Pieces in place for West Shore emergency youth shelter
February 03, 2012
Social service agencies are within a few months of establishing the first West Shore emergency shelter for teens and young adults, based in Langford.
A permanent shelter remains in planning, but a Langford business has offered free space for a temporary shelter, and at least two West S...
read more
Volunteers bring Vagina Monologues to the West Shore
February 03, 2012
Jennifer Harrison hopes to demystify the V word.
The dedicated co-leader of youth employment agency the Pathway Project has made it her mission to help vulnerable women – and she believes staging the West Shore’s first production of the Vagina Monologues help do just that.<...
read more
Increased activity in Victoria Real Estate market
February 02, 2012
When supply exceeds demand, home buyers can be choosier and wait for the right house.
That from the President of the Victoria Real Estate Board, Carol Crabb.
She says home sales have increased 9.4 per cent in Greater Victoria between January of 2011 and January of this year.read more
Warm winter ahead for most of Canada
February 01, 2012
Most Canadians across the country can look forward to a warmer-than-normal winter, right through until spring, according to Environment Canada’s latest forecast.
The prediction for February, March and April comes after an unseasonably warm couple of months, said CBC meteorologist...
read more
Fire halls seek a few good volunteers
February 01, 2012
Fire departments across the West Shore are seeking more firefighters after a number of volunteers left for career departments, among other reasons.
Five firefighters from View Royal Fire Rescue moved on to career positions and now the department needs to find replacements.
“I a...
read more
Public meetings for new high schools start this month
February 01, 2012
The Sooke School District will move into the community consultation phase of its $100 million new high schools project in February.
The district has hired Alkins Project Services to facilitate the public process in upcoming weeks and months.
The community will have input on sch...
read more
Langford indie band aims for best in B.C.
February 01, 2012
The West Shore’s Fir Cone hopes to be the last band standing.
For the second consecutive year, the road to B.C.’s best teen band runs through Greater Victoria, as the Langford sextet jammed their way into the top 10 one year after Victoria’s The Archers took the title...
read more
Giving new life to old art
February 01, 2012
One man’s trash is another’s treasure and that has never been more true than at Art from the Attic.
Unwanted art dropped off at the Coast Collective by collectors looking for new homes for “gently experienced treasures,” will be on display at the scenic lagoon-side gallery in Colwood. ...
read more
New helpline for grandparents who look after kids
February 01, 2012
Grandparents who have taken over the care of their grandchildren have a new place to turn for help and advice.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development will spend $100,000 a year on a new helpline run by the Parent Support Services Society of B.C.
Grandparents or other r...
read more
No housing crash coming in Canada, BMO says
January 31, 2012
‘Dramatic correction is unlikely,’ bank says
The Bank of Montreal poured cold water on the idea Canada’s housing market could be headed for a crash, suggesting that prices are only “moderately high across the country.”
“Expect the housing boo...
read more
Opinions wanted on Victoria transit funding
January 27, 2012
The public has until Feb. 5 to fill out a survey at lrtlocalfunding.ca and have a chance to be selected for a focus group to help find funding options for the Victoria Regional Rapid Transit Project.
A special task force has been established to investigate potential funding options for...
read more
WestShore Chamber of Commerce names new president
January 27, 2012
WestShore Chamber of Commerce has a new president.
Board members have welcomed Stephen Whipp as its new Chamber President to take over from the chamber’s past president, Kyara Kahakauwila.
To find out more about the Chamber and its initiatives, visit www.westshore.bc.caread more
West Shore schools face growth spurt
January 26, 2012
A booming school population on the West Shore and growing demand for French immersion classes continues to drive change in the Sooke school district.
Millstream Elementary in Langford will launch a new French immersion track this fall to help meet a “massive explosion” in r...
read more
Year of Dragon heats B.C. real estate market
January 25, 2012
Real estate agents in and around Vancouver are expecting big things this week, thanks to the Lunar New Year, which is typically a great time for sales.
