November-December 2014www.burnsidegorge.ca

Community NewsBurnside Gorge

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Make the Holidays Brighter for a Family in your Community

We are collecting donations for Christmas hampers for families in need in our commu-

nity. We are looking for donations of non-perish-able food items and gifts for children, teens and adults.

Our focus is on families considered “working poor” as well as families who are involved in our programs. If you or your business is interested in making a donation or sponsoring a family, please contact Theresa James-Bates at 250-388-5251.

We are particularly in need of gifts for teens and adults. Useful gift ideas include personal hygiene

and bath products, gift cards, gift cer-tificates to restaurants and hair salons, movie passes and activity passes.

You can make a cash donation to help with the purchase of gift cards, food and gifts by making a secure online donation through our website at burnsidegorge.ca or sending a cheque made out to the Burnside Gorge Community Associa-tion, or contacting Theresa James-Bates at 250-388-5251.

Another opportunity to get into the holiday spirit is to sponsor a Family Christmas Hamper this year! Round up a group of your friends, family members or co-workers to sponsor a hamper and make the holidays brighter for a family

in your community. For more information on becoming a sponsor or

donating, please call us at 250-388-5251. Our address to mail your cheque or drop off do-

nations:

Burnside Gorge Community Centre 471 Cecelia Road Victoria, BC V8T 4T4

BGCA ConGrAtulAtionsThank you, Suzanne!

Rob Fleming, MLA Victoria-Swan Lake, pre-sented a Certificate of Recognition to BGCA

Executive Director, Suzanne Cole, for 20 years of service to the BGCA and the Burnside Gorge com-munity.

FSS: Supporting Family Dreams For 12 Years

The Victoria Family Self-Sufficiency Program is celebrating 12 years of supporting families

in subsidized housing to create the life of their dreams!

To learn more visit our website: http://www.burnsidegorge.ca/family-self-sufficiency-program

Space is limited for Phase V scheduled to begin in the New Year. If you are interested, please call us at: 250-388-5251.

Shared Assessment Committee Nominated for Premier's Award

The Burnside Gorge Community Association is one of many child and family-serving organi-

zations who sit on the Shared Assessment Commit-tee (SAC). The SAC works to provide a streamlined process for referring families to support services. The SAC was recently nominated for a Premier’s Award Promoting Innovation and Excellence and was a finalist in the Partnership Category for the Vancouver Island Region.

Night of Lights Fundraiser for BGCA

Need to get a jump start on your holiday shopping and enjoy an evening of holi-

day festivities? Night of Lights tickets are on sale now at the Burnside Gorge Com-munity Centre!

Hillside Centre is hosting its 14th An-nual Night of Lights event on Sunday, Nov 23rd. Fabulous in-store discounts, tasty treats, live entertainment – and a chance to win one of over 100 door prizes includ-ing a grand prize trip for two to the “Big Apple” – New York City!

Tickets are for this event are $5 and only available in advance. All proceeds from tickets purchased at the Community Centre will support programming and ser-vices at the Burnside Gorge Community Association. Call 250-388-5251 or stop by the Community Centre at 471 Cecelia Rd for more information.

Night of Lights Hillside Centre, 1644 Hillside Ave

Sunday, November 23, 20146pm – 10pm

Tickets: $5 in advance only – no tickets will be available at the door

Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2014

November-December 2014 Volume 28, No. 6

Published by theBurnside Gorge Community Association

471 Cecelia Rd Victoria BC

V8T 4T4

Phone: 250-388-5251 Fax: 250-388-5269

www.burnsidegorge.ca

Note: Written contributions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the BGCA or its staff.

BGCA Board of DirectorsTamara Leonard-Vail, President Tracy James, Vice-PresidentJohn Sanderson, TreasurerMichelle Peterson, Secretary Samuel Jang Murray LangdonAvery Stetski

To AdvertiseAs a not-for-profit organization, we depend on advertising to cover publishing costs. Establish yourself as a community supporter with an ad in your community newsletter.

The Burnside Gorge Community News is published bi-monthly. 7,000+ copies are delivered throughout the Burnside Gorge and Tillicum neighbourhoods.

The deadline to purchase ad space is the 10th of each month prior to publication. Please contact us for current rates and information.

Editors: Geraldine Bulosan, Rachel O'Neill Production & Layout: Geraldine Bulosan Phone: 250-388-5251 Email: geraldine@burnsidegorge.ca or rachel@burnsidegorge.ca

ContributionsThe Burnside Gorge Community News welcomes contributions from community members. Please note that submission does not guarantee publication. Articles will be subject to editing as required for clarity and brevity.

About the Burnside Gorge Community Association Your community association is your link to the City of Victoria on neighbourhood ideas and concerns. We welcome residents to participate in our committees and we host regular meetings to bring neighbours together to ensure your voices are heard.

The Burnside Gorge Community Association operates the Burnside Gorge Community Centre. The community centre is both a neighbourhood house and a recreation centre.

We provide family resource programs and services that respond to the needs of families in the area such as family outreach, parent & child programs, childcare, a youth centre and special events. We offer educational and recreational activities such as yoga, dance and language courses.

We also provide a number of popular special events throughout the city, including the Selkirk Waterfront Festival, the Gorge Waterway Cleanup, the Halloween Monster Mash, Santa's Pancake Breakfast and the Community Christmas Dinner.

Stay connected with Burnside Gorge:

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Community NewsBurnside Gorge

twitter.com/BurnsideGorge

BGCAfacebook.com/BurnsideGorgeCommunity Association

Cliffside Youth Centre facebook.com/CliffsideatBurnsideGorge

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Council Liaison Update By Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Victoria City Councillor for Burnside Gorge

It is hard to believe that six years have passed since I be-

came the Council Liaison to the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood. I have had the pleasure of meet-ing many of you at the yearly Gorge Waterway Cleanup, Sel-kirk Waterfront Festival, San-ta’s Pancake Breakfast, Seniors Lunch and Learn, Land Use Community meetings or just out and about in the neighbourhood. I have enjoyed being at the un-veiling of the Balfour Tot Lot, Ce-celia Ravine Bike Park & Sports Court, the Cecelia Ravine Com-munity Gardens, the new cross-walk on Burnside Road and at many of the new housing developments that have been built for a variety of incomes. I have helped remove graffiti, paint hydro poles and pick up gar-bage with various groups through the years. I have had the honour of meeting folks like Tom Arkell and his wife Marilyn, and to learn about the con-tributions they and many others have made to this community. I have appreciated working with the Burnside Gorge Community Association and all the staff and volunteers of the Community Centre to address many of the concerns that have arisen in the neighbourhood. The time has gone by quickly and I hope that all of you will be out on November 15th to vote for those who you would like to see at the Council table for the next four years.

