TOGETHER WITH | | 🐦 Long-time bird experts again will be offering a winter birding course on Thursdays until March 13 at the Monterey Recreation Centre. This is a great opportunity to learn about the Victoria area's exceptional variety of winter resident birds. Registration for the course is through Recreation Oak Bay. | 🎨 Plans for Family Day weekend? Emily Carr House, on Saturday, Feb. 15th from 10am-3pm, is holding an event with stories and crafts inspired by historic toys and pastimes. Entry is by donation, limited parking on site (additional free parking at Beacon Hill Park, a short walk away). | |
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| IN THE NEWS | 🏘 B.C. appoints housing adviser for Oak Bay after missing housing targets. B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon said on Thursday he is appointing advisers for Oak Bay and West Vancouver after the two municipalities failed to come close to building the number of units they were required to under B.C. law. Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch and West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager disagree, saying that they are building housing as quickly as they can. Oak Bay managed to build only 16 of its target 58 units. [Times Colonist] | 🙅♀️ Opponents of a proposed triplex got their way in Oak Bay's council chambers Monday night (Jan. 27). After more than two hours of discussion, the council rejected staff's recommendation and voted to deny Kahlon Developments's request to replace a single-family home on St. Patrick St. with a three-story triplex. The developer was told to return to the council with a new application that “meets Oak Bay's current residential building regulations.” Some at the meeting expressed concerns about what the building’s effect would have on the neighbourhood’s “character.” One person called the proposed structure a “diabolical-looking build” [CHEK] | 🚶🏽♂️Winter Boardwalk coming to Oak Bay’s Uplands Park, helping people avoid the mud. The walking loop is raised to reduce the impact on the many endangered species in the nature park. [Oak Bay Parks & Rec] | 🥚 Oak Bay police scramble to investigate vandalism. Several cars were egged sometime on the night of Jan. 23 near Roslyn and McNeill, in central Oak Bay. A woman called police saying eggs were “smeared all over her windshield,” as was the case with several other vehicles on the street. [CHEK] | ❄️ Winter skin looking dull and tired? Pure Day Spa has cutting-edge facials, advanced globally researched skincare, private, lavish treatment rooms, stunning courtyard views, and free parking. Renew, revitalize, recharge.* | *Sponsored Listing | | 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 | | Shopping local, ahead of a potential trade tiff with the U.S. | In anticipation of proposed tariffs, imposed by U.S. President Trump on Canadian goods entering that country, Oak Bay locals have been sharing resources, information, and recommendations about how to shop local. The Think Local First community posted a list of recommended local companies. Do you have any to add to the list? | | | |
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| SPONSORED BY THE VICTORIA FOUNDATION |  | Photo: Eagle carving by Carey Newman, gifted to the Victoria Foundation |
| Support transformative change for Indigenous communities | $681,656 has been granted to 21 different applicants to support social, cultural, and legal infrastructure for Indigenous communities, thanks to boundless generosity in the capital region. | One grant recipient described the support as "transformative" for their initiatives. | Six local Nations and 15 other applicants received funding through the Indigenous Priorities Fund, a pilot program in its second year, developed by an all-Indigenous Granting Advisory supported by the Victoria Foundation. | The Fund supports Nations first, followed by organizations with Indigenous programs, to boost the priorities identified in their communities. | To support the Fund, visit the Victoria Foundation's website. |
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| | | Someone’s stealing garbage | An Oak Bay local reached out to the group after they noticed their garbage had gone missing. They described the pilfered refuse as “full garbage bags from our black/grey bin in the back of our house.” | They were searching the marina neighbourhood to see if a critter had run off with the waste and asked anyone who saw their full, white drawstrings garbage bags to please let them know. Other locals suggested the likely culprits were raccoons, known to have a clever knack for getting what they want. One local showed a picture of a trash bandit “asking for food” at their back door. | | Have you noticed garbage theft lately? | | |
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| 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 Shawnigan 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. |
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| | IN OTHER NEWS | | Buying BC products | Locals looking to buy more local BC products can find out more about supporting local producers here. | |
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| | SPONSORED BY 1440 MEDIA | Fact-based news without bias awaits. Make 1440 your choice today. | Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the clutter and get straight facts with your daily 1440 digest. From politics to sports, join millions who start their day informed. | Sign up now! |
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| | | | PHOTO OF THE WEEK | | “Looking at these photos sent me scrolling through some old journal/sketchbooks and found a couple of Willows Beach sketches from the two years I spent sketching from different dedicated park benches while walking my dog Zoe.” - Elain Carole Genser |
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