Sign In Subscribe Now Peninsula residents came together on Saturday food and shopping in celebration of the grand reopening of Canadian Tire and the growing success of Sandown Park Shopping Centre eager to experience the newly re-imagined store and enjoy the festivities "We love having this close by," said one resident highlighting the convenience of having the shopping centre within walking distance The celebration kicked off with former Sidney town crier Kenny Podmore welcoming the crowd and inviting Canadian Tire owners John and Janet Cunningham to officially cut the ribbon marking the store's grand reopening since taking over in 2018 John enthusiastically shared details about the store's transformation saying, "We re-merchandised the store We touched every shelf and added 25 per cent more retail space We’ve opened up the aisles for our valued customers." noting the accessibility improvements within the store "I can tell you that my wife is a wheelchair user and she just loves getting around this store.” Attendees were treated to live music from young musician Chase Varnes as well as radio stations 100.3 The Q The event also featured a variety of family-friendly activities VRX racing simulator booths and a dunk tank Victoria Humane Society brought puppies for adoption. Kats and Dogs also joined in the fun as well as members of Torque Masters Car Club who drove and parked their shiny vintage cars at the celebration The Peninsula Panthers even showcased their Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League championship cup Despite unpredictable weather that included a mix of sunshine the celebration drew shoppers to other businesses within the Sandown Park Shopping Centre.  At least 2,000 shoppers visited the Canadian Tire store throughout the event the parking lot was full," said John Cunningham "Red Barn Market had a barbecue for our charity praised the collaborative environment of the shopping centre Dialogue and debate are integral to a free society and we welcome and encourage you to share your views on the issues of the day. We ask that you be respectful of others and their points of view, refrain from personal attacks and stay on topic. To learn about our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines Andy Robinson spends roughly 3.5 hours a week zooming a bike around hillsides around the world He takes the virtual rides alongside friends around the globe who have a couple of things in common: each lives with Parkinson’s and is looking to stave off progression of the complex brain condition with exercise The Zwifters Against Parkinson’s virtual cycling group is just one source of motivation and camaraderie for Robinson who is among about 3,000 Islanders – and 110,000 Canadians – who live with the progressive neurodegenerative disorder.  Robinson was slowly sliding into retirement mode a decade ago taking contract work and slowing down on the work side of things when something physically changed He had a tight shoulder and a tremor appeared Robinson already had an inkling in the back of his mind that Parkinson’s “was definitely an option” even as he made a doctor’s appointment The GP sent him to a neurologist who confirmed that fledgling thought was fact “It wasn’t actually as big a shock as I thought it would be,” Robinson recalled and deny some more when faced with the diagnosis Parkinson's affects the central nervous system causing symptoms such as tremors and stiffness as well as non-motor symptoms including sleep problems and depression The disease is caused by the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine a neurotransmitter crucial for coordinating movement.  treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.  it doesn’t progress all that quickly for the first few years but it wasn’t affecting my life as much,” Robinson said and he had to give up sailing in recent years but things such as cycling – in the real world as well as virtually – remain activity options And activity is critical for managing symptoms serving as chairman of what was then called HeadWay before its merger with the Parkinson’s Wellness Project While every individual’s journey is different, PWP in Victoria affords a place to hang out with people who face similar challenges The organization focuses on activities proven to slow the progression of symptoms for some people with flexibility for the diversity of impacted clientele One classroom is covered with a foam floor in order to specifically practice falling Robinson’s a fan of the Rock Steady Boxing He figures keeping active has helped his symptoms and there’s no evidence for the alternative there are active folks who haven’t gotten worse year-over-year in what is generally a progressive disease so you don’t know what would happen if you didn’t do it,” he said but I think I would have gone more quickly if I hadn’t remained as active as I have.” Parkinson’s can evoke emotional and mental health considerations that are equally important to address “Depression and apathy are quite common symptoms of Parkinson’s,” Robinson said The Wellness Project offers counselling services but also the very casual comfort of a central lounge you don’t make any connections with people This way you make connections,” Robinson noted “Loneliness is a big issue for seniors in normal times it’s even more important with Parkinson’s because it’s hard to do things on your own.” with folks from all walks of life utilizing the services While donations are welcome – those and grants are how the organization is entirely funded – PWP doesn’t charge for services With Parkinson's Awareness Month (April) now in the rearview mirror, Robinson worries about those who may not know there are resources available (parkinsonwellness.ca) because there are people who are quite isolated Sign up for a free account today and start receiving our exclusive newsletters but hopefully we can help you find what you're looking for Nous sommes désolés que vous ayez atterri ici mais nous espérons pouvoir vous aider à trouver ce que vous cherchez Your browser is ancient! Upgrade to a different browser or install Google Chrome to experience this site The Victoria Cycling League has served as a platform for Grass Roots bicycle racing in the Greater Victoria Region Starting in April and Finishing in August each year the series offers various formats of races on a weekly rotation: Road For more info, visit https://www.victoriacyclingleague.com/ Want to know keep up-to-date on what's happening in Victoria The arguments can be raised to reopen the pickleball courts.” — North Saanich Coun Supporters of a judicial review to determine whether North Saanich’s council followed proper procedure when it closed the community’s outdoor pickleball courts last spring have cancelled their request And as the district discusses the possibility of building new courts one of its councillors plans to revive the possibility of reopening the shuttered ones so that I can move forward on my support of reopening the pickleball courts,” Coun “The arguments can be raised to reopen the pickleball courts.” A judicial review hearing was scheduled for Feb Proponents of a review into the May 7 shuttering of the Wain Road pickleball courts decided to drop their request for a legal look-see into the closure after an incident in the council chambers at a Jan. 13 council meeting Stay connected to your city with the Capital Daily newsletter It happened during a discussion of the possibility of building courts at nearby Blue Heron Park—a capital project that according to North Saanich estimates would cost $674K—to replace those closed due to noise complaints Mayor Peter Jones brought forth a motion calling among other things for the district to survey residents living up to 600 metres away from where the courts would be built—that’s four times the common distance required Brad Watson president of the Saanich Peninsula Pickleball Association told Capital Daily “Guidelines from BAP Acoustics that all of BC municipalities follow you don't have to even have sound mitigation beyond 150 metres away,” Watson said referring to the Vancouver-based company that has a Victoria office and has performed sound tests on pickleball courts That report said four-court facilities such as Wain Park don't need sound mitigation if homes are 75 metres away because noise from the pickleball being struck is less than the 50 dBA level a level that meets the noise bylaw requirements of most communities But because the home closest to the Wain Park courts is only 50 metres away The pickleball side says those panels could be had and installed for between $35K and $50K a voice could be heard from the council gallery shouting: “Six-hundred metres Where the hell are you coming from?”