The next few years will be a busy time for the neighbourhood and the Association as the Official Community Plan (2012) identified four Priority Ar-eas for new local area planning. On June 26, 2014, Council approved the approach to planning the Priority 1 area, beginning with a new Burnside-Gorge/Douglas Area Plan. City staff are currently developing a Project Charter to guide the prepa-ration of the Burnside-Douglas/ Gorge Area Plan, with the project expected to begin in 2015.

I look forward to continuing to see you in your neighbourhood and at many events in the future.

Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2014 3

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875 Viewfield RoadVictoria, BC V9A 4V2

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7,000+ issues are delivered bi-monthly throughout the neigh-bourhood.

Call 250-388-5251 for more details or visit burnsidegorge.ca

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On Board: with John Sanderson, Board of Directors

My initial contact with the board of the Burn-side Gorge Community Association was as

past president of the Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society and a past director of the Greater Victo-ria Harbour Authority. I felt that BGCA should be aware of coming events in the harbour and sug-gested they join the VEHS. This they agreed to do provided I would join their board which I agreed to do.

In the beginning I thought my primary concerns would be the upper harbour and the Gorge Water-way but I soon learned that there was much more. I am still involved with the Gorge as a founder and director of the Gorge Swim Fest Society but my in-terests have moved ashore.

I live in the Selkirk Waterway area and prior to joining the board my walking was in the area along the Galloping Goose trail. Since joining I have walked through nearly all of Burnside Gorge and was amazed to find the diversity and variety in the community I thought I knew. I was also surprised to experience some of the difficulties of walking in

the neighbourhood, particularly the challenge of finding pedestrian crossings on the main arteries. Board and Land Use Committee members have brought these and many other issues to the atten-tion of City Council and planners and I am sure that we will be able to continue this process during the detailed planning work ahead.

One of my present concerns is the fate of the former Burnside Elementary School building and

Burnside Gorge Community Association’s, Housing Outreach Coordina-tor, Kathy Dallman had the privilege of speaking as a panellist at the

“From Charity to Social Justice: Addressing Child and Family Poverty” con-ference held October 3, 2014.

At Burnside Gorge Community Association (BGCA) we see families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Their source of income varies from employment income to income assistance to no income at all. All of the fami-lies are in some sort of financial crisis and living in poverty. BCGA has two full time outreach workers, serving any family south of the Malahat, and in 2013 helped 264 families in housing crisis. These numbers do not include the hundreds of individuals assisted by referral or through phone calls. Families are assessed to see what supports are needed, and to ensure that children are safe first and foremost. Families are referred to hotels, transition houses, and shelters. We assist families who do not have any income to apply for income assistance, and connect families who need food to our BCGA food programs and local food banks. We advocate on behalf of families assisting with income assistance, landlords, shelters, hotels, BC hydro, and accessing low income housing which is a long term plan as many families are placed on a waiting list for an undetermined length of time.

The Housing Outreach workers work very hard to avoid family homeless-ness and strive to maintain families in their current housing as it is very expensive to be homeless. A family who is short $300 in rent and becomes homeless will have to pay for a new damage deposit, the first month’s rent and moving costs. It can be challenging to find new housing for families once they are evicted because they often have poverty related problems such as low income, lack of housing references or poor credit, and landlords often have very select rental criteria. Families are often denied rentals if they have a poor rental history as they are seen as ‘less desirable’ tenants. Families are at times discriminated against due to their family income, family size, or family composition.

Some ideas to assist families include:

• More affordable long term housing and immediate short term housing for families

• Higher income assistance rates - Families often spend 100% of their income assistance cheque on shelter alone, forcing them to live off their child tax benefits.

• Increased funding to prevent homelessness such as increased access to

crisis grants. It costs the gov-ernment less money to provide a crisis grant than to cover mov-ing costs, new damage deposit, etc.

• Subsidization of heat and elec-tricity to support low income families who need more support paying for utilities. Families living without heat have greater risks of health problems. In addition, how can we ask a child to do their home-work when they do not have lights or heat?

• Reduce the gaps and barriers families face when applying for financial support. Families waiting for Employment Income (EI), maternity benefits or Income Assistance often have to wait four weeks or more for financial help and they need that assistance sooner to cover the costs of basic necessities such as shelter and food.

• Streamline family maintenance programs so that payments are re-ceived prior to month’s end to cover housing costs. Currently, enforced family maintenance or other forms of payment can be received at any time during the calendar month. When families that rely on child support for income do not receive their payment on time they are often unable to pay their rent and can be evicted.

• For families on income assistance, allow family maintenance income to be received without penalty. If the child or spousal support payment is above the income assistance rates families are then deemed not eligible for income assistance. If a family receives child support below the income assistance rates then that money is deducted from their income assistance cheque. When families are not eligible for income assistance, this also means they are not eligible for a damage deposit or a crisis grant.

Whatever the solutions, they need to be preventative and time sensitive as families at risk of losing their housing need responsive and timely supports to avoid becoming homeless.

BGCA’s Housing Outreach team is proud to work together with community partners to create social justice for families and participate in Victoria’s pov-erty reduction planning.

I am a member of the Board committee tasked with finding a route into the future for this historic building. It is my hope that we can find a way to upgrade the building to modern standards and find uses for it that are a benefit to the Burnside Gorge community and provide revenue to ensure its long term viability.

BGCA Homeless Family Outreach at Charity to Social Justice Conference by Kathy Dallman, Family Housing Outreach Coordinator at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre

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Activity Guide

untitled image by Steven Johnson & Courtney Horwitz, some rights reserved; Flickr

FAMILY CENTRE & PREsChooL AGE PRoGRAMs

Toddler Art Drop-In (2–5 yrs) Explore your creative side! Each week features a different craft designed with the preschooler in

mind. Smocks and soap provided. Please dress children in clothing that they can be messy and creative in. Parent participation is required.

