Community News Burnside Gorge

Community Voices Thoughts

on Biosolids Treatment Plant
Vol. 24 No. 5 May 2010 www.burnsidegorge.ca

by Vickie Jackson, Land Use Committee Chair

 O n April 19th, the Burnside Gorge and Vic

West Community Associations hosted a meet-
ing at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre
to provide an opportunity for residents and lo-
cal businesses to voice their concerns about the
proposal to locate a biosolids treatment plant in
the Upper Harbour as part of the larger sewage
treatment plans for the Capital Region. About 40
people were in attendance from the two neigh-
bourhoods and Geoff Young, chair of the CRD
fielded questions and concerns.
Many issues were raised about what might be
planned for the area and about the distinct lack Photo by: Ashley Davis
of communication with the neighbourhoods
from the CRD. Mr. Young indicated that the
The Selkirk Waterfront Festival - Fun in the Sun!
by Gillian Rowan, Recreation Coordinator
CRD is currently in active discussions regard-
ing acquiring a site so it would be premature to
consult. Several neighbours pointed out that our
I f you could bounce in an inflated obstacle
course, slide down a fifty foot slide, and
spend time at a festival filled with tasty food, awe-
baked on-site in a wood-fired oven, Jamaican
patties, and Belgian waffles will all be available
to satisfy a growling stomach. Live entertainment
concerns would be the same no matter which
some music, fun stuff to buy, a giant swing, would will include the Victoria Drumming Orchestra,
site in the Upper Harbour may be ultimately ac-
you go?  These activities and many more will be the Ocean Rain Chinese Dancers and Salsa Cali-
quired so consultation now is entirely appropri-
available at this year’s Selkirk Waterfront Festival ente.  African Drumming workshops will take
ate. Mr. Young committed to speaking with staff
on Saturday May 29th 10am-3pm.  place throughout the day too!
to encourage them to either consult with our
neighbourhoods on a narrowed number of pos-  The Selkirk Waterfront Festival is a free, fami-   The Selkirk Waterfront Festival’s title spon-
sible sites or to consult with us on all possible ly-friendly event that takes place along the beau- sor is Tim Hortons, generously contributing to
sites now before acquisition. It was strongly ex- tiful Selkirk Waterfront each year. Included in the the cost of this event. Victoria store owner Stuart
pressed that by the time a site is acquired, pub- festivities is a family fun zone, live entertainment, Sim says “Tim Hortons owners are proud to sup-
lic consultation would be meaningless. At press great food and a large vendor’s market.  The in- port the Selkirk Waterfront Festival and provide
time, we have not heard back on this but we will ternational café will include traditional cooking an opportunity for families to celebrate together
continue to follow up and will advise you via this from around the world.  Authentic Italian pizza continued on page 2
newsletter about upcoming information sessions
and other ways to ensure your voice is heard.
Some of the specific concerns raised about the
sewage sludge treatment plant were:
∙ the lack of an overall vision or plan for
the neighbourhood therefore no clear in-
dication if something of this nature and
scale is appropriate;
∙ even with thorough research and ask-
ing very specific questions, no informa-
tion is forthcoming on what is actually be-
ing proposed;
∙ why would we support replacing a wa-
ter-dependent, industrial use in our work-
ing harbour with one that has no need to
be on the waterfront?;
∙ how can the District consider placing Burnside Gorge Introduces Preschool Program
something that is going to smell very bad by Kim Perkins, Editor
and be very noisy so close to residents and
businesses?; W ith many elementary schools in Victoria
starting full-day Kindergarten in Septem-
ber, the Burnside Gorge Community Centre has
movement, dramatic play, reading and language,
music, math and science. Children participate in
a variety of activities including outdoor play, story
∙ if the Pacific Steel site is selected we
introduced a pre-school program to help prepare time, field trips, special guests, events and more.
would lose a major recycler and tax con-
children for the transition from home or daycare The BGCA’s preschool runs from 9-11:30am on
tributor; to school. The BGCA’s preschool is open to chil- most Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
∙ this is not the best site in the event of a dren aged 3 ½ to 5 years. Participants learn time through May and June. Starting in September,
catastrophic failure; management, independence, respect and how to preschool will run 9am-12pm Monday through
∙ the same engineering firm doing the make choices by playing, exploring, asking ques- Friday. Children can register to attend 3 or 5 days
site analyses and the public consultation. tions and experimenting. a week.
Burnside Gorge’s preschool teacher Darlene Registration is open now for May, June and
There were many other concerns raised and all
Kent-Thensen is a certified Early Childhood Edu- September preschool programs. For more infor-
these points will be summarized in a letter to the
cator, with over twenty years experience in pre- mation, or to register, contact Darlene at 250-
CRD requesting that our two neighbourhoods be school, kindergarten and special needs program- 388-5251 x.230. For a complete schedule, please
engaged in meaningful consultation before any ming. Darlene and the children select centres and visit www.burnsidegorge.ca. BG
additional steps are taken. Stay tuned. BG group activities which focus on creative arts and CN
CN
May 2010 Burnside Gorge Community News 1
 POLITICS

