Community News Burnside Gorge Dec2018_E-news.pdf · just at Christmas. A recipient from The Gift of Good Food ex-pressed, “I get that Good Food Box and I see healthy eating for

December 2018www.burnsidegorge.ca

Burnside Gorge

Community News

Cram the Cruiser On December 14th please join us from 9am-

11am at Colquitz Middle School for our annu-al Cram the Cruiser event. Each year students and staff from Colquitz partner with Saanich Police to collect donations of non-perishable foods and toys for BGCA’s Christmas Hamper program. The event kicks off at 9am and at 11am police cruisers will deliver the proceeds to the Burnside Gorge Community Centre.

Friends of Cecelia Ravine Work Party – Join Us! Saturday, December 1st, 10am-12pm

Join us for a work party in Cecelia Ravine Park. Work will focus on invasive species removal. Please bring work gloves and wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Snacks and refresh-

ments will be provided after the work party. Meet at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Road.

For more information contact Rachel O’Neill at the Burnside Gorge Community Association, 250-388-5251 or by email at [email protected].

Give the Gift That Lasts All Year Burnside Gorge Community Association is a

part of a regional wide fundraiser that sup-ports families in need with fresh produce for an entire year. The Gift of Good Food Holiday Fun-draiser brings together community centres across Greater Victoria to further support their clients with consistent, fresh produce all year long, not just at Christmas.

A recipient from The Gift of Good Food ex-pressed, “I get that Good Food Box and I see healthy eating for my children. Basically it’s a gift, it’s a little Christmas gift every two weeks for my family.” She is still receiving Good Food Boxes from last year’s fundraiser.

Every $500 supports a family with Good Food Box every two weeks throughout 2018. This past year Burnside Gorge has supported over ten fami-lies with consistent healthy produce through The Gift of Good Food.

The fundraiser runs November 13th until De-cember 31st at midnight, please give generously.

To donate, please visit: https://thegoodfoodbox.ca/donate or call (250) 381-1552 ext. 100. Donation cards are available at the Fernwood Community Centre. If you’d like to be a part of the campaign in any other way, please contact [email protected].

Support Christmas Hampers at BGCAEach year the BGCA’s Christmas Hamper program provides a special Christmas experience for fami-

lies that may not be able to do so without assistance. All of the families we support are currently involved with one of the many programs here at the BGCA. We also work collaboratively with the Christ-mas Giving Network to ensure that all families have equal access to the support that they need over the holidays. Through generous contributions from the community we were able to provide hampers for 55 families with more than 100 children in 2017.

We are looking for donations of non-perishable food items as well as gifts for children, teens and adults. Gift ideas include personal hygiene and bath products, gift cards, gift certifi cates to restaurants and hair salons, movie passes and activity passes.

Cash donations are welcome to help with the purchase of gift cards, food and gifts. Donations can be made securely through our website at www.burnsidegorge.ca; by sending a cheque made out to the Burnside Gorge Community Association; or by stopping by the community centre.

Please call our offi ce at 250-388-5251 for more information.

250-384-6424wwww.cucvictoria.com

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Community NewsBurnside Gorge

December 2018, Volume 32, No. 12

Published by The Burnside Gorge Community Association

471 Cecelia Road, Victoria, BC V8T 4T4 Phone: 250-388-5251

Website: www.burnsidegorge.ca

Note: Written contributions do not necessarily refl ect the opin-ions of the BGCA or its staff.

BGCA Board of DirectorsElizabeth Cull

Andrew Johnson Benji Miskuski

Jeff NelsonMichelle Peterson, Secretary John Sanderson, Treasurer

Avery Stetski, President

To AdvertiseEstablish yourself as a community supporter with an ad in your community newsletter.

The deadline to purchase ad space is the 15th of each month prior to the month of publication. Please contact us for current rates.

ContributionsThe BGCN welcomes submissions. Submissions are subject to editing as required for clarity and brevity. Please note that submission does not guarantee publication. Contact us for submission guidelines and deadlines.

Editor: Rachel O'Neill Email: [email protected] Phone: 250-388-5251

About usFounded in 1991 in response to community need, the Burnside Gorge Community Association provides a continuum of programs and services that strengthen the lives of children, youth and families in Greater Victoria.

Programming includes: a range of childcare programs for ages 3.5 to 11; community and school based youth and family services; housing and asset development supports for youth and families; community recreation and special events for all ages; and a variety of community development initiatives.

As a non-profi t organization, we rely on the support of individuals, businesses and partner organizations to continue providing a high level of service to our communities. If you’re passionate about the work that we’re doing there are a number many ways that you can get involved.

