News
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.
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.
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:
- protecting the natural environment,
- legalizing basement/secondary suites,
- protecting farmland, and
- encouraging alternate forms of transportation.
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:
- 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;
- 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!
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:
- A memo discussing what is being presented in this update. Please read this first!
- The survey that was used to gather input from the community.
- 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.
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
| August 13, 2008 | RJH Patient Care Open House |
| September 11, 2008 | Saanich Emergency Program Information Session |
CCA Mailing List
Links
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- City of Victoria
- Corporation of the District of Oak Bay
- Corporation of the Township of Esquimalt