Community News
Burnside Gorge

Published by the
CAP Sites Level the Playing Field
By Denise Savoie, Victoria MP
Burnside Gorge Community Association
471 Cecelia Rd Victoria BC, V8T 4T4 S pring has arrived and that means it’s time
once again for the Selkirk Waterfront Fes-
tival. I hope to be in Victoria May 29 so that I can
T. 250-388-5251 | F. 250-388-5269
www.burnsidegorge.ca participate in this wonderful community event.
Editor The Burnside Gorge Community Association
Kim Perkins always impresses me with its creativity and re-
silience, bringing the community together for
Contributors the waterfront festival and other events like the
Jennifer Cook, Martina Kasumovich, Kim Perkins, Gorge Waterway Clean-up, in September. They
Denise Savoie, Gillian Rowan, Vickie Jackson, are striving so hard to provide important ser-
Simeon Goa.
vices and resources despite growing challenges.
BGCA Board of Directors Child care, for example, continues to be devalued
Tracy James, Chair by government, and yet Burnside Gorge has cre-
Michelle Peterson, Vice-Chair ated a pre-school program for three to five-year-
Catherine McGregor, Treasurer olds, keeping the space utilized and the child-care
TJ Schur, Secretary workers employed following the creation of full-
Kate Forster time kindergarten.
Lesley Valour
Vickie Jackson The Burnside Gorge Community Centre was one
of 3,000 groups across Canada that learned this
TO ADVERTISE spring that their federal funding from the Com-
As a not-for-profit organization, we depend on munity Access Program (CAP) would be cut. Staff
advertising to cover publishing costs. Please contact and volunteers at community centres have pro-
us for current rates and information: vided youth, seniors and low-income families ac-
250-388-5251 ext. 223 | newsletter-bgca@shaw.ca cess to email and job search, resumé and govern-
ment services through CAP sites. Fortunately my
Note: Written contributions do not necessarily reflect
colleagues and I were joined in protest by Canadi-
the opinions of the BGCA or its staff.
ans across the country and forced a hasty about-
face by the government, although the decision to
extend funding for only one more year means the
program could be on the chopping block again
next year.
My colleagues and I are working on numerous
fronts to address the issues that affect us all on a
daily basis. Our three-pronged economic recov-
ery plan would create jobs, protect the jobless and
end handouts to well-heeled corporations. In this
Parliament, my New Democrat colleagues are
seeking important pension reforms that would
double Canada Pension Plan benefits , fighting
against the Conservatives’ attempts to kill federal
environmental assessments and advocating to re-
tain the important role of government to regulate
the safety of our food, water and consumer prod-
ucts, including cars.
My own private member’s bills, aimed at creat-
ing more affordable housing and providing incen-
tives to make riding the bus cheaper, have gained
the support of national organizations.
As we head into the summer I look forward to
spending more time in Victoria, to meeting with
many of you, and to attending and participating
in many wonderful community gatherings. This
always energizes me for the hard work that lies
ahead in Parliament.
I always appreciate hearing from you so do call
me so that I can represent your views and con-
cerns in Ottawa. I also invite you to follow my ac-
tivities by visiting my website at
BG
www.denisesavoie.ca CN