Join our team! Want to join a fun and dynamic team? BGCA is a great place to work. To see current opportunities please see our website at:

http://www.burnsidegorge.ca/opportunities/employment

Volunteer!Do you have some time to spare and a passion for community? We’re always looking for volunteers to help out. Current opportunities are listed at:

http://www.burnsidegorge.ca/opportunities/volunteer

Become a member!Are you interested in being a part of our mission? Become a member and take an active role in shaping our community. For more information contact the BGCA directly at:

[email protected]

START where you are

USE what you have

DO what you can

Are You:•Receivingahousingsubsidy(notallhousingprovidersqualify)•Livingwithatleastonedependentchild•Survivingonalowincome•Feelingoverwhelmedaboutmoney•Strugglingwithdebt•Worriedaboutyourfinances

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program can support you…•Faceyourfinancialfearsandmoveforward•Gainmorecontrolofyourmoney•StartSaving•Beginadebtreductionplanandreduceyourdebt•Accesssupportsthatwillassistyouandyourfamilyasyoumovetowardsabrighterfuture

Contact the FSS program today at the Burnside Gorge Communtiy Centre, 250-388-5251orvisitburnsidegorge.catofindoutmore.Currentlyacceptingapplications.

A Christmas Wish from Family Self SufficiencyTis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la la la la la. For many though, the realities of the holiday season

can bring more pressures and worry about making ends meet than joyous feelings of happiness and connectedness. Perhaps this is a time to refl ect on how to better manage the expectations we place on ourselves and each other to buy gifts we maybe cannot afford, or to get caught up in the holiday shopping free-for-all. It can be challenging at times to remember that there are alternatives. We can give the gift of presence, celebrating with simple pleasures and quality time spent together with loved ones.

In this season of gratitude and giving, remember the best giving comes from our hearts not our wal-lets. If you are struggling this year, there are many agencies that offer Holiday dinners and Xmas ham-pers. If you are shopping for gifts keep them simple and within budget.

Best wishes for a fi nancially empowered, fun, and fantastic Holiday from all of us at the Family Self-Suffi ciency program.

Helping families build confi dence with their money matters and concerns all year round.

Burnside Gorge Community News: December 2018

Free Legal ClinicDo you have legal questions or need the services of a lawyer?

The Burnside Gorge Community Centre hosts a free legal clinic every Tuesday between 2-3pm.

All legal questions welcome.

15 minute appointments are available by calling the front desk at 250-388-5251.

Support BGCA All Year Round!FINANCIAL DONATIONS

Your donation can help change a family's life or improve the community you live in.The Burnside Gorge Community Association relies on the support of individuals, businesses and government to provide services to

our community. Your donation helps us continue providing a high level of service to families in need in our communities. The Burnside Gorge Community Association is a registered charity in good standing with the Canadian Revenue Agency. We will issue a

charitable tax receipt for eligible donations. Make a secure online donation through Canada Helps https://www.canadahelps.org/dn/4326 or contact us directly at 250-388-5251.

BOTTLE RETURNSDid you know that the Burnside Gorge Community Association is now an approved charity of the Bottle Depot? It’s never been easier

to support your local Community Centre.Let the cashier know at the beginning of the transaction that you would like to donate your returns to Burnside Gorge Community Association and the value of your bottle returns will be put into our account. Bottle Depot has three locations:

• Downtown - 655 Queens Ave.

• Glanford - 4261 Glanford Ave

• Quadra - 3961 Quadra St

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Pre-School For Ages 3.5-5Tues, Weds, Thurs (September - June)9:00am - 12:00pm

Preschool prepares children for Kindergarten. Our program encourages children to develop personal independence, make creative choices and respect each other. Children enjoy social, recreation and learning opportunities.

Skill development is achieved through: Ð Group time Ð Free choice Ð Indoor and outdoor physical activity Ð Field trips Ð Science Ð Reading/language Ð And much, much more!

Monday - Friday (September - June)Before Care 7:30 - 9:00amAfter Care 2:45 - 5:30pm

We provide fun, high-quality licensed before and after-school care for students at Tillicum Elementary School and Ecole Quadra Elementary. We currently have openings for Tillicum students at two convenient locations:

Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia RoadPearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road

What we offer

• A stimulating environment where children can have fun and make their own choices

• We encourage curiosity and exploration, and allow time for individual needs

• We teach children how to solve their own problems in a peaceful and non-violent manner

• Games, sports, arts & crafts and out-trips

• Nutritious snacks

Looking for quality child care in a fun and safe environment?

Check out BGCA’s Childcare offerings!

Call today for more info or to register!

250-388-5251

Out of School Care For Ages 5-11

Burnside Gorge Community News: December 2018

Income Assistance Support at BGCADo you have questions about Income Assistance (IA) or Persons with Disability Assistance (PWD) or how to go about opening a fi le? The Burnside Gorge

Community Centre has an Employment & Assistance Worker from the Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction who works on site at the Centre on Thursday mornings. Appointments are available from 9am-12pm every Thursday except on cheque issue weeks.

With more than 25 years’ experience working in community before moving to government, Terri will do her best to answer any questions you might have about IA or PWD. To book an appointment please call the Community Centre at 250-388-5251.