‍It was North Saanich resident Frank Gee an advocate for keeping the Wain Park courts open “There is no justification for that kind of distance to determine whether the community wants a court there or not,” Gee could be heard forcefully telling the council “You're upsetting staff and we’re not going to have that,” she instructed Marshall went on to warn Gee: “You have a choice “When we're sitting in these chambers with McClintock’s being the lone dissenting voice 13 outburst wasn’t the sole reason proponents of a judicial review dropped their case but it was a factor Several people close to the situation told Capital Daily that the shouting played into the assertion some pickleballers’ passion for playing had festered into bullying and as Watson told Capital Daily: “It just weakened the hand of the case against the mayor.”  a member of the ad hoc group supportive of restoring the Wain Park courts there was a recognition by the petitioners that they wanted to take the temperature down a bit,” he said and maybe there's another way to sort this out but certainly how that meeting ended up didn't help matters.” Gee issued an online apology to the pickleball community the Ad Hoc committee has decided to NOT proceed to the judicial review hearing,” Gee began is my "outburst" in Council chambers.” Gee asserted something McClintock had told Capital Daily—that councillors were taken by surprise by Jones’ motion is to throw in these grenades that just send all this all reasonable discussion off on a different track,” he said “He [Jones] made promises to a couple of neighbours and also he broke municipal procedural bylaws on shutting down the courts—even a couple of council members didn't know it was coming,” Watson said Capital Daily cannot substantiate Watson’s assertions that Jones made any promises to anyone or broke any bylaws although that opinion appears pervasive among the North Saanich pickleballers contacted When he was told about McClintock’s intention to rejuvenate the Wain Park discussion in the council “My only reaction to that would be that I don't imagine Mayor Jones would even consider it,” Gee told Capital Daily “Mayor Jones does not want pickleball at Wain Park," he said A daily summary of what's happening in Victoria It’s been a very long time since anyone has heard the sound of hooves pounding around the big oval Sandown racetrack The track's final race happened almost 20 years ago when the Randall family that owned the land had 12 acres designated for commercial development and donated the remaining 83 acres to North Saanich for agricultural purposes That 12-acre commercial land is now the Sandown Park Shopping Centre and the development of the site has been a huge boon to life on the Peninsula the North Saanich shopping experience is moving into a new and exciting period in its development as two simultaneous celebrations are poised to mark the latest chapter for the shopping centre the Canadian Tire store on the site will mark its grand reopening to showcase a significant increase in what they have to offer Peninsula residents but now we’ve remerchandised the entire store and improved our assortment by increasing the retail space by 25 per cent,” said owner John Cunningham Canadian Tire is one of the anchor stores at the shopping centre and was the first tenant to open its doors back in 2018 but recent improvements have significantly increased the store’s capacity “Our customer count is No. 1 in British Columbia and we’re in the top 20 in the whole country,” said Cunningham “The hope has always been that (this development) will save people the hassle of having to drive into the city and now I think we’ve achieved that goal.” In conjunction with the grand reopening of the Canadian Tire store the celebration will also act as a grand opening of the Sandown Shopping Centre in general “The 100,000 square foot retail plaza began with Canadian Tire back in 2018 but the construction of a new 47,000 square foot phase has made the centre a hub of the community’s shopping experience,” said Sue Hodgson North Saanich Canadian Tire’s marketing manager barBURRITO (Mexican) and Firehouse Subs along with other soon-to-open retailers including Sleep Country Canada Higgie’s Pet Mercantile and Cheeky’s Cannabis.” Three retail spaces remain available for lease ranging from 1,650 square feet to 2,200 square feet but Hodgson is confident that those spaces will soon be occupied as well “With the recent completion of this exciting new phase Sandown Park is a well-rounded and convenient shopping node that is uniquely positioned to service the everyday shopping needs of residents and businesses in the area as well as traffic along the Pat Bay Highway” said Kyle Shury of Platform Properties the development company behind the project “There was a need for a commercial centre (on the Peninsula) and even though phase 2 of the Sandown development took a little while to gain momentum we’re on track now and it’s been great,” said Russ Benwell one of the principal owners of Red Barn Market which opened at Sandown in July 2024 and is one of eight stores operated by Benwell and his partners this is the largest of our eight locations and we’re doing very well largely because of our approach to the business,” said Benwell and the hyper-local approach has always been a part of our business model.” Red Barn is well known for its support of local growers and locally produced products and their sandwich bar (with the signature ‘tall as Red Barn’ sandwiches) has become legendary “We’re invested in the community and have always seen ourselves as a farmers market supporting the community in a way that is unique to our approach.” The double celebration at the Sandown Shopping Centre will take place on May 3 between 11 a.m at the Garden Centre parking lot of the Canadian Tire store Both Q and the Zone will be on hand with live remotes a dunk tank and a barbecue hosted by Red Barn Market (with all the proceeds going to Canadian Tire's Jumpstart charity to help kids participate in sports) and the VIJHL champion Peninsula Panthers will be in attendance with the Brent Patterson Memorial Trophy There will also be a 50/50 raffle for Jumpstart and the Victoria Humane Society will be in attendance with some puppies for adoption This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page With the April 28 federal election fast approaching voters in the Saanich-Gulf Islands riding will have ample opportunity to hear from their candidates at a series of all-candidates meetings scheduled across the region Cathie Ounsted representing the Conservative Party and David Beckham from the Liberal Party are all slated to participate in the debates outlining their platforms and addressing crucial issues facing the community The schedule is packed with opportunities to engage with the candidates: 3 to 5 p.m.: Pender Island Recreation and Agricultural Hall Association at Pender Islands Community Hall 4:30 to 