OCA seeks input for community garden in Oswald Park
See the article here by Nina Grossman at Victoria News:
https://www.vicnews.com/news/organizers-seek-input-for-long-awaited-oaklands-community-garden/
CITY OF VICTORIA
Participatory Budgeting Program - Call for Proposals Now Open
Got an idea for a project that would benefit newcomers in Victoria?
Call for Proposals Now Open!
Apply now for up to $50,000 in Participatory Budgeting funding. It's easy!
Step 1: Fill out the project submission form by July 31 at 4 p.m. Before you start the process, please read the Participatory Budgeting Rulebook .
Step 2: Fill out the budget form located in the documents section and email it to pb@victoria.ca before the deadline.
How would you spend $50,000 to assist newcomers in Victoria?
Did You Know: Close to 20% of Victoria’s population is composed of immigrants or refugees. Many face significant social and economic barriers to integration into Canadian society.
To help alleviate these challenges, the City of Victoria and the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) have come together to establish the 2020 Participatory Budget initiative.
What is Participatory Budgeting?
Participatory Budgeting is an innovative, democratic process that gives the entire community the opportunity to participate and to decide how to invest a portion of the City’s budget. This initiative is part of the City of Victoria’s citizen engagement plan. The 2020 Participatory Budget focuses on projects that work to improve life for newcomers in Victoria.
If you have an idea for a project, initiative or event that could enrich and enhance the lives of newcomers to Victoria, this is your opportunity! The Participatory Budget Steering Committee invites you to submit proposals. Eligible project proposals will be voted on by the public later this summer. Proposals can be for some, or all, of $40,000, with an additional $10,000 set aside for programs requesting $2000 or less.
What kinds of projects are eligible?
In past years, projects have included a series of workshops to learn about up-cycling and altering unwanted clothes, an art and recreation program for underprivileged youth, and a ‘Perfect Parenting’ program for young parents. Basically, the project must address the needs of the community and have tangible results.
Projects can be proposed by either individuals or community organizations and must have strong community support.
Proposals and Project Submissions
More details on proposal submissions can be found on the City of Victoria Participatory Budgeting webpage: https://engage.victoria.ca/participatory-budgeting/. The webpage includes links for the two-step application process and the Participatory Budgeting Rulebook; please review the Rulebook before starting your application. Support for development of proposals can be found through Virtual Participatory Open House sessions to be held on July 7 and July 11, 2020, and through the Outreach Team (pbvictoria.outreach@gmail.com).
Given that we are living in a time of physical distancing, virtual projects are encouraged!
Get your ideas in by 4 pm July 31st, 2020!
CITY OF VICTORIA
Haultain Street AAA Upgrades
On Saturday, December 7 from 9am-12:30pmthe City of Victoria will be at the Oaklands Community Centre (2827 Belmont Ave) to present the emerging designs for Government Street North, Kimta Road, Richardson Street, and the Kings-Haultain corridor.
Over the Past six weeks, City staff have been gathering feedback and ideas on how to improve road safety for people riding bikes as part of the 2020 Bicycle Network Improvements. Corridor designs have been developed for public comment and input. Join us at one of the upcoming Open House events to learn more about the proposed changes and to weigh in on emerging concepts. After this final round of public engagement, staff will bring forward recommendations to Council for their consideration in early 2020.
Community
Gift of Good Food - 2019 Fundraising Campaign
🥦🍅🍊 This just in!! Residents on Roseberry Ave have organized a fundraising campaign for the The Gift of Good Food and they want you and the neighbours on your street to get involved!!
Read on to learn how to donate to the Neighbours of Roseberry Ave campaign, or to organize your own campaign!
"Neighbours on Roseberry Ave. in Oaklands have committed to give the gift of Good Food and support a family in need in our community with fresh fruit and vegetables for one year!If you have not yet heard of the Good Food Box, it is a non-profit fruit and vegetable distribution program that provides affordable boxes of produce through large group buying power. The Gift of Good Food is Fernwood NRG’s annual holiday fundraiser, which runs from November 18 to December 31. Every $500 raised provides a family in need with a Good Food Box every two weeks for a whole year! Check it out here.
If you would like to participate and support Roseberry Avenue’s goal, we would love to have you!
Or, you can contribute to the Oaklands Community Association's fundraising campaign here!
