Local government notes and queries

Concerts in the Park at Cameron Bandshell

A variety of entertainments from 1:30 to 3:30  Fridays, Saturdays Sundays and Holiday Mondays until September 20

Sept 1  Maria Manna & the Goldrush Boys Variety

Sept 5  Groove Journey Jazz

Sept 6  Tooo Tango World

Sept 7  Yiddish Columbia State Orchestra World

Sept12 Naden Band Variety

Summer in Centennial Square Lunchtime Concerts

Something for everybody, noon to 1:00pm until September 11.

Sept 2  Smooth

Sept 3  Rebop

Sept 4  Amy Winehouse Tribute

Sept 9  Dave Cormier

Sept 10            The Carlines

Sept 11            The Dream-a-Littles

June 12 Council Meeting

On June 12^th  Dave Cowen, General Manager of The Butchart Gardens spoke on behalf of Gardens BC and Communities in Bloom to advise Council of their proposal of a pan-Canadian 2017 National Garden Festival to be held in all of Canada's capital cities.  Should federal funding be secured, this project is designed to leave a lasting legacy of a "Sesquicentennial Garden" in each capital city and a national garden in Ottawa. 

The criteria for selection of suitable Celebration sites are:

1.     site must already be in the city inventory

2.     site already earmarked for maintenance

3.     site is in need of refurbishment or reclamation

"This will make the project even more green".

After extensive consultation and concurrence with the Provincial Capital Commission, the selected Victoria site is Quadra park.

June 26 Council Meeting

Motion:

Council approves the use of Quadra Park by Gardens BC for a Sesquicentennial Garden site pending a successful federal funding application to support Gardens BC's bid to participate in the 2017 National gardens celebration.

Carried 7-2

The difficulty in understanding this decision is why Quadra Park was selected. It does not meet the last two criteria nor will the concept contribute to making Quadra Park 'more green.' The answer must lie in the original negotiations with the Provincial Capital Commission.  Their inventory of lands was limited to properties in the immediate vicinity of the Parliament Buildings. Their 'inventory' did not include any of the many Victoria sites meeting all the stated criteria. We are stuck with a legacy decision.  It's small consolation, but fortunate, that Mayor Fortin and Council left the design open for public consultation.

Greater Victoria harbor Authority

Wondering what is going on at the Breakwater?

The Inside Out Art Project is part of the world's largest participatory international art initiative. There are 225 portraits of people installed to highlight local residents who feel connected to the ocean and to promote coastal health. Approximately 60 volunteers helped to install the portraits which will be on display until October 1st.

Capital Regional District

Grow a Native Plant Garden

The CRD is offering free workshops on gardening with drought resistant native plants. Instructions on native plant identification and best use tips included. Workshops will be held at Swan lake Nature House located at 3873 Swan Lake Road. 

Sept  27           9:30am -12:30pm

Oct 5               1:00pm - 4:00pm

Oct 8               9:30am - 12:30pm

Oct 19             1:00pm - 4:00pm

Nov 1              9:30am - 12:30pm

Pre-registration required. Call 250-479-0211 to reserve your spot.