6 p.m.: Salt Spring Island All Candidates Debate at Fulford Community Hall from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Cedar Room of Saanich Fairgrounds hosted by Saanich Inlet Protection Society Ounsted and Beckham will face off one final time at a federal all-candidates forum hosted by North Saanich Residents Association (NSRA) at the Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church The NSRA forum will generally follow a format allowing each candidate five minutes to present their platform followed by a dedicated Q&A session with questions sourced from the audience Preference will be given to questions covering widely requested topics followed by questions posed to all candidates and then those directed at specific individuals Each candidate will also have two minutes for a closing statement will facilitate the final forum on April 23 ensuring equal speaking time and a balanced discussion on issues pertinent to the community and the country Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings to make informed decisions in the upcoming election About the Author: Peninsula News Review Staff Thirty students from Parkland Secondary School are embarking on a journey to Europe in early May to visit war museums and memorial sites in the Netherlands The trip culminates in their participation in a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War where they will join hundreds of other Canadian students The ceremony acknowledges the role of Canadian forces in liberating the Netherlands with approximately 7,600 Canadians sacrificing their lives during the eight-month campaign at the end of the war each student meticulously researched a Canadian soldier buried at Bergen Op Zoom Cemetery in the Netherlands the site of the upcoming commemoration on May 4 Their research delved into the soldier's life and their contribution to the war effort who served as a sergeant in the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade for four years," shared Grade 10 student Lauren Elmhirst who will proudly bear the Peace Tower Flag for Parkland a British citizen who chose to serve with Canada due to his wife being from British Columbia "I think it’s a really endearing story of love and loss And I’d like to believe people today would do the same," Elmhirst added a pilot officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1941 to 1943 The airman's story resonated with him because his great-grandfather's cousin also served as a pilot in the First World War and later trained Canadian pilots during the Second World War "I’m looking forward to spending time with the story of these soldiers who protected but the sovereignty of the greater world,” May said.  the Canadian students will participate in the Silent March behind the Peace Tower Flag and place a tulip at the cenotaph Each student will then stand at their chosen veteran's grave offering a moment of reflection and placing a tulip in their memory "I’m really proud of the work the kids have done to learn about (the Second World War) and the Canadians who gave their lives," said teacher and trip leader David McKinney "I know this is an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives The 10-day trip will include visits to significant historical sites where nearly 3,600 Canadians perished in the pivotal April 1917 battle during the First World War While the trip is expected to be emotionally charged teachers Jessica Patten and Kristy West emphasized the importance of providing support to the students and balancing the heavy moments with sightseeing excursions that will allow students to learn more about European history and culture.  North Saanich Mayor Peter Jones has officially proclaimed May as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month highlighting the critical importance of sun safety emphasizes the dangers of over-exposure to UV radiation a leading cause of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer with projections indicating that one in six Canadians born in the 1990s will develop the disease in their lifetime Mayor Jones’ proclamation also acknowledged the work of the Save Your Skin Foundation a not-for-profit organization committed to combating various cancers through nation-wide education The District of North Saanich is actively seeking public input as it nears the final stages of its official community plan (OCP) update a crucial document that will guide the community's future development and rezoning decisions the district has scheduled a series of public engagement opportunities to gather feedback on the draft OCP The engagement sessions kick off with an online webinar on April 10 For residents preferring in-person interaction presentations will be held at the Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church on April 15 (4-6 p.m.) and at the McTavish Academy of Art on April 17 (6-8 p.m) These sessions offer a direct line of communication with the planning director This OCP update process follows a restart after the 2022 municipal elections and the subsequent departure of an outside consultant in March 2023 the district has appointed a new director of planning who has hired a dedicated planner to focus on the OCP The OCP update was initially intended to be completed in June 2023 but the timeline was pushed back to February 2024 and eventually extended to June 2025 the extended release of the draft OCP into 2025 is attributed to staffing challenges new provincial regulations and a commitment to thorough community engagement aimed at increasing housing density and streamlining housing needs reporting has significantly impacted the OCP review process The latest draft of the OCP, dated March 26, includes an amended vision statement approved by council and minor edits. Maps have also been added to the district's project page on connectnorthsaanich.ca The district aims to gather public review and feedback on the first draft of the OCP by April 22 "This timeframe allows residents and business owners ample opportunity to share their thoughts ensuring the OCP reflects the needs and priorities of the community," according to district staff A summary of engagement results will be presented to council in May followed by a second draft and a presentation of the OCP bylaw A major theme emerging from the community's feedback is the desire for responsible controlled growth that respects North Saanich's rural character and natural resources Environmentally harmonious development and the preservation of the Agricultural Land Reserve are major concerns Public input will continue throughout the OCP bylaw and public hearing process The cost of the OCP review in 2023 and 2024 was $55,723 "When costs/expenses are funded by a grant it means there is no cost to the taxpayer in terms of an increase in tax rates," staff said specifies future land uses and defines them as multi-family affordable housing to meet future housing needs North Saanich approved its 2025 draft budget that includes an 8.74 per cent property tax increase Irene McConkey and Sanjiv Shrivastava were in opposition to the motion which passed 4-2 at the Monday (March 10) meeting On March 3, the budget committee adopted a financial plan that will increase the average household's annual tax payment by $161 or $13 per month The main reason for the tax hike is the above-average cost inflation over the last two years, which has made it difficult to keep the budget in check, according to the district's draft report Not all departments' budgets are subject to a general inflationary increase by the district staff review departmental budgets on a cost-by-cost basis and make adjustments as needed based on market data "During our budget deliberations we had an opportunity to reduce our property taxes down from 8.74 to 6.9 per cent by taking money out of our policing reserve funds to offset