November-December 2013www.burnsidegorge.ca

Community NewsBurnside Gorge

Night of Lights Hillside Centre, 1644 Hillside Ave

Sunday, November 17, 2013 6:30pm – 9pm

Tickets: $5

Need to get a jump start on your holiday shop-ping and enjoy an evening of holiday festivities? Night of Lights tickets are on sale now at the BGCA!

Hillside Centre is hosting the 13th Annual Night of Lights on Nov 17th. Fabulous in-store discounts, tasty treats, live entertainment – and a chance to win one of over 100 door prizes including a GRAND PRIZE TRIP FOR 2 TO THE CITY OF LIGHTS – PARIS!

Tickets are $5 and all proceeds go directly to the Burnside Gorge Community Association. Call 250-388-5251 or stop by the Community Centre at 471 Cecelia Rd for more information.

BgCA CommuNity meetiNg Burnside Gorge Community Centre,

471 Cecelia Rd. Monday, November 18, 2013

Doors: 6:30pmMeeting starts at 7pm

On the agenda:The BC Liquor Distribution Branch is seeking re-

location of their government liquor store in the Hill-side and Blanshard shopping centre. The relocation of the store will take place on the shopping centre site from its current location to the now vacant store (formally Jordan’s Furniture Store). All liquor store relocations in the City of Victoria require rezoning.

Everyone welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

See page 3 for a message from the developer.

BgCA eveNts & ProgrAm iNfo: NovemBer & DeCemBer

Every holiday season, the Burnside Gorge of-fers a variety of community events for families and the general public. These special events also mean there are changes to our regular programming:

•Nov 16: Magic of Christmas Gift Fair

•Nov 16: Mother Goose drop-in cancelled

•Nov 28: last Thursday Family Community Dinner

•Nov 30: last Saturday of Family Centre drop-ins

•Dec 3 & 4: last Tues and Wed of Family Centre drop-ins

•Dec 5: Community Family Christmas Dinner – registration required

•Dec 7: Santa’s Pancake Breakfast – details on page 3

•Dec 10: Seniors’ Christmas Lunch – details on page 3

•Dec 14 – Jan 4: Family Centre closed; programs resume on Jan 7, 2014

•Dec 17 – 20: last week of Youth Centre drop-ins

•Dec 23 – Jan 11: Youth Centre closed, programs resume Jan 15, 2014

Best wishes for the holiday season!

The Magic of Christmas Gift Fair

Jump start your gift giving season at the Magic of Christmas Gift Fair featuring 45 vendors. Enjoy creative crafts, talented artisans, seasonal sounds and an on-site café. Now in its fourth year, this

intimate gift fair has grown in popularity. Enjoy the festively decorated centre as you shop the halls with boughs of holly.

Saturday, November 16, 201310am-3pm

Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia RoadAdmission: $2/person or $1.00 per youth under 12 yrs of age

On behalf of the Burnside Gorge Community Association (BGCA) we would like to ex-

tend our heartfelt congratulations to our most recent graduates of the Accelerated stream of the Family Self-Sufficiency program. The graduationceremony was held in September to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of program partici-pants.

These participants worked hard over the 12 month program, diligently focusing on their finances, budgeting, and debt reduction strategies as well as their savings goals! This Accel-erated Program had a matched savings component, generously funded by Vancity. Each participant could save up to 40 dollars a month throughout the program, provided they met the overall program goals. Upon successful completion of the program, this money was then matched at a rate of 2.5 times.

Matched dollar cheques were presented to participants at the Graduation Ceremony by Sean Ray from Vancity. Sean also helped participants set up Vancity accounts and walked them through getting their credit reports, making them feel very welcome as new members at Vancity and comfort-able with the banking world.

Roger Butcher and Trish Irish, with BC Hous-ing, were also present to celebrate the hard work of participants. BC housing is one of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program’s founding funders andproject partners.

Support for the Graduation Ceremony gen-erously provided by: Fish Hair Salon, Norah

We Are Family

Coghill, Victoria Vintage China Rentals, Theresa James-Bates, and staff at RBC Uptown.

Once again congratulations to all of our hard working Graduates.

A new Accelerated Program is starting NOW so if you are a low-income family with a real desire to workonyourfinanceswemayhaveaspotforyou!Contact Colleen, Heather or Linda at 250-388-5251 for more information!