BGCN

4

WINTER PROGRAMMINGAll programs held at Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Rd,

unless otherwise noted. Schedule is subject to change without notice – please call 250-388-5251 for the most current info.

Burnside Gorge Community News: December 2018

BURNSIDE GORGE COMMUNITY CENTRE

RECREATION PROGRAMS

PROGRAM REGISTRATION

We have an exciting line-up of programs for all ages, from toddlers to seniors. To regis-ter for a program call 250-388-5251 or drop by the Centre in person. Pre-registration is required for all programs except those specifi ed as drop-in. The Front Desk hours are 8:30am-5pm, Monday to Friday. We are closed on stat holidays and weekends, unless noted otherwise.

Payment is required at the time of registra-tion and can be made by cash, cheque, credit card (VISA & MC), Debit or City of Victoria LIFE credits.

REGISTER EARLY TO AVOID

DISAPPOINTMENT! Programs may be cancelled or postponed if there are not enough registered partici-pants. Decisions to run or cancel a program are usually made two days prior to the fi rst class.

REFUND POLICY:

• For a full refund, request for with-drawal must be received at least 1 day prior to the fi rst class.

• A full refund will be issued if BGCA cancels a program.

• If a participant withdraws after the fi rst class, they will be refunded the pro-rated cost of the program.

• Withdrawing after the second or third class, the participant will be refunded the pro-rated cost of the program minus a $5 administrative fee.

• No refunds for withdrawals after the lesser of the 4th class or 50% of the course has been completed.

GET IN TOUCH Do you have an IDEA for a program that you would like to see offered at Burnside Gorge Community Centre? Are you an instructor interested in running a program with us? Contact Travis Chater, Community Recre-ation Coordinator, at 250-388-5251 ext 225 or email [email protected].

FACILITIESThe Burnside Gorge Community Centre is located just outside downtown Victoria at 471 Cecelia Road, between Burnside Road East and Gorge Road East. Outdoor public facilities include the Cecelia Ravine Park, Sport Court and Bike Skills Park, adjacent to the Centre.

The Community Centre is readily acces-sible by public transit: buses #8, 11, 21 and 22 routes on Gorge Rd East, Jutland Rd and Burnside Rd East, run parallel or border Ce-celia Road. It is also easily accessible by the Galloping Goose Trail, which is adjacent to the Centre.

Activity GuideBurnside Gorge

FAMILY CENTRE** Family Centre programs and Community Dinner will be Closed from December 10, 2018 to January 7, 2019

WIGGLES A ND GIGGLES (PA R EN T A ND TOT, 2-4 Y R S) Join us for active play in the Burnside Activity Centre. Get the wiggles out with this new interactive

program that includes games, movement, and fun! The program includes organized games, movement, exercise, and free play. Best suited for ages 2–4 yrs; all children under 5 yrs are welcome. Caregiver participation is required. Groups may not meet on school holidays and Professional Development Days. M Sep 17-Mar 25 9:30am-10:15am Drop-in/Free* Family Centre will not be open during program time.

FU N FOR LIT TLE ONES (PA R EN T A ND TOT, 2-5 Y R S)

Enjoy singing, movement, reading and fun with your little ones. The program encourages child development through singing, movement, stories and bonding be-tween child and caregiver. Caregiver participation is re-quired. T Sep 4 – Mar 26 9:30 a m – 10:1 5 a m Drop-in/Free

TODDLER ARTS A ND CR A F TS - DROP-IN (2–5 Y R S) Explore your creative side! Each week features a different craft designed with the preschooler in

mind. Smocks and soap provided. Creative activities can be messy, so please dress children appropri-ately. Caregiver participation is required.W Sep 5 – Mar 27 9:30am-10:30am Drop-In/$1 per family and daycare child

PA R EN T A ND TOT PL AYGROUP (0 TO 5 Y R S)This is an opportunity for young children and their

caregivers to meet and play in an informal atmosphere with toys, and books. Snacks provided. Groups may not meet on school holidays and Professional Develop-ment Days. Drop-In/FreeSep 4 – Mar 29 M 10:15-12pm T 10:15-12pm W 10:30-12pm Th 5:30pm-6:30pm

FA MILY DIN NER & DROP-IN (FA MILY/CHILDR EN AGES 0-18)Families are invited for a delicious dinner prepared by staff and volunteers every Thursday evening.