Real estate agent Malcolm Hasman showed four Chinese families thru a $7.8 million mansion in West Vancouver on Tuesday.
The ho...
read more
BMO's Financial Tip of the Week: On a $400,000 Mortgage, Have a Mortgage Burning Party 5 Years Earlier and Save $70,000 by Choosing a 25 Year Amortization
January 20, 2012
As part of BMO Financial Group’s ongoing commitment to financial literacy and ‘Making Money Make Sense’ for Canadians, BMO is releasing a financial tip every week in 2012.
BMO’s Tip of the Week:
Choosing a mortgage with a 25 year amortization instead of ...
read more
5 reasons to invest in 2012
January 20, 2012
By John Wasik
If you want to be optimistic about investing this year – and there are plenty of reasons to be – you need to understand the tale of two economies.
One narrative is the recovering U.S. economy: Robust corporate profits, increased manufacturing, slightly more hiring...
read more
Central bank stands pat with 1% rate
January 17, 2012
The Bank of Canada held its target for the overnight interest rate steady at 1.0 per cent on Tuesday, the 11th consecutive time it has chosen to do so.
“With the target interest rate near historic lows and the financial system functioning well, there is considerable monetary poli...
read more
Snow Day
January 17, 2012
Snow blanketed the West Shore Tuesday morning, and more is expected over the week. Environment Canada is expecting five centimeters in Victoria tomorrow, likely more for the West Shore.
More than 1,200 households in Metchosin were without power due to snowfall Tuesday morning. The Metc...
read more
Bowling booming in Langford
January 16, 2012
If anyone is keeping score, it seems Langford Lanes started its first frame with a strike.
The bowling centre has become an overnight success, with lanes reserved months in advance and drop-in bowlers often having to wait two to three hours for a lane.
The overwhelming populari...
read more
Fixed rates hit the basement
January 16, 2012
Canadians thinking about locking in their mortgage just got a compelling reason to do so — the lowest interest rate in history.
The Bank of Montreal cut the rate on its closed five-year fixed mortgage to 2.99%, a half a percentage point drop that is expected to set up a wave of competi...
read more
Last half of 2011 sees stabilized real estate market
January 06, 2012
The Greater Victoria housing market-trend looked more like a carousel ride than a roller coaster by the end of 2011.
After a slow start, real estate sales stabilized by summer.
Annual sales for single-family homes, town homes and manufactured homes had increased last month, whi...
read more
Canadians think we’re in a recession, but economists don’t
January 06, 2012
A surprising majority of Canadians — 70% of them — say the country is in the middle of a economic recession, even though economists will tell you Canada hasn’t been in one since 2009, and is nowhere close.
The results, from a new online survey sponsored by the Economic Club of Canada a...
read more
Is your property assessment up or down from last year? New figures out today
January 04, 2012
More than 144,000 property owners in Greater Victoria will start seeing brown envelopes land on their doorsteps today.
The 2012 assessment notices are in the mail and the forecast is for stability.
“Most homes in Greater Victoria are remaining stable in value compared to last y...
read more
Firefighter santas tour Langford on Christmas eve
December 22, 2011
Santa Claus will riding around Langford this Saturday, Christmas eve, distributing candy canes and goodwill on three different fire trucks.
The annual Langford fire department Santa run leaves from the three stations on Dec. 24 from about 5 to 8 p.m., touring virtually all Langford nei...
read more
Lights, trucks and fun at City Centre Park
December 19, 2011
City Centre Park is featuring a Christmas double header this Sunday.
Both the Christmas Festival of Lights Fire Truck Parade and Christmas in the Park will offer people of the West Shore a double dose of family fun.
Families are encouraged to check out local emergency vehicles ...
read more
Hunt starts for new West Shore schools
December 19, 2011
It’s been a month and a half since the province announced funding for two new West Shore high schools, and Sooke School District superintendent Jim Cambridge is starting to imagine what the new buildings could look like.
