Newsletter | July 2011
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Community News
Vol. 25 No. 07 July 2011
burnside Gorge
www.burnsidegorge.ca
You're InvIted
oin staff, friends and Board members as we celebrate 20 years in our community and look forward to many more. What: Burnside Gorge 20 Year Community Celebration When: Thursday, August 18, 4-7pm 4:30 pm - Official Welcome by Mayor Dean Fortin & Premiere Screening of Community Video Where: Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Road Enjoy a free BBQ, cake and activities for the kids. We hope you will join us. BG CN
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Celeb
ating r
years of community
1991-2011
Cecelia Ravine sport court opens this July
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he new sports court in Cecelia Ravine Park is scheduled to open in mid July. Shoot some hoops, play ball hockey or ride your tricycle in this new space. The bike park is on schedule to open this fall. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting project. Planning is under way for the allotment garden. If you are interested in volunteering for this project, contact Kim at 250-388-5251 or kim@burnsidegorge.ca. BG CN
The Family Self-Sufficiency graduation on June 15 was an emotional affair. Participants celebrated three years of hard work towards becoming financially self sufficient. The program faces an uncertain future as funding for the fall session has not yet been confirmed. Photo: Kim Perkins
Family Self-Sufficiency celebrates graduates, faces uncertain future
Colleen Wolfe, Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator
InsIde thIs Issue
Motels beget partnerships in neighbourhood........2 Updates from Charlayne Thornton-Joe..................2 Theatre SKAM Bike Ride.........................................3 Timely response is key to preventing graffiti..........4 Community Centre program survey........................5 Point Ellice House celebrates 175 years.................5 Raising the level of debate in Parliament...............6 Burnside Cure Crew................................................6 Summer camp schedule.........................................8
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Follow the Burnside Gorge Community Association on Facebook for news and updates from around your community.
icole Day is pictured here with her family adviser graduating from the three year Family Self-Sufficiency program. The FSS graduation is the culmination of a three year program designed to support low income families to move forward in all the critical areas of their lives: employment, education, finances, health and housing. This unique and innovative program has 64 graduates this year all who have steadily worked towards becoming self sufficient. “I am on cloud 100,” Nicole told Times Colonist reporter Larissa Johnston. She graduatd upon the eve of being offered a management position within her company. Nicole will be moving out of subsidized housing and is looking at purchasing a condo for her family. Through the FSS Asset Development program, she has saved a sum of money towards this goal. Nicole is one of many success stories of mostly single mothers who are moving steadily towards a financial sustainable
lifestyle that enables them to create a solid base for their families. Financial literacy is an essential skill for everyone and is especially critical to assisting those living on low incomes to move out of poverty on a sustainable basis. Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake calls Burnside Gorge's FSS program a "win-win opportunity for all sectors." With the support of BC Housing, the Ministry of Social Development and Vancity, the program has provided service to 172 families since 1991. Unfortunately the FSS program which ends in August has itself an uncertain future. The Provincial government has not yet committed to another phase of funding which would enable the continuing opportunity for low income families to flourish. Please contact Colleen Wolfe, Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator for information on how you can support family self-sufficiency. BG CN
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Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
Community News
Burnside Gorge Community Association 471 Cecelia Rd Victoria BC, V8T 4T4 T. 250-388-5251 | F. 250-388-5269 www.burnsidegorge.ca Editor: Kim Perkins BGCA Board of Directors Tracy James, Chair Michelle Peterson, Vice-Chair Catherine McGregor, Treasurer TJ Schur, Secretary Gary MacDougall John Sanderson Lesley Valour Vickie Jackson TO ADVERTISE As a not-for-profit organization, we depend on advertising to cover publishing costs. Please contact us for current rates and information: 250-388-5251 ext. 223 | kim@burnsidegorge.ca Note: Written contributions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the BGCA or its staff.
Burnside Gorge
Motels beget partnerships in neighbourhood
Published by the
Suzanne Cole, Executive Director
W
Rob Fleming, MLA
Victoria – Hillside
1020 Hillside Avenue
250 360.2023
rob.fleming.mla@leg.bc.ca
Serving Our Community
hen the Traveller’s Inn motel chain filed for bankruptcy in 2009, stakeholders purchased the five motels in the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood for a variety of purposes. Since that time, the properties located at 120 Gorge Road, 626 Gorge Road, 2828 Rock Bay Avenue, 710 Queens Street and 760 Queens Street have raised concerns for those who live and work in the neighbourhood. The Burnside Gorge Community Association is aware of the problematic activities and concerns about some of these properties. We are committed to working with the partners involved to address community concerns, increase safety and promote responsible and safe housing options for all populations including youth and families. In an effort to increase safety and provide calming to the Queens Street area, stakeholders have been meeting regularly to develop an action plan around security, safety and tenant management. The Cool Aid Society has partnered to share the best practices that allow them to operate their facility at 710 Queens Street with minimal impact on the surrounding community. Burnside Gorge is working steadfastly to ensure that our communities concerns are heard and dealt with appropriately. We look forward to continuing to be part of the solution. We are pleased to announce that the group has recently expanded to include motel owners in the Gorge Road and Rock Bay areas.
