Victoria West Community Association
2012 Annual General Meeting Annual Report to Members November 27, 2012 7:00-9:00 pm Victoria West Community Centre Gym 521 Craigflower Road, Victoria BC
Annual&Report&Contents:& & 1. Agenda& 2. Minutes&of&2011&AGM,&November&29,&2011& 3. President’s&Report& 4. Treasurer’s&Report& 5. Centre&Manager’s&Report& 6. Committee&Reports:& a. Community&Centre& b. Harbour&Report& c. Transportation& d. Community&Projects&&&Events& M&VicWest&Food&Security&Collective& e. Nominations& M Board&of&Director&Nominee&Bios& &
VICTORIA WEST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION—ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING DATE: 7 P.M. NOVEMBER 27TH, 2012 PLACE: VICTORIA WEST COMMUNITY CENTRE—GYM AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA (Approval pending) DECISION
INFO
TIME
1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 29, 2011 AGM MINUTES 4. REPORTS (posted at victoriawest.ca) a) President’s Report—Nan Judd
10 Min
b) Treasurer’s Report—Mike Medland
c) Centre Manager’s Report—Kate Longpre
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS (posted at victoriawest.ca) a) Communications—Nan Judd
b) Transportation—Jack Meredith c) Community Projects & Events—Jack Meredith
d) Community Centre—Mark Fournier
e) Land Use—Bernie Gaudet
f) Harbour —Audrey Whittall
i) Nominations Committee-Joy Illington
Motion to receive reports 7. BUSINESS CARRIED FORWARD 8. NEW BUSINESS ARISING: b) Membership Fees 2012-13 9. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS facilitated by Audrey Whittall Nominations will be taken from the floor 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS 11. PRESENTATION OF VIC WEST VISION AWARD TO DENISE SAVOIE
15 Min
40 min
Please join us in honouring Denise Savoie who has worked hard for this neighbourhood as a resident, as our City Council liaison, and as our MP. A brief presentation of the Vic West Vision award for 2012 will be followed by Amy Bronee’s championship home baked apple pie.
5 min 10 min
Victoria West Community Association Annual General Meeting Vic West Community Centre Gym 7:00 p.m. Nov 29, 2011 1. At 7:09 pm the annual general meeting was called to order by President Nan Judd. Nan reported the membership of the association to be 412 and of those members 41 were in attendance comprising a quorum for the meeting. Directors present: Audrey Whittall, Mike Medland, Grant Keddie, Nan Judd, Louise Wood, Bernie Gaudet, Joy Illington, Jack Meredith, JO-Ann Youmans (past president) and Reuben Bronee. 2. Call for approval of the Agenda for Nov 29, 2011 Moved by Grant Keddie to approve the AGM Agenda; carried 3. Call for Approval of AGM minutes of Feb 23 and March 1, 2011. Moved by Jack Meredith to approve the February 23 (no quorum) and March 1, 2011 AGM minutes; carried 4. New Business from the Floor a) resolution to rescind Bylaw #25: A quorum for the transaction of business at any general meeting of members will consist of 10% of full members of the association, to include five members of the Board of Directors of which two are Executive members. and adopt the following bylaw: A quorum for the transaction of business at any general meeting of members will consist of 25 full members of the association, five of whom are members of the Board of Directors, two of whom are Executive members. Moved by Joy Illington to approve the resolution as circulated to members. Discussion ensued about the need for member participation. A suggestion was proposed to eliminate the need for Directors to be part of the quorum. This was opposed. An amendment was proposed to eliminate the word “any” annual meeting and replace it with “the” annual meeting. An amendment was proposed to eliminate the word “full” members and replace it, for clarity with the word ”voting” members.
Eric Burkle moved that Bylaw #25 be rescinded and replaced by the following: A quorum for the transaction of business at the general meeting of members will consist of 25 voting members of the association, five of whom are members of the Board of Directors, two of who are Executive members. Motion carried: 37 in favour/ 7 opposed. b) Membership fees 2012 Moved by Nan Judd that the membership fees for 2011 be zero dollars; carried 34 in favour/2 opposed/5 abstaining. 5. Reports were posted to the Association’s website victoriawest.ca and available at the meeting a) Presidents Report – Nan Judd Nan spoke of the accomplishments of the Association over the past year and expressed thanks to the outgoing board of directors. No questions or comments. b) Treasurer’s Report- Mike Medland Mike outlined the financial status of the Association for fiscal year Nov1, 2010- October 31, 2011. There was one question in reference to partnerships. c) Centre Co-ordinator’s Report- Suzette Delmage Suzette spoke of the centre activities over the last months since the centre’s opening in September 2010. The number and breadth of programming has increased significantly in 2011. 6. Committee Reports were also similarly distributed as a package. a) Communications Report- Rueben Bronee and Louise Wood Rueben Bronee focussed on the increased use of the web site and potential to use social media as a way to stay in touch with our members. b) Transportation Report-Jack Meredith Jack reviewed the requests by the community and the responses received from the City to date. c) Community Projects and Capacity Building- Grant Keddie Grant noted that the Vic West Fest and Corn Roast this year had increased attendance, he commented on the success of the community potlucks, and he thanked those who had volunteered to make these events happen. He also acknowledged the Grow- A Row project, and the Vic West Urban Farmers as examples of projects that were attracting new participation, fuelled by the energy and leadership of Patti Parkhouse and the Vic West Food Security