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is an asset building and financial literacy skill devel-opment program for families with low incomes. FSS supports families to increase their financial literacy skills, build financial assets and man-age long-term goals. To find out more about this program please call us at 250-388-5251.

Vancity staff, FSS staff and BGCA Executive Director at the Family Self Sufficiency Gradua-

tion Ceremony, September 2013

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Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2013

November-December 2013 Volume 27, No. 11

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 LangdonGary MacDougallTJ Schur

To AdvertiseAsanot-for-profitorganization,wedependonadvertisingto 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. 7,500+ copies are delivered throughout the Burnside Gorge and Tillicum neighbourhoods.

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

Editor: Geraldine BulosanPhone: 250-388-5251, ext. 222 Email: geraldine@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, Gorge Waterway Cleanup, Santa's Pancake Breakfast and the Community Christmas Dinner.

Stay connected with Burnside Gorge:

2

Community NewsBurnside Gorge

twitter.com/BurnsideGorge

facebook.com/BurnsideGorgeCommunity Association

Looking for house hunting tips?

Check out our new column

"Around the House" on page 7!

On Board: with Tamara Leonard-Vail, BGCA Board President by Tamara Leonard-Vail, BGCA Board of Directors, President

Hello, My name is Tamara and I am currently the President of the Burnside Gorge Community

Association Board of Directors. In a recent meeting with the Board of Directors it was suggested that the Board have more of a

presenceinthenewsletter.ItismypleasuretobethefirstBoardmembertosubmitapieceto“OnBoard”for the Burnside Gorge Community News.

The Board of Directors provides strategic oversight to the activities and operations of the Burnside Gorge Community Centre. As a Board member, I have the opportunity to meet monthly with the dynamic group of individuals that makes up the Board of Directors, of which there are eight in total, to serve the communityandtheassociation.TheBoardmembersrepresentavarietyofinterestsincludingfinances,marketing, land use, safety and the well being of children, youth and their families. I have particular interests in strategic planning and programming.

On a personal note, my husband and I moved to Victoria in 1999, having lived most of our lives in Alberta and Saskatchewan. I have a Master of Social Work and am currently employed with the provincial government. When not working, I enjoy helping my husband garden (and by that I mean supervising and observing J), exercising and knitting. I am committed to my volunteer role with the BGCA and look forward to several more years of volunteering to support the community and association.

If you are interested in becoming a Board Member, becoming involved in a sub-committee of the Board, or have comments or questions about our work, feel free to contact the Community Association via our website or Facebook, or contact me directly. You can learn more about the Board and the work we do from the BGCA website and by reading our monthly meeting minutes posted on the website.

Regards,

Tamara Leonard-Vail President Board of Directors Burnside Gorge Community Association

Wishing all the residents and businesses in the Burnside Gorge a Happy belated

Thanksgiving! A few things worth mentioning in this edition of

the newsletter… You can now stay up to date with the latest decisions of City Council without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home via webcasting of Council and Committee meetings. The meetings are available online through both live streaming and video archives.

If you have an internet connection, you can watch entire Council and Committee meetings - or just those items that impact you – anytime, anywhere, including on mobile devices. You can access meeting videos along with relevant support-ing materials like staff reports, meeting agendas and minutes, when it is convenient for you. You can check it out at http://www.victoria.ca/ and click on the“WatchOnline”link.WithFalldefinitelyintheair,itisagoodtimeto

remindyouto“LeafIt”ontheBoulevard!Residen-tial leaf collection begins in November and ends in early January. Victoria residents have two op-tions for leaf collection: Scheduled Neighbourhood Leaf Collection and Bagged Leaves Call for Pick-up Service.

The Leaf Pick-up Schedule has been mailed to Victoria residents who live in single family homes, townhouses and duplexes. If you do not receive unaddressed mail, the Schedule is available online or at Victoria City Hall and the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre.

From Monday, October 21 to Friday, December 16, Victoria residents can contact the City’s Parks officeat250-361-0600toarrangefortheirbaggedleaves to be picked up from the boulevard for free withinfiveworkingdays.Callersareaskedtopro-videtheirfirstand lastname,streetaddressandphone number. This service provides you with the flexibility of having your leavespickedupbeforeyour scheduled neighbourhood collection date. There is no limit to the number of calls for pick-up.

