANSFORM THE SITE INTO A NEW AMBULANCE STATION.

THE JUBILEE AMBULANCE STATION SERVES THE OAK BAY AND JUBILEE COMMUNITIES.

OAK BAY GORDON HEAD MLA IDA CHONG SAYS ALL THE PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS OF RELOCATING THE STATION ARE MAKING SURE PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE TIMELY ACCESS TO AMBULANCE SERVICES.

THE NEW PROPOSED LOCATION IS JUST ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE ROYAL JUBILEE HOSPITAL, WHERE THE STATION WAS ORIGINALLY LOCATED.

THE STATION HAD TO BE MOVED TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW ROYAL JUBILEE PATIENT TOWER.

- ADAM STIRLING CFAX 1070

CCA Needs More Volunteers

Posted November 17, 2008 by Sheila Critch, CCA President

The CCA has been in existence for nearly 12 years, and in order to continue we need more people on the board. If you are interested in your community, please come out to our Annual General Meeting at 7pm, Nov 27th, Fisher 200, Camosun College. Our guest speaker is Paula Steele of City Green Solutions. See full details posted inside the October newsletter.

Your input is seriously needed! Aside from the great successes we experienceed this past year, there are many important issues to address in the coming year, including

  1. the fate of Richmond School and the Hydro land,
  2. the redevelopment of the Royal Jubilee Hospital and the Hillside Mall,
  3. the development of safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians,
  4. affordable housing.

Municipal leaders regularly make decisions, shape policies and take action on issues that directly affect us all (e.g., public transportation, parks and recreation, use of public spaces, health, child care, education, housing, etc). We at the CCA believe that engaging everyone, from youths to seniors, in the decision-making process helps government make decisions that are more responsive and appropriate to the needs and interests of its citizens.

Please contact president@camosuncommunityassociation.com for volunteer opportunities or attend the Annual General Meeting at Camosun College on Nov 27th at 7pm.

RJH Committee Update

Posted November 17, 2008 by David Ross

The CCA needs you!

The CCA is actively looking for a new RJH Neighbourhood Committee representative. With a new work schedule, I no longer have time for volunteer activities, and unfortunately the current slate of directors is already too busy with other projects to take this on. The RJH Committee meets on average once a month, generally on a Tuesday or Wednesday night, otherwise all business is done through email. Please, especially if you live near the hospital, consider volunteering for this very important position!

The RJH Neighbourhood Committee (RJHNC) is comprised of representatives from the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), Camosun Community Association (CCA), North Jubilee Neighbourhood Association (NJNA), South Jubilee Neighbourhood Association (SJNA), Friends Of Bowker Creek Society (FOBCS) and representatives from Saanich and Victoria municipalities. Current issues that top the Committee agenda are 1) The construction of the new Patient Care Centre, 2) Changes to Parking/Landscaping, and 3) The creation of a Master Campus Plan. Here is an update on what's been happening:

Patient Care Centre (PCC):

During the City of Victoria re-zoning process for the PCC, the RJH Neighbourhood Committee agreed there was a need to have a "Good Neighbour Agreement" (GNA) between VIHA and the surrounding neighbourhoods to deal with any issues arising during the PCC construction and future RJH developments. The GNA was written over the past several months, and in July 2008, finally a finished version was completed and signed by all parties including the RJH Neighbourhood Committee, and both Victoria and Saanich municipalities. VIHA also agreed to supply a community meeting room in the new PCC. Since the PCC is within the NJNA boundary, they will be the main tenants for the space, but it will still be available to the rest of the community groups. In the meantime, VIHA will providing a temporary room in a location still yet to be determined.

In July the Province officially announced the construction of the PCC. ISL Health, who won the bid for the project, distributed a community notice. Many neighbours in the NJNA, SJNA and CCA did not receive the flyer, which introduced the company to the neighbourhood, provided contact info, and a link to their web site for updates. Although we stated how disappointed we are with the sporadic flyer distribution, we were told there would be "no attempt to rectify it". Also, they did not provide Saanich residents any information regarding how to resolve parking issues, etc. In case you didn't receive the flyer, here is the contact info:

Community Relations:
Deanne McCarthy (Acciona Lark Joint Venture)
Email: info@accionalarkjv-rjh.com
Phone: 250-383-7577.
Website: www.accionalarkjv-rjh.com
(Don't forget to check VIHA's website too: www.viha.ca/patient_care_centre )

Patient Care Centre (PCC) con't:

The Committee has also discussed the lack of visibility of signage showing contact info on site, hopefully, to be rectified soon by ISL. If you have any issues with construction on the site or parking complaints please contact ISL and/or Saanich Bylaw Enforcement.