Wed Sep 10 – Dec 3 9:30am-10:30am Drop-In/$2

Mother Goose (0 to 5 yrs) Music, stories, and fun for you and your little one! This program encourages child development

through music, stories, movement, and attachment parenting. This program is offered in partnership with Success by 6 South Vancouver Island. Parent participation is required. Please note: No classes Nov 15th and Dec 6th due to our Christmas Gift Fair and Santa’s Pancake Breakfast.

Sat Sep 13- Nov 29 10am – 11am Free

Kindergym Parent and Tot Drop-In (2-4 yrs) Join us for active play with ride-on toys, climbers, slides, balls, hoops and various sports equipment. The

program includes free play, organized games and circle time. Best suited for ages 2–4 yrs yet all children under 5 yrs are welcome. Parent participation is required. Burnside Campus Gym, 3130 Jutland Rd

Tue Sep 9 –Dec 9 9:30am-10:45am Drop-In/Free

Family Dinner & Drop-In Join friends and neighbours for a delicious dinner. Then stay and play in the family centre or hang

out in the youth centre. Assistance with set-up and clean-up is appreciated. Dinner is served at 5:00pm and is by donation.

Thu Sep 11 – Dec 4* Dinner: 5pm - 6pm Drop-In: 6pm – 7pm

Family Centre Drop-In, 6-7pm For children 0-6 yrs, if accompanied by parentYouth Centre Drop-In, 6-7pm For children 7-11yrs if accompanied by parentYouth Centre Drop-In, 5-8pm Youth 12-18 yrs may attend unaccompanied

*NOTE: Registration required for Dec 4 - Community Family Christmas Dinner.

Family Centre Parent and Tot Playgroup (0 to 5 yrs)This is an opportunity for young children and their caregivers to meet and play in an informal atmo-

sphere with toys, books and crafts. Snacks provided.

Tue Sep 9 - Dec 9 11am-12pm Drop-In/FreeWed Sep 10- Dec 10* 10:30am-12pmThu Sep 11 - Dec 11* 6pm-7pmSat Sep 13 – Nov 29 11am-12pm

*Guest Speakers on Nov 5 & 6 - see "Health & Wellness" for details. CLOSED: Dec 4.

Burnside Gorge Licensed Preschool (3.5 – 5 yrs)

The focus is on kindergarten readi-ness by helping children learn the skills to make a smooth transition. Our pro-gram 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. *Please note children must be at least 3 1/2 yrs old and toilet trained. A non-refundable $35 Family Registration Fee is required. Phone 250-388-5251 for availability and prices.

Tues, Wed, Thurs Sept 9 – Dec 18 9:00am – 12:00pm 2 days $120 3 days $180

*Please note: Class dates follow the Tillicum Elementary School calendar.Closed Stat Holidays, Spring Break (March 9-20) and Pro-D days.

Active Start (Ages 3-4) Delivered by PISE (Pacific Institute of Sport Excellence)

Let’s laugh, play and explore the building blocks of movement! This program teaches Physical Lit-eracy skills like running, jumping, throwing, agility, balance and coordination (ABCs) through games

BURNSIDE GORGE COMMUNITY CENTRE

LoCATIoN AND FACILITIEs

The Community Centre is located at 471 Cecelia Road, between Burnside Road East and Gorge Road East.

Outdoor public facilities include the Cecelia Ravine Sport Court and Bike Skills Park, adjacent to the Centre.

We also operate the Burnside Community Campus at 3130 Jutland Road (corner of Cecelia and Jutland).

The Centre is readily accessible by public transit: buses #8, 11, 21 & 22 run along the streets that parallel or border Cecelia Road. It is also easily accessible by the Galloping Goose Trail.

PRoGRAM REGIsTRATIoN

We have an exciting line-up of programs for all ages, from toddlers to seniors. To register for a program call 250-388-5251 or drop by the Centre in person.

Pre-registration is required for all programs unless noted and payment is required at the time of registration.

We accept 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 participants.

Please register at least three days in advance of the first class.

Drop-in and Punch Pass options are available for confirmed Yoga programs.

REFUND PoLICY

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

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

• If a participant withdraws after the first 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?

Contact Suzette, Community Recreation Coordinator at 250-388-5251 ext 225.

Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2014 5

Sol Food Cafe & Sol Fine FoodsCafe, Deli, Catering

7am-4pmMonday-Friday

T. 250-381-6629F. 250-381-6618

#101-2955 Jutland Rd

solfinefoods.com

Have you heard of Zorbing?

Climb into a giant inflatable human hamster ball for your next party!

and play. Introducing kids to these skills will ensure that they are on the path to becoming Active for Life! Burnside Campus Gym, 3130 Jutland Rd.

48866 Mon Nov 3-Dec 8 9:30am – 10:30am 6/$39

ChILDREN’s PRoGRAMs

Family Fitness (kids ages 4-7 and parents) Physical Literacy for the whole family! Imagine a program where you

AND your children can be active together. This program will include a boot-camp for the parents while the kids are busy having their own fun . . . all in the same gym. Finish each session with a large group activity. Set a great example for your children and have fun together! Burnside Campus Gym, 3130 Jutland Rd.

48870 Sat Nov 8-Dec 13 11:45am – 12:45pm 6/$90

*Please note: price includes up to 2 parents and 2 children. Add an addi-tional family member for $20.

Creative Dramatics (7-12 yrs) Have fun, make friends and explore your world of story and imagination.

Play drama games, role play, learn the basics of improvisation and the opportu-nity to work with others in a safe environment to act out your stories, and also improve your ability to focus, gain confidence and improve your self-esteem.

48873 Mon Nov 3 – Dec 15* 4-5pm 6/$50 *No class Dec 1

BIRThDAY PARTIEs

Birthday Parties with Par-T-Perfect (1-12 yrs)Throw a party your child will remember! We offer fun colourful equipment

and bubbly enthusiastic party leaders who entertain with games, face paint-ing, balloon animals and more. Various party themes and inflatable pieces are available. Location: Burnside Campus Gym, 3130 Jutland Rd.

Call250-388-5251 for more information.