d) Community Centre –Mark Fournier Mark noted that a business plan was being created to assist the planning for the Centre. After the strategic planning session, the Board was aiming at the goal of having the Centre being used like the liviingroom of the community. e)Land Use- Bernie Gaudet Bernie highlighted the issues surrounding the Johnson St Bridge approaches as one of the major projects, along with the proposed yacht marina and its’ land use impact as some of the more contentious issues that had been to Land Use Committee. f) Harbour-Audrey Whittall Audrey described some of the highlights of the work that the Harbour Committee has done to ensure safe navigation both of the Gorge Waterway and of the harbour. g) Nominations Committee Report-Joy Illington/Bernie Gaudet The Committee was formed by Joy, Bernie and Grant Keddie. Jack Meredith was thanked for his recruiting activities as well. 25 people were approached and two new candidates have been recommended, Brooke Hayes and Brittany Gamble-Simms. Their brief bios had been circulated along with incumbents Mark Fournier, Bernie Gaudet and Audrey Whittall- all of whom were standing for a two year term. Brittany was not able to attend the AGM. It was noted that once elected, directors will determine among themselves who occupies which position. Grant Keddie moved a motion to receive reports as made; carried. 7. Election Of Directors- facilitated by Jo-Ann Youmans (past President) Nominations were requested from the floor three times. There were no nominations from the floor. Nominations were closed. Nominations as recommended for a two year term to include Mark Fournier, Bernie Gaudet, Brittany Gamble-Simms, Brooke Hayes and Audrey Whittall. Hearing no further nominations, the candidates named were declared elected. Jo-Ann thanked the outgoing members of the Board- Louise Wood, Grant Keddie and Marne Jensen and Megan Parrish (who had resigned earlier) for their contribution to the Vic West Community Association. This brings an end to the formal business meeting of the Annual General meeting. 8. Announcements Dec 21 Solstice Potluck dinner will be held at the Centre. 9. The Vic West Vision Award is given infrequently to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the positive vision of the Vic West neighbourhood. It was the unanimous
decision of the Board that Patti Parkhouse should be honoured with this award. She has helped transform our neighbourhood through her leadership on sustainable gardens, community mapping, her many food security initiatives, a community kitchen and being the energy source for the annual Corn Roast and Vic West Fest just to begin to name a few of her activities. The Board has taken the advice of Geoff Johnson to provide her with a couple of native plants and is pleased to provide her with the Vic West Vision Award for 2011. A number of community members and partners have attended the meeting in order to pay tribute to Patty. Most of these were written in a scrapbook, also delivered to her. Mike Medland moved to adjourn the annual general meeting; carried.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO VWCA MEMBERS NOVEMBER 27, 2012 To say that it has been a year of growth for the Victoria West Community Association would be true but an under representation the excitement and energy that has taken over the Association, its projects and the Victoria West Community Centre this year. In the pages of this annual report you will read about many community events, new programs and initiatives of the Centre, and Association committee activities that together contribute to the essence of what makes Victoria West the best neighbourhood in Victoria to live and recreate in. We are an association of 400+ strong and many of us have been touched by the activities of the Association in the past year. Whether it was at the Vic West Fest in the spring, the Swim Fest in the summer, or the Corn Roast in the fall, in coming together to recreate and celebrate we have felt the strength of our community. These and other activities that bring us together would not be possible without the participation of many volunteers—the life blood of our organization— the staff of the Victoria West Community Centre, and most importantly community members who participate in and support our many activities. The Centre is staffed by one energetic and creative full time manager, Kate Longpre, and two part time staff, Cherie Miltmore and Jamie Boyd. Our small but efficient staff has increased program offerings at the Centre for all age groups and touched on many of the interests expressed by the community. The Centre has also welcomed a diverse rental clientele and serves as home for community development activities including Place Making events, community dinners, video nights, community forums and other community gatherings. During the year we said good bye to directors Brooke Hayes and Ruben Bronee while we now say “Good-bye and a very big thank you.” to Brittany Gamble-Simms and Joy Illington who are not standing for re-election. Along with four board members who will be serving second years of their terms, the nominating committee is presenting five nominees for election. Please join in celebrating the growth and vitality of the Victoria West Community Association today and into the future. In the New Year you will be invited to participate in a visioning session lead by Lisa Helps where together we will draft a “Declaration of Principles and Values” to guide the organization in its development. Until then, a special thank you for your support and involvement in the Victoria West Community Association. Nan Judd President
Victoria(West(Community(Association (2(Financial(Report(for(Year(Ended(October(31,(2012 2(Balance(Sheet General(Fund Assets Cash Accounts,Receivable Furniture,and,Equipment Program,Equipment Accumulated,Depreciation
Centre
,11,896.88
,59,473.02 ,741.89 ,9,432.34 ,8,782.12 ,(2,000.00)
,11,896.88
,76,429.37
Liabilities Accounts,Payable Unearned,Grants Unearned,Revenue Garden,memberships
,3,680.00
,16,995.03 ,12,974.50 ,3,000.00
Total(Liabilities
,3,680.00
Net(Assets
,8,216.88
Total(Assets
Director
Other(Funds ,7,834.55 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2
(Total(
Total,2011
,,,,,,,,, 79,204.45 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 741.89 ,,,,,,,,,,, 9,432.34 ,,,,,,,,,,, 8,782.12 ,(2,000.00)
,,,,,,,,, 58,631.74 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 563.40 ,,,,,,,,,,, 9,042.24 ,,,,,,,,,,, 6,427.15 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2
,,,,,,,,, 96,160.80
,,,,,,,,, 74,664.53
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,500.00
,,,,,,,,, 16,995.03 ,,,,,,,,, 16,654.50 ,,,,,,,,,,, 3,000.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 500.00
,,,,,,,,, 12,398.74 ,,,,,,,,, 16,643.50 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 600.00
,32,969.53
,500.00
,,,,,,,,, 37,149.53
,,,,,,,,, 29,642.24
,43,459.84
,7,334.55
,,,,,,,,, 59,011.27
,,,,,,,,, 45,022.29
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,7,834.55 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2
Director
Victoria(West(Community(Association (2(Financial(Report(for(Year(Ended(October(31,(2012 2(Income(Statement General(Fund
Revenue Grant Centre,Grant Capital,Grant Other,Revenue Program,Revenue Centre,Room,Rental,Revenue Interest Corn,Roast Donations Garden,Revenue Swim,Fest,Revenue,&,Donations Vic,West,Fest,Revenue Total(Revenue Expense AGM/Land,Use,Cttee Annual,Report/Bylaws Harbour,Society Website,hosting Board,insurance Postage/member,notices Community,centre Salaries Program,costs Promotions Telecommunications Office Program,supplies Credit,Card,fees Janitorial Maintenance Insurance Waste,disposal Depreciation Garden,Expenses Misc,Exp Approved,Projects: Vic,West,Fest Vic,West,Art,Quest Swim,Fest Corn,Roast Musicians Co2host,events,with,centre Map,Project Community,Dinners Capital Unallocated,Funds Total(Expense Excess