After dinner, stay and have a play in the family centre after dinner. Assistance with set-up and clean-up is appreciated. Dinner is served at 5pm. Suggested donation $2 per family.Th Sep 6-Mar 28 Dinner: 5pm-6pm

PLEASE NOTE TIMES AND AGES for Family Dinner Family Centre Drop-In: 5:30pm – 6:30pm Children 0-6 yrs must be accompanied by a par-ent

SPECIAL EVENTS

SA N TA’S PA NCA K E BR E A K FA ST Join us for a delicious pancake breakfast, craft activities, musical entertainment for the entire fam-

ily and an opportunity to have your photo with Santa. The event fees are $5 per person, $10 per family up to 4 immediate family members, and $5 for each additional extended family member. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event at the door. Sa Dec 8 9am – 11:30am $10/family $5/person

5Burnside Gorge Community News: December 2018

ADULT – HEALTH AND WELLNESS

ZU MBAJoin us for one of the fastest growing Latin dance-in-

spired fi tness crazes across the world! People of all ages are falling in love with its infectious music, easy-to-follow dance moves and body-sculpting benefi ts. Come dance to the rhythms of Salsa, Merengue, Mambo and other Latin beats. This is a fi tness class you will not want to miss! In-structor: Ximena LondonoW Oct 31 – Dec 5 6pm – 7pm 6/$48 $10 drop in W Jan 16 6pm – 7pm free trialW Jan 23 – Mar 13 6pm – 7pm 6/$48 $10 drop in

ZU MBA GOLD A ND YOGA Always wanted to Zumba but thought it might be too much for you?

This class combines gentle Zumba Gold dance and fi tness moves with yoga stretches, breathing exercises and deep relaxation. It is ideal for beginners, active older adults and other participants who may need program modifi ca-tions. Instructor: Ximena LondonoT Oct 30 – Dec 4 10:15am – 11:15am 6/$48 $10 drop in T Jan 15 10:15am – 11:15am free trialT Jan 22 – Mar 12 10:15am – 11:15am 6/$48 $10 drop in

STRONG BY ZU MBAPerfect for those who want to party, but put extra emphasis

on toning and sculpting to defi ne those muscles! The challenge of adding resistance by using Zumba® Toning Sticks (or light weights), helps you focus on specifi c muscle groups including arms, core and lower body. This class is open to everyone, no previous dance or Zumba class experience necessary. Instructor Sylvie Dowse M Nov 5 – Dec 3 6:30pm – 7:30pm 6/$60 $12 drop inM Mar 4 – Apr 29 5pm – 6pm 8/$80

FA MILY BOOT CA MPNeed a place to workout while your kids are with

you? Look no further! Family Bootcamp is all about being active with your children around!Enjoy fun, challenging workouts while your baby is by your side and your older children run around in play, or are near you trying out the moves too! All fi tness levels are welcome!

Wed Jan 9 – Feb 13 9:30 – 10:30 am 6/$48 $10 Drop InWed Feb 20 – Mar 27 9:30 – 10:30 am 6/$48 $10 Drop In

IA IDOIaido is a martial art most closely associated with the Samurai of Japan. It is not a contact fi ghting martial art, nor is it a sparring sport. Iaido is for your personal physical and mental improvement through introspection and the use of a precision weapon, honing your concentration and focus through physical techniques. Beginners will require a Bokuto (wooden sword) that may be borrowed from the instructor (please contact the centre to arrange).T Jan 8 – Mar 12 6:30 – 8:00 pm 10/$40 $5 Drop In

CA R DIO BL A STRev up your morning up as you burn calories and build endurance for a

stronger body. This class is for you if you want a fast and effective workout that gets the heart pumping and muscles moving. Best suited for an interme-diate-advanced fi tness level but can be modifi ed for most levels.Th Jan 10 - Feb 14 6:45 - 7:30 am 6/$36 $8 Drop InTh Feb 21 - Mar 28 6:45 - 7:30 am 6/$36 $8 Drop In

  ADULT - YOGAXL-YOGA

Yoga for large people taught by a large person. The benefi ts of yoga – in-creased balance, fl exibility, stamina, and relaxation are wonderful for every-body. We’ll make the poses work for our bodacious and strapping bods using modifi cations and props (bolsters, blankets, and straps). Th Oct 25 – Dec 20 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm 8/$80 Th Jan 10 - Feb 28 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm 8/$80Th Mar 7 April 11 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm 6/$60

POW ER VIN YA SA YOGAStart your morning with this invigorating yoga class! This beginner focused yoga class will help to improve your overall fl exibility and stability through poses and mindful breath work. The morning classes will give you energy and positivity for a productive and enjoyable day. Instructor: Almas Attar-ianFr Jan 11 – Mar 1 8:00 am – 9:00 am 8/$80

YIN YOGA BY CA NDLELIGHT A nourishing 2 hour Yin Yoga workshop to celebrate Solstice and the return of the light. We’ll focus on soothing and grounding postures that help turn off the overdrive switch, and turn on the heal & re-charge response. A “met-ta" (loving kindness) practice and inspiring readings further support this deeply nourishing mini-retreat.Facilitated by Cedar Sorensen, Yoga Instructor E-RYT 500 & Yoga Thera-pist F Dec 21 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm 1/$25