VIHA hosted a staff open house for the project in August in which community members were invited. They plan to hold a community focused open house in the near future. Hopefully a notice will be distributed, but you should check the web sites just in case. In September, we met the architects for a presentation on how the latest design complies with the "Design Requirements" document (created last year by our Committee). Although the colour scheme has not been finalized, it will be similar to the Cancer Centre and D&T Centre brick, and earth tones have been selected for the wall panels. Blasting will continue for the next few weeks as per this schedule: 5 scheduled blast times per day 8:30am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 3:30pm. 1 minute before the blast, 3 long whistles lasting 5 seconds each, followed by 2-minute pauses will indicate when the blasting will occur. 1 long whistle lasting 5 seconds will signify the "all clear".

New Staff Parking Lot and Landscaping:

Over the past spring/summer many changes have been made along Fort Street. The north sidewalk on Fort St was moved to the other side of the chestnut trees, creating a boulevard; bikes lanes were added; new signal lights were installed at Lee St; and the entrance across from Davie St was permanently closed. Due to displaced parking from the new PCC, a new parking area next to Begbie Hall was created and several small buildings were demolished to accommodate a new parking lot along Fort and Lee Streets. New landscaping was created around these new parking areas, which resulted in residents'concerns regarding maintenance, as new landscaping installed in the past has died off. However, we've been told that previous watering restrictions were lifted which should result in a "greener looking campus".

RJH Master Campus Plan (MCP):

The MCP, something we've been requesting for some time, was mandated during the PCC re-zoning process. Helping to create this new plan will be the next exciting step for the Committee. The MCP will outline the future development at the RJH site. As you know, many buildings such as the Memorial Pavilion (already deemed a future development location) are ageing and will need replacement sometime in the future. During the planning process we need to make sure our concerns are heard. They will be conducting planning workshops in the future so make sure you attend!

The consulting firm Stantec has been contracted to start the initial steps of this planning process over the next two years. They are currently gathering information, reviewing past studies and studying existing buildings. They will be engaging us in ongoing discussions to get a full understanding of the site. They also need to determine what will happen to the residual functions in buildings that will be largely vacated once the PCC is completed. With all this information, they will develop a Multi-Criteria Analysis Matrix. After completion, the consulting firm will hold workshops with stakeholders, staff and the community.

This is your opportunity for input on how this will take shape! Where on site should the future development take place? Do we want to continue having towers built on the edge of the campus or should they be contained in the middle? Should there be a future height restriction? These and many thoughts have come forward during the PCC re-zoning but need your support. Please contact the CCA through our web site to volunteer.

Press Release: All Candidates Forum, Nov 6

Posted November 4, 2008

Press Release
November 2 2008
UVic Students' Society, The Camosun College Students' Society, The Cammosun Community Association

jointly present...

Saanich Municipal Forum

Thursday November 6th 2008, 4pm to 6:30pm
Large Michele Pujol Room In the SUB at the University of Victoria

Meet and mingle with Saanich Candidates!

All candidates to Saanich Council and to the position of Mayor of Saanich

There will be five key issues proposed to candidates and open to questions from the floor:

  1. Affordable Housing
  2. Public transit
  3. Food security - local production and marketing
  4. Climate change
  5. Urban forest

Participate and ask about issues during the Open Question Session!

Share ideas of how you want to see the future of Saanich, of the College and of the University!

This forum is a very meaningful example of grassroots initiated cooperation between students and the community at large. Community asssociations from the District and civic groups such as the non-partisan Saanich Civic League are invited to take part.

At stake is much more than just those issues. What's vital is to get an informed, responsible public to the polls. Only 19 out of every one hundred registered voters went to the polls three years ago. This is not a record to be proud of!

It is all about your future, our future, for the common good.

Hosted by:

October Newsletter Now Online

Posted October 31, 2008

The CCA newsletter for October is now online here.

In addition to the topics you might expect a community association to discuss, you can also read about why the all-volunteer Camosun Community Association is quite likely to shut down and cease to exist.

Block Watch, St. John Ambulance, and Discounted First Aid Courses

Posted October 31, 2008

News from the Saanich Block Watch Office:

Recently we have developed a partnership with St. John Ambulance to provide discounted first aid courses to our Block Watch members (courses to be offered in the new year.) To launch this relationship, we are participating in the St. John Ambulance Open House on Saturday, November 22. Block Watch members are invited to take a first aid course and/or participate in the days events.

Please join St. John Ambulance at their Open House and consider registering for a class*. REGISTER QUICKLY AND DIRECTLY with St. John Ambulance - 250-388-5505. Classes are filling up quickly.