Centre
Other(Funds
Total 2012 YTD
2011
,,,,,,,,,,, 3,680.00 ,,,,,,,,, 77,836.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,, 6,192.00 ,,,,,,,,, 45,654.66 ,,,,,,,,, 26,442.10 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 278.71 ,,,,,,,,,,, 1,285.50 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 898.61 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 280.00 ,,,,,,,,,,, 4,705.31 ,,,,,,,,,,, 2,160.86 ,,,,,,,,169,413.75
,,,,,,,,,,, 3,680.00 ,,,,,,,,, 78,007.00 ,,,,,,,,, 13,824.00
,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 298.42
YTD
YTD
,3,680.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,32.70 ,1,285.50 ,41.18 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,77,836.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,6,192.00 ,45,654.66 ,26,442.10 ,176.23 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,392.34 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2
,1,571.86 ,,,,,,,,,6,611.24
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,156,693.33
,262.78 ,25.00 ,100.00 ,324.20 ,1,095.00 ,34.16 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,95.00
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,70,708.39 ,26,093.83 ,870.44 ,2,472.81 ,2,974.62 ,791.57 ,1,502.81 ,36,296.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,1,299.00 ,1,504.29 ,2,000.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,289.49
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,563.48 ,500.00
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2
,395.41 ,300.00 ,542.22 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,200.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,3,543.70 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,336.00 ,(124.75) ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2
,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 262.78 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 25.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 100.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 324.20 ,,,,,,,,,,, 1,095.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 34.16 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,, 70,708.39 ,,,,,,,,, 26,093.83 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 870.44 ,,,,,,,,,,, 2,472.81 ,,,,,,,,,,, 2,974.62 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 791.57 ,,,,,,,,,,, 1,502.81 ,,,,,,,,, 36,296.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,, 1,299.00 ,,,,,,,,,,, 1,504.29 ,,,,,,,,,,, 2,000.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 435.31 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 384.49 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 563.48 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 500.00 ,,,,,,,,,,, 3,543.70 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 395.41 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 300.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 542.22 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 336.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 75.25 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2
,,,,,,,,,4,437.25
,,,,,146,803.25
,,,,,,,,,,4,190.26
,,,,,,,,155,430.76
,,,,,,,,147,272.40
,2,173.99
,9,890.08
,1,918.92
,,,,,,,,, 13,982.99
,,,,,,,,,,, 5,144.86
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
YTD
Total
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
2 2 2 2 2
,69.78 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,465.09 ,280.00 ,4,705.31 ,589.00 ,,,,,,,,,,6,109.18 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,435.31 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2
,,,,,,,,, 34,846.67 ,,,,,,,,, 18,711.63 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 354.24 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 808.45 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 892.18 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 580.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 713.09 ,,,,,,,,152,417.26
,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 100.00 ,,,,,,,,,,, 1,100.00 ,,,,,,,,,,, 1,077.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 200.23 ,,,,,,,,, 61,327.30 ,,,,,,,,, 19,545.69 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,, 1,895.78 ,,,,,,,,,,, 2,643.21 ,,,,,,,,,,, 2,637.65 ,,,,,,,,,,, 1,618.76 ,,,,,,,,, 36,285.50 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 154.93 ,,,,,,,,,,, 1,288.00 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 955.91 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 781.61 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 477.97 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 536.13
,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 524.31
,,,,,,,,, 13,824.00
Notes
## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ##
Fund,Balances Poster,Sales Community,Events Banners Rayn,or,Shine Greenways Community,Dinners Banfield,Commons Utility,Box,Map,Wrapping,Project Swim,Fest VW,Food,Security VWUF
General,Fund,Special,Balances Corn,Roast,Total,Surplus,
,1.22 ,416.81 ,170.29 ,533.10 ,359.75 ,202.42 ,736.62 ,2,776.31 ,1,161.61 ,387.42 ,589.00 ,7,334.55
,,,,,,,,,,743.76
Victoria West Community Centre
Year End Report– November 2012 Submitted by Kate Longpre, Victoria West Community Centre Manager 2012 was a year of change for the Victoria West Community Centre. In April of 2012, Kate Longpre was hired as the Manager of the Victoria West Community Centre. With our small but dedicated staff team, Kate, Cherie and Jamie, the Centre set out to accomplish the following goals: Meet Community Needs
opened Little Steps Licensed Preschool in September 2012, which is currently running at capacity. continued before and after School Care with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Victoria. reintroduced Good Food Box program– affordable, locally grown produce can be ordered online and picked up at the Centre. lowered prices to make programs more accessible. set up wi-fi and free community access computer station for public use. tripled the range of programs from babies to seniors including health and wellness, learning, creative and performing arts and drop in. rented office and workshop space in the centre to Antidote, a network for multiracial and indigenous women and girls. rented the centre kitchen for the Canadian Diabetes Association Food Skills program sponsored by the Victoria Women in Need Community Cooperative and the Ministry of Social Development. rented space to the BC Muslim Association of Victoria for their prayers while their mosque was being built. provided a home to the Raven District Girl Guides who were seeking a facility to support girls in Vic West. provided recreational space to many of the Vic West group homes and their participants. provided engaging summer camp programs for families in the Vic West community.