...Selkirk continued from page 1

in their community.”  We thank Stuart and Tim
Hortons for their commitment to our festival and
community. 
Daisy the Cow from Island Farms & Marty from
the Salmon Kings will be at the Selkirk Water-
front Festival, to help everyone celebrate in style! 
Event sponsors include Tim Hortons (title spon-
sor), The City of Victoria, Times Colonist, C-Fax
& Kool Radio, A-Channel, Island Parent, CFUV,
Peninsula Coop, the Great Canadian Dollar Store,
Travelodge Victoria, Pizza Prima Strada, Ellice Dodd’s Furniture 715 Finlayson St
Recycle, Glo Europub, ArcPrint, The Optimist across from Mayfair shopping centre
Call 388-6663
Club of Victoria and Western-1 Rentals.
  If you are in the mood for a unique shopping
We won’t be undersold!
experience, you will enjoy the festival’s large ven-
dor’s market.  Hand-crafted jewelry, locally made
items, and beautiful imports from across the world
will be available.  Community non-profit organi-
zations will also be on-hand to provide informa- Locally owned and operated. Serving Victoria since 1977.
tion about important services and initiatives in www.doddsfurniture.com
Greater Victoria. One of the special qualities of

iZgbYZedh^ih this market is the chance to actually speak with

the owners of local businesses.  Tricia Sturgeon
bdgi\V\Zh of Victoria’s Epicure Selections is one such ven-
dor.  “The Selkirk Waterfront Festival has been a
Xdbbjc^in^ckdakZbZci great experience,” she says. “I am looking forward
to this year’s event, it is one of my faviourites!” 
Make sure to spend some time browsing through
>ckZhi^cKVcX^inVcYndjÉgZ^ckZhi^c\
^ci]ZXdbbjc^in#H^cXZ&..)djg this market.  You will find unique gifts for your-
H]VgZYHjXXZhhegd\gVb]VhXdcig^WjiZY self and others!
Vabdhi&)%b^aa^dciddjgbZbWZgh   A festival like this one wouldn’t be complete
VcYi]ZXdbbjc^in# without face painting, balloon twists, a tattoo
station and a craft zone.  Kids will have plenty to
K^Xidg^V8dbbjc^in7gVcX] do, and the Selkirk Waterfront Festival has some-
(%,*9dj\aVhHigZZi!K^Xidg^V
thing for everyone!  Want to know more about the
'*%#*&.#,)'( 650 Hillside Ave
kVcX^in#Xdb Selkirk Waterfront Festival?  Call the Burnside
Victoria BC, V8T 1Z2
Gorge Community Centre for details at 250-388- Guaranteed service since 1959
5251 or visit www.burnsidegorge.ca for a map,
entertainment schedule, and other information.
BG
CN 250-384-4722
Fax 250-384-8860
cooking up delectable designs for business cards, brochures and brands
info@russhays.com
www.simeongoa.com | info@simeongoa.com www.russhays.com
affordable rates, contact today Simeon Goa
Designer & Illustrator

2 Burnside Gorge Community News May 2010

 ENTERTAINMENT
Yoga For Runners Offers in outdoor education, and teaches several yoga
classes within Greater Victoria.  She is currently
a New Twist in Yoga a student of herbal medicine at Pacific Rim Col-
lege.  “I enjoy teaching Yoga for Runners,” says Sol Food Cafe & Sol Fine Foods
by Gillian Rowan, Recreation Coordinator Lindsay.  “It is great to help participants reach Cafe, Deli, Catering