*Saanich Police Block Watch members who register and attend one of the first aid session held on the day of the Open House will be eligible to win one of ten family first aid kits. Valued at $20.00.

St. John Ambulance is located at 941 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, BC.

Saanich Council Voting Record

Posted October 31, 2008

The Saanich Civic League has compiled a document that shows the voting record of the current Saanich council members on the issues that people have said matter to them. From the news release:

74% of Saanich respondents to SCL Citizen Survey say they need more information to vote November 15. They asked for a snapshot voting tool, an unbiased, well-researched account of how Saanich Council members vote on major issues.

You said:
I don't have time to attend Council Meetings...
Everyone sounds great at election time...
I need factual information on whether they practise what they preach.
Track the performance of mayor and councillors...

We've done the work within a context of Saanich Civic League's guiding values.

Let us know what you think info@saanichcivicleague.ca.

If you can't make those all candidates meetings, here's a great way to learn about the values the incumbents have displayed. If you can attend the all candidates meetings, this document will help you prepare your questions.

All Candidates Meetings

Posted October 28, 2008

Saanich has posted a document that shows the Civic Elections 2008 all candidates meetings for the municipality. Please reference it for up to date information.

Richmond School Revisited: How Did Trustees Vote?

Updated October 17, 2008

With the municipal elections around the corner, it's appropriate to revisit some of the events around the Richmond School property. You can check our Richmond School page for past articles on this topic.

Saanich falls primarily within School District 61, and partly within School District 63. There are nine (9) SD61 trustee positions to be elected, and two (2) SD63 trustee positions to be elected by Saanich residents.

For School District 63 trustees, there are only two candidates for these two positions:

So not much of a "race" for those SD63 trustee positions.

For School District 61, in which falls the management and disposition of the Richmond School property, here is an unofficial list of candidates vying for the nine trustee positions:

Somewhat more of a race, and the list includes incumbents whose voting record we can examine. And what does the colouring of an incumbent's name mean? Read on...

For the residents of the CCA, we highlight this excerpt from a posting on the Richmond School page:

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...

In summary:

For expanding the consultative process for Richmond School:

Against expanding the consultative process for Richmond School:

Who do you want deciding the fate of a school property in the midst of our community?

Municipal Election: All Candidates Meetings

Posted October 10, 2008

Please see the events page for a schedule of the municipal election all candidates meetings of interest to residents of Saanich.

Residents' Working Group to Focus on Suitable Site for BC Ambulance Station

Posted September 28, 2008 by Ian Graeme, on behalf of the CCA

Thanks to the many residents who attended the Sept 17 Community Meeting at Hope Lutheran Church. The meeting included presentations by Shawn Carby, Executive Director, BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) and local residents, and was followed by a question and answer session. The meeting was attended by over 120 residents including Victoria-Hillside MLA Rob Fleming and Saanich Councillor Judy Brownoff. A feedback form was also circulated and completed by over 100 residents.

Concerns expressed included lack of consultation by BCAS, inappropriate location in a wholly residential neighourhood, loss of valuable greenspace, increased noise and traffic, pedestrian and cyclist safety, property value impact, poor planning and coordination with other agencies including the Vancouver Island Health Authority. Although there was overwhelming opposition to the BCAS proposal, residents expressed strong support for helping BCAS find a suitable permanent location.

A volunteer Residents' Working Group has since summarized the meeting and feedback survey. The CCA, North Jubilee Neighbourhood Association and Friends of Bowker Creek Society have forwarded a letter that summarizes community feedback to BCAS management with copies to elected representatives.

NEXT STEPS:
The Residents' Working Group has developed a Bulletin that is currently being circulated throughout the neighbourhood. If you would like to volunteer or participate on a neighbourhood Working Group, please contact Pat at 250-595-0514 or Graham at 250-592-5229.

Reaction Builds to Proposed BC Ambulance Station

Posted September 24, 2008 by Ian Graeme, on behalf of the CCA

Residents in the neighbourhood of the proposed BC Ambulance station on the BC Hydro field between Kings and Haultain have reacted. They organized and held a meeting on September 17, 2008, and by way of a survey managed to capture in a brief time period the concerns of the local community regarding this topic.

Shawn Carby, Executive Director, BC Ambulance Service, attended and presented information at the meeting. The following letter with the accompanying attachments was subsequently sent to Mr. Carby.

Not listed here are the numerous individual feedback forms that were also sent as attachments. Please check back soon for updates on this topic.