NEW this year – Starting Monday, October 7, clear, 100% compostable bags measuring 89cm x 127cm in size can be purchased at the Public Ser-

City of Victoria Council Updates by Councillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Burnside Gorge liason

vice Centre at Victoria City Hall and at the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre. A package of 15 bags is available for $12.50 plus tax. The bags meet the US standard ASTM #D6400. Similar bags can be purchased at local retailers. Always look for com-postable bags that are marked ASTM #D6400 or EN13432. Bags accepted: clear, 100% compostable bags, sizes vary (e.g., 33-litre standard size bags, 113 or 125-litre garden and waste bags). Bags not accepted: plastic and paper bags.

To contact me, email cthornton-joe@victoria.ca or call 250-361-0219.

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City of Victoria Councillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe volunteering her time at the

Gorge Waterway Cleanup, September 2013.

Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2013 3

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Santa’s Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, December 7, 2013 9:00-11:30am

Burnside Gorge Community Centre 471 Cecelia Road

$5/person$10/family (up to 4 immediate family

members); $5/additional family member

This annual event includes a delicious pancake breakfast, craft activities, a toddler play area,

musical entertainment for the entire family and an opportunity to have your photo with Santa.

Seniors’ Christmas Lunch

Tuesday, December 10th, 201312:00-2:00pm

Burnside Gorge Community Centre 471 Cecelia Road

$5/person

Join us for our Annual Seniors’ Christmas Lunch featuring traditional turkey, holiday fixings,

festive entertainment and a visit from you know who.

Throughout the year, each BC Government Liquor Store (the “LDB”) participates in a variety of pro-

grams and campaigns that benefit people through-out the province of British Columbia, as well as in their own communities.

In Victoria, one such program includes the proceeds from donated empties. Through 2013, this program provided $49,202 to fund the Mustard Seed Food Bank and a further $42,865 to the Sidney and Westshore Food Banks. This program has now grown to include the Quadra Village/Blanshard Community Association for whom we have recently collected over $1,000.

In addition, as a partner of the Provincial Employee Community Service Fund, Greater Victoria employees

of the LDB have contributed over $23,000 in 2013 to lo-cal charities through a voluntary payroll deduction pro-gram. The recipients have included among many others:

• BC Cancer Foundation Vancouver Island• Boys and Girls Club of Greater Victoria• Esquimalt Neighbourhood House • Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon-

Victoria • Burnside Gorge Community Association• Fairfield Gonzales Community Association• Learning Through Loss Community • Knowledge Centre • Threshold Housing Society• Our Place Society of Victoria

The LDB has initiated a public consultation process to inform of the rezoning application that is required to relocate the existing store within the same com-mercial complex at 2680 Blanshard Street. The new location (the vacant Jordan’s Furniture Store) is pro-posed to be a ‘Signature Liquor Store’. This Signature Store will create a more pleasant shopping experi-ence with wider aisles, better lighting, an increased number of checkouts and a greater product selec-tion.

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

munity. We are looking for donations of non-per-ishable food items and gifts for children, teens and adults. If you or your business is interested in making a donation or sponsoring a family, please contact Theresa James-Bates at 250-388-5251.Our focus is on families considered “working

poor”aswellasfamilieswhoareinvolvedinourprograms. In 2012 we provided Christmas ham-pers to more than 90 families in our community.

We are particularly in need of gifts for teens and adults. Useful gift ideas include personal hygiene and bath products, gift cards, gift certificates torestaurants and hair salons, movie passes and ac-tivity 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

Help BGCA Make the Holidays Merry & Bright for Families in Our Community

Donate to Coats for KidsWe are collecting new and clean, gently used

winter coats for kids in need, for children ages 5+ and teenaged youth. We would also be grateful for boots, snowsuits, snow pants, mitts and scarves. Please drop your donations off at the Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Rd. For more information, call us at 250-388-5251.

Gift Wrap WantedOur holiday elves need wrapping paper, gift

bags, ribbon, bows and tags to dress up our Family Christmas Hampers. Donations of these items would be very much appreciated and can be dropped off at the Community Centre at 471 Cecelia Rd.

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The BC Liquor Distribution Branch & Its Employees Give Back To Their Communities

a message from the developer

burnsidegorge.ca or sending a cheque made out to the Burnside Gorge Community Association, 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, fam-ily 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 donations: Burnside Gorge Community Centre 471 Cecelia Road Victoria, BC V8T 4T4

Upcoming Work Parties for Friends of Cecelia Ravine

Saturday, November 2nd – 10am till noon. We will be preparing sites within Cecelia

Ravine Park for planting. Remove invasive species, spread mulch, and enjoy some fresh air and good company.

