Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association

Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association

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Local News

Message from Saanich re Pets in Parks

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The following is a message to the community from Saanich Parks:

“Thank you for your interest in the development of the People, Pets and Parks Strategy which was approved by Saanich Council in June 2023.

Now that the Strategy is complete and implementation of its recommendations has begun, this email newsletter will transition into providing information about that work. If you are no longer interested in receiving these updates, the option to unsubscribe is below.

Pet-related information is also available by visiting the Dogs in Saanich pages on our website.

To help residents understand the recent changes to the Animals Bylaw, a new map has been created, listing the 56 parks that are leash-optional at all times and the parks that are leash-optional between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Please know we are currently in a transition period which will give Saanich, as well as CRD Animal Care services, time to educate people about the changes and to develop our revised communication materials and park signage. During this period, we are asking people to be patient with each other as we recognize it will take several months to ensure everyone has become familiar with the new rules.

We invite you to stay informed about other Saanich Parks, Recreation and Community Services projects and programs by signing up for the Parks, Recreation and Community Services E-News email newsletter.

The Saanich Spotlight email newsletter is another important information source for Saanich residents.

If you are searching for People Pets and Parks Strategy information, it has been moved to the Recently Completed Park Projects page on our website.

Best wishes for the holiday season!”

Help us map pollinator-friendly plants in our neighbourhood!

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Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association’s Climate Action group has been working on a pollinator initiative over the past couple of years, beginning with a pollinator walk and talk.  This was followed by three events, supported by UVic students from a Geography 380 class, who helped teach us how to use Open Green Map to indicate where pollinator-friendly plants and trees were in our neighbourhood, ideally indigenous ones as they support the pollinators that live in or pass through our area.

Special thanks to the students in the Spring 2023 class – Lindsay Worden, Jordan Monahan, Keith Buckley and Estela Majano – who created and gave us this excellent tutorial  and other support materials!!!  Also, very special thanks to Maleea Acker and Ken Josephson who teach this amazing Community Mapping course!!

Community workshops for the Quadra McKenzie Study announced

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Saanich is hosting a series of interactive community workshops for the Quadra McKenzie Study (QMS).

The study, one of the first of the District’s Centre, Corridor and Village plans, covers an area that includes many important regional and local destinations. It is framed by the McKenzie and Quadra Corridors that connect communities via important travel routes.

The QMS will result in a plan to promote sustainable land use and accommodate new housing and employment growth within well-designed Centres, Corridors and Villages. The Plan will be critical to addressing housing needs, meeting recently announced Provincial housing targets and improving transportation options for all.

Community Workshops

Upcoming workshops will engage community members in exploring concepts for how the area should grow and change over the next 20 years. Workshops follow public engagement done throughout July and August which focused on receiving input on challenges and opportunities.

Registration for all events can found at Saanich.ca/QMS

Series Introduction and Overview Session (Two identical sessions)

      • Option 1: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
      • Option 2: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

McKenzie Corridor Land Use and Housing

  • Saturday, December 2, 2023, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Reynolds Secondary (3963 Borden Street)

Quadra Corridor Land Use and Housing

  • Saturday, December 9, 2023, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Reynolds Secondary (3963 Borden Street)

Transportation and Mobility Workshop

  • Saturday, January 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Reynolds Secondary (3963 Borden Street)

Land Use and Housing Focus Areas

  • Saturday, January 27, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Reynolds Secondary (3963 Borden Street)

 Series Wrap-Up Overview Workshop  (Two Identical Sessions)

  • Wednesday, February 7, 2024
    • Option 1: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    • Option 2: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Online (Saanich.ca/QMS)

Next Steps

The upcoming community workshops will be critical to determining core plan content, including future land use, building heights and the design of the Quadra and McKenzie Corridors.

Based on workshop outcomes, a draft plan will be created and presented to the public for review and feedback in the Summer of 2024. A proposed plan will then be presented to Council for consideration in the winter of 2024.

Learn More

Subscribe to project updates in order to receive emails at key project milestones, and to be notified of future engagement activities.

More information about the QMS project and event registration can be found at saanich.ca/QMS

QCHCA donates $1000 to the Shelbourne Community Kitchen

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On October 25, 2023, members of the Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association attending the Association’s general meeting unanimously supported a motion to donate $1000 to the Shelbourne Community Kitchen’s ‘Bring Home the Kitchen’ capital campaign.  According to their 2022 Annual Report:

  • 23,156 kgs of food was distributed
  • 1050 adults and 372 children were served
  • 2854 grocery visits, 752 delivered
  • 8310 lbs of food are grown in their gardens
  • 57.5% of all food distributed was either grown or donated
  • 2078 food plants were distributed with Get Growing Victoria
  • 600 lbs of fruit were picked by their team

The kitchen, when complete, will enable the return of in-person cooking and food skills programs, create leadership and workplace training opportunities for participants, enable community meals to address social isolation and improve health and also enable commercial production in house for the pantry program.