In the new year, SD 62 will ask for public input into the design ...
read more
Rugby centre nearing completion
December 09, 2011
Rugby Canada is packing its bags.
In preparation of moving in that is, into their new two-storey, 6,000-square-foot facility adjacent to the grandstands of the Bear Mountain Stadium in Langford. Now in the final stages of development the Canadian Rugby Centre of Excellence is expected ...
read more
Bike rentals free at Eagle Ridge
December 09, 2011
Langford residents can now cycle city bike lanes and trails for free, thanks to a bike borrowing program run out of City Centre Park.
Residents can check out one of 10 cruising or mountain bikes for free up to three hours, and then pay $3 per hour after that. Non residents will pay $3 ...
read more
West Shore headed for the limelight
December 09, 2011
The West Shore is ready for it’s close up.
In an effort to spotlight some of Greater Victoria’s fastest growing communities, The West Shore Chamber of Commerce is introducing a new TV program on Shaw TV, aimed squarely at West Shore.
“The (chamber) has a charter, that we play a...
read more
Housing expected to hold steady in 2012
December 07, 2011
Carol Crabb may be new to the job, but she’s quickly picked up the tune often sung by presidents of the Victoria Real Estate Board.
Crabb, the incoming president of the board, said 2012 is expected to remain stable and balanced.
“The local real estate market has sho...
read more
Eagles return to Goldstream Park
December 06, 2011
The eagles have landed at Goldstream Provincial Park.
Already dozens of eagles have set up camp in the estuary. They are hanging out in the trees and swooping in the water to eat salmon carcasses that have washed in.
“The eagles are increasing in numbers … there are more ...
read more
Report finds BC women among the healthiest in the country
December 05, 2011
December 2, 2011
BC women are among the healthiest in the country, this according to a report released by the provincial health officer Friday.
The report showed that since a report conducted in 1995, there have been advances in life and health expectancy, and increases in acce...
read more
Sunnier than normal November for Capital Region
December 05, 2011
December 1, 2011
We’ve had a cooler, brighter November than usual this year.
Temperatures have been below normal, but instead of snow and rain, we’ve seen more sun in the Capital Region. We’ve had 10 and a half more hours of sun than usual in November this yea...
read more
Real estate stability indicates healthy market
December 05, 2011
Steady house sales throughout Greater Victoria in November indicates a healthy market, says the president of the Victoria Real Estate Board.
“We were pleased to see that sales last month were higher than in November of last year and showed little change from October,” Dennis Fimrite sa...
read more
10,000 Tonight exceeds target
December 05, 2011
If you ever wondered, this is what more than 10,000 non-perishable food items looks like.
Belmont students went door-to-door collecting food from every home in Colwood and Langford on Dec. 1.
Lead organizer for 10,000 tonight Rachael Brown, celebrates reaching their goal and th...
read more
Belmont students coming knocking for 10,000 Tonight
November 24, 2011
For families without a full table of food for the holidays, the volunteers taking to the streets on the West Shore Dec. 1 for 10,000 Tonight can be every bit as important as a visit from Santa Clause.
“The students are amazing, they do it all,” said teacher and organizer Kevin Harringt...
read more
West Shore applauds plans for two new high schools
November 01, 2011
Replacements for aging Belmont to be built in Langford and Colwood
By Lindsay Kines, timescolonist.com October 31, 2011
It took a student walkout, a petition and years of work by parents and politicians, but the West Shore has finally won approval for two new high schools to se...
read more
Langford eyes next recreation project
October 25, 2011
A new sports facility opened in Langford Saturday. It includes a new ice rink and a bowling alley.
At the grand opening Langford Mayor Stew Young says he wants the new facility to invigorate the region.