Saturday, December 7th – 10am till noon. We will be planting trees and shrubs throughout Cecelia Ravine Park.

Meet at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Road. Refreshments will be available after the work parties.

To sign up for the Friends of Cecelia Ravine Park mailing list, contact Rachel at BGCA, 250-388-5251.

Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 20134

Activity GuideHow to ParticiPate in

a BGca ProGram The Burnside Gorge Community Centre

offers a variety of free and low-cost programs for all ages ranging from tots, kids, youth, adults and seniors.

The Community Centre is located just outside the downtown core at 471 Cecelia Road (where it meets Napier Lane), between Burnside Road East and Gorge Road East.

The Community Centre is also accessible via the Galloping Goose Trail. Nearby out-door public facilities include the Cecelia Ra-vine Sport Court and Bike Skills Park. Public transit buses #8, 11, 21 and 22 run along the streets that parallel or border Cecelia Road.

We look forward to seeing you and hope you enjoy your time in the neighbourhood! For more information, please call us at 250-388-5251.

Choose A ProGrAm

Have a look at the various programs available for you, your family or your friends. A number of our programs are either drop-in programs or registered programs.

DroP-In ProGrAms

Participation in a drop-in program does not require you to register. The drop-in programs are open to everyone suitable for the age range and the interests which are described by the write ups.

Drop-in programs may have a low-cost fee or may be free of charge as listed in the write up.

reGIstereD ProGrAms

Registered programs require participants to register for the program according to the program registration options and payments. It is always recommended that participants register as this helps ensure that your favou-rite programs will run.

Unfortunately some courses may be cancelled due to low registration. If this occurs, refunds will be provided.

PAyment oPtIons InCluDe

Cash, cheque, debit or credit cards (MC or Visa), and City of Victoria L.I.F.E. credits.

Registration and payment may be done in person at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre at 471 Cecelia Rd., or over the phone with a credit card or valid L.I.F.E. credits.

Call us at 250-388-5251 for more info.

L.i.F.e. leIsure Involvement for everyone

The L.I.F.E. program is designed to ensure equitable access to recreation for all City of Victoria residents regardless of their ability to pay.

The program provides a combination of annual credit and a regional admission card to eligible low-income individuals and fami-lies to use towards recreational programs and services in all City of Victoria recreational facilities and jointly-operated centres.

Application forms for L.I.F.E. 2013 are available at the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre.

Call Crystal Pool at 250-361-0732 for more information.

fAmIly Centre ProGrAms

Fa mily Cen tr e Pa r en t & tot DroP-inSocialize with other parents while your child enjoys toys and playtime in the Family Centre at

Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Enjoy coffee, tea and yummy nutritious snacks which are provided, free of charge. Please note: Parent participation is required.

FreeT Sep 10–Dec 10 11 a.m.–12 p.m.W Sep 11–Dec 11 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.Th Sep 12–Dec 12 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m.Sat Sep 14–Nov 30 10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.

mother Goose (0–5 y e a r s)This program incorporates music, stories, and fun for you and your little one! The Parent Child

Mother Goose program encourages child development through music, stories, movement, and attach-ment parenting. This program is offered in partnership with Success by 6 South Vancouver Island. Please note: No classes Nov 16th and Dec 7th due to our Christmas Gift Fair and Santa’s Pancake Breakfast.

FreeSat Sep 14–Nov 30 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m.

K inDerGy m Pa r en t a nD totJoin us for active play in the Burnside Campus gymnasium. There are 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 years yet all children under 5 years are welcome. Parent participation is required. *Please note: This program takes place at the Burnside Campus Gymnasium, 3130 Jutland Road.

FreeT Sep 10–Dec 3 9:30 a.m.–10:45 a.m.

toDDler a rt (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. Please dress children in clothing that can get messy and they can be creative in. Parent participation is required.

$2 drop-in/family; $1/daycare child (max 4 /provider)W Sep 11–Dec 4 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

ACtIve KIDs

sPortba ll–Ju n ior (16–24 mon ths)This program is a perfect introduction to Sport-ball. Children and parents participate in sports, creative games, songs, rhymes, stories, bubble time and more! Although these programs focus on exploration, children will be introduced to a different sport each week. Parents are required to participate with their child.