55+

SENIOR S LU NCH ‘N LE A R N Socialize with other seniors in the community while enjoying a delicious

and nutritious homemade meal. This program features a mix of guest speak-ers, social activities and theme activities during the holiday seasons. Call 250.388.5251 for more information. Calendar of upcoming presentations available at BGCA Front Reception.Th Aug 31 – March 28 12pm–1pm Lunch Drop-In /$4 1pm – 2pm Presentation

** Please join us on Dec 13 for our annual Seniors Luncheon. $5 admission, enjoy a hot turkey lunch, seasonal music & more. ** There will be no lunch on Dec 6

STR ENGTH, CONDITIONING A ND BA L A NCE FOR 60+ The fi rst step is the most important! This well rounded program will focus

on activities to improve strength, balance, mobility and cardiovascular fi t-ness. A certifi ed BCRPA instructor will use light weights, resistance bands, fi tness props and a fun selection of agility games to improve overall fi tness. Have fun, make new friends and feel good about yourself. All levels of ability welcome. Instructor Janice ArnotT Oct 23 – Dec 11 9:00 am – 10:00 am 6/$36 T Jan 8 – Feb 26 9:00 am – 10:00 am 8/$48

STR ENGTH A ND STR ETCH W ITH HELEN DOUGHERT YIn this 60 minute class, we use small weights, bands and balls to strength-en your muscles. We then spend time to ensure that each muscle group is stretched out. These exercises increase your strength, balance, and fl exibil-ity; which, increases your ability to walk and move with greater ease and certainty. This class can be done sitting or standing.F Sep 28 – Dec 7 10:00 am – 11:00 am 10/$60F Jan 11 – Mar 1 10:00 am – 11:00 am 8/$48F Mar 8 -April 26 10:00 am – 11:00 am 8/$48

PRESCHOOL

BUR NSIDE GORGE LICENSED PR ESCHOOL (3.5 – 5 Y R S)The focus is on kindergarten readiness by helping children learn the skills

to make a smooth transition. Our program encourages children to develop personal independence, make creative choices and respect each other. Our preschool includes areas for: circle time, group play, learning stations and arts and crafts. Children must be toilet trained and be at least 3.5 yrs old by September of the year they enroll. T, W, Th Sept 11 – Dec 20 9am – 12pmT, W, Th Jan 8 – June 27 9am – 12pm 2 days, $120 OR 3 days, $180

Active LivingActive Community

Instructor

you? Look no further! Family Bootcamp is all about being active with your children around!

your side and your older children run around in play,

6

Burnside Gorge

Burnside Gorge Community News: December 2018

Burnside Gorge

Long Road Home Leads To Giving BackSubmitted by Victoria Cool Aid Society

“I had been on a particular medication for years when I decided to stop using it… Big mistake. I became homeless at 55,” says Karen .

“It was the fi rst time that I became homeless. Previously in my life, I was hav-ing the time of my life and talking about ‘Freedom 55’,” she explains.

She wanted to experience life without being medicated: “So I stopped tak-ing my medication gradually over a six-month period. And by the time that was up, I had lost two jobs, I was evicted from my apartment, and I was in debt.”

“At fi rst, I didn’t contact my family because I was just mortally embar-rassed and ashamed about the whole thing,” explains Karen. (She was born in Nanaimo, grew up in Victoria, lived for 24 years in Creston and Vancouver, and has lived in Victoria most of her life.)

New to being homeless she didn’t know where the shelters were. “So I stayed on the street for a while, and I stayed at some friends’ houses, and then I fi gured out where the shelters were…”

Karen fi nally got a bed at Rock Bay. “Then I started to put my life back together a little bit more. It helps having a bed,” she explains. “And the meals are really good.”

Rock Bay also provides counselling and support, drop-in health care, ac-tivities, groups and a chance to give back as a volunteer.

Karen joined one of Cool Aid’s “Clean & Safe Teams”, which pick up trash, including needles and other drug paraphernalia, around Rock Bay and the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood, as well as removing graffi ti. Her route is the area around the emergency shelter and the transitional apartments, and afterwards she joins in the community meal.

Karen now lives permanently at Mount Edwards Court. “It’s a beautiful, old home… we’re all excited about living there and making it a great place.”

“I started volunteering at Rock Bay when I was living in transition, so I just continued after I moved to Mount Ed. I could have stopped when I moved but I like the people at the shelter.”

Her advice for volunteers? “If you are open minded and non-judgemental then you’ll be fi ne! It’s a good place. There’s some staff that have been here for a long, long time. It’s incredible how dedicated they are and how much they care.”

“I think Rock Bay is incredibly important,” she concludes. And we think that Karen is incredibly important!

If you need sidewalk cleanup in the Rock Bay or Burnside Gorge neigh-bourhoods, give the shelter a call at 250-383-1951.

Karen keeping it Clean & Safe at Rock Bay Landing and in the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood. Karen enjoys her volunteer neighbourhood cleaning job because it gives her a chance to meet old friends and earn a small hono-

rarium each week.