Saanich Parks 50th Anniversary Photo Contest

Posted September 15 by Tom Celuszak, web admin, CCA

Amanda Irving, Administrative Supervisor at the Saanich Parks and Recreation Department, sent us this info:

To celebrate Parks' 50th Anniversary, Saanich News and Saanich Parks and Recreation invites you to participate in capturing images of Saanich's beautiful and diverse parks.

We want to share photo images with the readers of Saanich News so that residents of Saanich can become better informed of what our extensive Park system offers. We could not think of a better time than a 50th anniversary to do this!

So please participate. We have no shortage of photographic subject matter within our Parks and we're also giving away some very cool prizes.

All the information relating to this contest as well as how to submit your photographs is available on our website.

http://www.saanich.ca/resident/parks/photoContest.html

Thank you in advance for you participation.

Within the CCA, we have both Allenby Park and Browning Park. Wonder if anyone has prize winning photos from either of these two places?

Proposed BC Ambulance station on BC Hydro field between Kings and Haultain

Updated September 15, 2008 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director, and Ian Graeme, on behalf of the CCA

Lots to report on this topic. First, this notice advertising an upcoming community meeting organized by local residents on Wednesday Sept 17 at Hope Lutheran Church:

Click through for PDF version.

It appears the two day notice of a meeting by BCAS to approximately ten neighbouring residences was poorly attended.

Next, here are copies of recent correspondence on this topic:

Earlier, on September 4, we posted:

Community associations teamed up to respond to BCAS regarding the proposed BC Ambulance station on BC Hydro land off of Carrick Street, offering to assist BCAS with properly consulting the local community on this topic. You can read this response here.

About 80 households in Saanich received a letter from the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) on August 27 announcing that a new full emergency ambulance station will be constructed on the BC Hydro field this month. According to the letter, BCAS has reached an "Agreement in Principle" with BC Hydro to lease part of the field between Kings Road and Haultain Street. Planning has apparently been underway for over a year.

Project plans specify a single-storey manufactured home, surface parking lot and a shed for 3 ambulances on existing Open Space with access off Carrick Street. Land clearing and construction are planned to begin on September 1, several days after residents received the letter.

The BCAS provides a vital community service but residents are dismayed by the complete lack of consultation with the immediate neighbourhood. Residents and the CCA are in the process of arranging a community meeting with representatives of BCAS and BC Hydro to ensure meaningful dialogue and local concerns are addressed. Please watch for further updates and/or meeting dates.

If you have any questions, please phone or email one of more of these contacts:

Please consider copying the CCA on any correspondence at president@camosuncommunityassociation.com.

RJH Patient Care Open House

Posted August 11, 2008 by David Ross, CCA

Check out the Events page to learn about the open house being held for the RJH Patient Care facility now under construction.

Celebrate Richmond School and Bowker Creek!

Posted May 14, 2008 by Tom Celuszak, web site admin

Check out the Events page for news on the upcoming celebration that the CCA and friends are hosting at the former Richmond Elementary School. As a CCA area resident or neighbour, and hopefully someone who appreciates the value of Bowker Creek in our midst, you are invited! The poster for this event - and thanks to Soren Henrich for its creation - is shown below.

Bowker Creek Celebration poster

CCA Responds to draft Saanich OCP

Posted May 5, 2008

Check out our Affordable Housing page to read the CCA response to Saanich's draft OCP, the topic of the upcoming Special Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2008.

Saanich Recommends that Battery Disposal Become a CRD Regional Program

Received May 2, 2008 from Vicki Sanders, Saanich Councillor

In a press release, Saanich Councillor Vicki Sanders promotes a region-wide battery recycling program.

Saanich Recommends that Battery Disposal Become a CRD Regional Program

Vicki Sanders, Saanich Councillor and Chair of the Environmental Advisory Committee is recommending at the May 5, 2008 Council meeting that Saanich ask the CRD to consider a regional battery recycling program.

Although batteries make up only a small percentage in the waste stream ending up at the Hartland Landfill they are a concern due to the damaging chemicals they contain which can be harmful to human health and the environment.

Batteries contain heavy metals, which can eventually leach out to the receiving environment. The effects of heavy metal contamination have even further reaching effects if these toxic chemicals travel via watercourses and food webs. The heavy metals contained within batteries deem them as toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and are classified as Household Hazardous Waste under British Columbia's Environmental Management Act.

One of the possible barriers to primary battery recycling is consumer ignorance to the associated negative impacts to the natural environment and human health. More education is needed to promote consumer awareness regarding the toxicity of spent batteries and their classification as hazardous waste.

"The key to consumers practicing the Three R's, reduce, reuse and recycle, is education and convenience", says Sanders. The major barrier for consumers to be environmentally responsible with spent batteries is the lack of convenient ways to practice ", "Recycle". Increased awareness needs to be supplemented with provision of convenient ways for consumers to be responsible with their spent batteries."