the costs that are being pushed on us by the changes to our police services so I will not support this," McConkey said account for almost 15 per cent of operational costs with a projected increase in the RCMP contract of $147,000 for 2025. The Fire and Emergency Services budget accounts for 10 per cent of the total budget the province transferred the costs of EComm/911 dispatch services to the district adding $248,630 to this year's budget The cost is expected to exceed $409,000 in 2026 which amounts to a 3.04 per cent tax burden The district's proposed $28.3 million budget includes $8.1 million of new capital works and investment in existing assets storm water upgrades and replacement of certain sections of the water and sewer infrastructure Deputy CAO Rachel Dumas said staff are in the process of preparing the 2025 Financial Plan and Tax Rates bylaws This will be presented to council on April 7 with final adoption expected on April 28 The public is still welcome to provide feedback Residents of North Saanich gathered at the Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church on Wednesday for a forum dedicated to wildfire protection hosted by North Saanich Residents Association during their annual general meeting A panel of experts addressed concerns and provided information on the district's readiness and resources The panel included key figures such as North Saanich director of infrastructure Ben Martin Fire Chief Steve Sorensen and FireSmart coordinator Travis Stewart Representatives from the insurance industry were also present to address insurance-related inquiries One of the first issues highlighted during the discussions was the importance of a robust water system for fire suppression Martin detailed the district’s water system capacity drawing from the Sooke reservoir via the regional and Peninsula systems He also assured residents that “although the water reservoirs aren't always full "We have generally not experienced any problems with the supply from the CRD,” he explained “They are essentially sized for a little fire flow He emphasized the ongoing efforts to renew the district’s master plan identifying deficiencies and ensuring adequate fire flows Chief Sorensen outlined the fire department’s capabilities operating from two stations equipped with multiple fire trucks “The biggest threat that we face is what we call an interface fire where someone has a house within the trees and both things go at once so it gets a little more complicated,” he explained While acknowledging the strength of the infrastructure he also highlighted the challenge of volunteer availability during certain times of the day Stewart addressed the community's concerns about wildfire risk stating North Saanich currently sits at 4 out of a scale of 5 for forest fire risk by B.C He emphasized that while not as high risk as areas with extensive wildland-urban interfaces the intermix interface and climate change still pose a threat Another one of the biggest questions asked by residents during the forum was whether their insurance would protect them in the event of a wildfire Insurance representatives clarified that wildfire is covered under standard insurance policies “Fire of any type is covered under your insurance policy,” Lowrey said or if a gas fireplace was to burn down your home or wildfire Stewart also confirmed the availability of rebates up to $1,000 through the CRD for "fire-smarting" homes you get a cheque for $1,000,” he explained The forum concluded with a discussion about the overall risk assessment balancing the area’s geographic advantages with the increasing impact of climate change The fire chief acknowledged the heightened risk during specific times of the year "North Saanich is not a high-risk location but we must also consider climate change and the occasional heat dome,” Sorensen said "There are going to be certain days or times of the year when our risk could be extremely high but those days are few and far between in this area." The forum underscored the importance of community preparedness and proactive measures to protect homes and properties from potential wildfire threats With planned budget proposals for enhanced firefighter training and a new water master plan in the works North Saanich is taking steps to ensure the community remains fire-smart for years to come "Are you insane?" shouted Frank Gee from the audience. "Where the hell are you coming from There is no justification for that kind of distance to determine whether the community will support it or not.”  Gee, a local pickleball advocate, is also a member of the ad hoc committee that filed a legal case to challenge the decision of the council to close the Wain Park courts on May 7, 2024.  His words were met with a stern warning from Coun who reminded him to respect council proceedings we are respectful, we don't have outbursts I will not sit here and have our staff be subjected to this Gee walked out and the council did go on a five-minute recess after the verbal exchange.  some audience members were visibly disturbed by the offensive outburst from the resident Jones also disclosed that a small portion of the Saanich Peninsula Pickleball Association has been engaging in this kind of harassment and bullying behaviour since the pickleball courts opened on Wain Road in 2017 "What happened last night shouldn't have happened and we have to be calm about it I did consider before the meeting that when it became necessary the only councillor who opposed closing down Wain Park pickleball courts back in May 2024 said the behaviour was uncalled for.   that's not the way to do things," McClintock said “I think that there is a certain sense of frustration that members of this council are not either moving or connecting with the pickleball community on every next step we take."  Plans to build new pickleball courts in North Saanich are moving ahead after a cost study report was submitted to council during the meeting In partnership with the Victoria Storytellers' Guild a 1.5-acre garden nestled near Deep Cove in North Saanich is holding its first event in 2025 the Noble Garden will host a picnic and storytime a book sale and an afternoon of stories in the blooming "Come for a picnic in the orchard in bloom or on the adjacent lawn then make your way up to the Wain Road lawn and settle in to listen to the storytellers entertain us - off book and off mike the way that all of history was passed down and stories told from the very earliest days," noted an emailed statement from the garden's steward Penny Gibbs Baloo Bear Bakery will have a selection of cookies and Flour Power will have some of their "fought-over" baguettes available for purchase.  "This event is for the community: families and those who have never been!" Gibbs said Reservations can be emailed to thenoblegarden1@gmail.com. The garden will open at 1 p.m Pheobe and Jack Noble bought the parcels of land on Wain Road intending to build what is now the Noble Gardens In the garden's "heyday in the late 1980s and early 1990s," it was a destination for garden tours and even hosted an episode of The Victorian Kitchen Garden with Harry Dodson And that's not all – special guests Ariel and Spiderman will be making an appearance and a massive 60-foot obstacle course promises hours of entertainment for the whole family bring your baskets and prepare for an afternoon filled with laughter The entire food production facility of Epicure following the company's recent closure due to financial challenges a leading auction service provider in British Columbia has been tasked with liquidating all assets of the 9,000-square-foot facility in North Saanich The auction will feature a comprehensive range of food handling offering a unique opportunity for businesses in the food industry to acquire valuable equipment at competitive prices The online auction kicks off at 9:30 a.m Potential buyers can inspect the assets in person on Thursday Please note that children under the age of 12 will not be permitted at the in-person preview The 32-year-old company made the difficult decision to close its doors on Jan. 24 Founder Sylvie Rochette cited the ongoing financial pressures many businesses have faced in the wake of the pandemic as the primary reason for the closure The company had operated from the North Saanich property which includes two warehouses and an office Mayor Peter Jones has declared the week of Feb 17 - 23 as Heritage Week in the District of North Saanich Jones signed a proclamation highlighting the importance of protecting and stewarding the district’s rich and diverse heritage “Heritage Week recognizes the histories that made the foundation of our community connecting citizens through shared values and creating a place of pride and social well-being.” ‘Heritage: Pastimes in Past Times’ is this year’s theme which celebrates the many ways people spent their leisure time throughout history exploring how these activities have contributed to the cultural fabric of today Displays featuring contributions from Dominion Brook Park Saanich Pioneer Society – Log Cabin Museum Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture and Sidney Museum will be set up by the district to mark the occasion The exhibit will take place in the council chambers on Feb. 18 - 19 from 10 a.m Sign up below for unlimited digital access for 30 days receive our daily news alerts & breaking news A Notice of Motion to reopen the Wain Park pickleball courts was ultimately a dead ball after a nearly two-hour heated debate at North Saanich council the motion called on the district to reopen the courts which closed on May 7 The motion proposed that North Saanich form a cost-sharing agreement with the Peninsula and Victoria pickleball associations plus purchase and install acoustiblock material on three sides of the Wain Park courts The motion also called for the establishment of reasonable court times and dates McClintock's motion was ruled out of order before it could be presented to council because of two existing resolutions that directly conflicted with it and would have to be formally rescinded first The first was the resolution to permanently close the pickleball courts on April 29 rejected McClintock's proposal to explore soundproofing options (through a cost estimate for acoustic panels and to consider a sound-mitigation study) for those courts A tense discussion ensued on council procedures the crux of which was whether to rescind previous resolutions to advance McClintock's motion Deputy CAO Rachel Dumas explained that the decision to reopen was complicated because the 30-day period for reconsidering council’s previous vote had already passed Mayor PeterJones deemed the new motion out of order and decided council would not proceed with it instead moving on to the next item on the agenda McClintock argued his proposal was different from previous ones because the local pickleball community was willing to go to "significant" lengths to reopen the courts at no cost to the district "You've not brought forward anything that changes the reasons for the council's decision previously so I will support the point of order," Jones said McClintock said he would continue pushing for the courts to reopen but I will refuse to stop talking and supporting this community and this notice of motion," he said "It's a matter of significant interest to the community...it's a matter that has divided the community and it's an opportunity for us to make a former wrong, right." The council voted 3-3 to overturn the mayor's decision McClintock – the only one who voted against the closure of Wain Park pickleball courts – was allowed to discuss a proposal to reopen the courts for a one-year trial period The plan called for employing soft paddles suggested by the pickleball community having the pickleball community pay for sound mitigation and having a qualified sound engineer monitor noise levels both before and after the pilot project Marshall put forward another Notice of Motion that staff report back to council on March 10 with recommendations for repurposing the Wain Park pickleball courts including funding through the Parks Reserve Fund.  arguing that any plans to repurpose should be delayed until the Peninsula Recreation Needs Assessment Survey is completed in May and presented to council in June.  "I'm not supporting it because it's flawed and not the direction we're going as far as the community is concerned and as a councillor that supports the majority of the community," McClintock said contending the district could spend much less money installing sound mitigation infrastructure on the Wain Park courts an ad hoc group of pickleball players filed for a judicial review of the closure of Wain Park pickleball courts in the B.C Supreme Court. The court date was set for Feb. 10 but the group dropped the case before the scheduled hearing Enjoying Reading The Peninsula News Review Enter your email to connect to 30 more days worth of stories by journalists living & working in Sidney Thank you for supporting local journalism Made of product hand-harvested by multiple generations on a Saanich Peninsula farm the latest taste from Best Coast Distillers on the Saanich Peninsula marks a first in Canada The North Saanich distiller launched its Agricole Rum named from the French Martinique where the word agricole describes a rum made of sugar cane juice rather than molasses Sugar cane requires far warmer weather for longer than even south coastal B.C an African grain, seemed like an option when the men who formulated the plan first broached the idea “We took a very traditional concept of agricole and gave a Canadian spin on it and used sorghum,” said Best Coast co-founder Corey Wood The region’s “unique microclimate” provides the just over 120 days of good growing weather required before the October harvest The harvest is likely the limiting factor for other farms and distilleries slipping into rum territory where co-founder Cory Hastings’ family has farmed since 1927 the hand-sickle sorghum harvest harkens back to that time – it’s a family affair “Even coming from the prairies and the farmer lifestyle it’s the first time I’ve felt that connection back to the farming community,” Wood said Even the kids are involved in knocking it down clipping the ends and loading it into the crusher to juice at an admittedly higher premium just shy of $140 with only 170 bottles features hand-written numbering on the labels We’ve done something nobody else has done.” “This release of the rum is special to all of us because it’s the one we completely pioneered together the families were all involved … it was a lot of work,” he said With three subsequent harvests under their belts offering a more accessible (lower-priced) bottle in the future The rum itself is earthy and a bit fruity on the back end “We rest this in French oak for about a year so it does pull some oakiness from the barrel.” he personally recommends traditional Ti’ Punch “What I love about it is the way they serve it The distillery has operated for about a year starting sales last spring just before jumping headlong into the Sidney market Best Coast Distillers is also known for its WildFire Whiskey which raises funds for Victoria Firefighters Foundation and Cold Coffee Whiskey with partners Level Ground Coffee Roasters Both are popular products used at Victoria cocktail bars Future plans include vodka-based teas this summer A Best Coast bourbon – made with local corn and grains malted from Five Fields Farms – is set to launch at the tail end of 2026 as the farm celebrates centennial status used in several agriculture and other iterations over the century productive farm creating ingredients for the on-site distillery Their next big experiment is estate-grown agave spirits and now the goal is to expand that tenfold this year and they’ve enjoyed tasty success on a small scale guided by a producer out of Puerto Vallarta Agricole Rum is available online at bestcoastdistillers.com or at the distillery Ninety-three year old Mavis Mooney has been a potter for 50 years sculpting clay to make all kinds of ceramic vessels I started as a kid making mud pies," she said "I used to make big things and now I make small things." small things take the shape of exquisitely crafted bowls created with artwork she has perfected over the years and new monoprints designs she recently learned from a pottery class Mooney's passion for pottery has rubbed off on her next-door neighbours Michelle Bourgeois and Anne Marie Daniel who got hooked throwing pots – aka creating pottery vessels using a potter's wheel – during the pandemic.  "I like it because I can kind of forget about all the other stuff going on in my life and I just zero in and focus on that," Bourgeois said Daniel says she's learned so many new things since taking up pottery. "I'm fascinated by the chemistry of it and the mixing of things –  just learning techniques and being able to work in curves rather than straight lines is cool," she said They went from being neighbours who occasionally waved at each other from across the street to becoming good friends "I used to be just the old woman with the dog," Mooney joked.  Now they spend every Sunday morning together trying new things with clay. They even named themselves the "Pinetree Potters" after the street where they live The trio's love for pottery has grown from creating to giving with a fundraising initiative they started two years ago – Souperbowl Last year they raised $2700 and they're hoping to surpass that this year the North Saanich potters are holding another Souperbowl from 11 a.m people can choose their favourite pottery bowl all made by the Pinetree Potters and help themselves to different kinds of homemade soup Pet owners in North Saanich are in for a treat a brand new pet store promising a fresh approach to pet nutrition will officially open its doors via a grand opening celebration on April 26 Higgie's Pet Mercantile is committed to providing pet owners with a curated selection of high-quality products This grand opening is an opportunity to meet the Higgie's team explore their unique product offerings and learn more about their dedication to pet health and happiness "We see Higgie’s as more than just a store but as a place where our community can come together—where pet lovers can share learn and connect," the company said.  No One Else Covers Sidney Like The Peninsula News Review Don’t miss out on reading the latest local provincial and national news. Join our community and receive daily news alerts & breaking news The 'Cram the Cruiser' food drive was held Sunday night (Dec 15) at the Sandown Park Shopping Centre in North Saanich members of Sidney/North Saanich RCMP headed by Const Matt Slowy joined forces with student volunteers from Camosun's Criminal Justice program to collect food donations Sam Haldane from Island District Recruiting and Lena Yamolky from Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) also assisted in loading food donation bags into a CSVE truck and two police cruisers in front of the Red Barn Market parking lot "Red Barn was kind enough to have us over in their lot and went above and beyond by creating 'donation packages' for customers to purchase at the tills," said Slowy The CVSE truck was fully loaded with non-perishable food and toiletries.. Join thousands of other like-minded readers and sign up below to gain immediate & unlimited access to our news for the next 30 days – plus start receiving our newsletters still remembers the first time he attended a bonfire He was only seven years old when his father took him to the community bonfire hosted by the North Saanich Fire Department (NSFD).  “My father and I drove out into the field picking branches off the ground for the bonfire it was just a huge pile of yard waste.”  The District of North Saanich will learn the fate of the highly contentious closure of Wain Park pickleball courts after a judicial review on Feb Following a motion made by Mayor Peter Jones at a late April council meeting the four-court outdoor complex built in 2017 closed on May 7.  who is also a member of the ad hoc committee says the court reassessment looks at two levels.  it examines the district's process and whether it adhered to standards of good governance transparency and community involvement in its decision to close the courts.  examines whether the democratic process was carried out correctly. “We're hoping that with the judicial review some of the more specific details will come out,” he said.   the mayor said the situation on Wain Road was untenable.  "When the courts were being constructed," Jones disclosed "the district did not approach and consult any of the residents." The SPPA and two councilors were the only parties consulted the pickleball community has strived to reverse the closure decision but has been "unsuccessful."  A GoFundMe page was launched to fund the related legal costs they have raised half of their $15,000 goal since starting the fundraising page.  The district has responded with a multi-page document summarizing and supporting its position with history and documentation of the events surrounding the pickleball courts including complaints regarding the pickleball noise in the previous council In B.C., judicial reviews are typically sought in the Federal Court or the Supreme Court of British Columbia procedural inequity and legal errors are among the grounds for review.   The court has the authority to overturn a decision or return it for further consideration if it is determined to be flawed Judicial review protects citizens from illegal government actions and guarantees accountability.  Gee added he is confident the judicial review will rule in their favour the issue could have been resolved or at the very least thoroughly discussed to include sensible mitigation measures if Mayor Jones and his fellow council members had met with all parties involved pickleball players and residents of North Saanich Regardless of the outcome of the court ruling the mayor believes the current outdoor pickleball courts should be repurposed for a different use “I’m one of seven in the council and in my opinion pickleball in North Saanich should be indoors not outdoors because of the noise problem.”  Members of the North Saanich Rod and Gun Club (NSRGC) are rallying this month to help seniors in need we revel in celebrating cherished moments with our loved ones forging lasting memories," the recreational sporting group said in a news release it's crucial to acknowledge that not all individuals can fully partake in this festive spirit. Within the District of North Saanich has been at odds with the pickleball community over conducting municipal business using improper procedures and appearing transparent while conducting backdoor politics to the benefit of a few rather than the greater good of the district. This has gone so far that a group of residents (taxpayers) has filed for a judicial review of the district's practices.  