The group includes representatives from the Burnside Gorge Community Association, City of Victoria, Victoria Police Department, Cool Aid, private motel owners and other partners who are committed to providing information, resources and action to positively impact our community. The City of Victoria has committed to maintaining the property at 120 Gorge Road while we wait for the exciting day when the new Siem Lelum development is underway. This facility is currently vacant but will provide housing to aboriginal youth and families. We are pleased to report on the success of the Rock Bay Landing Good Neighbour Agreement, a previous partnership that was developed to address community concerns around the opening of the Rock Bay Landing shelter and transitional housing facility on Ellice Street. In 2010, community partners committed to the Agreement and they have been meeting to ensure the successful integration of Rock Bay Landing, its residents and clients into the neighborhood and address any issues that arise. We are committed to creating a safe, healthy community for those who live and work in our neighbourhood. If you have a concern about something that is happening in your neighbourhood, please contact Suzanne Cole, Executive Director of the Burnside Gorge Community Association, at 250-388-5251. BG CN
Updates from Charlayne Thornton-Joe
650 Hillside Ave Victoria BC, V8T 1Z2
Guaranteed service since 1959 Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Victoria City Counsellor for Burnside Gorge
250-384-4722
Fax 250-384-8860 info@russhays.com www.russhays.com
Sol Food Cafe & Sol Fine Foods
Cafe, Deli, Catering
Monday-Friday
T. 250-381-6629 F. 250-381-6618 #101-2955 Jutland Rd solfinefoods.com
7am-4pm
s Councillor Liaison to Burnside Gorge, it has been a very busy time! I enjoyed being at the Selkirk Waterfront Festival and assisting with the bubble making! I also attended the official grand opening of the Balfour Street Playlot and the Community Open House at the Rock Bay Shelter. At all three events, I had the opportunity to meet residents of Burnside Gorge, share in the community celebrations and have discussions of mutual interest and concern. A number of meetings have been taking place in the community. There have been meetings to discuss the future of the Traveller’s Inns- both those owned by the City and those that are not. It is the desire of all those involved for the properties to be of benefit to the community and to be run efficiently and professionally. Due to concerns expressed by neighbours, the City will contract a company to regularly
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monitor the property at 120 Gorge Road for maintenance and grounds lawn care until the building’s final approvals are completed and renovations are underway. There have also been meetings for Queens Street with some of the stakeholders including the Police, the City, Cool Aid and the Community Association. There have been Good Neighbour Agreement meetings for Rock Bay Landing with representatives of the neighbourhood. Lastly, there have also been meetings with the motel managers on Gorge Road on how the City can support their economic viability and their importance of providing tourist accommodations to our visitors, especially families and sport teams. I hope that you all have a wonderful summer and I hope to see you at some of the celebrations around town. BG CN
Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
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This summer, catch something extraordinary in Cecelia Ravine Park
natural fit for a city that has already embraced cycling and theatre. He gets excited when new people discover live theatre through the event. Because summer is the time when many professional actors return to the city, you can expect the quality of performances to be topnotch. If you’re fortunate enough to have already discovered Theatre SKAM’s Bike Ride, you won’t be surprised to learn that this year’s event has some impressive new additions. Payne promises that this year’s event will be “a little more extraordinary” than in previous years. They have added three new venues and are hosting an outdoor concert at the hub in Cecelia Ravine Park at 6pm each night of the event. Many of those that have already discovered the event are already planning to return. Payne says, “It’s been great for us to have been embraced by the Burnside Gorge community who have discovered the show.” Theatre SKAM Bike Ride Cecelia Ravine Park Saturdays and Sundays July 9-10, 16-17 (weather permitting) Performances starting at 3:30pm and every twenty minutes thereafter until 6:30pm Concert in the park: 6pm Tickets: $15 1-day adult, $25 2-day adult, $5 children, kids under 10 are free Available at the event hub or by calling 250590-6291 More info at skam.ca
Kim Perkins, editor
Photo: Pamela Bethel
or the last two years, something extraordinary has been growing in the Cecelia Ravine. If you were travelling along the Galloping Goose Trail in the summer of 2009 or 2010, you might have glimpsed a stilt-walker traipsing the Tom Arkell Trail or happened upon a group of elaborately decorated bikes clustered around a comedian in the amphitheatre at Selkirk Green Park. Theatre SKAM’s Bike Ride is a unique production that features short theatre performances staged along Victoria’s Galloping Goose Trail. Guests travel by bike in small groups and take in a variety of theatre performances in natural outdoor venues. The route spans 4km on the Galloping Goose Trail from Victoria West to Saanich and includes natural and constructed venues such as the Tom Arkell Trail and a patio in the Railyards. The event hub is in Cecelia Ravine Park, near the Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Guests can purchase tickets, decorate their bikes and enjoy surprise performances while preparing for their tour. Tours depart every 20 minutes; each tour includes three 10 minute performances located in three different venues. You can expect a tour to take approximately 45 minutes. A ticket is good for up to four tours in one day or
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a 2-day ticket will allow you to come back and take in the rest of the action. “There are no escorts to get you to the venue, just a map. Guests go on a treasure hunt to find a venue,” explains Matthew Payne, Artistic Producer for Theatre SKAM and brain-child behind the Bike Ride.
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“There is a delightful feeling to the unknown.”
The tours are appropriate for audiences of all ages. Last year the youngest rider rode to the first show on a little pink bicycle with training wheels and rode in a child’s seat for the rest of the event. The oldest rider travelled by electric scooter. Don’t have a bike? That’s ok. A small number of bikes are available for rent at the hub and Selkirk Station, where you can also rent bikes, is not far away. Electric scooters, skateboards and rollerblades are also welcome. The concept of the Bike Ride was dreamed up by Payne who cycles the Goose and saw potential in the natural theatres and varied landscapes along the Trail. The venues challenge performers to create shows that play off of their surroundings. For Payne, the Bike Ride is a
fresh café
1- 415 Dunedin Street 250 • 590 • 8361 Monday-Friday 7am-4pm, Saturday 8am-2pm
OPEN SATURDAYS starting July 9th
Bring us this ad and we’ll give you a free second beverage of equal or lesser value*
*Offer expires August 15th 2011
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Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
Timely response is key to preventing graffiti
Remove: Failure to remove graffiti leaves an impression that no one cares about our community. The sooner graffiti is removed, the less likely the location will be a target of continued vandalism. By removing or painting over graffiti you will discourage further graffiti from occurring. Graffiti vandals want their vandalism to be seen. Once they realize that their graffiti is removed quickly from a location, they will likely move on to other locations. It may take several removals to deter the vandals - however, patience and persistence will pay off. What can you do to prevent graffiti from occurring? • Restrict access to exterior walls of your building by planting thorny bushes or erecting barriers • Increase lighting in vulnerable areas to discourage vandals after dark
Kim Perkins, editor
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he Broken Window Theory states that maintaining urban environments in a wellordered condition may prevent further vandalism. The Theory suggests that a broken window left unfixed will send signals that attract more broken windows and even escalated crime to the area. Or in the case of Victoria and Burnside Gorge, more graffiti. Graffiti is a serious problem in Victoria and the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood. The City of Victoria defines graffiti as “any writing, etching, drawing or symbol applied to any public or private property without the consent of the owner or their agent” (www.victoria.ca). Graffiti is an act of vandalism and it is a crime. In the CRD, the estimated annual cost to businesses, property owners and taxpayers for graffiti removal is nearly one million dollars. Graffiti has a significant and negative impact on a community; it decreases property value and business activity, increases the fear of crime and attracts more crime to the area. By responding immediately to incidents of graffiti and taking proactive measures to prevent it, we can reduce graffiti and other crime in our neighbourhood. Studies show that if graffiti is removed quickly, the offender is less likely to return.
If you think that your son or daughter might be tagging, you may contact the Police nonemergency number for support or email David Bratzer or Rachel Bourne, Burnside’s Community Resource Officers at burnsidegorge@vicpd.ca. What can you do when graffiti occurs? Report: If you observe graffiti in progress, call the Police at 911. Describe the location and provide a description of the offender. Do not confront vandals who are engaging in graffiti. If your business or property is the victim of graffiti, report it to the Police by calling the non-emergency number at 250-995-7654. Inform your neighbours that you have been a victim of graffiti If graffiti occurs on property other than your own, report it: • On public property, such as light poles, litter containers, benches and signs call City of Victoria Graffiti Hotline at 250-361-0466 • On BC Hydro poles or electrical kiosks call BC Hydro at 1-800-224-9376 • On cable distribution boxes call Shaw Cable at 250-475-5655 • On telephone distribution boxes call Telus at 250-388-8617 • On Canada Post boxes call Canada Post Customer Service at 1-888-550-6333 • On private properties, other than your own, call City of Victoria Bylaw Enforcement at 250-361-0215 • On the Galloping Goose Trail call CRD Regional Parks at 250-478-3344 Record: If you are a victim of graffiti it is important that you record the damage. Photographs will provide evidence should the responsible party be found and prosecuted. The Victoria Police Department can provide you with a “Mischief Statement” that may aid you in recovering your costs to deal with the vandalism in the event of a successful prosecution.