“We’re very fortunate to have the Provincial Government and the...
read more
Langford talking partnership with YM/YW-CA
October 25, 2011
Langford mayor Stew Young says there are plans for a new swimming pool in his municipality.
Young told CFAX 1070’s Frank Stanford this morning that plans are in the works for a new swimming pool facility.
“Our next project over the next three, uh, next three years, ...
read more
Langford’s City Centre Park finished
October 25, 2011
Sportsplex crowns recreation complex Balls rumbled and pins clattered at Langford Lanes on Saturday — music to any bowler’s ears. After a five-year hiatus, 10 pin is back.
Langford officially opened its $14.1-million Sportsplex last weekend, a combination ice arena and bowling centre, ...
read more
Langford gets ready for Sportsplex hoopla
October 21, 2011
Langford is throwing a party Saturday to mark the grand opening of its $14.1-million Sportsplex and it’s expecting big crowds.
Party planners are projecting 3,000 to 5,000 visitors, so crowd-control barricades are going up and traffic marshals will direct vehicles.
The Sp...
read more
Canadian housing market grows despite global troubles: report
September 27, 2011
A Bank of Nova Scotia report says Canada’s housing market is bucking an international downward trend.
Photograph by: Mark Blinch, Reuters
OTTAWA — Canada’s housing market “remains a notable out-performer” in comparison to other countries, where renewed d...
read more
Ice time in Langford
September 26, 2011
Sean Buchanan, 14 and Kevin Massy, 15, glide on new ice at Westhills Arena in Langford during the South Island Thunderbirds training camp on Wednesday.
The Thunderbirds hopefuls were the first to break in the first new regulation size rink built since Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre open...
read more
Transit bus makes inroad to West Shore mall
September 09, 2011
Buses are running through Westshore Town Centre for the first time since the transit exchange was moved off the property two years ago.
As of Tuesday the No. 52 Wishart bus, renamed as the No 52 Colwood, was routed along Brittany Drive behind RBC Royal Bank, with one stop in each direc...
read more
Chamber pushes for rapid-transit referendum, review
September 07, 2011
Business leaders plan to pitch their case for the need for more due diligence and a regional referendum on a proposed $950-million light-rail rapid transit service.
A delegation of representatives from the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, which represents 1,000 businesses, will be...
read more
Breaking the ice
September 07, 2011
Langford’s new ice rink opens Wednesday; bowling to roll in October Fresh ice will have a few fleeting moments of peace before young hockey players dig into Langford’s rink at City Centre Park tomorrow, the first new ice in the region in six years.
Late last week crews built up layers ...
read more
Digital ushers in a new era of the silver screen
August 18, 2011
It’s been the labourious routine of movie houses for 100 years – film reels arrive in heavy hexagonal metal canisters, projectionists splice together film and fire up the projector. The days of reel changeovers, the mechanical hum of projectors and black cue dots in the corner of the screen ha...
read more
Elite rugby makes its home in Langford
August 18, 2011
The country’s top rugby players will soon be training year-round at City Centre Park.
Langford has partnered with Rugby Canada to becomes the national headquarters for Canada’s men’s and women’s rugby teams as they prepare for world and Olympic competition.
Trevor Arnold, direc...
read more
Victorians are bowled over by prospect of 10-pin alley in Langford
August 05, 2011
Another ice surface will be great, but it’s the prospect of a new 10-pin bowling alley in the region that has the public talking.
Langford administrator Jim Bowden said people asking about construction of the municipality’s City Centre Sportsplex almost always have bowling ...
read more
Free B.C. Day music festival coming to Langford
August 05, 2011
This B.C. Day, Langford is hosting what might be the biggest party this city has ever seen.
Juno award-winning musicians David Gogo and Greg Sczebel are among a lineup of high-energy artists scheduled to play at a free, day-long music festival at City Center Park on Aug. 2.
Spo...
read more
Shift government offices to Langford
August 05, 2011
From time to time I am caught in the traffic congestion leading into Victoria. Only by re-scheduling my day can I avoid it.