Sat or Sun 1pm – 7pmFee varies depending on theme, length of party, etc.

Theatre Birthday Parties (5-12 yrs)With 10 of your closest pals

90-minute theatre rental with a movie of your choice, followed by Educa-tion Centre use for 60 minutes. A total time of 2.5 hours! Parents are welcome to decorate with their own theme. Burnside Gorge Community Centre.

Sat or Sun 1pm – 6pm 1/$145

Activity Birthday Parties (5 – 12 yrs)With 15 of your closest pals

Utilize The Burnside Campus Gymnasium for sport, play, or an activity your child desires on their special day. Parents are welcome to decorate with their own theme. Limited equipment available, but you’re welcome to bring in your own. 2 hour rental. Burnside Campus Gym, 3130 Jutland Rd.

Fridays 6pm – 8pmSat/Sun 12pm – 6pm1/$135

The best part is we clean up the mess! All you have to do is leave with what you came with (including decorations). For more information, please contact Michelle Stafford at 250-388-5251 x 226 or michelle@burnsidegorge.ca.

YoUTh PRoGRAMs

Cliffside Youth Drop-In (12 – 18 yrs) Bring your friends or meet new ones at the Cliffside Youth Centre. Activi-

ties include playing pool, air hockey, free internet and computer use, foosball and more. We also have a WII, Playstation 2 and an awesome theatre room where you can watch movies on a big screen. For more information on the Youth Drop-In Nights contact Justine Will, Youth Recreation Coordinator, 250-388-5251. Don't forget to like our Facebook page! facebook.com/Cliff-sideatBurnsideGorge

Fall Drop-In hours: Wed, Thurs, Fri, 5-8pmWednesday, Ages 12-14 yrs Friday, Ages 15-18yrs

Please note: Thursday night is Family night at the Youth Centre Drop-In: 6-7pm Children 7-11yrs can drop-in if accompanied by parent5-8pm Youth 12-18 yrs may drop-in unaccompanied

BGCA Recreation, Education & Special Events listings continued on page 6...

Halloween Party at the Cliffside Youth Centre (12-18 yrs)

Come and celebrate Halloween with your friends. Spooky tunes, ghoulish games, tasty treats and costume prizes!

Wed Oct 29 5pm – 8:30pm FREE DROP-IN

ADULT PRoGRAMs

Introduction to Acting This class is ideal for those who have either always wanted to try acting but

never have, those who have acted and want to improve their craft, or those who are preparing for an audition. Class direction will be set during the first class, depending upon skill level and personal objectives. The focus will be on scripted monologues and short scenes with room to personalize the experi-ence. Instructor Beverley Holmes is a passionate advocate for theatre arts and education, with a 34 year career as a theatre and English specialist.

48892 Mon Nov 3 – Dec 15 No class Dec 17pm – 8:30pm 6/$75

Groove BREAK OUT OF THE FITNESS BOX! Groove movements are purposeful and

music-driven and are designed to build strength, cardio and flexibility. Learn easy and simple moves to different dance styles including Jazz, Latin, Contem-porary, Swing, African, Hip Hop and many more. This is a multi-level class, no experience necessary, perfect for any age. If you can move, you can GROOVE. Melanie Langman

48875 Mon Oct 27 – Nov 24 6:30pm – 7:30pm 5/$50

Healthy Living Series Join us for this informative series on family health topics. Dr. Jennifer

Gratton, Naturopathic Physician, and Dr. Jeff Gratton, Chiropractor, owners of Coastal Roots Integrative Health, will guide you to a better understanding of common health issues, and explore preventative measures to help keep you and your family healthy and happy. Note: Some sessions are offered free to

Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 20146

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, in-house or order-in catering services, and rental equipment, all at afford-able prices. Activity Centre: max 120 guests Board Room: max 8 guests$65/hr $250/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 $200/half day $45/hr $150/half day $300/full day $200/full day

Gymnasium: max 150 guests$35/hr $150/half day $250/full day For more information, or to make a booking, call 250.388.5251 ext.226.

the community , but donations are also welcome. All donations sup-port family programs at Burnside Gorge Community Centre.

Eating Right for your Blood and Geno Type Optimizing nutrition that is based on our specific blood and

genotype not only helps with weight loss, energy levels, and allow-ing our body to function at the highest level possible, but also can shut off the genes that express diabetes, heart disease, etc. that are passed down through our families.

Wed Oct 29 7pm – 8:30pm 1/$25

A Natural Approach to Children’s healthDr. Jennifer Gratton, Naturopathic Physician, will be visiting the

Burnside Gorge Playgroup to share her knowledge about children’s health issues. Enjoy the morning playgroup with your children, then learn more about how you can keep your children healthy and han-dle everyday health issues.

Wed Nov 5 11am – 12pm FREE

happy Families are healthy Families Dr. Jennifer Gratton, Naturopathic Physician, and Dr. Jeff Grat-

ton, Chiropractor, owners of Coastal Roots Integrative Health, are coming to the Burnside Gorge Family Dinner to share their knowl-edge about family health. Jennifer and Jeff will guide you to a bet-ter understanding of common health issues, and explore preventa-tive measures to help keep you and your family healthy and happy. Topics for discussion: Managing family allergies, treating teething, colic, colds & digestive disturbances in children, family stretches & strengthening to stay fit, and how to eat nutritionally on a budget. Bring your list of health questions for Q&A with Dr. Jennifer and Dr. Jeff. These talks are free and open to all families!

Thurs Nov 6 6pm – 7pm FREE

 YoGA

Can’t fit a weekly program into your schedule? Check out our drop-in options or register for one of our yoga workshops!

DROP-IN PASS OPTIONS:Drop-in passes are available our yoga and fitness classes, once minimum

registration is reached.

10 class yoga pass $110 (valid for 1 year from date of purchase)1 class drop-in ticket $12 per drop-in

Early Morning Yoga Begin your day with easeful, fluid movement. Hatha yoga postures are

sequenced to offer a slow flow into your day. Beth Miller

49057 Thurs Oct 30 – Dec 11* 7:35am – 8:35am 6/$60 *no class Dec 4

Jenny’s Yoga for Active People This series of classes will help you get in condition for the outdoor activi-

ties you love to do – climbing, hiking, running, cycling, kayaking, sports, etc. Learn to mobilize the power of your body, mind and spirit through posture, movement, breath and optimism so you can stay active throughout your life. Jenny Feick of Nature Wise Yoga offers alignment-conscious, nature-inspired, hatha flow yoga, and provides options for all levels.