There is some battery recycling options available in the region. However they are inconvenient and there is very little public awareness. A regional program would enable consumers and citizens the ability to make informed environmental decisions."

Contact:
Vicki Sanders
(250) 592-0865
vicki_sanders@telus.net

Saanich Official Community Plan 2008

Posted April 27, 2008

We have received an email from Carrie M. MacPhee, Manager of Legislative Services, District of Saanich, to let us know about the upcoming Special Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at which the Saanich Official Community Plan (2008) will be discussed:

April 25, 2008

NOTICE OF MEETING

OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN (2008)

In 2007 a review process was initiated to update the Official Community Plan (General Plan) of the District of Saanich. The Official Community Plan is the principal policy document that Council uses to make decisions on matters such as land use, growth management, protection of the environment, transportation and mobility, economic development, infrastructure and housing needs.

The comprehensive review process has culminated in an updated Official Community Plan (2008) which will be considered at a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2008. The meeting commences at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue. You are invited to attend this Special Committee of the Whole meeting and make representation to Council if you so choose.

Copies of the Official Community Plan (2008) and covering report are available on line at www.saanich.ca, or from the Planning Department at Saanich Municipal Hall. If you have questions with respect to the contents of the Plan, please contact Sharon Hvozdanski in the Planning Department at 475-5494, ext. 3409 or by email at sharon.hvozdanski@saanich.ca. If you have questions with respect to meeting procedures, please contact the Legislative Division at 475-1775 or by e-mail at clerksec@saanich.ca.

Carrie M. MacPhee
Manager of Legislative Services

CCA Newsletter for March 2008

Posted April 6, 2008 by Sheila Critch, President, CCA

Check out the latest CCA newsletter here on the Association page!

Bowker Creek Communi-Tea Celebration

Posted March 16, 2008 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director

See details regarding this event here.

RJH Neighbourhood Committee Update

Posted March 6, 2008 by David Ross, VIHA Liaison

The rezoning was approved by City of Victoria Council this past January for the new P3 Patient Care Centre. At the Public Hearing the CCA requested that the TDM be looked at more carefully and that the agreement between the City of Victoria and VIHA have stronger language in regards to construction related issues such as parking which also has an effect on Saanich. City Council chose to pass it as is.

One item that the residents in the panhandle should be aware of is that in VIHA's contract with the successful bidder there is a provision that construction vehicles must park in the building site or a minimum of 1 km from the hospital campus. VIHA is providing $50,000.00 to help the City of Victoria with parking enforcement in regards to this but they are not providing Saanich with any funds. When construction starts in a few months time and you have a parking complaint please direct it to Saanich Parking Enforcement and if you can, follow it up to VIHA so that they understand that Saanich residents are being affected too.

During the recent City of Victoria rezoning process VIHA has agreed to provide a community meeting space and enter into a "Good Neighbour Agreement" with the NJNA as the new tower is in their neighbourhood boundary. The NJNA are including the CCA and SJNA in the creation of this agreement which should be completed by the end of April. After that is complete the RJH Neighbourhood Committee will be putting input into the RJH Campus site plan which will have a long term vision for the site that VIHA hopes to complete within 30 months.

I will no longer be able to serve on this committee as my work schedule in the spring will prevent me from attending any meetings. If you are interested in taking over and volunteering with the CCA please contact us via the contact page on our website.

Watson St Update

Posted March 6, 2008 by David Ross, VIHA Liaison

The rezoning has been approved. We were successful in our request that Saanich Council insist that a covenant be placed on the title that will minimizes the impact of the new house on neighbouring properties. This includes set backs, lowered height and photos of single car garage designed houses that are in keeping with the existing neighbourhood such as the recent one built on Forrester. Much of this was achieved by the applicant consulting with the neighbouring residents.

An arborist report stated that the surrounding trees' root systems should not be affected by the Storm Water Plan which will be re-addressed in the subdivision application as the house design is not finalized. At the public hearing it was also noted by Council that the applicant has put significant effort into the Storm Water Plan as to not affect the properties down hill from the site as well as minimize additional flow via storm drains into Bowker Creek.

1979 Watson St Subdivision: Rezoning Hearing

Posted February 28, 2008 by David Ross, VIHA Liaison

Please see the notice under Events.

Bowker Creek Cleanup, February 9

Posted February 12, 2008 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director

Neighbours from the Camosun area and the North Jubilee neighbourhood as well as some boy-scouts came out for the clean up along Bowker Creek on the Hydro field. The rain had stopped and we managed to collect a pick-up full of garbage, including the ubiquitous shopping cart.