If you would like to challenge Roseberry Avenue by starting a team for your own street, we would very much welcome this challenge! Sign up here or contact melissa@fernwoodnrg.ca (250) 381-1552 ext.118
We are grateful for any support that you can provide to help this program help families in need access consistent, healthy produce all year long!"
🥦🍅🍊
City of Victoria
Local Champions Program
Local Champions is a new community- based leadership development program for Victoria residents to gain foundational skills, confidence and relationships to become more active and engaged “local champions” in their neighbourhood or community.
Through developing collaborative grassroots leadership skills, local champions can apply their learnings to initiate community-building activities or projects, become “connectors” in their neighbourhoods, and engage in community life through local initiatives or groups.
As part of Local Champions, you will join a diverse group of participants from across Victoria for a series of fun and interactive learning workshops between January- June 2019. Participants are supported by community mentors and apply their learning through a community-based practicum such as hosting a neighbourhood learning event.
Find out more and apply now to become a Local Champion in your neighbourhood!
Is becoming a Local Champion for you? Check out the Local Champions Course Overview to see if this program is right for you.
Fill out a Local Champion Application Form
City of Victoria - 2020 Budget
City Begins 2020 Budget Sessions, Seeks Public Input
The City of Victoria begins 2020 budget discussions on Thursday with the introduction of its Draft 2020 Financial Plan. The proposed plan allocates $258.7 million to operate the City’s more than 200 programs and services and invests $42.1 million in capital infrastructure projects. The budget is the mechanism for enhancing community well-being and delivering on Council’s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan objectives including Affordable Housing, Economic Prosperity and Inclusion, Climate Leadership and Environmental Stewardship, and more.
The City of Victoria - Local Government is seeking your feedback on the 2020 Budget. There are so many ways to make your voice heard:
- Attend the Town Hall on Thursday, November 21 (6:30pm at City Hall)
- Or watch the Live Stream - https://bit.ly/2O1NCjn
- Submit a question for the Town Hall online https://bit.ly/37k0dpF or by calling 250.361.0327
- Submit a question by Twitter using the hashtag #victownhall
- Complete the survey by November 24 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/draft2020budget
See the draft financial plan here: https://bit.ly/342xFix
City of Victoria
My Great Neighbourhood Grant Program
The fall application intake for neighbourhood grants is now closed. Thirty-four applications in total were received with two Placemaking and five Activity grant applications submitted from Oaklands residents. Neighbourhood staff will be taking the report to Committee of the Whole for November 28 for approval. This fall $63,000 of funding is available.
Roundtable Series to Inform Cities Economic Plan
This fall, the City of Victoria is hosting a series of roundtable discussions with people who do business in the community to inform its next Economic Action Plan, Victoria 3.0 – Pivoting to a Higher Value Economy.
The Plan will position Victoria as an attractive place to invest and to start and grow a business over the next five to 20 years. The goal is for Victoria to become a small powerhouse that creates high-value jobs and builds a high-value economy that meets current, and anticipates future, needs.
The City has been reaching out to local stakeholders, inviting them to participate in the series. Each roundtable contains two topics to allow for the cross-pollination of ideas. Most roundtables are open to the public and the City hopes to attract a diversity of people to provide input and ideas. Input from the roundtable discussions will inform the draft plan that will be presented to City Council for consideration in January 2020.
Register for the Roundtables you'd like to participate in:
Neighbourhood Business and Social Enterprise Roundtable
Tuesday, November 5, 2019 from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m., Victoria City Hall Antechamber
This roundtable is for people who run businesses in the City’s neighbourhoods and includes people who work from home in these neighbourhoods. It is also for everyone working in the social enterprise sector.
Small Business and Finance Roundtable
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Victoria City Hall Antechamber
This roundtable is for anyone who runs a small business in Victoria, with a focus on downtown businesses. It is also for everyone working in the financial sector.
Youth Economic Roundtable
Monday, November 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Victoria City Hall Antechamber
This roundtable is for youth! According to a recent report, “Humans Wanted: How Canadian Youth Can Thrive in an Age of Disruption” there will be 2.5 million more jobs created in Canada over the next five years; a technology revolution always results in more jobs not less. Youth are well-positioned to lead in this new economy. We are holding this roundtable to make sure that the City does what it can to help prepare youth for the economy of the future.