Increase the visibility of Vic West Community Centre in the community
developed the Victoria West Community Centre program guide; a great resource for community members with information on the programs and services at the centre . distributed the program guide through the Victoria News on September 5th reaching homes in Vic West and parts of Esquimalt. with Louise Wood’s help, updated the website to be more user friendly. www.victoriawest.ca shared the stories of the Victoria West Community Centre through Facebook and Twitter. The number of “likes” and “followers” has more than doubled. made monthly submissions to the Vic West Elementary School, Macaulay Elementary School, Rock Heights Middle School and Esquimalt High School newsletters. extended the Victoria West Community Centre online outreach through Kids in Victoria, Chatterblock, ChildsPlay101, WeePlay101 the Homeschoolers Networks, Times Colonist Go pages, Linking Boomers and GreyPlay101. Centre information is now accessible on the Dockside Green residents website. participated in community events such as Vic West Fest, Gorge Swim Fest and the Vic West Corn Roast. hosted it’s events such as the Vic West Open House and Halloween Fun Fest.
Building Partnerships
partnered with Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence, Victoria Conservatory of Music and Gorging Dragons Dragon Boat Society to offer high quality programs to the community. provided youth programming on Friday evenings in partnership with the High Point Church. committed with the centre and the Vic West Community School Parent Advisory Council to support one another and work together on initiatives such as the Rain Garden, Halloween Fun Fest and School’s Year End event. provided a community service learning experience for a graduating student in the UVic Social Sciences program. engaged Esquimalt High School student volunteers in the planning and implementation of the Halloween Fun Fest, haunted house. collaborate with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Victoria on events such as the CCN Monster Bash and Parenting Workshops.
Increase Registered Program Participation
more than tripled the number of programs offered in Fall 2012 compared to Fall 2011. offered high quality programs with skilled instructors, who are evaluated by participants. lowered the program registration prices. increased the number of facility rentals bringing more people into the building. increased center operating hours to Monday through Friday, 9:00am-9:00pm and Saturday 9:00am-3:00pm.
In Summary This fall the Victoria West Community Centre lowered program prices, tripled the number of programs offered, increased participation and revenues from rentals and programs while expanding the time that the centre is open.
Vic West Community Centre -Program Registration Revenue Nov 2011-Oct 2012 $15,000.00 $10,000.00 Program Registration Revenue
$5,000.00 $Nov-11 Dec-11 Jan-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 May-12 Jun-12
Jul-12
Aug-12 Sep-12
Special Thank You’s Firstly, I would like to thank the Victoria West Community Centre staff Cherie Miltimore and Jamie Boyd for their continued inspiration and initiative. I would also like to thank the program instructors and volunteers who devote expertise and energy to the programs and services at the centre. Finally, special acknowledgment goes to the Vic West Community Association board of directors and the community centre committee for their ongoing leadership, guidance and service to the community. I would also like to recognize Suzette Delmage, the previous Community Centre Coordinator. Her efforts in establishing the Victoria West Community Centre have been a tremendous benefit to the community. The Victoria West Community Centre would also like to thank the City of Victoria for their ongoing support of the centre and the Victoria West Community Association.
Victoria West Community Association Community Centre Committee Report 2012 Annual General Meeting
The Community Centre Committee exists to assist and advise the Community Centre Manager and Board on matters affecting the operations of the Victoria West Community Centre. This past year has seen continued growth at the centre under the leadership of Kate Longpre as our new Centre Manager. Kate has increased programming, rentals and revenue in the centre, and has worked energetically to develop partnerships. The centre is a place for our community to come together to learn, create, socialize, recreate, plan and communicate. The strategic plan and business plan envision the centre as our community’s rec. room. With the vibrancy and bustle from increased programming and the use of the centre for association projects and events, the centre is growing into this role. The centre rents space to organizations and individuals at a competitive rate. Rentals are an important part of our plan to make the best use of the centre. We are proud to offer the space to a wide range of users. Rentals are distinct from programming and bring a diverse range of activities and users into the centre. For the past year efforts have been focused on being good at being small. We will continue to focus on optimizing uses of the centre. The focus for the coming year will be on continued modest growth and on stabilizing revenues. Community consultation will become a priority as the committee moves towards medium and longer term visioning.
Mark Fournier Chair, Community Centre Committee
www.victoriawest.ca - Facebook.com/VicWestCA - Twitter.com/VicWestCA
Victoria West Community Association Harbour Committee Annual Report Annual General Meeting Tuesday, November 27, 2012
The Harbour Committee continues to monitor and participate in activities affecting the Harbour: Victoria Harbour Airport: In our report dated November 29, 2011 we stated that Transport Canada had indicated they expected to have the Safety Management System complete for the Harbour Airport by the end of March 2012. To our knowledge it is still outstanding. Proposed Marina on North Shore of Harbour: Transport Canada recently granted approval under NWPA, now known as NPA. The earliest work can start on the project would be in the summer of 2013. Members of the Community generally, and in particular Songhees residents, along with residents from all parts of Greater Victoria wrote letters, made phone calls, and have been of enormous assistance. The BC Ombudsperson has opened a file on the project due to concerns expressed by a large number of Victoria residents. Derelict Vessels in Gorge Selkirk Waterway: Derelict vessels continue to be a problem, and we urge residents to address their concerns in writing to the City of Victoria. The only way to get a message across seems to require that a large number of residents must actually complain in writing to the City in order for attention to be paid to the concerns of the public. Respectfully submitted,
