| ⛄️ The Oak Bay Christmas Festival brochure is here. Oak Bay Village businesses are holding numerous events throughout the holiday season. | 🎨 Art Market at the Emily Carr House this weekend - Saturday, Dec. 14 & Sunday Dec. 15, 10am-3pm. Admission: free with entry (by donation) & includes light refreshments. | 🎅 Breakfast with Santa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, starting Sunday, Dec. 1, and continuing every Sunday through Dec. 22. On Dec. 23 as well, same time, 10am-1:30pm. Space is limited and reservations are required. Bookings can be made here. | 🚪Oak Bay announces holiday closure schedule. The Oak Bay Municipal Hall will close for the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 2pm. It will remain closed until Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, and reopen at 8:30am. | 🍾 New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance with The Soul Shakers. Join them on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 7:30 pm for a night of great music, delicious food, and dancing at the Upstairs Lounge, Oak Bay Recreation Centre. Get tickets while they last! |
|
| IN THE NEWS | 🧪 Pollution in Bowker Creek remains a mystery. Urban pollutants have repeatedly been popping up throughout the creek—and last week, a photo was posted to Oak Bay Local showing what is believed to be construction runoff. The municipalities that share Bowker Creek are working together to find the source of any contaminants, but the group Friends of Bowker Creek believes a construction site could be the source, although they say they are not certain. [Capital Daily] | 👏 Oak Bay Beach Hotel GM Madone Pelan named Hotelier of the Year. Toronto-based Kostuch Media, which produces Hotelier and FoodService and Hospitality magazines, has honoured Pelan, who has been with the hotel since 2015. [Saanich News] | 🚓 Oak Bay Local seeks dashcam footage, witnesses after being hit in an intersection at approximately 7am Friday, between Finlayson and Cook. They are hoping for additional information to add to a police report. [Oak Bay Local] | 🚫 BC Court of Appeal judges dismiss Oak Bay man’s request for a reduced sentence in a murder case that rocked the community in 2017. He was sentenced in 2019 to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 22 years. Many in the Oak Bay community may feel triggered by clicking the following link, so discretion is advised. [Times Colonist] | 🌳 One advocate made his case for preserving the Island’s old-growth forests at a Victoria TED Talk. TJ Watt is an Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) photographer, big-tree hunter, and National Geographic and Royal Canadian Geographical Society explorer who has dedicated his life to capturing the beauty of old-growth forests in BC. His photography also has documented the scale of devastation logging has had in the province. [Oak Bay News] | | P.S. Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe here. | | PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT | To join the conversation, become a member of the Oak Bay Local Facebook Group | | Safety Concerns at the Junction | Oak Bay locals this week discussed a dangerous incident at the Hampshire/Oak Bay Junction where a child was trying to cross the road with their bike. There nearly was a collision when someone driving a car failed to stop. | Many also sympathized with drivers, saying they’ve noticed others walking through the intersection without looking. Those concerned about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to contact Oak Bay City Council to talk about it. | | |
|
| SPONSORED BY SHAWNIGAN RETREATS | | Your winter escape on Vancouver Island | Shawnigan Retreats offers the perfect cozy retreat for family gatherings or romantic getaways this winter. Nestled by the serene Shawinigan Lake, our luxurious accommodations feature a sauna, hot tub, games room with ping pong, cards, and board games, and even a private pickleball court. Enjoy nearby hikes through breathtaking nature and unwind in comfort. With space for up to 18 guests, Shawnigan Retreats promises an unforgettable winter experience. | Explore Shawnigan Retreats and plan your winter getaway today. Learn more about Shawnigan Retreats. |
|
| | More popular posts | Local seeks help to deliver a parcel to their 90-year-old mom on Galiano Island over the holidays. Can anyone lend a hand? Looking for advice on shipping parcels this holiday season. Does anyone have any large-print books to donate to the hospital’s geriatric team? Local in search of a few more things before welcoming their brother home. A pair of prescription glasses were lost on Oak Bay Ave.
| |
|
| The Future of Oak Bay Housing | A local sparked a discussion this week after commenting on new construction located on the footprint of a large Oak Bay home, which recently had been demolished. Some lamented the loss of the beautiful old property. Others were anxiously awaiting news about the new construction, and the promise of having more units in the space. | The discussion turned tense, as many locals expressed frustration that they couldn’t foresee being able to afford a home in Oak Bay. Others wanted to remind them that those who have been able to buy in Oak Bay are not the enemy. One commenter said that they worked hard for many years to live in Oak Bay, and felt that they played a part in making the community desirable. Another said that they “did not live in Fort McMurray due to the climate” and suggested they made sacrifices to live here. | The discussion ranged from suggesting tax incentives to encouraging residents of larger homes to downsize. Some argued that leafy neighborhoods like those found in Oak Bay should be maintained. There were nearly 200 comments to the thread at last count. Do you have something to add? | | |
|
| IN OTHER NEWS |  | Image credit: Oak Bay Tourism |
| Oak Bay Tourism Highlights Estevan Business | Nestled in the heart of Estevan Village, Twice As Nice Boutique offers high-quality consignment treasures—each item has its own story. But it’s more than just shopping; it’s about making connections and supporting artisans, neighbors, and the vibrant culture that makes our community thrive. Check out more on Oak Bay Tourism. | |
|
| | | | PHOTO OF THE WEEK |  | Image credit: Jill Bourree - “Christmas decorations in Oak Bay are looking realistic this year!” |
|
|
| What did you think of today's edition? | | | |
|