• Use graffiti resistant coatings on exterior walls to aid in cleanup • If you know of someone who has committed an act of graffiti vandalism, report them to the Victoria Police Department or Crime Stoppers (250-386-8477) • Encourage your neighbours to watch for and report graffiti vandals This spring, the Burnside Gorge Community Association introduced the Paint a Pole project, designed to reduce graffiti on Hydro poles within the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood. By painting local poles with decorative nature themes, we hope to remove existing graffiti and discourage new occurrences. If you are interested in painting a pole in your neighbourhood, please contact Kim at 250-388-5251 or kim@ burnsidegorge.ca for supplies and more details. Thank you to Silver Fern Stainless and General Paint for supporting this program! Please contact Kim if you would like to make a donation of paint or brushes. Pole art may not include advertising, offensive or religious works. If there is a pole in your neighbourhood that you do not want decorated, please provide the identification number from the pole to Kim. The City of Victoria is implementing the VTAG program for residents who are interested in adopting poles in their neighbourhood and removing new occurances of graffiti. If you are interested in maintaining graffiti-free Hydro poles in your area, please contact the coordinator at vtag.paintover@gmail.com.
BG CN
Under the Graffiti Bylaw, the City of Victoria requires owners or occupiers of private property to remove graffiti from their property when it occurs.
The bylaw provides the City with the powers to enforce removal. If after receiving notice from the city, an owner or occupier does not take action to remove graffiti, the City may remove it at the owner’s expense. The majority of graffiti taggers are under the age of 18. Parents should be alert to signs that their son or daughter might be tagging such as: spray paint on hands or clothes, possessing cans of spray paint or thick felt markers or sketch books where they draw a particular style tag or graffiti style sign. Youth may tell their parents that they only draw on “free walls” however there are very few recognized free walls in the City of Victoria.
Special thanks to the Victoria Police Department, the City of Victoria, CRD Parks, the Downtown Victoria Business Association and BC Hydro for providing information for this article and their hard work towards eliminating graffiti in our community.
Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
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Point Ellice House celebrates 175 years in Burnside Gorge
Gail Simpson, Point Ellice House and Gardens National Historic Site Site Coordinator
n 1861, Mr. John Wark - who is remembered in this city by passing Wark Street when driving along Bay Street - arranged for a six room bungalow to be built facing the Gorge waterway as a wedding present for his daughter and her groom, Mr. Wallace. Mr and Mrs Wallace lived in Point Ellice House for 5 years before the O’Reilly family moved in. Peter and Caroline O’Reilly had four children. Peter was away from home up to 5 months at a time, working in the Fraser Gold Rush region as well as other areas in the interior of the Province. Caroline had full responsibility for the house and extensive grounds, as well as parenting their children. Caroline and Peter wrote lengthy letters to one another about their daily activities. We still have those letters and they provide a full account of family life in early Victoria. We know more about this family over the 108 years the 3 generations lived there, than any other local citizens. Over the years, Point Ellice House grew to its present 14 rooms, but the second generation was not as well off as the third and much of their land had to be sold. The two neighbouring homes were sold to businesses when the original owners died, and Point Ellice remains as the sole family dwelling in a fairly large area of industries. John, the last O’Reilly, sold the house to the Province of BC in 1975 and since then it has been operated as a historic house museum, partly supported financially by tea service on the lawn in the summer.
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Point Ellice House turns 175 this year. Learn more about this unique historic site at the Heritage Fair on Sunday, August 21. Experts will be on site to answer your questions about heritage gardens, architecture and more. Enjoy activities for the kids and the whole family. Victoria's Town Crier will introduce the offical birthday song. Heritage Fair Point Ellice House, 2616 Pleasant Street Sunday, August 21, 11 am to 4 pm Activities: children’s races, colouring contest, croquet tournament, silent auction, outdoor gift shop with a special Victorian/Edwardian theme light refreshments, iced tea, and ice cream Entertainment: Live music by In Good Time, Morris dancers, tango demonstration, members of the Victoria Summer Choir, hourly outdoor prizes. The Official Birthday song will be introduced by Victoria’s Town Crier Ask an Expert Resource tables: heritage gardeners, including Carolyn Herriott, heritage architect, military history specialist, descendent of the first owner of the House, Victorian design, a landscape artist and many others. Admission: $12 for 1 adult, $20 for 2 adults, $25 for 2 adults and 2 children youth 6 to 12 $6, children under 6 free BG CN
Saturday, September 17 9am-12pm Get dirty to clean up. All welcome!
Gorge Waterway Cleanup
Contact Sandy for more information: sandy@burnsidegorge.ca 250-388-5251
Graphic design for home based businesses. When clip art won’t cut it anymore.
Logo, brochure, website design and more. Get in touch for a free estimate. info@simeongoa.com 778 430 4647 www.simeongoa.com
Tell us what you want
The Burnside Gorge Community Centre provides fitness, recreation, education and leisure activities for familes, children, teens, adults and seniors. We want to provide programs that work for you and your schedule.
1. Have you participated in programs at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre? Y N If no, why not? If yes, please list programs: Would you attend this program again? Y If no, why not? N
2. What age groups would you like to see our programs serve? 0-4 years 5-12 years teens adults seniors 3. What is the ideal day & time for us to offer programs? 4. List the top 3 programs you would like to see offered at the Centre: 5. How would you like to hear about programs at the Centre? Community Newsletter City of Victoria Active Living Guide Email (please provide) Word of mouth Service provider (identify type) Facebook Other (please name)
Submit surveys to 471 Cecelia Road or kim@burnsidegorge.ca or take the survey online at www.burnsidegorge.ca.
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Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
LICENSED CHILD CARE Raising the level of debate in Parliament Denise Savoie, Victoria Member of Parliament REGISTER NOW In the end, I was appointed Deputy Speaker he month of May ended on a high note for for SEPTEMBER Tme when I attended the Selkirk Waterfront of the House. My role in Ottawa will change
Festival. Once again it was a huge success, so congratulations to ‘Selkirk Sandy’, Hannah Munn, Kim Perkins and all of the organizers and volunteers for their creativity and hard work. It is wonderful to watch the communitybuilding that is happening in this neighbourhood. Certainly attendance is growing at the festival, but I was also struck by the presence of people of all ages, and that is what makes a neighbourhood work, for people of all ages to come together. I had the pleasure of introducing Jordan Hanson and the Hand Drum Rhythms group again this year at the main stage. Their performance was terrific, and afterwards I enjoyed some delicious spicy Thai food. Meanwhile in Ottawa, the new session of Parliament began with the selection of a new Speaker of the House of Commons. I was very pleased with the support I received for my candidacy. In my speech I outlined my goal of working to improve Parliamentary civility and decorum. That speech can now be viewed on my website, www.denisesavoie.ca. somewhat with this new position. I will have to be more impartial because I am one step removed from the Speaker. But my position will allow me to have a direct impact on raising the level of debate in Parliament, while continuing to work vigorously on issues of concern to our community – working with government Ministers when possible, and opposing government policy when necessary. Among the local issues I will be pursuing is securing increased resources for our municipal and regional governments to meet the many responsibilities that have been downloaded onto property tax payers, including next-generation transit. My colleagues and I have also reintroduced our bill in the House of Commons to ban oil tanker traffic off the north coast of British Columbia. There is no way to completely preclude the danger of an accident that would have devastating consequences for our fisheries and coastal environment. I will need all of you to join with me in championing this cause. Best wishes for an enjoyable summer.