This should concern all North Saanich taxpayers A petition to review the closure of Wain Park pickleball courts in North Saanich has been withdrawn The ad hoc group of pickleball players who filed for the judicial review in the B.C Supreme Court dropped the case ahead of the Feb the ad hoc committee decided it was prudent to withdraw the request for judicial review at this time during a meeting where council was discussing a cost report for a new pickleball facility Gee vented his frustration with a verbal outburst forcing council to take a five-minute break Mayor Peter Jones stated that this had nothing to do with the judicial review and that it was a case of interpreting legislation and regulations “I've been in as an expert witness in courts and tribunals and in front of boards for many years and I find almost exclusively the judges will concentrate on the legal aspects not external things such as what happened at that particular council meeting," he explained Both the district and ad hoc group have agreed to drop the matter “The pickleball community is supportive of the decision and is aware other avenues are being pursued,” Gee added it appears North Saanich residents cannot see the deceitful and counterproductive actions of the district's governing body.” The Saanich Peninsula Pickleball Association (SPPA) says that while they are disappointed that the petition did not go through a hearing they will continue to advocate for all pickleball players and would welcome any opportunity to meet with the district to find ways to support the community including the proposed Blue Heron Park pickleball courts SPPA is currently in talks with Panorama Recreation Commission about establishing an alternative pickleball facility The petition for judicial review was filed by the ad hoc committee on July 26 2024 after several unsuccessful attempts to overturn the district's decision to close the outdoor pickleball courts in Wain Park in May They claimed that when council voted to close the courts on April 29 it violated its own bylaws because the item was not on the council agenda that day A seemingly random attack at a North Saanich parking lot on Sunday night left two people requiring hospital treatment in the parking lot outside the Firehouse Subs Sandown Park on Sunday (March 23) A young woman claimed she and her partner were allegedly attacked by an unidentified male The woman described the confrontation with a Caucasian male likely in his mid-30s: "He punched me in the face kicked me while I was down and stomped on my head Then he and my boyfriend scrapped for a couple of seconds breaking his nose and then he took off running police responded to the scene and paramedics transported them to Victoria General Hospital for examination and treatment of their injuries Sidney/North Saanich RCMP said the description of the incident posted on social media "was embellished and not truthful." RCMP conducted an investigation using CCTV and issued three violation tickets; no criminal charges have been filed at this time North Saanich council voted to move forward with replacing the pickleball courts at Wain Park with a new community gathering space potentially featuring a basketball court and covered picnic tables Council's vote signifies the beginning of a process to further explore the proposal and consider potential funding sources before making a final decision on the future of the Wain Park pickleball courts Saanich Peninsula fire crews coordinated to keep the community covered as the North Saanich department battled a school fire Thursday (Feb North Saanich firefighters were called to Deep Cove Elementary for a kitchen fire around 2:30 p.m Staff and students safely evacuated the building Sidney and Central Saanich fire departments as well as (Sidney/North Saanich) RCMP and BC EHS crews were quickly on scene and able to extinguish the fire before further damage occurred,” the District of North Saanich told the Peninsula News Review cross-coverage of the Saanich Peninsula was handled by Sidney and Central Saanich fire departments I am writing supporting the lovely little rock bridge Chris Maier built I was one of those people who formerly tried to cross Reay Creek on old branches and logs Chris has cleared out trails through a neglected piece of forest at the south end of Reay Creek This has allowed his neighbours to take their dogs on a beautiful looping nature walk steeped in history and spirit Chris has also cleaned up all the garbage left by homeless people living in this area making it safe for single women like myself to walk there every day I understand that Chris has done hundreds of hours of volunteer work in this area on his own initiative. The rest of Reay Creek has been left in a mess and all the fallen trees Chris has even supplied a bucket for people using the new large bridge who throw their dog poop bags into the trees and Reay Creek I sincerely hope North Saanich and/or Sidney Parks will incorporate this lovely little bridge into this magical spot How rare it is to have a refuge like this to escape our challenging world for doing all this work for your neighbours Sidney/North Saanich RCMP says a 35-year-old woman reported missing on Monday (Feb.10) has been located and is safe The woman was reported missing after last being seen Jan RCMP issued the alert the afternoon of Feb 12  and reported her safe later that night.   With a federal election call looming, Cathie Ounsted is ready to carry the Conservative Party's banner for Saanich-Gulf Islands Ounsted won the Conservative nomination on Saturday becoming the first woman to represent the party in the riding since Marilyn Loveless ran for the Progressive Conservatives in 1997 "I am so grateful to our local constituency for putting their trust in me to represent the riding in Ottawa I will hit the ground running to bring home results for Saanich-Gulf Islands," said Ounsted.  Ounsted’s election follows a competitive race that saw longtime police officer and North Saanich Coun. Jack McClintock and businessman and veteran Angus Ross also vying for the nomination The candidates had the opportunity to address 300 party members at the Saanich Fairgrounds – setting a new record for attendance at candidate nomination meetings in the region Ounsted emphasized that her platform will focus on finding practical solutions to the affordability crisis "I believe that my proven track record can offer the right path forward We will put Canada first as we face local issues Ounsted brings a diverse background including serving as an officer with the Victoria Police Department and as director of operations at Thrifty Foods for 10 years. Ounsted has also served as the controller for 19 years with her family accounting firm She has also held leadership roles as a director on the Peninsula Co-op board for a decade where she served as chair from 2022 to 2024. Her involvement in local governance includes a tenure on Central Saanich council from 2011 to 2014 Ounsted will be running against incumbent Green Party MP Elizabeth May and NDP candidate Colin Plant According to posts circulating social media including on Facebook from the company's ambassadors, a long-time North Saanich company that sells healthy nut-and-gluten-free kitchen and food products globally is ceasing operations screenshots of an email sent to ambassadors by Epicure founder Sylvie Rochette announced the closure of the 32-year-old company but one born from the weight of financial challenges many in the industry have experienced following the pandemic," noted the email "Despite our relentless commitment to our mission of promoting healthier living and supporting time-starved families in creating nourishing meals together The email noted that the company will work with MNP – an accounting tax and business consulting firm – to determine the next steps following the closure along with some of their social media accounts Ambassadors of the company will receive further information in the next five business days manufactured and shipped out from its office in North Saanich B.C The company employed over 170 people in creative & marketing About the Author: Greater Victoria News Staff Robbie Louis is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in arts and Indigenous language proficiency at UVic his cohort is going on a cultural exchange program in New Zealand as part of their course