47500 Wed Oct 15 - Dec 10* 7:00pm – 8:15pm 8/$80 *no class Dec 3

Monday Flow Yoga Flow yoga is a practice in which the postures are linked with the breath in

a flowing sequence, one posture gracefully flowing into the other. Practiced mindfully and with attention to alignment, this practice calms the mind, and increases flexibility, strength and balance. Cedar Sorensen

47507 Mon Oct 27 – Dec 8* 5:15pm – 6:15pm 6/$60 *no class Dec 1

Yin Yoga Yin yoga helps to build chi or prana (energy) to nourish the organs and

increases flexibility & bone & joint strength. Most postures are performed seated or laying down, and are held for longer periods, allowing us to move

beyond the muscular level & exercise the connective tissues of the body. Yin yoga is a wonderful practice that creates space and length in the body, as well as affording us the opportunity to grow in awareness & mindfulness which are the gifts of a well rounded yoga practice. Come yin-side! Cedar Sorensen

Wed Oct 29 – Dec 10 5:15pm – 6:30pm 6/$72 *no class Dec 3

Restorative Yoga and Thai Massage Treat yourself to this 'mini-retreat' where your body, mind and spirit are

nurtured. You will be guided into restorative yoga postures, fully supported with pillows, blankets and bolsters. A skilled Thai Massage Therapist will adjust and massage the subtle sen (energy) lines to deepen the pose. Feel your body and mind become like warm wax, melting away any stress and tension . . . a truly blissful experience! Cedar Sorensen

Sat Nov 29 2pm – 4pm 1/$50

Yin Yoga by CandlelightA special two hour class to celebrate the Winter Solstice and the return of

the light. Cedar Sorensen

Wed Dec 17 6pm – 8pm 1/$20

50 PLUs PRoGRAMs

Seniors Lunch ‘N LearnSocialize 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.

Tue Sep 2 – Mar 31* 12pm–2pm $3/Drop-In

...BGCA Recreation, Education & Special Events listings continued from page 5.

Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2014

Rob Fleming, MLAVictoria – Hillside

1020 Hillside Avenue

250 360.2023 rob.fleming.mla@leg.bc.ca

Serving Our Community

650 Hillside AveVictoria BC, V8T 1Z2Guaranteed service since 1959

250-384-4722Fax 250-384-8860

info@russhays.comwww.russhays.com

250-384-6424 | office@cucvictoria.com

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Meet our Instructors! Cedar Sorensen BFA, DipEd, E-RYT

Certified Yoga Instructor & Yoga Therapist

Cedar has taken several yoga teacher training courses, in Bali, India & Vic-toria BC, as well as Yoga Therapy certification at Pacific Rim College, and Aletheia Breathwork Facilitator training. Cedar offers group & private yoga for studios, organizations & businesses. Her background in the creative arts informs her teaching. What you can expect in her classes is to be encouraged to be yourself, work to your edge, practice with compassion & to be more fully present in the moment. You’ll be encouraged to challenge yourself while also letting go of competition and comparison. You may work gently or more vigorously, but always with awareness; building strength, balance, stamina, clarity & freedom! Come & join our wonderful group of yogi/nis!

Cedar's websites:devadaruyoga.weebly.com bodyandmindrevival.weebly.com

November 4 “Why We Do the Dumb Things We Do: The Neuroscience of Human Deci-

sion Making”, with Dr. Olav E. Krigolson, Assistant Professor, School of Exer-cise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria

November 18 “The Peopling of the World”. Join us for this fascinating presentation on

how DNA can tell us about the movement of humans around the world. Pre-sented by Grant Keddie, Curator of Archaeology at the Royal B.C. Museum.

November 25 Christmas Craft

December 2 TBA

December 9 Senior’s Christmas Lunch

*The Lunch and Learn will not meet over the Christmas holiday break – there will be NO Lunch and Learn on Dec 16,23, 30, and the program will begin again in the New Year on Tues Jan 6th.

FREE PUBLIC CLINICs

Free Financial Clinic, Wednesdays 2-3pm, Burnside Gorge Community Centre

Financial Advice is provided by Frank Moore, BSEE, MBA, Investors Group Financial Services Inc. All financial issues welcome, from simple bud-geting to estate planning. Appointments are 15 minutes in length. Call 250-388-5251 to reserve, or book at front reception.

sPECIAL EVENTs

JOIN uS FOR THE FOllOwING EVENTS AT BuRNSIDE GORGE COmmuNITY CENTRE:

The Magic of Christmas Gift Fair Jump start your gift giving season and attend the Magic of Christmas Gift

Fair at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre. This event will host a variety of vendors offering creative crafts and interesting gift ideas. Seasonal sounds will fill the hallway and homemade soup will be available at the on-site café. Enjoy the festively decorated centre as you "shop the halls with boughs of holly."

Sat Nov 15 10am – 3pm 1/$2

Youth 11 and under $1

Building Beautiful Friendships, One Block at a Time by michelle Peterson, BGCA Board of Directors, Secretary

Two mom’s were standing at the Hampton Ball Park, watching their kids play baseball, and had a conversation that went something like this….

“It seems weird that we live a few houses apart and yet our kids have never played together.”

“It is, kids go to different schools, it’s not like when we were kids.” “It’s like we need to have some kind of Meet and Greet so the parents and kids can have an opportunity to meet, maybe that would help them start

forming friendships and playing together.”

…and so an idea was born.It’s so different from when I was growing up. Many moms were home, so if

there was no school or when you got home from school you ran out the door and played until it was time to come in. You knew all the kids and parents in the neighbourhood. We live in a wonderful neighbourhood with so many kids now but many of us parents are gone all day during the week with work and our kids are gone all day in school or childcare. Weekends are busy. Our roads are busy with traffic; sometimes going way too fast so our kids play in the safety of their backyards.