It seems that many commuters are government workers heading to their downtown offices and home again at the end of the day.
Does it not make sense for som...
read more
Langford Day rolls out Saturday at City Centre
August 05, 2011
This Saturday from sun up to sun down, Langford will be rocking with excitement.
Langford Day, an annual celebration, is back with fun activities bursting from its seams.
The day begins with a pancake breakfast hosted by West Shore RCMP at City Centre Park.
The breakfas...
read more
Holiday kudos to West Shore leadership
August 05, 2011
Leadership is often defined as “a person who inspires others.” My definition includes that, but has more to do with local heroes who take action quietly behind the scenes, providing the kind of values-based leadership that gets things done.
The West Shore is known as a place full of th...
read more
Christmas in the Park, fire truck parade Sunday
August 05, 2011
This year the West Shore Rotary and Westshore Chamber of Commerce are teaming up for a combined Christmas in the Park and Festival of Lights Fire Truck Parade. While fire trucks draped in lights and decorations line up outside Eagle Ridge arena, kids play areas and crafts tables will be inside...
read more
Westhills Leads in Energy Ratings
February 01, 2011
The letter contains references to Westhills that are not accurate. It says that Westhills is “no longer seeking LEEDS sic certification” and that the development is a “clear cut almost to the shores of Langford Lake.” Neither of these statements are accurat...
read more
"Mini" Houses Piloted In Victoria
October 15, 2010
http://www.youtube.com/ANewsVanIsland#p/u/5/jPgNOjFVuyo
LANGFORD – For little Jiyan Rupf, the trip to Grandma’s house to get started on the Halloween pumpkins Thursday takes about 15 seconds. It’s an arrangement that works out for three generations of the South Africa...
read more
Open Houses - Fall Community BBQ
October 15, 2010
Join us for burgers and dogs at our Fall Community BBQ and the grand opening of “Glenvale”, our newest neighborhood. The fun begins at noon and all are welcome.
Glenvale features one level ranchers, detached coach houses with double garages and legal suites, geo-exchange he...
read more
YMCA-YWCA looking at opening a new facility in Langford
October 15, 2010
By Darron Kloster, timescolonist.com August 18, 2010
The YMCA-YWCA is looking at opening a new facility in Langford as part of the sprawling Westhills development that covers 209 hectares from Langford Lake to Sooke Road. “What we’re looking at is a partnership with Westhil...
read more
YM/YWCA eyes Langford location
October 15, 2010
Facility similar to downtown branch proposed for Westhills development Times Colonist August 19, 2010
The YMCA-YWCA is looking at opening a new facility in Langford as part of the sprawling Westhills development that covers 209 hectares from Langford Lake to Sooke Road.
“...
read more
Welcome push for rapid transit
October 15, 2010
Times Colonist October 5, 2010
The only thing slower than the commute from Langford to downtown Victoria these days might be progress on rapid transit for the region. B.C. Transit has been looking at options for more than five years. There have been reports and consultations and propos...
read more
Public input sought on last leg of route
October 15, 2010
By Bill Cleverley, Times Colonist October 2, 2010
B.C. Transit officials are ready to test drive the latest version of their rapid transit plan between Victoria and the West Shore.
And while they don’t know what kind of vehicles they’ll be using or exactly what rout...
read more
Langford Days start with some pancakes
October 15, 2010
Times Colonist July 15, 2010
The 8th annual Westhills Langford Days Summer Festival in City Centre Park, 1089 Langford Pkwy., offers a range of activities including the big parade, starting at the park at 10 a.m. Saturday and running down Jacklin Road, Goldstream Avenue and Station Roa...
read more
CRD asked to share cost of Johnson Bridge rail
October 15, 2010
By Bill Cleverley, Times Colonist September 21, 2010
It would be shortsighted for the Capital Regional District not to share in the cost of bringing rail across the Johnson Street Bridge, say some local politicians.