BG CN
Preschool for ages 3.5-5 years Out of School Care for grades K-5
www.burnsidegorge.ca 250-388-5251
Burnside Cure Crew: this run's for you
Sandy Ferrin, Community Recreation Coordinator
Member of Parliament for Victoria
CONSTITUENCY OFFICE: 970 Blanshard Street Victoria, BC V8W 2H3
Denise Savoie
O
Your voice in Ottawa
Dodd’s Furniture
across from Mayfair shopping centre
TELEPHONE: 250-363-3600 E-MAIL: denise.savoie@parl.gc.ca ON THE WEB: www.denisesavoie.ca
We won’t be undersold!
Locally owned and operated. Serving Victoria since 1977.
www.doddsfurniture.com
n Sunday June 19th, this recent Father’s Day, a number of Burnside Gorge Community Centre staff and former staff hit the trails of Royal Roads at the Do it for Dad 8k/3k Run/Walk in support of the Prostate Centre. In total, the Burnside Cure Crew raised $1,600 in donations and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your contributions. The event raised more than $85,000 to support prostate cancer research and prevention. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to afflict Canadian men and represents 34% of all newly diagnosed cancers in BC men. The monies raised will contribute toward research and prevention performed by the Prostate Centre, a clinical research site for the largest North American prostate cancer prevention trial. For several years, the Prostate Centre has generously donated food leftover from the Do it for Dad event to childcare, youth and fam-
ily programs at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Participating in this event allowed our team to support an important cause and contribute to an organization who gives back to their community. Our team members enjoyed the event as it provided a sense of team building, an opportunity to be a member of a greater community and an opportunity to honour a family and/ or friend affected by cancer. All in all, a great morning was shared by all. The Burnside Cure Crew participated in honour of Corrie Liket, Wayne Ferrin, Ray Herriott, Uncle Hank, Uncle Ross, Auntie Cath, Cousin Cheryl and many other friends and family whose lives have been touched by cancer. If you would like to make a donation to the Prostate Centre, please visit www.theprostatecentre.org. BG CN
Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
SKAM.ca
7
are you in?
Bike Ride
The third annual
A mobile feast of live performances
Ride your bike to over 12 professional (short) performances — drama, comedy, storytelling, dance — and stick around for a live music concert.
July 9, 10 & 16, 17
3:30 – 6:30 pm
Performances run continuously beginning at 3:30 pm Tours depart every 20 min (last tour departs at 6:30 pm)
Cecelia Ravine Park
(on the Galloping Goose Trail at Burnside Rd East) Box office. Bike rentals. Bike décor. Refreshments. Music.
green event
to Cecelia Ravine Park
to bring a
proud
250-590-6291
Adults (14+) $15 | Children (10 to 13) $5 FREE for children under 10 *multi-day passes available SKAM hotline: 250-FUN-SKAM (386-7526)
The McLean Foundation
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Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
Summer campS
Sportball m u lt i - S p o r t c a m p S
Ages 3-5 & 6-9 yrs Have fun and develop skills in eight popular sports at this active summer camp. Your child will develop skills in football, soccer, hockey, baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball and golf. 3-5 years Monday - Friday 9am-12pm July 11-15 Monday - Friday 9am-12pm August 15-19 6-9 years Monday - Friday 1-4pm July 11-15 Monday - Friday 1-4pm August 15-19 $125/week #35092 #35945 $125/week #35093 #35946 Ages 5-12 Monday - Friday 8:30-4:30 Monday - Friday 7:30-5:30 Daily drop-in (subject to availability) $145/week $165/week $35 Ages 11-15 Monday - Friday 9am-4pm Daily registration (subject to availability) 155$/week $35-$50
Fun n Sun l i c e n S e d d ay c a m p S
camp SurViVor a d V e n t u r e d ay c a m p S
Your child will enjoy weekly themes that provide variety and new interests. All camp weeks include crafts, swimming and out trips. Art Attack July 4 – July 8 Let’s create! Children will enjoy a variety of creative activities ranging from tie-dying and beading to music and dance. Eco Exploration July 11 – July 15 Learn to be kind to our planet. Children will enjoy fun and educational activities that help us all contribute to maintaining a healthy environment. Animal Kingdom July 18 – July 22 From sea life to birds of prey, we’ll explore where animals live and how they survive. The Seven Seas July 25 – July 29 Come explore local beaches, tidal pools and parks. Enjoy bubble making and water fun! Take a Hike: Let’s Get Active August 2 – August 5 We like to move it, move it! Enjoy camp games, parks, hiking, swimming and much more. Our Heroes August 8 – August 12 Heroes are everywhere in our community. Let’s go find them and uncover your own hero. Blast from the Past August 15 – August 19 A fun way to look at what has come and gone. Learn how to bake bread from scratch, listen to some LPs and play “jacks”. Myths & Legends: Telling Tales August 22 – August 26 Have you ever wondered where butterflies come from or why owls stare? Explore the stories behind these questions and learn where myths and legends come from.
July 4 - July 8 #35124 Paintball, scuba diving, boxing lessons, gymnastics, Matheson Lake, go karts and more. July 11-July 15 #35125 Motocross, whale-watching, skim boarding at Witty’s Lagoon, Willows Beach, Thetis Lake, lawn bowling, self defense class and more. July 18 - July 22 #35126 Horseback riding, dragon boating, tubing in Shawnigan, rock climbing, Island View Beach, driving range, Matheson Lake and more. July 25 - July 29 #35127 Par 3 golfing at Henderson, IMAX, kayaking, tubing in Cowichan River, paintball, Elk Lake, Commonwealth Pool and more. August 2 - August 5 #35128 Sailing, motocross, Thetis Lake, Rathtrevor Beach, go karts, gymnastics, Mr. Tubbs Arcade and more. August 8 - August 12 #35129 Horseback riding, kayaking, tubing in Shawnigan, Sooke Pot Holes, boxing lessons and more. August 15 - August 19 #35130 Rock climbing, CyberCity (go karts, laser tag, arcade), paintball, golfing at Green Acres, skim boarding at Witty’s Lagoon, Willows Beach and more. August 22 - August 26 #35131 Go karts, bowling, dragon boating, IMAX, tubing, WildPlay Element Parks, Matheson Lake, self defense class and more. August 29 - September 2 #35133 Go karts, Mr.Tubbs Arcade, sailing, Thetis Lake, movie at SilverCity and more. Space is limited! Register now. *Activities are tentative and subject to change.