The idea of how to create opportunities for families to connect and kids in the neighbourhood to meet and form friendships so they could play with each other really started to bubble and percolate after that conversation. This, in turn, lead to conversations with parents on the street while out on evening dog walks. “Hey! My kids really want to make friends and play with neigh-bourhood kids, but they don’t seem to have opportunities to meet with go-ing to different schools and childcare. What do you think about the idea of a drop-in meet and greet?” The response was overwhelmingly positive.

Through more discussion and the collaboration of four local moms, Sonya Sundburg, Michelle Peterson, Sam Avis and Laura Beck, a Meet and Greet drop in was organized and held in September. We created a poster and left them at houses on Balfour, Maddock, Irma and Harriet and crossed our fin-gers.

The turnout was fantastic, the response was awesome! Kids met each other and played. Parents talked about the kind of neighbourhood they want their families to live in, a neighbourhood where kids play with each other and fami-lies know each other.

We created a Facebook group to help facilitate connecting, to organize play and meet ups, to connect with each other and to share information. As we move into the fall and winter seasons, where there is less playing outside and at the park, there are conversations starting about how to keep building these beginning friendships.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Burnsidekids

Santa’s Pancake Breakfast Join us for a delicious pancake breakfast, craft activities, a toddler play

area, musical entertainment for the entire family and an opportunity to have your photo taken with Santa. Tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event and cost: $5 per person, $10 per family (max. of 4 immediate family members) and $5 for each additional extended family member.

Sat Dec 6 9am – 11:30am 1 Family/$10

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Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2014

R e - E l e c t

GEOFFYOUNG

Victoria City Council and CRDto

Authorized by Michael Flanagan, Financial agent, 250-472-3211

I support growth in the downtown and in our urban villages, but I also believe that zoning has to protect established and stable residential neighborhoods - we need

growth, but not on every block.

Read more of Geoff Young’s views at geoffyoung.ca.

”

“

Contact Geoff at geoffyoung@shaw.ca or 250 388 7875

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Gorge Waterway Clean-up - Thank you!by Suzette Delmage, BGCA Community Recreation & Special Events Coordinator

The Gorge Waterway Clean-up was held on Saturday, September 27, a beau-tiful sunny fall day. The event was a great success, with over 80 volunteers

of all ages participating. Hard working volunteers cleaned up over 5 km of waterfront area and collected more than half a ton of garbage and debris from the shorelines and waterway.

Many thanks to the following sponsors:

• Tim Horton’s

• Capital Regional District

• Ellice Recycle

• Victoria Harbour Ferry

• 98.5 the Ocean/103.1 JACK FM

• 1-800-Got Junk

With special thanks to the following individuals, groups and organizations:

• Suzanne Cole, Rachel O’Neill, Tamara Leonard-Vale, Dianne Murray, Meg Walmsley, and Lorraine Spencer at Volunteer Headquarters

• City of Victoria Public Works Crew

• St. Michael’s University School

• Fairway Gorge Paddling Club

• AlleyKat Signs

• Larry Taylor and Pete Craig, Aquarius Dive Club, CFB Esquimalt

• Corporate teams from BC Pension Corp, Pro-Line Property Manage-ment, and BC Coastal Marine Services

• Ocean River Adventures (draw prizes)

• Chief of Police Frank Elsner and Community Policing Officer Kathy Brown, Victoria Police Department

• City of Victoria Councillors Shelley Gudgeon and Charlayne Thornton-Joe

Items of Note that were picked up:

• More than 1,500 pieces of “tiny trash” - pieces less than 2.5cm in size (foam, glass and plastic)

• 1 Times Colonist newspaper box

• More than 1,000 cigarette butts

Hoisted up over the Trestle Bridge:

• 1 barnacle encrusted bicycle

• 2 barnacle encrusted shopping carts

• 1 barnacle encrusted wine glass – still intact!

A very positive sign of the long lasting benefits of the clean-up are the ob-servations from long-serving volunteers that there is much less garbage to be picked up than in the earlier days of the clean-up – a true sign that a small group of committed people can make a real difference in their community!

And a huge thanks to our hard-working clean-up volunteers!

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Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2014

ALSO ON-SITE : X-RAY • LAB • PHARMACY • PHYSIO

101 Burnside Rd. West ( between Tillicum and Harriet )

Mon. to Fri. 7:30am to 9:00pmSat.,Sun.& Hol.9:00am to 6:00pm

EXTENDED HOURS

www.burnsideclinic.ca

As a TV and radio journalist I always asked tough questions. I got answers. Answers are hard to come by with the current mayor. I will change that. As Mayor I will lead an open and transparent government.

I will stand up for Victoria. I live here and pay my taxes here. I love this city.

I will ensure we get a new Johnson Street Bridge that is managed properly, respecting the taxpayer. I know it’s your money. I won’t waste it.

We need to promote a healthy economy to provide decent jobs with a fu-ture, so that our kids don’t have to move away from Victoria to work.

We need a healthy downtown with a welcoming atmosphere - clean of graffiti.

And we need to bring a new balanced approach to governance, no secret meetings, no pet projects.

Let’s put people above politics. Help me take back City Hall.

Meet the MAyorAl CAndidAtes

Stephen Andrew

Changes The ClownBritish Columbia has the highest rate of child poverty among Canadian

provinces and astonishingly, this has been the case for 9 of the last 10 years. Changes the Clown believes that, as the capital city of the province with the perennially highest rate of child poverty in the country and in view of the provincial govern-ment’s complete abdication of its responsibility, the City of Victoria should demonstrate how this unacknowledged social crisis can be addressed at the municipal level, despite the fact that the crisis of child poverty formally falls under provincial and not municipal jurisdiction. Victoria needs (1) an afford-able childcare program like the one recently undertaken by the

City of Vancouver, and (2) a living wage policy similar to the one that has been in place in the City of New Westminster since 2010. Changes wants to get people talking about ideas like these during the election campaign.

Ida Chong Ida Chong was born and raised in Greater Victoria. In

1981 she received the Certified General Accountants (CGA) designation and in 1985, she along with a childhood friend formed the first all female accounting partnership (Kes-teloo and Chong, CGAs) in the Victoria area.