Audrey Whittall, Chair VWCA Harbour Committee Committee Members: Diane Carr, Rick Couch, Gordon Greeniaus, Don Grovestine, Lynn MacDonald, Don Roughley
VICTORIA WEST TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 2012 YEAR-END REPORT NOVEMBER, 2012 Background – Victoria West Transportation Plan: The VWCA Transportation Committee has hosted several Placemaking Workshops over the past several years, which have been attended by community members and staff and consultants of the City of Victoria Engineering department. These workshops resulted in the Victoria West Transportation Plan (downloadable on the City of Victoria website at www.victoria.ca). The City’s 2012 work plan focused on improvements on the South and West sides of Craigflower Road between Catherine and Coventry Streets. The work began in February at Catherine Street and moved Westward with the final work being completed in early November of 2012. Significant Aspects of the Victoria West Transportation Plan completed in 2012: Skinner Street median. Russell Street Island. The lighted crosswalks on Craigflower Road at Raynor & Coventry. New widened sidewalk between Raynor & Pine Streets. New oriented bike lanes along Craigflower & Skinner. Temporary bike racks in front of commercial operations on Craigflower Road. Portable speed indicators on Craigflower. Aspects of the Victoria West Transportation Plan yet to be completed: Artistic bike racks in front of commercial operations on Craigflower Road. Pedestrian scale lighting in front of commercial operations on Craigflower Road. Other VWCA Transporation Committee Issues: In addition, to the above project, the VWCA Transportation Committee is continuing to address the following issues with the City: 1. Johnson Street bridge approaches 2. Bay Street bridge congestion 3. Skinner/Bay/Tyee Intersection crosswalk & lights 4. E&N Rail Trail intersection design review (with CRD and City) 5. Catherine/Bay Street intersection design consultation 6. Miscellaneous issues (see detailed list in full report) Anyone interested in more information of these issues and initiatives should not hesitate to contact: Jack Meredith Chair, Transportation Committee Victoria West Community Association transportation@victoriawest.ca 250-588-2525
Victoria West Community Association Community Projects and Events Year-end Report November 2012 This has been a busy year for the Projects & Events committee and the many volunteers who enabled the various events and projects to happen. Without our volunteers there would be no activity to report. Thank you all for your time and efforts. Thanks also to the many local businesses that provided prizes and sponsorships to support these events and cause them to happen. And of course, thanks to all the Vic West Community members and their friends for participating in and supporting the events. Over thirty (30+) events were put on in 2012 with over 2500 participants. These included: VWCA Potluck – Winter Solstice VWUF – Seedy Monday – seed exchange VWUF – Pruning workshop by Stewart Boutilier VWUF – Tour de Coop - visit to local chicken coops VWCA Environmental Video night – “How to Boil a Frong” Food Security Collective Film Series showed “Dirt - the motion picture” Lecture on “Navigating the Coming Choas” by Carolyn Baker VWUF event on “What’s happening in the Food Garden” VWCA Potluck – Earth Day celebration VWUF – “How to grow the most food in the smallest space”. Vic West Art Quest Group Show & artist studio tours Vic West Fest – Picnic in the Park VWCA hosting of the CRD’s Resilient Breakfast VWCA Environmental Video night – “On the Line” (Enbridge Pipeline) Johnson Street Bridge approaches design review by VWCA members Children’s artwork presentation by Laura Swaine VWUF – Winter Veggie Gardens lecture VWCA Potluck – Summer Solstice VWUF – Garden Tour The Gorge Swim Fest VWCA Potluck – Dinner in White VWUF – Tomato tasting The Corn Roast VWCA Potluck – Celebrate the Harvest Halloween Party VWUF – Beekeeping Lecture Hereward Park Food Forest/Orchard Design workshop VWUF – Native Bees lecture Banfield Park Orchard Design workshop Breakfast with Santa – December 16th VWCA Potluck – “A mid-winter’s night dream” – December 16th
VicWest Food Security Collective 2012 Project Report Patti Parkhouse, Project Coordinator The VicWest Food Security Collective is a group of volunteers who work on projects to strengthen production, consumption and access to food that is safe, nutritious, affordable, locally produced and environmentally and economically sustainable. There is much work to be done in building our neighbourhood’s secure food system. Our goal each year is to increase our participation in existing projects and create new projects. The biggest benefit from our efforts is the resulting community building, both within the individuals who participate and for the whole VicWest community. Our moto is…cultivating community by growing and sharing food! If you would like to assist in any of the projects or have ideas on how the Collective can grow to support a sustainable VicWest food system please contact Patti vicwestgarden@yahoo.ca New projects Website – vicwestfoodsecurity.org Launched in November, our new website will include Collective project information, learning resources to support urban food production, and report on food activities in Vic West. Louise, Leanna, Hannah, Teresa, Ava, and Aaren will continue to add content and improve the website design. Hereward Park Community Orchard In September the Collective and partner Transition Victoria Captial Nut Project won a contest with Southern Vancouver Island Permablitz to design a permaculture community orchard/food forest in Hereward Park. Two community design events in October identified the current park use and collected ideas on enhancing and increasing food production that will complement the use. Once the design is completed in January, the team can begin the search for funding and the application process with the City to build the orchard. Banfield Park Community Orchard The 2012 Victoria Official Community Plan identifies the City’s commitment to expanding food production in public places. In November the Collective partnered with the City to operate a pilot program to introduce and test a community orchard model in City parks. The 10 tree orchard will transform the green space between the tennis courts and Craigflower Road to an engaging Place that will encourage community participation. The community will design, plant and maintain the trees and harvest the fruit. The City will purchase the trees, install irrigation and mow the lawn. Planting will occur in February to early March.