7/$11245618 F Nov 1–Dec 13 9 a.m.– 9:45 a.m.

Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2013

Active Living 5

Active Community

875 Viewfield RoadVictoria, BC V9A 4V2

Sol Food Cafe & Sol Fine FoodsCafe, Deli, Catering

7am-4pmMonday-Friday

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

#101-2955 Jutland Rd

solfinefoods.com

Rob Fleming, MLAVictoria – Hillside

1020 Hillside Avenue

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

Serving Our Community

See "We Are Family" on page 1 to read about Vancity's support of our Family

Self Sufficiency Program! "BGCA Programs" continued on page 6...

sPortba ll-Pa r en t & ChilD (2–4 y r s)Parents/grandparents are guided through activities with their little sports fan using the award–

winning ‘Sportball’ curriculum, which provides the basic concepts and skills behind seven popular sports: baseball, basketball, golf, hockey, soccer, tennis and volleyball. These programs develop impor-tant gross motor skills and help parents learn proven coaching techniques, plus it’s really fun!

7/$11245625 F Nov 1–Dec 13 9:45a.m.–10:30 a.m.

sPortba ll–me a nD my Da D (2–4 y r s)*Please note: This program takes place at the Burnside Campus Gymnasium, 3130 Jutland Road.

6/$9645639 Su Nov 3-Dec 15 9:45 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

sPortba ll–mult isPort (4–6 y r s)Multi–Sport programs focus on skill development in 8 popular sports. Participants learn, rehearse,

andrefinesportsskillsinapositive,encouraging,andnon-competitiveatmosphere.Programsarecare-fully designed to focus on the child’s gross motor development. Through creative instruction, custom-ized sports equipment and positive encouragement, children develop balance, strength, coordination, stamina, and timing. *Please note: This program takes place at the Burnside Campus Gymnasium, 3130 Jutland Road.

6/$9645650 Su Nov 3-Dec 15 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

CommunIty fAmIly DInner DroP-In

Join friends and neighbours for a delicious dinner prepared by staff and volunteers every Thursday evening. After dinner join others in the family centre and/or the youth centre for family style activities. Your assistance in setting up chairs and cleaning up after dinner is greatly appreciated. Donations are appreciated but not expected.

PLEASE NOTE TIMES AND AGES:

Th Sep 12–Dec 5 5 p.m.–8p.m.

Dinner (all ages) served at 5 p.m. – by donation

Family Centre Drop–In 5:30–7:00pm (suitable for children 0–6 yrs who must be accompanied by a parent)

Youth Centre Drop–In 5:30 p.m.–7: 00 p.m. (suitable for children 6–10 yrs if accompanied by a parent)

Youth Centre Drop–In 4 Youth 4:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m (11–18 yrs may attend unaccompanied)

youth Centre ProGrAms

bur nsiDe you th DroP–inBring your friends or meet new ones at the Scene Youth Centre. Activities include playing pool,

air hockey, free internet and computer use, foosball and more. We also provide snacks, 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 Brittany at 250-388-5251.

FreeW Sep 11–Dec 18 5:30 p.m.–8p.m.Th Sep 13–Dec 20 4:30 p.m.–8p.m.F Sep 13–Dec 20 4:30 p.m.–8:30p.m.

Gir l s niGht in (aGes 12-16 y r s)CometoBurnsideGorge’sYouthCentreforaGirl’sNightIn,thefirstMondayofthemonth!Make

new friends while participating in a wide variety of activities such as crafting, making your own facials and other DIY spa products, and creating new snacks together. Each month we will try something new inasafespacejustforyou!Anyself-identifiedgirlcanjoininthefunandrelaxation.ContactBrittanyat250-388-5251 for more information.

FreeMon Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2 6:30-8:00pm.

Gu y st u FF (aGes 11-15 y r s)Guy Stuff is a safe and supportive program for anyone that identifies as male to discuss and

explorecharacterbuildingandangermanagement.Thisgroupisopentoanyonewhowouldbenefitfrom speaking with peers and professionals in an inclusive environment. Contact Vince or Martin at 250-388-5251 for more information.

FreeWed Sep 11-Dec 19 4-5:30pm

Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 20136

650 Hillside AveVictoria BC, V8T 1Z2Guaranteed service since 1959

250-384-4722Fax 250-384-8860

info@russhays.comwww.russhays.com

Dodd’s Furnitureacross from Mayfair shopping centre

715 Finlayson StCall 388-6663

We won’t be undersold!