In 1993, Ida entered public life for the first time as a mu-nicipal councillor for the District of Saanich and in 1996, Ida was elected as MLA for the province of BC and made history by becoming the first Canadian-born person of Chi-

nese heritage ever elected.Ida Chong served as MLA for seventeen years (1996-2013) and took on

many leadership roles serving on and chairing a variety of committees and held ten different ministerial portfolios. In addition to her cabinet roles, Ida also served on the Cabinet Committee for Climate Action, the Legislative Review Committee, and twelve consecutive years (2001-2013), on Treasury Board.

MAke YOUr VOTe COUNT!

Dean Fortin As Mayor, a community advocate, a volunteer, and a fa-

ther, Dean works tirelessly to bring people together to get things done for Victoria.

Dean was elected Mayor of Victoria in 2008, and was re-elected in 2011.

Before his election as Mayor, Dean spent 17 years as Ex-ecutive Director of the Burnside Gorge Community Centre where he was part of an outstanding team of dedicated staff and community members. Dean enhanced programs for

youth at risk, homeless families, and vulnerable seniors, and helped to raise $5 million to build a new LEED-certified community centre.

Dean lives in the Oaklands neighbourhood of Victoria with his wife and two daughters. He is a committed commuter cyclist and a volunteer basket-ball coach. Today, Victoria is a more dynamic and vibrant city than it was only a few years ago. Dean is committed to moving forward, together, for a prosperous, liveable, progressive and green Victoria.

Lisa HelpsLisa Helps has the vision, experience and ability to lead

Victoria into the 21st century. An effective community builder in Victoria for nearly two decades, Lisa has fostered successful local business development, affordable housing and open democracy initiatives in our community. She is a passionate advocate of sustainable urban development.

As a city councillor, Lisa has worked tirelessly for trans-parency and accountability. She voted against the Johnson Street Bridge project precisely because it posed great fi-

nancial risk to tax payers. Lisa understands the problems facing Victoria and knows that City Hall can do better.

With bold leadership and a clear action plan, Lisa is committed to chang-ing the culture at City Hall to ensure smarter management of tax dollars and project management – a City Hall that works for you.

As mayor, Lisa will create leading partnerships with citizens, organiza-tions and neighbouring communities to create sustainable prosperity for our growing and changing city. Learn more at: www.lisahelpsvictoria.ca

Jason Ross

My name is Jason Ross, and I am an independent can-didate running for Mayor of Victoria. My background is in Information Technology and I have many ideas on how to use technology to increase transparency at City Hall and improve public engagement across all areas of city busi-ness. I have studied local government over the last few years, which has included video recording and web-pub-lishing council meetings at Victoria City Hall, as well as other municipalities around the region. In that time, I

have learned a great deal about how local government works and this has al-lowed me to assemble a large list of innovative ideas that can transform Victo-ria into a city built for the future. I also believe in citizen-driven government, and I want to use the 24/7 nature of the Internet to build ongoing conversa-tions that encourage cooperation and build consensus about difficult issues.

Historically, the Burnside Gorge community has one of the lowest voter turnouts in the

City of Victoria with just under 11% in the 2011 municipal election. We hope to see these numbers increase this year!

In the municipality of Victoria there are eight candidates running for the office of Mayor and 24 candidates running to fill eight Council seats.

The candidates listed below include all profiles

submitted by the BGCN print deadline. For a com-plete list of Candidates and Voter Info including voting locations and advance polls please visit: www.victoria.ca/election or contact Legislative Services at 250-361-0571.

When & Where to Vote:Saturday, November 15, 2014, 8am-8pm at the

Burnside Campus, 3130 Jutland Rd.

“Never doubt that a small group of thought-ful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

~Margaret Mead

"Make Your Vote Count!" continued on page 10...

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Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2014

CLIFFSIDE YOUTH

DROP-IN CENTRECheck inside for the Fall schedule!

AIR HOCKEY, POOL & FOOSBALL TABLES :: FREE INTERNET & COMPUTER USE :: PLAYSTATION 2 & WII :: AWESOME MOVIE THEATRE ROOM WITH A BIG SCREEN!

Burnside Gorge

John Luton

Vote John Luton for Victoria City Council and the CRD. (Served 2008-2011, Regional Transit Com-mission). Took on infrastructure challenges, helped tackle homelessness, brought positive development to Victoria and built better transit. He works on active transportation, and is ready for the challenges and op-portunities facing Victoria. Working harder, working smarter.

Margaret Lucas

Margaret is an executive leader in the Tourism and Retail Industry.

• lead the transformation of the Hotel Douglas to the Hotel Rialto

• the person to whom difficult and unconventional projects and negotiations are assigned

• valued for her tireless work ethic and sage counsel

• cares deeply about her community.

Jeremy Loveday

I will be a strong voice for a more affordable, sustain-able and vibrant Victoria. I will work collaboratively to protect and expand affordable housing and advocate for alternative transportation. I will utilize my experience and energy to work hard on behalf of residents, neigh-bourhoods, and local businesses.

Erik Kaye

• Worked in BC civil service since 1997, specializing in climate change and energy efficiency policies.

• I served on the boards of several city task forces and neighbourhood associations.

• My top 3 issues are a developing 20-year infrastruc ture plan, affordability for homes and businesses, and fighting climate change.

Ben Isitt

• Councillor with a track record standing up for social justice, environmental protection and good government.

• Supports parks, traffic calming, community centres, seniors and trails for walking and cycling.

• Advocate for affordable housing and cost- effective public services.

• Father, community leader and award-winning scholar committed to the future our community and world.

Ian Hoar

CONNECTED NEIGHBOURHOODSConnect our neighbourhoods to downtown in

bike and pedestrian friendly ways.

PROVINCIAL PUSH-BACKDon’t fund our city by overtaxing our cars, prop-

erty and businesses. Let’s fight to get the funding from the province.

SUPPORTING A CREATIVE ECONOMYVictoria can be a playground for creators: public events, nightlife, art!

Hilary Groos

www.hilarygroos.ca

James HarasymowLooking for a fresh look for our council this year? Look no

further. Running a campaign on a budget of Zero, and no foot print on the environment. No flyers. No plastic signs. Out of the box thinking. The future is knocking at your door. Just let me in.