D oes your running routine need a boost?  their personal goals, and everyone’s goals are
Our Community Centre offers Yoga for different.” 
Runners on Thursday evenings from 7-8:15pm.    Join Lindsay and some fellow runners.  You
7am-4pm
Monday-Friday
This unique course is an excellent addition to can drop-in or register for a full session. Call
any runner’s workout.  The yoga poses focus on 250-388-5251 to register. T. 250-381-6629
stretching the legs and hips, areas that tend to F. 250-381-6618
Yoga for Runners -Thursdays 7-8:15pm #101-2955 Jutland Rd
be tight from running and prone to injury.
Drop-in $12/class
 Each class includes a routine aimed at gaining Upcoming sessions: solfinefoods.com
overall body strength, improving core stability May 6 - June 24 $80/8
and giving the mind a chance to relax.  Partici- July 8 – August 25 $80/8
pants finish each class feeling refreshed. 
Weekend Workshop - Sunday 12-5pm
 Instructor Lindsay Honslow has a background May 23 $55 BG
CN

Bike to Work Week Burnside Gorge

Returns to Victoria
a unique and innovative community centre

by Jennifer Cook, Bike to Work Week

Yoga for Runners
Thursdays 7:00-8:15pm
Events Coordinator

L ooking to get lean, go green and save money all

at the same time?  Try biking to work in 2010!
  Bike to Work Week  runs May 31 - June 6, 2010. 
May 6-June 24
July 8-Aug 26
$80/8 classes or drop-in $12/class
Weekend Workshop May 23rd 12-5pm $55
Now in its 16th year, Bike to Work Week is a fun, free 6th Floor, 395 Waterfront Crescent
community event that challenges you and your co- Victoria BC, V8T 5K7
workers to try commuting on a bike.  Besides being
a fun celebration of bicycle commuting, Bike to Work Tel (250) 381-7188
is a great opportunity for new cyclists to access in- Fax (250) 381-7804
formation to make the most of their ride.  Plus with lawyers@carlaw.ca
thousands of dollars in prizes to be won and great Burnside Gorge Community Centre
food being served at 19 celebration stations  around 471 Cecelia Road, Victoria BC, V8T 4T4
Burnside Gorge Community Centre
T.(250)
471 Cecelia Road, |Victoria
388-5251 F. (250) BC,388-5269
V8T 4T4
town, what are you waiting for?  Put the fun between
your legs, Bike to Work!
bgca@shaw.ca | www.burnsidegorge.ca
T.(250) 388-5251 | F. (250) 388-5269 www.carlaw.ca
bgca@shaw.ca | www.burnsidegorge.ca
Worried about traffic or planning your route?  Focusing on personal injury and insurance litigation
No problem!  Register for a free bike skills course.  Thanks to: since 1985. Free initial consultation at our Selkirk
Schedule and details available online at www.biketo- Waterfront offices.
work.ca/victoria  BG
CN

Best Wings on the Gorge! BG

$0.30 cent wing specials
CN
on Sunday and
Wednesday nights
229 Gorge Road East

Live Music
250.383.8212
www.theupperdeck.ca
Thursday evenings
Mon- Poker Night
at 8 pm
Tues- Muddman's
Showcase & Jam
Burger & Beer Weds- Karaoke with Liz
only $7.95 Thurs- Live Acoustic Music
Daily after 4pm Fri- Name that Tune
Sat- Open Mic
15% military discount Sun- Karaoke with Liz
Waterway Cafe & Restaurant open for
Don Hambley Show
dinner Friday & Saturday evenings 5-9 pm
Comedian & impressionist
Buy 1 get 1 Purchase one all you can eat Dinner & show
1/2 price Salad & Pasta Dinner for only Select Saturday evenings at
$8.95 and receive one at half the Waterway Cafe
Upper Deck
Sports Loung price! Also available for birthdays,
e

Expires: December 30, 2010 office parties and more!