ecoQueSt KidS e n V i r o n m e n ta l c a m p
Ages 7-12 yrs Come experience the beautiful ecology that surrounds us! This full day consists of environmental themes, science experiments, co-operative games and outdoor adventures. Children will become scientists as they explore local ecosystems and discover nature’s wonders down to a microscopic level by visiting the ocean, marshes or wetlands to discover magnificent BC. www.ecoquestkids.ca Tuesday – Friday 9am-4pm August 2 - August 5 $140/4 days
byte camp FlaSh Video Game deSiGn
Ages 11-14 yrs Create your very own online game that includes wacky characters, cool game play and fun levels. Each day new programming skills are taught to help make the animation interactive. The final project is a video game built from scratch that will go on-line with a take home version on a USB stick. View previous game designs at www.bytecamp.ca. Time during the camp is also devoted to outdoor activities. Monday – Friday 9am-3pm August 29 - September 2 $235/week #36498
Community News
Vol. 25 No. 07 July 2011
burnside Gorge
www.burnsidegorge.ca
You're InvIted
oin staff, friends and Board members as we celebrate 20 years in our community and look forward to many more. What: Burnside Gorge 20 Year Community Celebration When: Thursday, August 18, 4-7pm 4:30 pm - Official Welcome by Mayor Dean Fortin & Premiere Screening of Community Video Where: Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Road Enjoy a free BBQ, cake and activities for the kids. We hope you will join us. BG CN
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Celeb
ating r
years of community
1991-2011
Cecelia Ravine sport court opens this July
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he new sports court in Cecelia Ravine Park is scheduled to open in mid July. Shoot some hoops, play ball hockey or ride your tricycle in this new space. The bike park is on schedule to open this fall. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting project. Planning is under way for the allotment garden. If you are interested in volunteering for this project, contact Kim at 250-388-5251 or kim@burnsidegorge.ca. BG CN
The Family Self-Sufficiency graduation on June 15 was an emotional affair. Participants celebrated three years of hard work towards becoming financially self sufficient. The program faces an uncertain future as funding for the fall session has not yet been confirmed. Photo: Kim Perkins
Family Self-Sufficiency celebrates graduates, faces uncertain future
Colleen Wolfe, Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator
InsIde thIs Issue
Motels beget partnerships in neighbourhood........2 Updates from Charlayne Thornton-Joe..................2 Theatre SKAM Bike Ride.........................................3 Timely response is key to preventing graffiti..........4 Community Centre program survey........................5 Point Ellice House celebrates 175 years.................5 Raising the level of debate in Parliament...............6 Burnside Cure Crew................................................6 Summer camp schedule.........................................8
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icole Day is pictured here with her family adviser graduating from the three year Family Self-Sufficiency program. The FSS graduation is the culmination of a three year program designed to support low income families to move forward in all the critical areas of their lives: employment, education, finances, health and housing. This unique and innovative program has 64 graduates this year all who have steadily worked towards becoming self sufficient. “I am on cloud 100,” Nicole told Times Colonist reporter Larissa Johnston. She graduatd upon the eve of being offered a management position within her company. Nicole will be moving out of subsidized housing and is looking at purchasing a condo for her family. Through the FSS Asset Development program, she has saved a sum of money towards this goal. Nicole is one of many success stories of mostly single mothers who are moving steadily towards a financial sustainable
lifestyle that enables them to create a solid base for their families. Financial literacy is an essential skill for everyone and is especially critical to assisting those living on low incomes to move out of poverty on a sustainable basis. Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake calls Burnside Gorge's FSS program a "win-win opportunity for all sectors." With the support of BC Housing, the Ministry of Social Development and Vancity, the program has provided service to 172 families since 1991. Unfortunately the FSS program which ends in August has itself an uncertain future. The Provincial government has not yet committed to another phase of funding which would enable the continuing opportunity for low income families to flourish. Please contact Colleen Wolfe, Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator for information on how you can support family self-sufficiency. BG CN
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Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
Community News
Burnside Gorge Community Association 471 Cecelia Rd Victoria BC, V8T 4T4 T. 250-388-5251 | F. 250-388-5269 www.burnsidegorge.ca Editor: Kim Perkins BGCA Board of Directors Tracy James, Chair Michelle Peterson, Vice-Chair Catherine McGregor, Treasurer TJ Schur, Secretary Gary MacDougall John Sanderson Lesley Valour Vickie Jackson TO ADVERTISE As a not-for-profit organization, we depend on advertising to cover publishing costs. Please contact us for current rates and information: 250-388-5251 ext. 223 | kim@burnsidegorge.ca Note: Written contributions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the BGCA or its staff.
Burnside Gorge
Motels beget partnerships in neighbourhood
Published by the
Suzanne Cole, Executive Director
W
Rob Fleming, MLA
Victoria – Hillside
1020 Hillside Avenue
250 360.2023
rob.fleming.mla@leg.bc.ca
Serving Our Community
hen the Traveller’s Inn motel chain filed for bankruptcy in 2009, stakeholders purchased the five motels in the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood for a variety of purposes. Since that time, the properties located at 120 Gorge Road, 626 Gorge Road, 2828 Rock Bay Avenue, 710 Queens Street and 760 Queens Street have raised concerns for those who live and work in the neighbourhood. The Burnside Gorge Community Association is aware of the problematic activities and concerns about some of these properties. We are committed to working with the partners involved to address community concerns, increase safety and promote responsible and safe housing options for all populations including youth and families. In an effort to increase safety and provide calming to the Queens Street area, stakeholders have been meeting regularly to develop an action plan around security, safety and tenant management. The Cool Aid Society has partnered to share the best practices that allow them to operate their facility at 710 Queens Street with minimal impact on the surrounding community. Burnside Gorge is working steadfastly to ensure that our communities concerns are heard and dealt with appropriately. We look forward to continuing to be part of the solution. We are pleased to announce that the group has recently expanded to include motel owners in the Gorge Road and Rock Bay areas.
The group includes representatives from the Burnside Gorge Community Association, City of Victoria, Victoria Police Department, Cool Aid, private motel owners and other partners who are committed to providing information, resources and action to positively impact our community. The City of Victoria has committed to maintaining the property at 120 Gorge Road while we wait for the exciting day when the new Siem Lelum development is underway. This facility is currently vacant but will provide housing to aboriginal youth and families. We are pleased to report on the success of the Rock Bay Landing Good Neighbour Agreement, a previous partnership that was developed to address community concerns around the opening of the Rock Bay Landing shelter and transitional housing facility on Ellice Street. In 2010, community partners committed to the Agreement and they have been meeting to ensure the successful integration of Rock Bay Landing, its residents and clients into the neighborhood and address any issues that arise. We are committed to creating a safe, healthy community for those who live and work in our neighbourhood. If you have a concern about something that is happening in your neighbourhood, please contact Suzanne Cole, Executive Director of the Burnside Gorge Community Association, at 250-388-5251. BG CN
Updates from Charlayne Thornton-Joe
650 Hillside Ave Victoria BC, V8T 1Z2
Guaranteed service since 1959 Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Victoria City Counsellor for Burnside Gorge
250-384-4722
Fax 250-384-8860 info@russhays.com www.russhays.com
Sol Food Cafe & Sol Fine Foods
Cafe, Deli, Catering
Monday-Friday
T. 250-381-6629 F. 250-381-6618 #101-2955 Jutland Rd solfinefoods.com
7am-4pm