 

Nellie McClung Library redevelopment Open Houses, Nov 14 and 16

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You are invited to attend an in-person or online open house to learn more about the proposed redevelopment of the Nellie McClung library, including an affordable rental housing complex above the proposed redeveloped library.

Saanich has hired Island View Land Management to lead the rezoning application for this mixed-use library and affordable housing rental apartment development of the Nellie McClung Branch Library located at 3950 Cedar Hill Road.

Key objectives of this project include:

  • Redevelop the Nellie McClung Branch Library
    • Work with the Greater Victoria Public Library to include a functional 25,000 square foot to 30,000 square foot space.
  • Create Affordable Housing Opportunities
    • Develop a housing program which best-positions this building for success in a Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation and BC Housing Grant Application
  • Create an Improved Public Realm
    • Ensure indoor and outdoor space and streetscape creates a safe, inviting and welcoming pedestrian interface.
  • Design a Feasible Development Program
    • Utilize industry best practices to ensure the project is environmentally efficient and economically viable.

Upcoming Open House

You are invited to a neighbourhood open house to learn about the proposed redevelopment of the Nellie McClung Branch Library.

In-Person open house

  • Tuesday, November 14, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Presentation Begins at 5:30 p.m.
  • Nellie McClung Branch Library Meeting Room (3950 Cedar Hill Road)

Online open house

  • Thursday, November 16, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Presentation begins: 5:10 p.m. (participants are encouraged to join a few minutes early)
  • Join the meeting here

Anticipated Project Timeline

Questions?

Please be in touch with Niall from Island View Land Management if you have any questions or concerns:

  • 250-514-8429
  • paltielniall@gmail.com

Holiday Arts & Craft Fair at Cedar Hill Rec Centre, Nov. 19

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Cedar Hill Studio Artists invite you to our annual sale of pottery, art, crafts, jewelry, and more!  The Fair takes place at the Cedar Hill Rec and Arts Centre in the gym and multi-purpose room on Sunday, November 19 from 11am – 3pm.

It will feature ceramic works and painting from 30+ vendors and an array of unique, locally made gifts!  Timed perfectly for the holidays! While there, enjoy snacks and beverages from the Second Chance Cafe.

Free parking and free admission!

 

Winter craft sale at Swan Lake, noon – 4 pm Nov. 4 and 5

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Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary will be hosting a winter craft sale from 12 noon – 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday, November 4th and 5th.  The sale will feature beautiful hand-sewn crafts by the Silver Swans: linens, table decor, quilts, tree ornaments, stockings and more.  Perfect for your home or holiday gifts.  All proceeds support the Nature Sanctuary.  3873 Swan Lake Road.  Free parking.

For more information on Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, its programs and special events, and how to become a member, go to https://www.swanlake.bc.ca/.

Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary celebrates 100 years!

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The Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary is celebrating its 100th anniversary and is inviting everyone to celebrate this milestone.

From October 26-28, 2023, a coalition of conservation groups will host events celebrating the anniversary and nature in the city. The celebration will nurture connections, express gratitude, educate, and inspire. A conservation and education fund is being established to provide funding for nature education for youth as well as continued restoration and conservation throughout the Sanctuary.

FREE events on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

ESQUIMALT
Gorge Park, 11 am – 3 pm
Enjoy crafts, nature scavenger hunts, guided bird walks and plant walks, games, and so much more.
Hosted by the Gorge Waterway Action Society.

SAANICH
Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
11 am – 1 pm
Learn about Winter Ducks, enjoy a walk with educators, learn how to prevent birds flying into your windows.
Hosted by Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.

VICTORIA
Beacon Hill Park
1 pm – 3 pm
Learn about the birds we share our land and waters with. Enjoy bird walks around the park and story time on the grass (bring a blanket!). Hot chocolate and snacks.
Hosted by Rocky Point Bird Observatory.

OAK BAY
Cattle Point, 1 pm – 3 pm
Make bird crafts, match bird beaks to tools, plant berry bushes for birds, and enjoy a bird walk.
Hosted by NatureKids BC and Friends of Uplands Park.

VICTORIA
Songhees Walkway
Pocket Beach
1 pm – 4 pm
Learn how this beach has been restored to create habitat for those really tiny fish—that feed the bigger fish—that feed the whales. Check out the forage fish egg sample demonstration, and learn more about the cultural and ecological significance of this area. Hosted by Peninsula Streams Society.

SPECIAL EVENT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 7 – 9 pm at the Dave Dunnet Auditorium, Oak Bay High School, admission by donation

Join renowned ornithologist, author, film maker and artist Dr. Rob Butler for his engaging presentation, ‘The Society of Crows’, exploring the complex social interactions of this cheeky and smart bird.

Visit www.vhmbs.com for more information

Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association