Locally owned and operated. Serving Victoria since 1977.www.doddsfurniture.com

..."BGCA Programs" continued from page 5

ACtIve BoDIes

monDay Flow yoGa at bur nsiDeFlowYogaisavinyasapracticeinwhichtheposturesarelinkedwiththebreathinaflowingsequence,

oneposturegracefullyflowingintotheother.Practicedmindfullyandwithattentiontoalignment,thispracticecalms themind,and increasesflexibility, strengthandbalance.Agreatway torefreshyourenergy at the end of the day and move into the evening with more ease and relaxation. *Please note: no classes on statutory holidays.

6/$5445780 M Sep 23–Nov 4 5:15 p.m. –6:15 p.m.

5/$4545781 M Nov 18–Dec 16 5:15 p.m. –6:15 p..m

FinDinG in n er ba l a nCe w i th yoGaMidlife can be a challenge. It is a natural transition for women as well as for men. We all experi-

ence these years of change differently and sometimes can encounter physical and mental discomforts. A consistent, relevant yoga practice can have a positive balancing effect on the endocrine system, hormonesandemotions.Comeand jointhisclass tofind joyandbalance.Suitable forbeginnerandintermediate practitioners.

6/$5946145 W Oct 30–Dec 4 7:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m.

Zu mba–Da nCe Fi t n essTheZumba™programfusesLatinrhythmsandeasy-to-followmovestocreateaone-of-a-kindfit-

nessprogramthatisbecomingthelatestfitnesscraze!Zumba™isanexcitinghourofcalorie-burning,body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements. The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. AddsomeLatinflavorandinternationalzestintothemixandyou’vegotaZumba™class!

*Please note: This program takes place at the Burnside Campus Gymnasium, 3130 Jutland Road

6/$5445682 Th Oct 31–Dec 05 5:15 p.m.–6:15 p.m.

nat ur ewise yoGa Jenny Feick offers a variety of yoga styles with a variety of yoga themes. Jenny offers both invigorat-

inghathaflowyogaandgentleclasses,allwithattentiontosafealignment.Suitableforalllevels.Noclass on statutory holidays.

Natural High Yoga6/$5944839 Th Nov 7–Dec 12 7 p.m.–8:15 p.m.

yoGa wor K shoP ser iesJoinLindsayHounslowassheprovidesyogiswithknowledgeandconfidencetosupporttheiryoga

practices at home or in class.

1/$20

10 Basic Yoga Postures 45490 M Nov 4 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

10 Basic Yoga Postures 45491 M Nov 18 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

yoGa For 55 PlusThisclassisforpeopleaged55orbetterandissafeforall“bodies.”Relax,stretch,balanceandrenew

your body in this gentle class designed to promote health and wellness. Please Note: No class on statu-tory holidays.

6/$4945422 F Nov 8–Dec 13 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.45423 F Jan 11–Feb 15 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

ACtIve mInDs

sen ior s lu nCh a nD le a r nEnjoy a nutritious meal, make new friends and learn something new from a variety of guest speakers

andweeklythemes.Call250-388-5251forspecificdetails.

$3/drop-inTuesdays 12-2pm

Leaves piling up on your lawn?

Why not just "Leaf It" -

details on the Leaf Pick-up

Schedule are in "City of Victoria

Council Updates" on page 2!

Looking for holiday events? Check out the Magic of Christmas Gift Fair, the Seniors'

Christmas Lunch and Santa's Pancake Breakfast - details on page 1 & 3!

Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2013 7

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

Around the House: Rental Search 101 By Kathy Dalman, BGCA Housing Outreach Worker

When looking for a rental you need to consider a few essential details. Thefirstis:howmuchcanIafford?Writedownyourmonthlysourc-

es of income, expenses and bills. Don’t forget to include living expenses such as food, transportation, and clothing. Be realistic about your spending

habits and needs. If you underes-timate the costs in one or more of the areas you may be unable to pay for important bills or even rent.

Start to consider location after examining what you can afford to pay for rent. This is important when planning transportation to and from your children’s school. If you take public transportation, consider if the rental is accessible from bus stops and how long will it

take to get to school or work. If you drive, look for rentals with parking or parking near by.