s Councillor Liaison to Burnside Gorge, it has been a very busy time! I enjoyed being at the Selkirk Waterfront Festival and assisting with the bubble making! I also attended the official grand opening of the Balfour Street Playlot and the Community Open House at the Rock Bay Shelter. At all three events, I had the opportunity to meet residents of Burnside Gorge, share in the community celebrations and have discussions of mutual interest and concern. A number of meetings have been taking place in the community. There have been meetings to discuss the future of the Traveller’s Inns- both those owned by the City and those that are not. It is the desire of all those involved for the properties to be of benefit to the community and to be run efficiently and professionally. Due to concerns expressed by neighbours, the City will contract a company to regularly
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monitor the property at 120 Gorge Road for maintenance and grounds lawn care until the building’s final approvals are completed and renovations are underway. There have also been meetings for Queens Street with some of the stakeholders including the Police, the City, Cool Aid and the Community Association. There have been Good Neighbour Agreement meetings for Rock Bay Landing with representatives of the neighbourhood. Lastly, there have also been meetings with the motel managers on Gorge Road on how the City can support their economic viability and their importance of providing tourist accommodations to our visitors, especially families and sport teams. I hope that you all have a wonderful summer and I hope to see you at some of the celebrations around town. BG CN
Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
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This summer, catch something extraordinary in Cecelia Ravine Park
natural fit for a city that has already embraced cycling and theatre. He gets excited when new people discover live theatre through the event. Because summer is the time when many professional actors return to the city, you can expect the quality of performances to be topnotch. If you’re fortunate enough to have already discovered Theatre SKAM’s Bike Ride, you won’t be surprised to learn that this year’s event has some impressive new additions. Payne promises that this year’s event will be “a little more extraordinary” than in previous years. They have added three new venues and are hosting an outdoor concert at the hub in Cecelia Ravine Park at 6pm each night of the event. Many of those that have already discovered the event are already planning to return. Payne says, “It’s been great for us to have been embraced by the Burnside Gorge community who have discovered the show.” Theatre SKAM Bike Ride Cecelia Ravine Park Saturdays and Sundays July 9-10, 16-17 (weather permitting) Performances starting at 3:30pm and every twenty minutes thereafter until 6:30pm Concert in the park: 6pm Tickets: $15 1-day adult, $25 2-day adult, $5 children, kids under 10 are free Available at the event hub or by calling 250590-6291 More info at skam.ca
Kim Perkins, editor
Photo: Pamela Bethel
or the last two years, something extraordinary has been growing in the Cecelia Ravine. If you were travelling along the Galloping Goose Trail in the summer of 2009 or 2010, you might have glimpsed a stilt-walker traipsing the Tom Arkell Trail or happened upon a group of elaborately decorated bikes clustered around a comedian in the amphitheatre at Selkirk Green Park. Theatre SKAM’s Bike Ride is a unique production that features short theatre performances staged along Victoria’s Galloping Goose Trail. Guests travel by bike in small groups and take in a variety of theatre performances in natural outdoor venues. The route spans 4km on the Galloping Goose Trail from Victoria West to Saanich and includes natural and constructed venues such as the Tom Arkell Trail and a patio in the Railyards. The event hub is in Cecelia Ravine Park, near the Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Guests can purchase tickets, decorate their bikes and enjoy surprise performances while preparing for their tour. Tours depart every 20 minutes; each tour includes three 10 minute performances located in three different venues. You can expect a tour to take approximately 45 minutes. A ticket is good for up to four tours in one day or
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a 2-day ticket will allow you to come back and take in the rest of the action. “There are no escorts to get you to the venue, just a map. Guests go on a treasure hunt to find a venue,” explains Matthew Payne, Artistic Producer for Theatre SKAM and brain-child behind the Bike Ride.
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“There is a delightful feeling to the unknown.”
The tours are appropriate for audiences of all ages. Last year the youngest rider rode to the first show on a little pink bicycle with training wheels and rode in a child’s seat for the rest of the event. The oldest rider travelled by electric scooter. Don’t have a bike? That’s ok. A small number of bikes are available for rent at the hub and Selkirk Station, where you can also rent bikes, is not far away. Electric scooters, skateboards and rollerblades are also welcome. The concept of the Bike Ride was dreamed up by Payne who cycles the Goose and saw potential in the natural theatres and varied landscapes along the Trail. The venues challenge performers to create shows that play off of their surroundings. For Payne, the Bike Ride is a
fresh café
1- 415 Dunedin Street 250 • 590 • 8361 Monday-Friday 7am-4pm, Saturday 8am-2pm
OPEN SATURDAYS starting July 9th
Bring us this ad and we’ll give you a free second beverage of equal or lesser value*
*Offer expires August 15th 2011
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Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
Timely response is key to preventing graffiti
Remove: Failure to remove graffiti leaves an impression that no one cares about our community. The sooner graffiti is removed, the less likely the location will be a target of continued vandalism. By removing or painting over graffiti you will discourage further graffiti from occurring. Graffiti vandals want their vandalism to be seen. Once they realize that their graffiti is removed quickly from a location, they will likely move on to other locations. It may take several removals to deter the vandals - however, patience and persistence will pay off. What can you do to prevent graffiti from occurring? • Restrict access to exterior walls of your building by planting thorny bushes or erecting barriers • Increase lighting in vulnerable areas to discourage vandals after dark
Kim Perkins, editor
T
he Broken Window Theory states that maintaining urban environments in a wellordered condition may prevent further vandalism. The Theory suggests that a broken window left unfixed will send signals that attract more broken windows and even escalated crime to the area. Or in the case of Victoria and Burnside Gorge, more graffiti. Graffiti is a serious problem in Victoria and the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood. The City of Victoria defines graffiti as “any writing, etching, drawing or symbol applied to any public or private property without the consent of the owner or their agent” (www.victoria.ca). Graffiti is an act of vandalism and it is a crime. In the CRD, the estimated annual cost to businesses, property owners and taxpayers for graffiti removal is nearly one million dollars. Graffiti has a significant and negative impact on a community; it decreases property value and business activity, increases the fear of crime and attracts more crime to the area. By responding immediately to incidents of graffiti and taking proactive measures to prevent it, we can reduce graffiti and other crime in our neighbourhood. Studies show that if graffiti is removed quickly, the offender is less likely to return.
If you think that your son or daughter might be tagging, you may contact the Police nonemergency number for support or email David Bratzer or Rachel Bourne, Burnside’s Community Resource Officers at burnsidegorge@vicpd.ca. What can you do when graffiti occurs? Report: If you observe graffiti in progress, call the Police at 911. Describe the location and provide a description of the offender. Do not confront vandals who are engaging in graffiti. If your business or property is the victim of graffiti, report it to the Police by calling the non-emergency number at 250-995-7654. Inform your neighbours that you have been a victim of graffiti If graffiti occurs on property other than your own, report it: • On public property, such as light poles, litter containers, benches and signs call City of Victoria Graffiti Hotline at 250-361-0466 • On BC Hydro poles or electrical kiosks call BC Hydro at 1-800-224-9376 • On cable distribution boxes call Shaw Cable at 250-475-5655 • On telephone distribution boxes call Telus at 250-388-8617 • On Canada Post boxes call Canada Post Customer Service at 1-888-550-6333 • On private properties, other than your own, call City of Victoria Bylaw Enforcement at 250-361-0215 • On the Galloping Goose Trail call CRD Regional Parks at 250-478-3344 Record: If you are a victim of graffiti it is important that you record the damage. Photographs will provide evidence should the responsible party be found and prosecuted. The Victoria Police Department can provide you with a “Mischief Statement” that may aid you in recovering your costs to deal with the vandalism in the event of a successful prosecution.