Bowker Creek cleanup image 1 Bowker Creek cleanup image 2 Bowker Creek cleanup image 3

The kids also had fun mucking about in the creek looking for garbage. And they had fun getting wet. I'm sure it felt as if they were on a big adventure. I remembered how much fun it used to be mucking about and getting wet. It was great to see parents that were not worried that the creek is dangerous. And no, one would not want to drink the water of this urban creek.

Special kudos to BC Hydro's Ted Olynyk and Al Holt for arranging to pick up and dispose of the garbage we collected.

From the Camosun Community Association and the Friends of Bowker Creek, thanks again to everybody that helped in the clean up.

1979 Watson St.

Posted January 21, 2008 by David Ross, VIHA Liaison

The application for the 1979 Watson St subdivision was passed unanimously by Saanich council last night to proceed to public hearing. Myself and two residents spoke to the importance of a covenant and how there needs to be more of a detailed plan of how the new proposed house will look. Councilor Saunders moved that the application proceed with a covenant and that the applicant provide a more detailed plan to enter into the covenant by the public hearing date.

The majority of council supports infill housing in our area and stated how new houses need to conform to existing neighbourhoods in character and form.

Saanich Engineering is behind the report from the applicant's engineer regarding storm water. The plan is to use a rain garden at the front for roof runoff for both houses. The rain garden will be hooked up to overflow to the storm sewer via Watson to Foul Bay. There will most likely be a gravel pit in the back yard as well for the footing drainage. This system minimizes storm water heading to Bowker Creek.

The concern over how the trees' root systems will be impacted by the new house and storm water system was also mentioned, and an Arborist's report with more detail will be presented. Check back for the date of the public hearing which will most likely be in the spring.

Margaret Jenkins student body relocated to Richmond School

Posted January 24, 2008 by Sheila Critch, President, CCA

Read this news item on the Richmond School page.

Saanich Draft OCP Now Available for Review

Posted January 21, 2008 by Sheila Critch, President, CCA

Finally, here is the document that we've all been waiting for, the draft Official Community Plan. It is very important for residents to review the draft and to provide feedback by February 11, 2008.

Saanich's Planning Department has done tremendous work in learning how we want our community to look in the future. Nearly 800 residents have already participated in a survey and now is your opportunity to provide additional feedback on items previously identified:

Here's the email we received from Saanich:

Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:26 AM
Subject: Review and Comment on Draft OCP

Hello Neighbourhood Associations Presidents/Vice Presidents,

The purpose of this e-mail is to you let you know that the draft Official Community Plan is now available for review and comment online (www.saanich.ca). Copies of the draft are also available at the Planning Department at the Municipal Hall (770 Vernon Ave.).

It would be greatly appreciated that if you wish to comment on the draft that you do so by February 11th. If your group needs additional time to get together and discuss the draft Plan, just let me know. The goal is to have all comments in by the end of February and have the revised document back online and headed to Council for its formal review and comment in late March/Early April.

The plan (unless Franca tells me otherwise) is to meet with SCAN at the February meeting to discuss the draft, once you have had an opportunity to review it. Open Houses will also be held on January 30th and 31st, drop by anytime between 3:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m at the Salvation Army Church Gym (4030 Douglas Street, north east corner of the intersection of McKenzie Avenue and the Pat Bay Highway).

It would be greatly appreciated if you would forward this information to your Association members, so they can fully participate in the review process. We have also placed information adverts in both the Saanich News and Times Colonist that will run over the next month, on the Saanich website and in the Hall. I will also be sending out additional e-mails to community interest groups. As always, I would rather that residents receive multiple notifications, than miss out on this opportunity to comment on the draft Plan.

If you have any questions about the draft, or the review process in general please do not hesitate to contact me.

In advance, thank you for participating in this important planning process.

Sincerely,

Sharon Hvozdanski
Supervisor of Strategic Planning
Planning Department
District of Saanich
475-5494 (ext 3409)

Bowker Creek Cleanup, February 9

Posted January 21, 2008 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director

Read about the upcoming Bowker Creek cleanup on our Events page.

1979 Watson St Update

Posted January 21, 2008 by David Ross, VIHA Liaison

On January 10th the CCA received correspondence from Saanich regarding this sub-division/re-zoning application. The application has been scheduled for

When Monday, January 28, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Where Committee of the Whole Meeting
Council Chambers, Saanich Municipal Hall

You are welcome to attend and will be given an opportunity to address Council to have outstanding questions answered. The CCA will also be given an opportunity to speak.

Written correspondence received up to 4:30 pm the day of the meeting will be copied to Council for their information. Email correspondence should be sent to clerksec@saanich.ca.