Burnside Gorge Community Centre Room Rentals

For meetings, conferences, parties and family gatherings, we have a wide variety of rooms available to suit your needs. We offer wireless internet, tea & coffee service, and A/V equipment rentals, all at affordable prices. Nestled in Cecelia Ravine, our rooms also offer outstanding natural views and are accessible from the Galloping Goose Trail. Activity Centre: max 120 guests Board Room: max 8 guests$65/hr $240/half day $35/hr $110/half day $400/full day $180/full day

Education Centre: max 40 guests Group Room: max 10 guests$55/hr $180/half day $35/hr $140/half day $300/full day $220/full day

Non-profi t rates are also available. Call today to book or view our spaces, 250.388.5251 ext.224.

Burnside Gorge

Establish yourself as a community supporter

Advertise with the….

1000+ E-copies delivered monthly

AD SIZE DIMENSIONS (inches) COST (per issue)

Business Card 3.3 w X 2.2 h $20.00

1/12 page 6.8 w X 2.2 h OR 3.3 w X 4.5 h $29.00

Banner 10.25 w X 2.2 h $39.00

1/4 page 10.25 w X 4.1 h OR 5.1 w X 8.1 h $59.00

1/2 page 10.25 w X 7.8 h $79.00

Full page 10.25 w X 16 h $99.00

Deadline for purchasing ads is the 15th of each month prior to publication.

To book your ad today or for more information call 250-388-5251 or email [email protected]

RENTALS

7

From the BGCA family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy holiday

season.

Burnside Gorge Community News: December 2018

Goodbye from the Burnside Gorge Council LiaisonSubmitted by Councillor Geo� Young

It has been an honour to be the City council liaison to Burnside-Gorge

for the last four years. I have gotten to know the neighbourhood and some of its residents and have tried to rep-resent your views and interests at the Council table.Burnside Gorge has faced some chal-lenges over the past few years as sup-portive housing and support services have sometimes not been accompa-nied by suffi cient funding for treat-ment, support and supervision and have had negative impacts on sur-rounding areas. However, we are also seeing proposals for new affordable housing for families that do not need supports and these new residents will add to the vitality of the neighbourhood. We may also see proposals for more expensive housing to take advantage of the area’s great location, amenities and views – not necessarily affordable, but all part of a balanced neighbour-hood with a cross section of residents.

The City over the years has contributed a great community center to the neighbourhood and more recently has added to Cecelia Park. I am disap-pointed we have not yet been able to achieve the mid-block connector link-ing Albany, Balfour and Carroll with the Park, the Galloping Goose and the community center, though I remain hopeful. Further work in the Park is planned, though, and in the more distant future we hope to see a waterfront path linking to the downtown as the remediated land around Rock Bay is developed. The industrial area, too, is seeing changes and more activity. I encourage you to express your views on the many planning and zoning deci-sions that will come to council over the next few years.

The new council liaison to Burnside–Gorge will be Councillor Sarah Potts and I am sure she will fi nd the neighbourhood role as interesting as I have.

Christmas Craft FairsIf you're shopping for gifts this year take advantage of the incredible array

of talented artisans and crafters the region has to offer. We've compiled a list of upcoming Christmas fairs in December.

Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Fair

Nerdy crafts, art, cards, gifts, totes, soaps, and so much more. Fun for the whole family. 100% of proceeds goes to Victoria Hospital Foundation, Victo-ria General Hospital NICU.

Sat, Dec 1, 11am - 4pm. Market Square, 560 Johnson St. By donation

Oaklands Winter Market

The West Coast Winter Market is a highlight each holiday season for the Oaklands area! Join us at the Oaklands Community Centre and Oaklands Elementary Gym for a showcase of over 50 vendors from all over Greater Victoria including farmers, artisans, gourmet food producers, baked goods, potters, knitters, crafters, handmade body products, jewelry, live music, a beer garden, and more!

Sat, Dec 1, 10am - 4pm, $2 admission. Oaklands Community Association, 1-2827 Belmont Ave

Dickens Holiday Fair

A James Bay tradition! This is the 39th annual Dickens Fair and still going strong with over 70 local artisans attending this year. As a bonus, there's a cafe on-site to relax and enjoy a warm drink and tasty treats, PLUS a chil-dren's play area to keep them happy.

Sat, Dec 1, 2018 from 10am- 4:30pm. $2 Admission. Children under 12 free. James Bay Community School Centre, 140 Oswego St

Craigfl ower Elementary Holiday Craft Fair

Join us for the Craigfl ower Elementary Holiday Craft Fair! Free admis-sion, refreshments available, proceeds support our students. Sun, Dec 2 from 9:30am - 2:30pm. FREE. Craigfl ower Elementary 2766 Admirals Road

A Touch of Saltspring

If you are looking for unique and thoughtful gifts for the holiday season, make a point to come see the show. These folks know how to put on a show!