• Use graffiti resistant coatings on exterior walls to aid in cleanup • If you know of someone who has committed an act of graffiti vandalism, report them to the Victoria Police Department or Crime Stoppers (250-386-8477) • Encourage your neighbours to watch for and report graffiti vandals This spring, the Burnside Gorge Community Association introduced the Paint a Pole project, designed to reduce graffiti on Hydro poles within the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood. By painting local poles with decorative nature themes, we hope to remove existing graffiti and discourage new occurrences. If you are interested in painting a pole in your neighbourhood, please contact Kim at 250-388-5251 or kim@ burnsidegorge.ca for supplies and more details. Thank you to Silver Fern Stainless and General Paint for supporting this program! Please contact Kim if you would like to make a donation of paint or brushes. Pole art may not include advertising, offensive or religious works. If there is a pole in your neighbourhood that you do not want decorated, please provide the identification number from the pole to Kim. The City of Victoria is implementing the VTAG program for residents who are interested in adopting poles in their neighbourhood and removing new occurances of graffiti. If you are interested in maintaining graffiti-free Hydro poles in your area, please contact the coordinator at vtag.paintover@gmail.com.
BG CN
Under the Graffiti Bylaw, the City of Victoria requires owners or occupiers of private property to remove graffiti from their property when it occurs.
The bylaw provides the City with the powers to enforce removal. If after receiving notice from the city, an owner or occupier does not take action to remove graffiti, the City may remove it at the owner’s expense. The majority of graffiti taggers are under the age of 18. Parents should be alert to signs that their son or daughter might be tagging such as: spray paint on hands or clothes, possessing cans of spray paint or thick felt markers or sketch books where they draw a particular style tag or graffiti style sign. Youth may tell their parents that they only draw on “free walls” however there are very few recognized free walls in the City of Victoria.
Special thanks to the Victoria Police Department, the City of Victoria, CRD Parks, the Downtown Victoria Business Association and BC Hydro for providing information for this article and their hard work towards eliminating graffiti in our community.
Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
5
Point Ellice House celebrates 175 years in Burnside Gorge
Gail Simpson, Point Ellice House and Gardens National Historic Site Site Coordinator
n 1861, Mr. John Wark - who is remembered in this city by passing Wark Street when driving along Bay Street - arranged for a six room bungalow to be built facing the Gorge waterway as a wedding present for his daughter and her groom, Mr. Wallace. Mr and Mrs Wallace lived in Point Ellice House for 5 years before the O’Reilly family moved in. Peter and Caroline O’Reilly had four children. Peter was away from home up to 5 months at a time, working in the Fraser Gold Rush region as well as other areas in the interior of the Province. Caroline had full responsibility for the house and extensive grounds, as well as parenting their children. Caroline and Peter wrote lengthy letters to one another about their daily activities. We still have those letters and they provide a full account of family life in early Victoria. We know more about this family over the 108 years the 3 generations lived there, than any other local citizens. Over the years, Point Ellice House grew to its present 14 rooms, but the second generation was not as well off as the third and much of their land had to be sold. The two neighbouring homes were sold to businesses when the original owners died, and Point Ellice remains as the sole family dwelling in a fairly large area of industries. John, the last O’Reilly, sold the house to the Province of BC in 1975 and since then it has been operated as a historic house museum, partly supported financially by tea service on the lawn in the summer.
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Point Ellice House turns 175 this year. Learn more about this unique historic site at the Heritage Fair on Sunday, August 21. Experts will be on site to answer your questions about heritage gardens, architecture and more. Enjoy activities for the kids and the whole family. Victoria's Town Crier will introduce the offical birthday song. Heritage Fair Point Ellice House, 2616 Pleasant Street Sunday, August 21, 11 am to 4 pm Activities: children’s races, colouring contest, croquet tournament, silent auction, outdoor gift shop with a special Victorian/Edwardian theme light refreshments, iced tea, and ice cream Entertainment: Live music by In Good Time, Morris dancers, tango demonstration, members of the Victoria Summer Choir, hourly outdoor prizes. The Official Birthday song will be introduced by Victoria’s Town Crier Ask an Expert Resource tables: heritage gardeners, including Carolyn Herriott, heritage architect, military history specialist, descendent of the first owner of the House, Victorian design, a landscape artist and many others. Admission: $12 for 1 adult, $20 for 2 adults, $25 for 2 adults and 2 children youth 6 to 12 $6, children under 6 free BG CN
Saturday, September 17 9am-12pm Get dirty to clean up. All welcome!
Gorge Waterway Cleanup
Contact Sandy for more information: sandy@burnsidegorge.ca 250-388-5251
Graphic design for home based businesses. When clip art won’t cut it anymore.
Logo, brochure, website design and more. Get in touch for a free estimate. info@simeongoa.com 778 430 4647 www.simeongoa.com
Tell us what you want
The Burnside Gorge Community Centre provides fitness, recreation, education and leisure activities for familes, children, teens, adults and seniors. We want to provide programs that work for you and your schedule.
1. Have you participated in programs at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre? Y N If no, why not? If yes, please list programs: Would you attend this program again? Y If no, why not? N
2. What age groups would you like to see our programs serve? 0-4 years 5-12 years teens adults seniors 3. What is the ideal day & time for us to offer programs? 4. List the top 3 programs you would like to see offered at the Centre: 5. How would you like to hear about programs at the Centre? Community Newsletter City of Victoria Active Living Guide Email (please provide) Word of mouth Service provider (identify type) Facebook Other (please name)
Submit surveys to 471 Cecelia Road or kim@burnsidegorge.ca or take the survey online at www.burnsidegorge.ca.
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Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
LICENSED CHILD CARE Raising the level of debate in Parliament Denise Savoie, Victoria Member of Parliament REGISTER NOW In the end, I was appointed Deputy Speaker he month of May ended on a high note for for SEPTEMBER Tme when I attended the Selkirk Waterfront of the House. My role in Ottawa will change
Festival. Once again it was a huge success, so congratulations to ‘Selkirk Sandy’, Hannah Munn, Kim Perkins and all of the organizers and volunteers for their creativity and hard work. It is wonderful to watch the communitybuilding that is happening in this neighbourhood. Certainly attendance is growing at the festival, but I was also struck by the presence of people of all ages, and that is what makes a neighbourhood work, for people of all ages to come together. I had the pleasure of introducing Jordan Hanson and the Hand Drum Rhythms group again this year at the main stage. Their performance was terrific, and afterwards I enjoyed some delicious spicy Thai food. Meanwhile in Ottawa, the new session of Parliament began with the selection of a new Speaker of the House of Commons. I was very pleased with the support I received for my candidacy. In my speech I outlined my goal of working to improve Parliamentary civility and decorum. That speech can now be viewed on my website, www.denisesavoie.ca. somewhat with this new position. I will have to be more impartial because I am one step removed from the Speaker. But my position will allow me to have a direct impact on raising the level of debate in Parliament, while continuing to work vigorously on issues of concern to our community – working with government Ministers when possible, and opposing government policy when necessary. Among the local issues I will be pursuing is securing increased resources for our municipal and regional governments to meet the many responsibilities that have been downloaded onto property tax payers, including next-generation transit. My colleagues and I have also reintroduced our bill in the House of Commons to ban oil tanker traffic off the north coast of British Columbia. There is no way to completely preclude the danger of an accident that would have devastating consequences for our fisheries and coastal environment. I will need all of you to join with me in championing this cause. Best wishes for an enjoyable summer.