Once you have a rental budget and location in mind, you can begin to look online at resources like: http://victoria.en.craigslist.ca; http://www.usedvictoria.com/; http://victoria.kijiji.ca/ Avoid scams! Never send or give money without viewing a unit or signing an agreement. The general rule is, “ifitsoundstoogoodtobetrueitprobablyis.”

Once you have found a rental in your ideal budget and location, contact the landlord to book an appointment to view the unit. When speaking to the landlord ask questions like: are utilities included? Are pets allowed?

Ask around to see if a friend or family member can come with you to view the rental; it is always helpful to have an extra set of eyes while walk-ing through the unit.

Before you view the rental, make sure you bring a list of landlord or character references. It is always a good idea to phone the reference before hand, update them on your situation and ask if they will be a reference. Asking a head of time is a nice gesture and ensures you receive a positive reference.Bepreparedtofilloutanapplicationfortherentalifyouarein-terestedandbringyouridentificationintheeventitisneeded.Theapplica-tion may ask to do a credit check but do not let this discourage you. Many people have made mistakes in their past, have bad credit and get accepted.

Once you are approved for the rental, set up a time to meet with the landlord. Make sure you sign a residential tenancy agreement BEFORE you give the landlord any money for rent or a damage deposit. Do not make arrangements to move in without signing a tenancy agreement. A residen-tial tenancy agreement is a binding agreement that protects the rights and responsibilities of your family and the landlord. Without a tenancy agree-ment, you risk running into problems. For example, the landlord could rent the unit to another person or make changes to the tenancy start date without your consent or knowledge. When the tenancy agreement has been signed, you will also need to schedule a move-in inspection. At the inspec-tion you will walk through each room of the unit with the landlord making notes of anything needing repairs or any strains or rips. The move-in in-spection ensures you will not be held responsible for pre-existing damages.

More information on the Residential Tenancy Act and Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act can be found at: http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca/

Around the House: BC Hydro & Disconnection of Service By Trevor Thame, BGCA Housing Outreach Worker

In addition to paying your rent, another bill that is important to pay on time is your BC Hydro bill. For many, having your hydro bill paid up to

date is a requirement of maintaining housing. From time to time, people fall behind on their hydro bill and they risk BC Hydro discontinuing ser-vice. Below are a few helpful hints to working with BC Hydro to avoid late payments, disconnection notices and discontinued service. Thefirstsolutioniswhattodoifyoucannotpayyourhydrobill.BCHydro

may discontinue service without notice to any customer who fails to pay for electrical services or breaches the terms and conditions of their contract. It is crucial to contact BC Hydro before a disconnection notice is issued. If you cannot pay your bill, contact BC Hydro and you may be able to defer payment. In the case hydro becomes disconnected, you will be required to pay the full bill amount plus the reconnection charge before your hydro will be reconnected. BC Hydro charges between $125 to $355 + GST to re-connect your service. Therefore, contact BC Hydro to inform them of your situation and request a payment plan. It is also impor-tant to let BC Hydro know you’ve made a payment after the due date. This can avoid disruption of your ser-vice by providing BC Hydro with the details of your payment using their online service.

If you are on a form of BC Employment and Assistance (i.e. Income As-sistance, Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers, or Persons with Dis-ability Designation), and the disconnection notice arrived unexpectedly, you may be eligible to receive a crisis grant for the bill. You would need to demonstrate why you did not expect a hydro bill to be of a greater amount, andthatyoudonothavethefinancialresourcestopaythebill.TheyHydrobill must have come as an unexpected need to access Ministry funding. BC Employment and Assistance may be able to also support you with creating a payment plan with BC Hydro. When working with the Ministry of Social Development, BC Hydro will accept half of the balance of the bill if the Ministry is willing to create a repayment plan for the other half though an equal payments plan.

If you are on a form of BC Employment and Assistance, it may be ben-eficialtohavethempayyourmonthlyhydrobillsfromthesupportportionof your cheque. When on equal payments from BC Employment and Assis-tance, it is important to continuously check your BC Hydro invoices. If the amount of equal payments increases, you must contact Employment and Assistance to have them update your payment amount. Failing to do so may

result in late fees from BC Hydro, and may be considered a breach of the terms and conditions of your contract.

Receiving a disconnection no-tice can feel overwhelming, but it is important to address the issue and work with BC Hydro to keep the electricity. Paying expensive reconnection fees may be enough to jeopardize your housing if you are unable to get the hydro turned

back on. Work with BC Hydro to create a payment plan, and avoid discon-nection notices whenever possible. If you fear your hydro will be discon-nected, it is important to reach out to either BC Hydro or the Ministry of Social Development for support.