Nov 30-Dec 2, Friday 10am- 8pm, Saturday & Sunday from 10am- 5pm. $5 admission for all 3 days. Panorama Recreation Centre, 1885 Forest Park Dr

Quadra Village Community Centre Annual Holiday Craft Fair

Youth hosted market! Support your local community and local youth and fi nd things like dog treats, cards, jewellery, baked goods, hot apple cider, door prizes, more.

Sat, Dec 8, 10am-2pm. $2 admission. Quadra Village Community Centre, 901 Kings Rd

Moss Street Holiday Market

Over 80 vendors offering locally-made crafts, cards, art, clothing, jew-elry, household items, PLUS winter vegetables, apple cider and much more! A personal favourite, as I love that it sprawls different rooms, even with some vendors outside. Bundle up and enjoy!

Dec 9-10, Saturday & Sunday 10am- 4pm. Farfi eld Community Centre, 1330 Fairfi eld Rd

Wintertide Hand-Made Holiday Market

Hot beverage in hand, coat on the rack, you'll enjoy shopping one of a kind and small batch wares, and meeting the talented crafters, tailors and artists behind every gift you pick up. FREE ADMISSION. Donations accepted for VSCA (Victoria Society for Children with Autism).

Old friends, Jacob Dewey, Illustrator, and Tressa Brotsky, Sculptor + Vin-tage Fabric Artist, are excited to bring together some of their favourite cre-ative colleagues for this remarkable one-day shopping event.

Sat, Dec 15, 10am - 5pm, Oak Bay United Church Hall, 1355 Mitchell Street

Gifts and Wishes

The Coast Collective is pleased to host the 11th annual Gifts and Wish-es holiday showcase of art and fi ne craft perfect for gift-giving. The gallery space will transform into a fabulous gift shop fi lled with unique handcrafted pieces.

Nov 14 - Dec 23 from 11am - 5pm, Coast Collective Art Centre, 103-318 Wale Road

8 Burnside Gorge Community News: December 2018

Gingerbread House Workshop

Create & renovate your very own gingerbread house and decorate it any way you want! All of the building materials and goodies will be provided and Santa's elves will be there to help create your delicious masterpiece! Suitable for 6-10 yrs. Sat, Dec 8 from 12:30pm - 2:30pm. Crystal Pool 2275 Quadra St. $20/person

Tracks and Traces

Become a nature super sleuth. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to explore the evidence and investigate clues left behind by animals. There is no fee for this program, but you must pre-register by December 5 as space is limited. 5+ years. BC Transit #70, #72 or #75. Phone 250-478-3344 for more info. Saturday, Dec 8, 1pm - 2:30pm. Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Free

Cookie Decorating at Victoria Public Market

Bring your kids down to decorate their very own Gingerbread Man! Cook-ies, icing and candies will all be provided for free, and we will be accepting donations to CFAX Santas Anonymous!

Cookie station will be set up in front of the Community Kitchen on Sat-urday December 1st, Saturday December 8th, and Saturday December 15th from 12pm - 3pm. By donation. Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas

Mystery Creature

Solve the riddles to find the clues hidden along the trail with a CRD Re-gional Parks naturalist. Then piece the puzzle together to discover who the mystery creature is. Meet in the Durrance Lake parking lot off Durrance Rd, off Willis Point Rd. 5+ years. Sunday, Dec 9, 10am - 11:30am. Mount Work Regional Park. Free

Forest Festivities

Join CRD Regional Parks naturalists in the spirit of the season. Make re-cycled cards, crafts, and a small green swag with Scoth broom. The CRD will supply material and instructions, you supply the creativity. Drop in any time between 11am and 2pm at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre with your family and friends. BC Transit #70, #72, or #75. Phone 250-478-3344 for more info.

Saturday, Dec 15, 11am - 2pm. Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Free

Family Holiday Crafternoon

The Makehouse invites you on December 15th for a family crafternoon! This event is designed to bring all generations together for an afternoon of holiday themed crafting. Make ornaments, mini stockings, paper or fabric bunting, or little winter woodland creatures. There's lots of choice and room for creativity! Cost is per person and includes all materials. 1pm-3:30pm, $20/person. All materials and tools are provided to use during this work-shop. Please note this is NOT a sewing machine class!

Tea will be served as part of this workshop and if you're planning to bring a snack, please keep it peanut free! Saturday, December 15th, 1-3:30pm. #400-2950 Douglas. https://www.facebook.com/events/518325431975643/

Unfinished Gift Night

Do you have a tough time carving out time and space to work on your holi-day makes?! This is your opportunity to hunker down and complete those unfinished gifts, just in time for Christmas! Share projects and ideas with other sewists, get advice and maybe even some extra hands in a fun relaxed atmosphere. Tea is included and guests are welcome to bring in snacks! Dec 20th, 5-9pm, $20/person.https://themakehouse.configio.com/pd/1597/unfinished-gift-night

Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase

Feast your eyes and nose on creative inspirations constructed from gin-gerbread. More than just houses, they are detailed sculptures and unique works of art created by professional and amateur chefs.