Victoria council, in an effort to shave $12 million off the pr...
read more
Capital festival doubles the fun but it's still free
October 15, 2010
By Grania Litwin, Times Colonist July 29, 2010
PREVIEW
What: B.C. Day festivals Where: St. Ann’s Academy in Victoria and City Centre Park in Langford When: 11 a.m. to dusk Monday Admission: Free
Last year’s Capital Festival was a big success, and this year i...
read more
B.C. Transit offers a peek at rapid transit plans for CRD
October 15, 2010
By BILL CLEVERLEY, Timescolonist.com October 1, 2010
B.C. Transit officials are ready to test drive the latest version of their rapid transit plan between Victoria and the West Shore.
And while they don’t know what kind of vehicles they’ll be using or exactly what r...
read more
Soon you will be able to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! We’ll keep you in the loop on all the great events happening in and around Westhills, plus other helpful tips on owning a home in Westhills and the West Shore!
You’ll never miss an update!
Mill Hill Story Stroll (Guided Walk)
Join Liz Crocker, CRD Regional Parks' guest naturalist and author of 'A Cultural History of Three Regional Parks', to explore the cultural landscape of Mill Hill. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off Atkins Avenue. February 4th, 2012 from 10:30am – 12:00pm.
Owl Prowl
Owls are amazing birds! Join CRD Regional Parks' guest naturalist David Allinson for this exciting adventure into the dark woods to look for and call in owls. February 18th, 2012, from 7:00-8:00pm at Mill Hill. Visit http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/events/calendar.aspx for more information.
Dine Around & Stay in Town Victoria
Come see what some of Victoria’s best restaurants have to offer at 2012 Dine Around and Stay in Town. This year’s event will run for a full month from February 17th - March 16th. Three course menus will cost $20, $30 or $40 per person and one night’s accommodation are $69, $79, $99 or $129 per room. For more information visit http://www.tourismvictoria.com/dine.
6th Annual Victoria Tea Festival
Hosted in the tea capital of Canada, the 6th annual event features tea tastings, tea-food selections, complimentary presentations, and opportunities to purchase tea, tea-related products, and exquisite tea wares. A Silent Auction will be offered. Proceeds to Camosun College Child Care Services! It's a one stop shop for all things tea! February 18th, 2012. For more information visit http://www.victoriateafestival.com.
Westhills 2nd Annual Christmas Light Up Competition
We invited residents in Westhills to light up their homes and yards for the holiday season and entered each into a competition for cold, hard cash! The community was aglow with festive decorations and holiday cheer as we awarded three top cash prizes and three runners up prize packages. A very festive and fun time was had by all that attended the Display Centre for hot chocolate and cookies, to celebrate the winners! Check out photos from the Westhills 2nd Annual Christmas Light Up Competition on Westhills’ Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/westhillsbc/.
Christmas in the Park
Westhills, among fellow community supporters, sponsored the Christmas in the Park event at City Centre Park. In conjunction with the Christmas Festival of LIGHTS Fire Truck Parade, all that attended had a great time. It is events like this and community members like those in Westhills that contribute to making the West Shore a vibrant, fun and exciting place to live! Check out photos from Christmas in the Park on Westhills' Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/westhillsbc/.
Remembrance Day at Veteran’s Park 2011
Thousands of West Shore’s residents made their way to Veteran’s Memorial Park on November 11th to pay their respects to Veterans. Through the rain the Price Edward Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion led the Remembrance Day parade. The number of people braving the weather was impressive, particularly considering the number of young people, said Mayor Young of Langford.
Westshore Christmas Wonderland Craft Fair
To warm up the Westshore for the holiday season a little early, Earthly Goods Craft Market put on a fantastic craft fair at Eagle Ridge Community Centre. With many local artists and lots of wonderful crafts, this event was a huge success!