Receiving a disconnection notice can feel overwhelming,

but it is important to work with BC Hydro. Paying expensive re-connection fees may jeopardize your housing if you are unable

to get the hydro turned back on.

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The Burnside Gorge Housing Outreach helps families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to find shelter and/or maintain their housing.

We work with single parents, two-parent and extended families and pregnant women.

If you are a family with children and are in need of hous-ing support, please contact us at 250-388-5251 to make an appointment with a Housing Outreach Worker.

Burnside Gorge Community News: November-December 2013

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Licensed Preschool (3.5–5 yrs)The focus is on kindergarten readiness by help-

ing children learn the skills needed to make a smooth transition. Our program encourages children to develop personal independence, make creative choices and respect each other. Our pre-school includes areas for: circle time, group play, learning stations and arts & crafts.

Please note: Children must be at least 3½ years old and toilet trained. A non-refundable $35 Fam-ily Registration Fee is required with registration. Class dates follow the Tillicum Elementary School calendar. Closed stat holidays, spring break and pro-d days. Phone Rhiannon McKechnie 250-388-5251, ext 230 for availability and prices.

Burnside Gorge Community Centre 3.5–4 yrs T, ThSept-June 9 a.m.–12 p.m. $120(4–5 yrs) M, W, FSept-June 9 a.m.–12 p.m. $180

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

By David Bratzer, Burnside Gorge Community

Resource Officer

I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a great policing tool called CPTED. CPTED

stands for Crime Prevention Through Environ-mental Design. It is a way of designing private and public spaces to reduce the risk of crime. The term was coined in 1971 by criminologist C. Ray Jef-frey. His groundbreaking book, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, was partly the result of interviews he conducted with prisoners about their crimes.

Forty years later, CPTED is now well estab-lished. Its effectiveness around the world is based on four related concepts: natural surveillance, nat-ural access control, territorial reinforcement, and maintenance. Let’s explore each of these below:

Natural surveillance

Landscaping and buildings should be designed so that people can see and be seen. We have a ten-dency to restrict visibility when we are concerned about security. In fact, opening up a space is often the better approach. For example, vehicle break-ins at a large parking lot in Victoria nearly dropped to zero after a tall hedge was removed.

Natural access control

Individuals should be guided to specific en-trance and exit points. This can be accomplished in many ways including pathways, signage and lighting.

Territorial reinforcement

This involves the use of physical barriers and visual markers to establish ownership of a space. This kind of “target hardening” is used in citiesand towns throughout North America.

Maintenance

Properties should be well kempt. Buildings in disrepair can be viewed as an invitation to com-mit crime. After all, the perception is that no one cares.

CPTED is best applied during the design phase of a new space. That said, it is never too late to up-date and improve existing properties. It is up to you to determine how to incorporate CPTED into your organization.

For larger organizations, it makes sense to have someone trained on the Level 1 CPTED course. Thiscanbeusefulforpropertymanagementfirms,industrial work sites, community associations, se-curity companies, municipalities and many other groups. The cost of the training, which may be tax-deductible, will likely pay off internally as a re-sult of less property damage and fewer insurance claims. After all, the cost of a single break-in can easily reach $1,000 or more.

For smaller organizations, which may not be able to afford formal training, there are plenty of resources for self-learning via the Internet. For example,in2012,OfficerJosephW.Nicholsfromthe Oshkosh Police Department published a free CPTED manual. This excellent guide is detailed and easy-to-understand. It can be accessed via this address: http://bit.ly/HaA7Jc (or by entering

thekeyterms“OshkoshPolice”and“CPTED”intoyour favourite search engine).

There is no doubt in my mind that CPTED can help you and the members of your organization feel safer. This relatively small investment in time and money will pay big dividends.

Constable David Bratzer is the Community Resource Officer for the Burnside Gorge neigh-bourhood. Visit www.VicPD.ca to access crime prevention resources, including mobileVicPD, our new mobile phone app available for both iOS7 and Android devices.

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Thank You, Ellice Recycling!

A big thank you to Ellice Recycling who generously donated mulch for a work party

in the Community Gardens on October 20th. Ellice Recycling staff (shown here with community gardeners) also volunteered their time to help with the project!

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