Official Community Plan Annual Review
Council received an Official Community Plan Annual Report for information and directed staff to undertake an updated housing demand forecast and OCP capacity assessment, and report back with recommendations for using the contributions accrued in the Downtown Heritage Seismic Upgrade Reserve Fund.
Tenant Assistance Policy Review and Enhancements
Council has directed staff to amend the Tenant Assistance Policy to update the compensation structure for both market and non-market or social housing for tenants being displaced based on a renovation or redevelopment of a rental property, as well as allowing for moving expenses of $1000 for 3 + bedroom units. Council will also consider an additional 1 FTE for the Tenant Ambassador Position as part of the 2020 Financial Plan process, and staff will undertake further engagement with the Renters Advisory Committee. Read the report
Victoria Reconciliation Dialogues
Join us for the Victoria Reconciliation Dialogues, a six-part series of conversations to enable the community to explore together what Reconciliation could look like on Lekwungen Territory. Dialogue #1 - Lekwungen Knowledge and the Land can now be viewed online. Dialogue #2 - The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) and the City will take place on November 18. Learn more and register to attend some or all of these free events at victoria.ca/ReconciliationDialogues.
Leaf Collection 2019
The leaves are starting to fall – please do your part to prevent flooding by keeping them out of storm sewers. You have three option for leaf collection: leaf drop-off, leaf pick-up and call for services. See what works for you! It all starts up in the coming weeks. Learn more
Tree Appreciation Day: Sunday, Nov. 3
Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park
Join us for some fun, education, tree plantings and time to enjoy trees and all they provide for us in our urban forest. Over the three hours there will be activities near or at the Cameron Bandshell including:
- Tree tours (between 10:30-1 p.m.); on pathways, flat lawn areas with no stairs
- Several stations/activities set up at the Cameron Bandshell:
- Children’s art station
- “Match the Leaves with the Seeds” activity
- Ask an Arborist station
- Tree banding workshop/demo
- Information about Tanglefoot
- Tree rings activity
- Garry Oak tree planting on the north side of Goodacre Lake
- Native plantings including small trees and shrub, just east of the main washroom building
- No cost for attendees
In addition to the ceremonial tree planting there will be a few Garry Oaks planted to the north of the bandshell and several shrubs and native species planted over by the washroom building near the playground.
Rain or shine!
Council Meetings
Committee of the Whole meets on November 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 9am. Council meets on November 14 and 28 beginning at 6:30pm. Residents can watch recordings of the meetings here.
Community Members
Remembering Laurie Morgan
It is with sadness we let you know that Board Member Laurie Morgan passed away recently.
Laurie was a passionate community member, volunteer, grandfather and had a strong belief in helping the Oaklands Neighbourhood to develop in a positive and sustainable way. Laurie was highly deliberative and thoughtful in his approach as a board member and was a good listener. As a team player, he took his responsibilities seriously and when OCA was having some difficulties in the past Laurie stepped up and helped right the ship. Laurie will be missed.
There will be a morning service for Laurie on
November 9 at 10:30am St Aidan's United Church, 3703 St Aidans St.
Oakland Neighbourhood Plan
FORWARD 50 Speaker Night - October 30, 2019 @ UVIC
What will Oaklands be like in 50 years? How do you want your neighbourhood to develop with sustainability and quality of life in mind?
Join us for the FORWARD 50 Speaker Night on October 30th to hear local experts speak about their vision for Oaklands over the next five decades. You will hear inspirational, innovative ideas for how Oaklands, as a neighbourhood, can make tangible, meaningful changes to address the climate crisis, social inclusion, affordability, emergency preparedness, and more.
Tickets: This is a free, all ages, public event. The speaker night will be live streamed and recorded.
Topics: urban planning and design, housing, transportation, greenspace, building community, local economies, food systems, and social connections.
Speakers: Check back here for speaker bios and topics.