Vote for your favourite, and make a donation to Habitat for Humanity Victoria. A spirit rousing experience, the gingerbread houses will leave your mouth watering, and your eyes wanting more.

Daily, 9am-9pm, Parkside Hotel, 810 Humboldt, by donation

Cookies and Cocoa

Get in the holiday spirit this season at Hotel Grand Pacific and enjoy fes-tive cookies and hot chocolate will be available by donation in the Pacific Dining Room and Lounge. Enter the raffle for a chance to win WestJet tick-ets or a two-night stay package at Hotel Grand Pacific.

There’s festive fun for the kids in the hotel lobby too. Find colouring sheets for the holiday colouring contest for kids, which runs December 1 to 25. All proceeds support Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.

Daily, Dec 1 - Dec 27, 10am - 5pm, Hotel Grand Pacific 463 Belleville Street. By donation.

Calendar ListingsShine a Light on Youth – This Christmas

Join Threshold Housing Society for a Winter Carnival in Bastion Square on December 1st, 2018 from 1:30pm-4:30pm. There will be live music, hot chocolate, Santa Claus, and Christmas themed activities for your family to enjoy! All in support of helping vulnerable youth in our community.

Lighted Truck Parade

Every year the Island Equipment Owners Association gets together, deco-rates their big trucks and parades throughout our city. The IEOA Lighted Truck Parade starts at 5:45 pm at Ogden Point, winds along Dallas Road and through Oak Bay, Victoria, View Royal, Colwood and Langford and ends at roughly 8:30pm at Western Speedway. For the route map and food dona-tion locations please see their website at IEOA.ca. Follow the event with the RoadKing GPS link to see when they will be in your area and NEW this year you can donate online and help make someone's holiday a little brighter!

Sat, Dec 1 from 5:45pm - 8:30pmWhere- Ogden Point to Western Speedway

Ogden Point Light Up

Join us at Ogden Point and see all the trucks before they start the lighted truck parade. Please bring a can of soup for the James Bay Community Proj-ect.

• Popcorn by donation • Local Food Trucks • Beer Garden• Live Christmas Music • Photo Booth • Santa

Sat, Dec 1 from 3pm - 5:30pm, Ogden Point, Pier A by the breakwater

What's That Evergreen

Come take a closer look at the survival strategies of our local evergreen plants. With a CRD Regional Parks naturalist, you'll learn common species and what keeps these plants green year round. Meet at the Francis/King Na-ture Centre off Munn Rd. 5+ years. Phone 250-478-3344 for info.

Sunday, Dec 2, 1pm - 2:30pm. Francis/King Regional Park. Free

Victoria Comic Book Expo

Come and explore the wonderful world of comic books. From the hottest books of the day to hard-to-find treasures of the past. Buy, sell, and trade comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks. Toys, non sports cards and other collectibles as well. Free comics, while they last. Dealer tables are $35.

Sun, Dec 2 from 11am - 4pm, Comfort Hotel, 3020 Blanshard St. Free

Christmas Toy Drive at the Victoria Public Market

Help make sure that all of the children in our community have a gift to open on Christmas morning. Join the Christmas Toy Drive at the Market on Sunday December 2nd from 11am until 3pm, benefiting CFAX Santas Anon-ymous. Santa Bear will be there taking pictures with everyone!! Bring down a new and unwrapped toy, and get a delicious doughnut (available for the first 200 gifts that are donated).

Sun, Dec 2 from 11am - 3pm, Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas. By donation

Esquimalt Celebration of Lights & Parade

Start the Christmas Season off with a light parade and Christmas Car-ol Sing featuring superb local artists. Hot chocolate, coffee, hot dogs and snacks. Celebration of Lights is fun for all ages. Santa Claus is present each year and receives guests after the parade.The Parade

At 5:00 p.m. the parade begins at Canteen Road, proceeds along Esqui-malt Road to the Arena where the Celebration of Lights Family Fun contin-ues.

Sun, Dec 2 from 5pm - 7pm. Free

Esquimalt Celebration of Lights & Parade

Start the Christmas Season off with a light parade and Christmas Carol Sing along featuring superb local artists. Join us for a wonderful Esquimalt community event! Hot chocolate, coffee, hot dogs and snacks. This is fun for all ages. Santa Claus is present each year and receives guests after the parade.

At 5:00 p.m. the parade begins at Canteen Road, proceeds along Esqui-malt Road to the Arena where the Celebration of Lights Family Fun contin-ues.

Sun, Dec 2 from 5pm - 7pm. Esquimalt Rd Home Alone Safety (9-12 yrs)

A program that teaches children to be more confident and capable, should they find themselves home alone. Topics include safety in the home, stranger awareness, fire prevention, internet safety and injury prevention. Mon, Dec 3 from 6pm - 8pm. $25, Oaklands Neighbourhood House 2629 Victor St