At this meeting council will decide whether or not there is enough information to send this application to Public Hearing where neighbours can then address their support or non-support to Council. You can read the Planning Department report in PDF form. Here is an excerpt of the summary from the Approving Officer:

Summary:

Creating one additional RS-4 lot located close to schools and transit makes good use of a large parcel, is not inconsistent with local area plan policies and is compatible with the pattern of lot development in the immediate neighbourhood. A new dwelling, as proposed by the applicant, would not be out of character with the existing streetscape and the scale and massing of housing in the surrounding area. Preservation measures for significant trees on the site and on the adjacent boulevard could be considered in the subdivision process.

The following items will be considered by the Approving Officer in the subdivision review process:

  1. Registration of a suitable covenant to require that design and siting of a new dwelling is consistent with the concept photos and streetscape plan that have been presented to Council;
  2. Implementation of the arborist's recommendations for preservation of significant trees.

RECOMMENDATION

That the application to rezone the property from RS-6 to RS-6 and RS-4 be approved.

The CCA supports development consistent with the Shelbourne Local Area Plan. In correspondence to Saanich the CCA outlined the outcome of the Neighbourhood Meeting on Nov 21st, 2007, and concerns over the Storm Water Management Plan, and suggested creating a covenant to make sure the massing and character of the proposed new house would be in keeping with the existing neighbourhood. The details of the Storm Water Management Plan are included in the attached PDF and the covenant has been recommended to Council by the Approving Officer. If Saanich Council agrees with the covenant and conditional approval is granted then the municipality will draw up the language and the streetscape drawings will be included in a covenant held and enforced by the municipality.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact myself or Saanich.

RJH PCC Update

Posted January 21, 2008 by David Ross, VIHA Liaison

Please see our Events page for an update on the Royal Jubilee Hospital Patient Care Centre.

Recycling: Beyond the Blue Box

Updated January 21, 2008 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director

Did you know you can recycle your toothbrush? ...and many other plastics, styrofoam, etc., that are not accepted in blue boxes.

Starting January 26, 2008 every fourth Saturday of the month, the Pacific Mobile Depot will be at 3963 Borden Street in Victoria (Reynolds Secondary School). For more information on accepted material, please go to the Pacific Mobile Depot website www.pacificmobiledepots.com.

When 4th Saturday of the month, 9 am - 1 pm
Where Saanich
Reynolds Secondary School
3963 Borden St.
corner of Borden St. and MacKenzie Ave.
When 4th Saturday of the month, 9 am - 1 pm
Where Esquimalt
behind Tudor House
533 Admirals Rd.
corner Esquimalt and Admirals
When 4th Saturday of the month, 9 am - 11:30 am
Where Oak Bay
Carnarvon Park

Playing It Safe: Healthy Choices to Control Lawn and Garden Pests

Posted January 13, 2008 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director

The CRD is proposing to reduce in the short-term, and eliminate in the long-term, non-essential pesticide use in the region.

For more information, please go to the CRD's Roundtable on the Environment, Pesticide subcomittee page at www.crd.bc.ca/rte/pest.

A Director's Opinion: An Alternative to Plastic Bags - Life After Plastic

Posted December 24, 2007 by Al Lubkowski, Land Use Director

There is a growing legion of shoppers who are now boycotting plastic bags in favour of more environmentally friendly bags, and bags that can be re-used. Good on them!

This phenomenon is a typical example of how residents like you and I can make a difference, and in alliance with the private sector, show our regional and provincial governments where they need to follow.

For those residents who believe the garbage pail liner and their way of life is being threatened, they should be reminded that there was life before plastic bags, and there most likely will be life after. Quite likely, a life that will be more pleasant than before, a more beautiful life at that!

Many of us are beginning to realize there is a long-term price to be paid for the "convenience" of using plastic bags and their hydrocarbon progeny. Quite apart from the many problems these cause when dumped into our landfills, there is the even greater problem caused when these plastics are flushed, blown or otherwise disposed of into our rivers, lakes and oceans. These problems have spawned a growing resistance worldwide to the indiscriminate use of plastics and packaging, which not surprisingly has led to the introduction of many innovative solutions for dealing with these wastes. But perhaps most important, it shows that many people the world over are now willing to take that extra step to pay that extra dollar and to change their lifestyles to ensure that there are no surprises in their "children's tap water" or their "fish 'n chips".

In BC, a province where we pride ourselves on our beautiful surroundings and our penchant for protecting this beauty, it's surprising that so little concerted action has been taken by local authorities and the Province to reduce our incredible production of plastic waste. But as is often the case, this initiative must come from the "grass roots", from people like Lana Popham and other community-minded individuals and associations who are spearheading this need to change.