Location: The FORWARD 50 Speaker Night is held at the David Lam Auditorium at the University of Victoria. The auditirium is located in the MacLaurin Music Building. See a map here for the closest on campus parking options. Buses 4, 14, 9 all arrive at the UVIC bus hub, nearby the auditorium.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Reception Centre Exercise at Oaklands Community Centre - October 26, 2019
"WANTED: Individuals and families to portray “Evacuees” who have been displaced from their homes due to a major fire. Break out your acting skills and volunteer to participate in Emergency Management Victoria’s emergency reception centre exercise on Saturday, October 26 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. at the Oaklands Community Centre, 2827 Belmont Avenue. "
Have you ever wanted to see what's inside those big shipping containers? This is your chance! Drop in between 12:30-2pm on Saturday, October 26th and see the Oaklands Community Centre transformed into an emergency reception centre. Trained Victoria Red Cross Emergency Support Services (ESS) will take the opportunity to put their training to use.
For more details visit Victoria Ready.
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Community Projects
My Great Neighbourhood Grant - Deadline October 15, 2019
"The My Great Neighbourhood Grant program is all about community.
The program helps residents animate public space, develop and enhance a sense of community and leave a positive legacy in our neighbourhoods.
You are invited to apply! If you are interested in applying for a My Great Neighbourhood Grant, consider the grant policy to get a good understanding of the program. Here is a tip sheet which you may find helpful. If you are interested in a community art project, please look at the guidelinesthat apply to those types of projects. You can then review the checklist as you develop your project idea to make sure that you are considering everything. Once you have developed a concept for a project, you should schedule a meeting to discuss the idea with the Neighbourhood Advisor for the location. You must meet with staff before you submit your application. Once you have met with staff and confirmed that your idea is ready to submit, please complete the application form."
Child care in Oaklands
Belmont Park Childcare Studios Update
SD61 has submitted an application for two childcare learning studios to be located in Belmont Park (corner of Belmont Ave and Hamilton Rd). These learning studios will be operated by the Oaklands Community Association and will include infant & toddler, preschool and out of school care spaces, with priority given to families living within the future September 2020 Oaklands Elementary School catchment . There is no set opening date as of this time however as soon as the application has been approved, we will have an anticipated opening date. To be eligible for upcoming infant, toddler and preschool spaces, please complete the Little Acorn waitlist application For out of school spaces, please contact Cindy Allen (250) 370 – 9101 ext.1 .
Oaklands Neighbourhood Plan
Oaklands Garden Tour + Community Visioning Workshop - Times Colonist, September 21, 2019
"Residents in the 1400 block of Lang Street in Victoria’s Oaklands will be out today planning their boulevard gardens that together will create a series of habitats for pollinators along the street. They’re still waiting to hear whether there are any underground lines below the boulevard before they start digging, so today they will likely be out with rope and string, planning their plots and creating preliminary designs for the gardens.
Batory’s goal for the project is two-fold. She hopes the gardens will create a greater sense of community for residents, while providing food and shelter for pollinating insects."
Oaklands Neighbourhood Plan
About Oaklands Neighbourhood Plan - CHEK TV, August 12, 2019
“The next 50 years are going to see unprecedented changes. Environmentally, socially…all the pressures that are coming down, so we need to have people stand up and say ‘ok, these are the values we want to have moving forward.’ ”
The delivery date to the City of Victoria for the Oaklands Neighbourhood Plan is December 2020."
Community Gardens in Oaklands
Oswald and Clawthorpe parks possible sites for Oaklands Community Garden - Vic News, August 5, 2019
Link to Vic News article: here
"“We really want to have a mix of plots and commons so it feels like a welcoming pace people can walk though, pick some berries, enjoy the benches and kids play areas…it has so much potential for bringing communities together, and beauty and pollinators.”
Oaklands Elementary
Oaklands Elementary Walking School Bus on CHEK TV
“We really value all the things that a close neighbourhood and a close community has to offer,” says Davies, “and so this project has just been another one of those opportunities for our kids to feel what it’s like to be part of a community.”
Mack estimates that more than 100 kids and parents have hopped on board the Oaklands Walking School Bus.
“To see the pride in the eyes of the kids,” says Mack, “to really see that they can contribute to the community while having fun and getting exercise, and keeping some cars off the road…it is a big success!”
Oaklands Recreation
Retired doctor gives back by teaching kids tennis - CHEK TV, July 7, 2018
"The Society for Kids at Tennis, better known as KATS, was founded by one man, a doctor, looking for something to fill his days in retirement. KATS offers free tennis lessons to children who might not otherwise have access to the sport.
“It got started about five years ago,” says Silverberg. “Being retired, and having had a wonderful life, I was looking for someway to give back.”