On going projects Community Dinners – Ava Christl, Project Coordinator Five dinners were hosted at the Centre during 2012. We celebrated Mardi Gras, Earth Day, the Summer Solstice, the Autumn Harvest and held a wonderful outdoor “Dinner in White” event. You are invited to “A Mid Winter's Night Dream”, the 10th Vic West Community Potluck Dinner on Sunday, December 16th at 5:00pm at the Centre. In the spring 2013, we will host a free community feast. To raise funds for this event the Potluck Team are offering a “by donation” gift wrapping service during Santa's Breakfast on December 16th. Community Kitchen – Ava Christl, Project Coordinator The Kitchen brings people together to prepare food. Largely inactive this year, with big plans for the future. Aspirations to create relationships between the food we grow and the food we eat through presentations, workshops and classes. VicWest Grow-a-Row VicWest gardeners participated in Grow-a-Row, a project in partnership with the Compost Education Centre. Community members donated produce from their gardens whenever the yield could be shared, with the donations supporting the Rainbow Kitchen which is now located in Esquimalt. VicWest Urban Farmers (VWUF) VWUF is a network of people who support each other in growing food by sharing knowledge, seeds, and plants. Activities include monthly Growing meetings/workshops, a library, seed and plant exchange, and summer garden tours. The March Tour de Coop introduced many to the delights of backyard chickens and the May VWUF plant sale provided a supply of healthy food plants for VW gardens. Membership blossomed to 91 this year and there are more budding VW farmers out there! If you would like to learn more about growing your own food consider joining VWUF. Vic West Corn Roast September 16 was the 7th Annual Corn Roast, a celebration of community, local food and Spiral Café’s 10th birthday. The event was a great success again this year – the BIGGEST and BEST EVER people said. This year it was a true corn roast thanks to the new Red Wheat Bread Bakery’s wood-fired oven – thanks Byron! Along with the 400 cobs of sweet roasted local corn, the BIG crowd enjoyed Byron’s pizzas, local apple-pear juice (pears from the Raynor Park tree) and Vic West homemade apple pie while listening to the musical friends of Spiral Café. The pie judges had a hard time deciding (second pieces were required!); the results are: 1st – Amy, 2nd – Rosemary, 3rd – Dawn. People could express their artist talents by assisting the Art Questers’ in the creation of the natural structure that still stands in Raynor Park or by building a zucchini car or lantern at
Esquimalt Lantern Fest table. Thanks to the volunteers and businesses for your support. VicWest Tea Garden – at the Centre Community The Tea Garden really grew in 2012 providing herbal tea for community events and the public. The strawberries were particularly popular with the children from the Centre programs and the deer! Special thanks to Cherie for her on-going care and attention of the garden. Rayn or Shine Garden , Raynor Street, behind Spiral Cafe Featured this year at the garden was a dedicated Grow-a-Row bed – thank you Ava! The gardeners’ commitment to soil building with the addition of on-site grown compost shows success in high yields and quality crops. The garden is always open, come be inspired by fruits and vegetables our 9 gardeners grow organically on what once use to be a parking lot. Special thanks to Mary Ann for her continued dedication and hard work to keep the garden growing! Banfield Commons More people are discovering the wonderful perennial food growing in this permaculture food forest in Banfield Park. Deer also have been grazing in the garden, their favourite being the figs, therefore installation of plant cages will be necessary to protect this human prized fruit. The garden continues to become more self-sustaining requiring only minimal weeding and watering, a characteristic of good permaculture design and practises. Evans Street Orchard More sheet mulching and guild planting in this boulevard orchard were done to improve the growing conditions for the trees. Special thanks to Stuart and Jack & Lori for the continued support in the orchard. Bridges Park Community Garden, in Railyards Letters of support from the Railyards’ strata councils, the City and VWCA have been received. Hopes are that these letters will demonstrate the community’s desire for food production space in the park so the developer will include an allotment garden in his Bridges Park plans.
Victoria(West(Community(Association(2(Land(Use(Committee(Report( Annual(General(Meeting( November(27,(2012( ( ( Following(are(the(significant(land(use(projects(that(were(undertaken(and(status(of( ongoing(major(developments(during(the(past(year:( ( Johnson&Street&Bridge&Approaches& 2 City(staff(met(with(members(of(the(Victoria(West(Community(Association( (VWCA)(in(February(to(plan(how(input(could(be(best(solicited(from( community(members.((Representatives(of(the(VWCA(provided(strong( recommendations(to(engage(the(community(in(meaningful(consultation(that( directly(informed(the(final(design(of(the(bridge(approaches.(The(City( subsequently(hosted(open(house(input(sessions,(with(focused(invitations(to( the(Downtown(Residents(and(Victoria(West(Community(Associations( memberships.(Several(members(of(the(Victoria(West(Community(attended( these(sessions,(and(had(mixed(reviews(regarding(the(quality(of(consultation.((( 2 PCL(Constructors(Westcoast(Inc.((PCL)(has(been(selected(as(the(“preferred( proponent”(under(the(Request(for(Proposal(to(build(the(new(Johnson(Street( Bridge.(Council(directed(staff(to(proceed(to(negotiations(to(finalize(the(details( of(the(fixed2price(contract.( 2 City(staff(has(offered(to(provide(regular(general(update(meetings(at(joint( Downtown(Residents(Association/Victoria(West(Community(Association( meetings(once(the(contract(with(a(successful(proponent(has(been(finalized( and(a(schedule(of(construction(has(been(established.( ( Bayview&Place&Precinct& 2 Plans(regarding(the(Seniors’(Housing(on(Lot(4(of(the(precinct(were(finalized( in(the(spring(and(submitted(for(review(by(City(staff.((A(Victoria(West( Community(Association(letter(to(the(City(had(been(previously(submitted(that( summarizes(the(overall(community(support(for(the(project.( 2 Representatives(from(the(Bayview(development(also(presented(an(update(of( their(development(plans(at(the(regularly(scheduled(Community(Association( meeting(in(June.((According(to(the(project(team,(the(Promontory,(a(21(storey( residential(building(currently(under(construction(will(likely(be(followed(by( development(of(commercial(amenities(at(the(site(of(the(Roundhouse.( ( Dockside&Green& 2 Additional(construction(at(Dockside(Green(is(still(on(pause,(awaiting(a( development(partner(to(support(future(phases,(and(a(more(favourable( housing(market.(( 2 Updates(are(provided(to(representatives(of(the(Victoria(West(Community( Association(by(Vancity(staff,(and(future(plans(will(be(communicated,(as(they( are(surface.(
