Great Teachers Teachers dig deep to cover cost for class supplies Page A3
NEWS: Campaign promotes visible addresses /A2 ARTS: Home theatre the launching pad for tour /A7 SPORTS: Oak Bay Half Marathon set for Sunday /A8
OAK BAYNEWS Friday, May 22, 2015
www.oakbaynews.com
Workers urged to come along for the ride Bike to Work Week runs May 25 to 31
Bike to work basics Q Sonya Reuter’s answer to the excuse “We don’t have a shower at my work.� Bring a facecloth in a ziplock bag. At work, have a little sponge bath and zip the cloth back up, toss it in your pannier and you’re ready to head home. And she does recommend a pannier, or saddlebag, as opposed to those backpacks that can be a literal pain.
Christine van Reeuwyk News Staff
An avid cyclist, Sonya Reuter has a relaxed approach to biking to work. Sometimes she does; sometimes she doesn’t. “I bike to work when it suits me,� says the Recreation Oak Bay staff member. “Riding to work is awesome because you get exercise. It’s a nice feeling. When you get home by the end of the day you feel refreshed.� She rides a five-kilometre route, one she’s optimized herself with controlled crossings and lighter vehicle traffic, a few times a week. Like many commuters, weather, mood and post-work activities can affect her morning decision. Perhaps that’s why she can counter any argument against not riding to work during Bike to Work Week May 25 to 31. That and her background as a longtime cyclist, make her a good team leader for the 2015 Oak Bay team representing the entire staff of the district. Though it’s surprisingly her first time leading the team. “I’ve been actively involved in cycling. Riding my bike has always been a pleasure for me,� said the Victoria Wheelers member. She’s spent the last couple weeks encouraging staff to register for the challenge that tracks mileage for the week and celebrates commuter cycling. Prepping them in safety, with reminders to check out the bike, make sure you have a working helmet, that sort of thing. This year’s 21st annual
Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff
Sonya Reuter, at Recreation Oak Bay, leads the district staff team in this year’s Bike to Work Challenge. event features celebration stations throughout the week to celebrate the event that attracts more than 8,000 commuter cyclists, including 12,500 new cyclists since inception. One of those new commuters a few years ago was Coun.
Michelle Kirby. “The goal is to use it as an incentive to start riding, for me that’s exactly what happened,� Kirby said. Five years ago on Mother’s Day she went out and bought her first bike since she was
eight years old. “I practised a little bit and started riding just before Bike to Work Week but that was my real goal,� she said. “It was so much fun and I felt so much better – adding that little bit of exercise into my day – as a busy mom, councillor, fulltime employee. It gives me 20 minutes twice a day that I wouldn’t necessarily get.� Five years and a bike change later she still enjoys a commute from Oak Bay into downtown Victoria on a regular basis. “It’s just a short ride but it makes me happy. I’m a happier employee, happier mom and more productive because I am on my bike,� Kirby said. “It slowly built up from that first week. I can’t imagine life without my bike now.� Greater Victoria Bike to Work Society offers a range of courses that are fun, informative, build confidence and introduce participants to the cycling community. Visit biketowork.ca/victoria to register for Bike to Work Week May 25 to 31 or to follow along with miles cycled in the Capital Region. cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com
You are invited to try our
'Amazing' Electric Bicycles Free
Guided Scenic tours around Oak Bay ~ groups or singles ~ Norm and Teri thought their cycling days were over. Please call: 778-432-0255 â—?
2039 Oak Bay Ave.
www.pedegovictoria.com
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Residents riled by tax hike Christine van Reeuwyk News Staff
An error in one document of the budget offered the public an opportunity to vent about the tax increase in Oak Bay this year – and they took it. The error did not affect the financial plan which reflected the correct rates, noted Mayor Nils Jensen, who also outlined the process of three estimates meetings last month where budget decisions were made. Council passed the budget earlier this month, citing a game of “catchup� at municipal hall that cost Oak Bay residents 5.1 per cent more in taxes this year. The tax increase translates to about $155 for an average home in Oak Bay (average value $855,000) or $13 a month. During the committee of the whole meeting May 19 the public attributed the tax increase to the need for more staff to implementing the official community plan that came into effect last year. “Oak Bay’s new OCP was just reviewed in large part by and for affordable housing,� said Mary Douglas-Hunt. “Taxes are one of the contributing factors that make housing affordable.� She noted that the strategic plan puts housing below infill development guidelines with associated estimated costs of $80,000 for consultants, and a housing strategy later. Development cost charges, lower in the priorities, should come higher, she added. “We all concur, everyone is astounded and outraged at this enormous increase,� said Phyllis Campanello. Visit oakbay.ca to view Oak Bay’s entire four-year strategic plan.