While the issue of plastic versus biodegradable alternatives may not be as pressing as some others currently facing us, progress in phasing out plastic bags would be a symbolic step forward in weaning ourselves off of the "sacred cow" of plastic - which in itself might be a good thing, providing us with the confidence to embark on more challenging environmental issues, of which there are many.

What can you and I can do to help move this forward?

Make the change to not use plastic bags. There are many alternatives to using plastic bags these days and more will certainly come if you choose to make this minor change in your lifestyle (even the District of Saanich, for example, has recently switched to biodegradable garbage bags for their in-house wastes).

Make your opinions on this topic known to your political representatives. The Capital Regional District will soon be involved in deciding whether to proceed with alternatives to plastic bags - if not to ban them outright. The Saanich representatives who sit on the CRD Board and who will influence the vote on this issue are Mayor Frank Leonard, Councilors Susan Brice, Judy Brownoff, Vic Derman and Lief Wergeland.

Come out and support phasing out plastic bags when this issue comes to debate and vote at the municipal or regional levels of government.

Browning Park Clean-up, November 17, 2007

Posted November 23, 2007 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director and Sheila Critch, President

Despite the steady rain on Saturday, nine intrepid neighbours showed up and spent one and one-half hours cleaning up Browning Park along Bowker Creek.

We didn't find any shopping carts this time, but plenty of the usual discarded fast food containers, candy wrappers, car parts, beer cans and plastic shopping bags. Again, no discarded needles were found.

We kept a rough count of how many plastic shopping bags we found and, incredibly, they numbered over 50. Many of the plastic bags contained dog excrement. Incidentally, we don't think dogs have learned how to bag doggy-doo yet!

Browning Park cleanup volunteers smile for the camera.

To our disappointment, we again found discarded construction fill/gravel along the banks, behind a home on 3300 block of Wordsworth Street. Prior to the dumping, a native plant called Rice Root (Fritillaria Camschatcensis) was growing there.

We were pleased to find that some of the clean-up crew came from the North Jubilee Community and one budding young environmentalist from Qualicum Beach. Thanks to everyone that helped out.

2007 Official Community Plan Review - Update

Posted November 17, 2007 by Al Lubkowski, Land Use Director, CCA

We received some correspondence from Sharon Hvozdanski, the Supervisor of Strategic Planning at the District of Saanich Planning Department.

Hello Neighbourhood Association Presidents/Vice-Presidents,

As we near the completion of the initial draft of the Official Community Plan we wanted to bring Neighbourhood Associations up to date on two matters; the survey results, and the timing for the release of the draft plan for your review and comment.

If you have problems opening any of the attached files, please let me know and we will mail you a hard copy of the information.

Once you have read the information, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sharon Hvozdanski, MCP, MCIP
Supervisor of Strategic Planning
District of Saanich Planning Department
PH: 475-5494 ext 3409
EM: shvozdan@saanich.ca

Attached were three PDF formatted documents, which we include here:

  1. A memo discussing what is being presented in this update. Please read this first!
  2. The survey that was used to gather input from the community.
  3. A summary view of the responses to the survey.

We invite the residents of the Camosun neighbourhood to send your comments on the OCP to us at landuse@camosuncommunityassociation.com. We in turn will ensure these comments are presented at the next Saanich Community Association Network (SCAN) meeting.

Oil Spill in Browning Park

Posted October 6, 2007 by Andrea Gleichauf, Environment Director

An oil spill occurred this spring in Browning Park. These photos, courtesy of Tanis Douglas, show the clean up by Saanich.The most likely culprit was a Home Heating Oil Tank.

Oil Spill in Browning Park 1 Oil Spill in Browning Park 2 Oil Spill in Browning Park 3

Did you know that one cup of oil can pollute an Olympic size pool? The average home heating oil tank can hold 1000 litres of oil. If your oil tank leaks you could be in violation of local, provincial and federal laws. If your tank is too old, your house may not be insured.

Check out the the Home Heating Oil Tank Info on this web site. Developed by Saanich, you'll find out everything you need to know as a homeowner with a home heating oil tank.

Newsletter Delivery Volunteers Needed

Posted September 6, 2007

The CCA is looking for volunteers to deliver newsletters. You'd be donating an hour or so of your time a handfull of times per year. Or, you could sign up as a back up. If you're willing to help out your community association, please contact Carol Giskemo at 514-4264.

Old News

Follow this link to read our old news stories.

Notable Dates

November 22, 2008 St. John Ambulance Open House
November 27, 2008 CCA Annual General Meeting


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