May 2010 Burnside Gorge Community News 3
 IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Burnside Gorge Community Centre would like to thank ICE for their con-
tribution of books which were distributed to nearly 200 children in the com-
munity.  These books addressed cross cultural awareness as well as promot-
ed literacy and a love of reading. 
Emergency Preparedness Workshop – May 4. Learn how to be pre-
pared for large emergencies and disasters. 12-12:30pm or 12:45-1:15pm at
City Hall. 7-9pm at Greater Victoria Public Library Central Branch. Free.
RSVP: 250-920-3373 or vema@victoria.ca. www.preparevictoria.ca for
more information.
Cecelia Ravine Park Information Booth - May 8, 11am-2pm, Selkirk
Trestle Bridge.We need your input to help develop a plan for Cecelia Ravine
in the Burnside/Gorge neighbourhood. Learn more and provide input at this
information booth.
Trail Day - May 8, 10am-3pm, Galloping Goose Trail near Selkirk Trestle.
A fun, healthy, family oriented day of events that promote trail use in a safe
manner. Bring the whole family.
Quadra Village Day - May 8, 9:30am-1pm, Kings Road between Quadra
and Dowler. Free, fun filled, family oriented day, including pancake breakfast,
activities for children and teens, local bands and dance groups. More informa-
tion: 250- 388-7696 or quadravillageday@gmail.comlageday@gmail.com
Selkirk Waterfront Festival - May 29, 10am-3pm. Free, family orien-
tated festival with cultural food and entertainment, family fun zone, vendors
market and more. Don’t miss this fun event! 
Bike to Work Week – May 31 – June 6. Put the fun between your legs
and ride to work! Lots of great activities happening around town. Visit www.
biketowork.ca/victoria for more information.
New recreation sessions are starting at Burnside Gorge. Lots of
programs for all ages are available. Check our website for all program details
at www.burnsidegorge.ca. 250-388-5251 to register for the following work-
shops.
Yoga for Runners Weekend Workshop - May 23, 12-5pm $55. Sup-
port your training with this in depth workshop.
Qi Gong Weekend Workshop - June 5 & 6, 1-4pm $100. Strengthen/re-
align the skeletal system and improve stamina through this ancient form of ex-
ercise.
Yin Yoga Weekend Workshop - June 13, 12-5pm $55. Learn this unique
style of yoga practice that brings a focus to the connective tissues of the body.

Volunteer CORNER
...recognizing those who give their time

by Martina Kasumovich, Youth

Recreation Programmer

Thank you to our practicum students,

Lauren, Dan and Martin who have been
at ‘The Scene’ since January. It’s been
great having you here.  Lauren and Dan
you will be missed…Martin will be staying
on will us for another practicum…yeah! 
Girl’s Group will be starting up again on
May 3. All girls in grades 5-9 are welcome
every Monday 5-7pm.
With summer fast approaching, re-
member to sign up for Camp Survivor Se-
ries and Youth Getaways running weekly
from July 5-August 27. Space is limited!! 
‘The Scene” is also hosting Young Chefs
on the Run from July 5-9 and August 3-6. 
These are half day programs from 9am-
12pm and 1-4pm.  When: Saturday, May 29 Where: Selkirk Waterfront Festival
For more information contact Martina
at youthrec-bgca@shaw.ca or 250-388-
5251 ext 254.
Volunteer Profile Taiha Salvador
Visitors to the centre may rec- customers and make staff laugh.
ognize Taiha who helps out at When she is not at Burnside,
the front desk every Tuesday. Taiha enjoys playing on the com-
Taiha has been volunteering at puter, watching tv and hanging
Burnside Gorge since July 2008 out with her dogs. Taiha likes
when she received a placement volunteering because she gets to
through the Garth Homer Soci- talk with staff and clients.
ety. Since that time, Taiha has Thank you Taiha!
helped take phone calls, greet
Upcoming opportunity: Parking Attendants
Contact Gillian Rowan: rec-bgca@shaw.ca, 388-5251 x 225
The Volunteer Dept. is made possible through support by The Provincial
Employees Community Services Fund. To become a volunteer:
community-bgca@shaw.ca or call 250-388-5251

4 Burnside Gorge Community News May 2010