( Railyards&Development&Inc.& 2 Development(at(the(Railyards(continues(as(per(the(Masterplan.( 2 Community(Gardens(that(were(originally(committed(to(the(site(by(the(City(in( 2004(apparently(did(not(make(it(into(the(development(agreement(between( the(City(and(the(developer.((Discussions(have(occurred(between(the(City(and( the(VicWest(Food(Security((Collective(to(rectify(the(oversight(and(to(locate(a( community(garden(on(site.( ( OCP&Input& 2 City(staff(came(to(the(Victoria(West(Community(Association(–(Land(Use( Committee(in(May(to(provide(an(overview(of(changes(made(to(previously( published(draft(Plan.(( 2 Final(public(input(into(the(Plan(was(welcomed(up(until(a(Public(Hearing(held( on(June(27th.((The(Chair(of(the(Victoria(West(Community(Association(–(Land( Use(Committee(presented(community(input(at(the(Public(Hearing,(focusing( on(two(major(considerations;(that(the(final(Plan(consider(more(diverse(and( mixed(land(use(designations(for(the(Victoria(West(community,(and;(that(the( Victoria(West(Neighbourhood(Plan(be(considered(a(first(priority(among(the( neighbourhood(planning(update(schedule.(( 2 The(City(of(Victoria(Official(Community(Plan(was(adopted(on(July(30th,(2012.( 2 In(the(Final(OCP,(the(creation(of(a(Victoria(West(Neighbourhood(Plan( remained(a(second(tier(priority( 2 Some(of(the(other(interests(identified(by(community(input(has(been( recognized(in(principle(or(concept(within(the(body(of(the(Plan,(and(is(to(be( further(defined(and(articulated(when(the(Neighbourhood(Plan(is(developed.(( The(expected(timeline(of(the(Neighbourhood(Plan(development(is(in(the( range(of(4(–(6(years.( ( 310&Henry&Street( 2 The(new(owners(of(the(property((formerly(St.(Saviour’s(Church)(presented( their(interest(in(using(the(facility(as(a(ballet(school.((Discussion(ensued(with( the(City(to(determine(options(on(re2zoning(the(property(to(accommodate(the( intended(use.( 2 The(owners(determined(to(proceed(with(re2zoning(the(property(to(a(site( specific(zone(that(would(allow(for(a(centre(of(the(arts((specifically,(a(ballet( school)(and(accessory(small2scale(retail(and(food(amenity(for(clients.( 2 Professional(planners((land2use(and(transportation)(were(hired(by(the( property(owners(to(support(a(re2zoning(application(that(would(meet( community(and(City(interests.( 2 The(required(Community(Meeting(was(held(recently(in(November(to(present( the(overall(re2zoning(application.((Many(interested(community(members( attended(the(Community(Meeting(and(provided(input,(including(overall( support(for(the(facility(use(as(a(centre(of(the(arts,(as(well(as(significant( concern(regarding(parking(congestion(associated(with(facility(use.(
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The(owners(are(working(to(ensure(the(proposed(enterprise(is(a(positive( contribution(to(the(community(as(a(whole(by(preserving(the(heritage(aspect( of(the(site,(builds(on(the(cultural(heritage(of(the(neighbourhood,(and( addresses(parking(issues(through(a(comprehensive(Transportation(Demand( Management(strategy.( More(information(is(available(on(the(proponent’s(website(2( http://www.mapleleafballet.ca(
( 502&Selkirk&Avenue& 2 The(new(owners(of(502(Selkirk(presented(plans(at(a(preliminary(community( meeting(in(July(to(“clean(up”(the(zoning(of(the(site(and(to(allow(for(a( proposed(remodeling(and(slight(expansion(of(the(small(cottage(that(sits(on( the(waters(edge.( 2 After(receiving(feedback(from(Land(Use(Committee(members(and(others(in( attendance(at(the(preliminary(community(meeting,(the(owners(determined( not(to(proceed(with(a(re2zoning(application.((( ( 634/638&Craigflower& 2 The(new(owner(of(638(Craigflower(is(applying(to(re2zone(638(Craigflower( from(its(current(R1(–(B((Single(Family(Dwelling)(to(a(multiple(dwelling(zone,( with(plans(to(design(the(existing(primary(on2site(building(as(a(triplex.((Under( the(same(application,(the(owner(proposes(to(re2zone(an(adjacent(property( (634(Craigflower)(to(allow(the(development(of(a(duplex.( 2 The(proposal(was(presented(to(the(Land(Use(Committee(in(October(to(receive( preliminary(feedback,(which(was(primarily(favourable(over(the(historical(use( of(the(site.( 2 The(Community(Meeting,(required(of(a(re2zoning(application,(was(recently( held(in(November.((There(is(some(confusion(regarding(the(orientation(of(the( 638(property,(affecting(clarity(on(parking(and(driveway(access( 2 Overall(feedback(has(included(appreciation(and(interest(to(the(change(in( quality(of(residential(housing(supply,(mixed(sentiments(about(the(relocation( of(site(access(from(Alderman(to(Craigflower(Rds,(and(receptiveness(for( sensitive(densification(within(the(neighbourhood.( 2 The(owner(is(working(with(surrounding(neighbours(to(understand(their( concerns(and(interests( ( ( Bernie(Gaudet( Chair(–(Victoria(West(Community(Association(2(Land(Use(Committee(
Nomination Committee Report 2012 The Nomination Committee was formed in August, 2012 with 2 purposes: To determine which of the current Board members were going to continue as Board members, and to recruit some new candidates to the Board. The Committee sent out an open invitation to the membership in early October soliciting new members. The Committee members also approached a number of people who have been active volunteers, demonstrated interest in the Association or who indicated that they were interested in governance when they joined the Association. We are pleased to be able to recommend to the Annual General Meeting the five candidates whose brief biographies were circulated to the membership with the agenda of the AGM. Two candidates: Mike Medland and Jack Meredith, are standing for re-election at the expiration of their two year term. Three new candidates: Denis Fredette, Simeon Goa and Rebecca Kennel are standing for election for a first two year term. There are four members of the Board who are continuing to serve: Nan Judd, Mark Fournier, Bernie Gaudet and Audrey Whittall. The notice of Annual General Meeting sent to our membership in October noted that nominations will be open from the floor for members who have been in good standing for at least 60 days (Sept 28). There can be up to twelve Directors plus the Past President who serves for one year as an ex-officio member of Executive and the Board. Thank you. Joy Illington
Victoria West Community Association Board Recommended Candidates Candidate Bios for 2 year terms 2012-2014 Please note nominations can be received from the floor at our AGM Tuesday Nov 27, 2012 for anyone who has been a member for at least 60 days. Denis Fredette Denis has been a resident of Vic West since 1996. He has been employed in the property management of provincial government buildings since 1999 with the BC Buildings Corporation and Brookfield Lepage Johnson Controls. He is presently employed as a Project Manager. Earlier in his career, Denis was a Marine Engineer in the Royal Canadian Navy for 23 years (1976-99). Denis’ previous community involvement was with the Esquimalt Fastball Association where he was involved in various capacities from umpire, umpire-in-chief, coach, vice-president and president. He is presently the Captain of the Neighbourhood Block Watch in the Sherk/Griffith/McCaskill Street area. Denis enjoys helping people. “Being involved with the block watch and the community association will allow me to help our neighbours and to have a positive impact on my community. I am willing to serve in any capacity but my primary interests are transportation, land use, parks and environment.” Simeon Goa Simeon Goa is a graphic designer. He and his wife bought a house in Vic West in 2009. Simeon's community involvement started in 2003 when he joined the Greater Edmonton Area Alliance to campaign for affordable housing and safe working conditions. Since moving to Victoria in 2007 he has served on the board at Xchanges Gallery and Studios, as secretary, contributed his expertise to a number of organizations including the Burnside Gorge Community Centre, Island Writer Magazine and the Vic West Urban Farmers. He has worked as a provincial fundraising manager and currently works for Orca Book Publishers.