BG CN
Preschool for ages 3.5-5 years Out of School Care for grades K-5
www.burnsidegorge.ca 250-388-5251
Burnside Cure Crew: this run's for you
Sandy Ferrin, Community Recreation Coordinator
Member of Parliament for Victoria
CONSTITUENCY OFFICE: 970 Blanshard Street Victoria, BC V8W 2H3
Denise Savoie
O
Your voice in Ottawa
Dodd’s Furniture
across from Mayfair shopping centre
TELEPHONE: 250-363-3600 E-MAIL: denise.savoie@parl.gc.ca ON THE WEB: www.denisesavoie.ca
We won’t be undersold!
Locally owned and operated. Serving Victoria since 1977.
www.doddsfurniture.com
n Sunday June 19th, this recent Father’s Day, a number of Burnside Gorge Community Centre staff and former staff hit the trails of Royal Roads at the Do it for Dad 8k/3k Run/Walk in support of the Prostate Centre. In total, the Burnside Cure Crew raised $1,600 in donations and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your contributions. The event raised more than $85,000 to support prostate cancer research and prevention. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to afflict Canadian men and represents 34% of all newly diagnosed cancers in BC men. The monies raised will contribute toward research and prevention performed by the Prostate Centre, a clinical research site for the largest North American prostate cancer prevention trial. For several years, the Prostate Centre has generously donated food leftover from the Do it for Dad event to childcare, youth and fam-
ily programs at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Participating in this event allowed our team to support an important cause and contribute to an organization who gives back to their community. Our team members enjoyed the event as it provided a sense of team building, an opportunity to be a member of a greater community and an opportunity to honour a family and/ or friend affected by cancer. All in all, a great morning was shared by all. The Burnside Cure Crew participated in honour of Corrie Liket, Wayne Ferrin, Ray Herriott, Uncle Hank, Uncle Ross, Auntie Cath, Cousin Cheryl and many other friends and family whose lives have been touched by cancer. If you would like to make a donation to the Prostate Centre, please visit www.theprostatecentre.org. BG CN
Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
SKAM.ca
7
are you in?
Bike Ride
The third annual
A mobile feast of live performances
Ride your bike to over 12 professional (short) performances — drama, comedy, storytelling, dance — and stick around for a live music concert.
July 9, 10 & 16, 17
3:30 – 6:30 pm
Performances run continuously beginning at 3:30 pm Tours depart every 20 min (last tour departs at 6:30 pm)
Cecelia Ravine Park
(on the Galloping Goose Trail at Burnside Rd East) Box office. Bike rentals. Bike décor. Refreshments. Music.
green event
to Cecelia Ravine Park
to bring a
proud
250-590-6291
Adults (14+) $15 | Children (10 to 13) $5 FREE for children under 10 *multi-day passes available SKAM hotline: 250-FUN-SKAM (386-7526)
The McLean Foundation
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Burnside Gorge Community News July 2011
Summer campS
Sportball m u lt i - S p o r t c a m p S
Ages 3-5 & 6-9 yrs Have fun and develop skills in eight popular sports at this active summer camp. Your child will develop skills in football, soccer, hockey, baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball and golf. 3-5 years Monday - Friday 9am-12pm July 11-15 Monday - Friday 9am-12pm August 15-19 6-9 years Monday - Friday 1-4pm July 11-15 Monday - Friday 1-4pm August 15-19 $125/week #35092 #35945 $125/week #35093 #35946 Ages 5-12 Monday - Friday 8:30-4:30 Monday - Friday 7:30-5:30 Daily drop-in (subject to availability) $145/week $165/week $35 Ages 11-15 Monday - Friday 9am-4pm Daily registration (subject to availability) 155$/week $35-$50
Fun n Sun l i c e n S e d d ay c a m p S
camp SurViVor a d V e n t u r e d ay c a m p S
Your child will enjoy weekly themes that provide variety and new interests. All camp weeks include crafts, swimming and out trips. Art Attack July 4 – July 8 Let’s create! Children will enjoy a variety of creative activities ranging from tie-dying and beading to music and dance. Eco Exploration July 11 – July 15 Learn to be kind to our planet. Children will enjoy fun and educational activities that help us all contribute to maintaining a healthy environment. Animal Kingdom July 18 – July 22 From sea life to birds of prey, we’ll explore where animals live and how they survive. The Seven Seas July 25 – July 29 Come explore local beaches, tidal pools and parks. Enjoy bubble making and water fun! Take a Hike: Let’s Get Active August 2 – August 5 We like to move it, move it! Enjoy camp games, parks, hiking, swimming and much more. Our Heroes August 8 – August 12 Heroes are everywhere in our community. Let’s go find them and uncover your own hero. Blast from the Past August 15 – August 19 A fun way to look at what has come and gone. Learn how to bake bread from scratch, listen to some LPs and play “jacks”. Myths & Legends: Telling Tales August 22 – August 26 Have you ever wondered where butterflies come from or why owls stare? Explore the stories behind these questions and learn where myths and legends come from.
July 4 - July 8 #35124 Paintball, scuba diving, boxing lessons, gymnastics, Matheson Lake, go karts and more. July 11-July 15 #35125 Motocross, whale-watching, skim boarding at Witty’s Lagoon, Willows Beach, Thetis Lake, lawn bowling, self defense class and more. July 18 - July 22 #35126 Horseback riding, dragon boating, tubing in Shawnigan, rock climbing, Island View Beach, driving range, Matheson Lake and more. July 25 - July 29 #35127 Par 3 golfing at Henderson, IMAX, kayaking, tubing in Cowichan River, paintball, Elk Lake, Commonwealth Pool and more. August 2 - August 5 #35128 Sailing, motocross, Thetis Lake, Rathtrevor Beach, go karts, gymnastics, Mr. Tubbs Arcade and more. August 8 - August 12 #35129 Horseback riding, kayaking, tubing in Shawnigan, Sooke Pot Holes, boxing lessons and more. August 15 - August 19 #35130 Rock climbing, CyberCity (go karts, laser tag, arcade), paintball, golfing at Green Acres, skim boarding at Witty’s Lagoon, Willows Beach and more. August 22 - August 26 #35131 Go karts, bowling, dragon boating, IMAX, tubing, WildPlay Element Parks, Matheson Lake, self defense class and more. August 29 - September 2 #35133 Go karts, Mr.Tubbs Arcade, sailing, Thetis Lake, movie at SilverCity and more. Space is limited! Register now. *Activities are tentative and subject to change.
ecoQueSt KidS e n V i r o n m e n ta l c a m p
Ages 7-12 yrs Come experience the beautiful ecology that surrounds us! This full day consists of environmental themes, science experiments, co-operative games and outdoor adventures. Children will become scientists as they explore local ecosystems and discover nature’s wonders down to a microscopic level by visiting the ocean, marshes or wetlands to discover magnificent BC. www.ecoquestkids.ca Tuesday – Friday 9am-4pm August 2 - August 5 $140/4 days
byte camp FlaSh Video Game deSiGn
Ages 11-14 yrs Create your very own online game that includes wacky characters, cool game play and fun levels. Each day new programming skills are taught to help make the animation interactive. The final project is a video game built from scratch that will go on-line with a take home version on a USB stick. View previous game designs at www.bytecamp.ca. Time during the camp is also devoted to outdoor activities. Monday – Friday 9am-3pm August 29 - September 2 $235/week #36498
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