Meet the CounCil CAndidAtes

Appointments:

• City’s Planning/Land Use Committee, Corporate/ Strategic Services Committee, Conference Centre Advisory Board, Cycling Task Force

• Council liaison: University of Victoria, Downtown Victoria Business Association, Tourism Victoria

• Member, Victoria Regional Transit Commission

• Vice Chair, CRD’s Finance Committee; Member, Core Area Liquid Waste Committee

If re-elected, I’ll continue to provide balanced leadership.

Steve Filipovic I am a Small Business Owner and a Community Advo-cate I am running to improve Accountability in City Hall & to Create Affordable Housing to transfer Renters to Owners Create Reasonable Options for the Homeless & Instigate Real Climate Action Now! I support a Green Democracy Open & Accountable!

..."Make Your Vote Count!" continued from page 9.

Marianne Alto

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Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2014

CLIFFSIDE YOUTH

DROP-IN CENTRECheck inside for the Fall schedule!

AIR HOCKEY, POOL & FOOSBALL TABLES :: FREE INTERNET & COMPUTER USE :: PLAYSTATION 2 & WII :: AWESOME MOVIE THEATRE ROOM WITH A BIG SCREEN!

Burnside Gorge

No image available

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Paul Servos

We must change the thinking from that of the stressed urban core to that of the vibrant Capital City with a unique harbour asset. A place where residents, visitors, and business want to be.

Paul is the Owner of The Flag Shop on Fort and the Past-General Manager/CEO, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.

Charlayne Thornton-Joe

• Born and raised Victorian

• Recognizes the uniqueness and challenges of each neighbourhood

• Known for work on the issue of homelessness, mental illness and addiction

• Continues to work on issues relating to animal welfare

• Hardworking

• Makes balanced decisions with an independent mind

• Has a Passion For Serving People

Geoff Young

I will continue to support:

• City budgets that keep taxes affordable;

• Zoning to allow growth in urban centers yet protect traditional neighbourhoods;

• A safe and complete bicycle network;

• Regional co-operation to achieve economical waste water treatment;

• Increased re-cycling to extend the life of the landfill.Jeffery Olafson

More low-income housing and shelters, and better bicycle lanes, with proper maintenance on our infrastructure. We need to fully implement supervised consumption sites, working the health authority to create better access to safe spaces, and public health programs. Finally, I want to work with the other municipalities to look for missing indigenous women.

Andrew J. Reeve

Brief Biography:

• Born and raised in Victoria

• UVic Graduate

• Board member of Amalgamation Yes

• President of the LPC in Victoria

My Priorities:

• Fiscal management & accountability

• Downtown revitalization

• Affordable living

• Open government & transparency

• Infrastructure investment

• Sustainability

Gordon MacKinnon

• Study and work in Engineering and Computing.

• Board of Directors of CJSR-FM (FACRA), Friends of CJSR.

• Started DataSure Services in 1993 growing global client base.

• Painted 2 hydro poles for Fernwood pole painting.

• Member of VEMA’s Cyclist Response Team.

• Leverage community ethic for cost effective sustainable inclusive solutions.

Pamela Madoff

• Inclusive and energetic 7 term councillor

• Community activist

• Advocates for open, caring, responsible government that protects the interests of residents, promotes economic development and social and envi ronmental leadership

• Supports community based planning, parks, heritage, housing, arts and culture and library services

Sean Murray

Goals:1. Create a strong, healthy, diverse local economy.

2. Enhance Peace, Order and Good Government.

3. Work for a clean green environment.

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make your vote count! For Voter Info including voting locations and advance polls please visit: www.victoria.ca/

election or contact legislative Services at 250-361-0571.

when & where to Vote:Saturday, November 15, 2014, 8am-8pm at the

Burnside Campus, 3130 Jutland Rd.

Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2014

ERIKKAYEFOR VICTORIA CITY COUNCIL

ON NOVEMBER 15th, VOTE

T H R E E K E Y CO M M I T M E N T SSeek public input on

a 20-year infrastructure plan

Create a comprehensive affordability strategy

Establish Victoria as a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Authorized by Tony Sprackett, Financial Agent for Erik Kaye

P R O G R E S S I V E VA LU E S — W O R K I N G F O R YO U

Community Corner Rock Bay Square Open House

November 21 (4-8 pm) and November 22 (12-4 pm)

Our doors will be open, visiting tenants working suites. Just in time for the holiday gift giving. 2612 - 2630 Bridge Street

Email: rockbaysquare@shaw.ca

Phone: 250-888-3497 or 250-812-6096

Centennial Day Care moves to new location

At the end of October, Centennial Day Care will move from its Da-vid St location to the new Andrew Sheret building on Hillside Ave. Visit: http://www.centennialdaycare.ca/ or call 250-386-6832 for details including the date for their Open House.

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Manchester House Celebrates 30 Years

City of Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin and Manchester House Director Kathy Roy

On September 27th, 2014, Manchester House of the John Howard Society of Victoria celebrated their 30 years of service to the community with

an open house, barbecue, entertainment, face painting and tours of the facil-ity. The event was well attended by nearly 100 guests including Mayor Dean Fortin, Victoria City Councillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Burnside Gorge Community Association Executive Director Suzanne Cole and Board Chair Tamara Leonard-Vail, JHS Board members, Corrections Service of Canada staff, and surrounding neighbors. If you are interested in learning more about Manchester House and the John Howard Society we encourage you to contact Kathy Roy at 250-384-1340.

On Saturday, October 4th, more than 60 volunteers came out to partici-pate in the 5th annual TD Tree Day. Launched in 2010, TD Tree Days

is TD’s flagship volunteer program, providing TD employees, their families and friends, and community members, the opportunity to volunteer in their communities where they live and work, and to demonstrate their commit-ment to forest stewardship. 37 TD employees and their families participated this year. Together, volunteers planted 203 native trees and shrubs in Cecelia Ravine Park!

Thank You, TD Canada Trust!

Friends of Cecelia ravine – upcoming volunteer opportunities

Saturday, November 1st, 10am-12pm

Saturday, December 6th, 10am-12pm

Join us for a work party in Cecelia Ravine Park. Work will include mulch-ing, invasive species removal and preparing the site for planting. Please bring work gloves and wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Snacks and refreshments will be provided after the work party. Meet at Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Road

For more information, contact Rachel O’Neill, Development Coordinator at 250-388-5251 or by email.

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