His values are centred around community and the environment, including sustainable transportation and food systems. Rebecca Kennel Rebecca has been living in Vic West for close to eight years. She is committed to increasing Vic West's walkability, to creating more opportunities for neighbour to meet neighbour, and to encouraging an engaged membership. Rebecca would bring various skills to the board, including her fluency in social media, a flare for marketing and promotions, an ability to organize, her creative thinking, and her enthusiasm. Previously, she spent over fifteen years actively involved in the community of Shell Lake, Saskatchewan, helping to organize and promote events. During that time she instigated the Great Neighbourhood Giveaway and an ice sculpture competition, as well as helping to build an outdoor, wood-fired clay oven. For her role in organizing the Thickwood Hills Studio Trail, she won the award for "Best Promotional/Marketing Campaign for an Event or Festival" from Tourism Saskatchewan Rebecca is the author of Victoria Bench by Bench. Robin Rombs Robin has lived in Vic West for since Jan 2006. He is a husband and a father of two young boys. Robin is just finishing his BSc in Geography at UVic. For the last 14 months Robin has managed 11 residential suites across three properties in Vic West. Robin volunteered at the last two Vic West Fests and this past summer's Gorge Swim Fest. He now would like to be more involved in some of the various activities and events that are generated out of the Community Association and the Centre. Robin is interested in enhancing our collective sense of community through fostering engagement, creativity, and fun. He is also interested in helping to make progress towards safer streets and development that enriches the neighbourhood, not just developers. Robin believes that the local is the scale at which change can be made most effectively. He would be proud to have community members
share their visions and concerns with him, and would strive to reflect them in our neighbourhoods, through our Centre, and to City Hall. Mike Medland Mike has been a resident of Victoria West for the past 8 years and has been the association treasurer for the past 4 years and the VicePresident for the past year. Mike has also served on the Land Use Committee from 2007-2009 and on the Community Centre Committee since 2011. Other board experience includes serving as President of his strata corporation for the past 8 years. Mike is a professional accountant, and believes the community association needs the support of engaged citizens Jack Meredith Jack has a broad range of business experience working for both public and private sector organizations, as well as running his own firm offering professional engineering services to the green buildings industry. A hallmark of his career has been the results he has achieved through working with teams to get things done. Jack has lived in Victoria since 1980 and has been renovating a home in Vic West since 1995. Jack sees the value of being active in the community association. He chairs the Transportation Committee, the Community Projects and Events Committee and he initiated the Gorge Swim Fest last summer in partnership with other community associations along the Gorge.
Marlena Turner
Marlena Turner has been a Vic West Resident since moving to Victoria in the Fall of 2010. Coming from the active city of Vancouver she carries energy and a 'get it done right, get it done once' attitude. Motivation behind the decision to move to Victoria was a simple desire for quality of life and a sense of Community. Choosing to move to Vic West has proven to offer a growing neighborhood. Perfect for a Community minded person wishing to 'settle in' and help build an environment to be called home for years to come. Her skill set is wide and varied ranging from Civil servant through to Project Manager. Previously working as an Interior Designer, she has the skill to assess the needs of several parties and actively create functional changes that will allow a shared and multi-faceted environment. This skill can be crossed over to areas outside of the interiors of homes. She also carries the leadership skills to not only encourage team members but complete projects within designated time frames. Fundraising, coordinating, organizing and helping build a foundation for Board members to come are her areas of interest and the skills she would like to share with the Community of Vic West. Not afraid of learning and pro-actively seeking solutions, Marlena is flexible and would like to offer her time and energy to help continue creating the Community of Vic West through serving on its Board of Directors. This would be her first time serving on a Board. She looks forward to helping build the Community together with other motivated residents. Her goal being to ensure the safety and sociability of Vic West as it undergoes such great transition with a visible increase of construction in the area. Diane Carr
Diane Carr has been a member of the VWCA since moving to the neighbourhood more than 13 years ago. In 2003 she chaired the VWCA Visions Project Committee. The committee led a community wide process that resulted in a number of projects that are detailed in the Victoria West Visions Map. Diane believes it is time to revisit that process and re-vision future projects for our growing neighbourhood. Diane is a former chair of the City of Victoria's Advisory Planning Commission and chaired the VWCA Land Use Committee from 2003 through 2008, during which time the community dealt with a number of large projects and contentious development issues.!