we're close to the holidays and people need help and I figured what better way for them to help me and I in turn This was the idea behind the Christmas Craft Market 'It's a fundraiser for me to go to Hawaii in March 2025," said the 35-year-old WSANEC First Nation undergrad it is an opportunity to invite various Indigenous craft makers to the market where they get to show off their beautiful work.” The market features an assortment of Christmas decor paintings and woodwork art by Indigenous artists including Dahlila Charlie, an artist in residence with School District 62 She spends her time there teaching kids about Coast Salish shapes and how to draw them she gets commissioned to paint murals around Greater Victoria she loves participating in craft markets “It's about community and it's also about building connections,” Charlie said “Craft markets like this one offer artists and people who do crafts a place to sell their artwork.” What began as a simple passion project to access hidden trails has turned into a potential point of contention for North Saanich resident Chris Maier Maier has called North Saanich home and volunteers with Friends of North Saanich Parks and the Peninsula Streams Society while exploring a seemingly inaccessible forest tucked between Reay Creek Park and Pat Bay Highway Maier uncovered a hidden gem he affectionately calls his "Eden." "What they like about this is the natural feel about it," Maier said Nobody knows this corner of the park better than the 67-year old park steward He gives impromptu tours to visitors pointing out the park’s many interesting tree residents – the maples "This entire microcosm of all these trees going off here is a willow which has fallen down and created this whole new world Maier's dedication is now met with uncertainty While Maier believes he's built a safe and well-constructed bridge even protecting the culvert underneath from erosion the ministry views the unauthorized structure as a safety concern unauthorized structures are prohibited on its rights-of-way due to concerns about structural integrity They also informed Maier he needed to remove the pedestrian bridge by March 17 "I tried several times to have the deadline extended Maier's hope now rests on North Saanich Parks agreeing to incorporate the bridge into Reay Creek Park taking responsibility for its maintenance and oversight "I want the district to accept the bridge as a gift," Maier stated "I want the bridge to be maintained and looked after and I'm willing to undertake this responsibility." Maier has also reached out to the Town of Sidney with a staff member scheduled to assess the bridge resilience and a deep sense of community," said North Saanich Mayor Peter Jones at a recent council meeting where he shared some of the district’s accomplishments in 2024.  Community engagement rose to the top of the district's priorities particularly with the Official Community Plan communities fund and citizen engagement strategies “Our administration reaffirmed its commitment to making sure that community input is crucial in forming policies and initiatives that have a direct impact on resident’s lives," Jones said the district updated their 2023-2026 Strategic Plan to focus on protecting the natural environment fostering a vibrant and inclusive community and promoting sustainable growth practices "Significant changes were made to improve transparency and quicken municipal procedures: records management and policy reviews strategic hires in the finance and planning department and establishing an advisory body to provide expert insights on various issues to help with decision-making," Jones said In sports and recreation highlights the district inaugurated the Blue Heron Park artificial turf soccer fields and introduced a tracked trail chipper which "revolutionized" the maintenance of the district's trails "significantly enhancing" their accessibility and usability “This improvement demonstrates our dedication to promoting outdoor activities and ensuring that recreational spaces are maintained to the highest standards,” Jones said.  North Saanich adopted a proactive approach to managing and mitigating fire risks by expanding the fire department, adding a full-time FireSmart Coordinator and reducing the risk of wildfire through projects involving the removal of excess woody debris Accessibility was also a big priority for the district which ensured residents could easily access and utilize online resources through customized user experience – from text size and contrast to readability.  the mayor shared some of the council's priorities including tree protection to preserve the district's rural character, strengthening partnerships with First Nations and protecting marine and waterways to ensure environmental sustainability "As we work to strike a balance between growth and maintaining what makes North Saanich special we will also be addressing the effects of airport land changes and assisting with agriculture," Jones said "Thank you to all residents of North Saanich for your engagement and trust Your input is vital in shaping our community inclusive and vibrant community that supports sustainable growth." "She didn't stop fighting right until the last moment but she was comfortable at home with us where she passed away peacefully," said Chad she made the news with a simple Facebook post requesting soup recipes Soup was one thing she could tolerate because her cancer affected her taste buds The community responded by dropping off containers of various soups for the Pagets Andrea was always hopeful that she would beat the cancer and continued to plan her recovery and trips with her boys. She even discussed cruise options with her closest friends from her hospital bed and had already booked an Airbnb for an "optimistic" summer vacation "It wasn't her dying wish to take our boys on a cruise because she believed she'd be with them on that trip," Chad shared "She was just very optimistic and powerful to the end." Chad's sister Cinammon, created a GoFundMe page to support Andrea's wish for her boys to go on a summer cruise Gunner said: "Just spending time with her – she used to take us to everything...swimming dog walks and organizing all the camping trips."  Stirling says he'll miss how he and his mother would touch fingers when he woke up in the middle of the night He has spent the last few months sleeping beside Andrea's bed and when he wakes up he raises his hand and places his pointing finger on the bedside table where his mom's finger would be to comfort her son A man has been arrested in a stabbing incident in North Saanich that left three of his relatives injured and on the mend Andres Sanchez confirmed the man is a resident of the Saanich Peninsula and police have had on-going contact with this individual the prosecution is considering charges of aggrevated assaault (and) assualt with a weapon,” said Sanchez RCMP responded to a home on Derrick Road on Friday evening where the trio was found each with multiple stab wounds The injured received first aid until officers were able to confirm the scene was safe for paramedics to enter and transport them to hospital The suspect was arrested without incident and remains in custody pending a court appearance “Responding officers relied on their training and de-escalation skills to take this very agitated and violent individual into custody I am grateful that all first responders acted in a professional manner to bring this very volatile situation to a safe end,” Sanchez said in a statement at the time The injured are currently in serious but stable condition Police said no further information will be released at this time as the investigation remains ongoing READ MORE: Crimes against persons up in Sidney, North Saanich Do you have a story tip? 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