Rockland Neighbourhood Association / Chris Coleman's Reports

Rockland Neighbourhood Association: Councillor Chris Coleman's Reports

Councillor’s Neighborhood Report:

January 6th, 2012 - Volume #35

Councillor Chris Coleman, Council Liaison to James Bay

(but, by request, also distributing to the folks in

all other neighborhoods in the City of Victoria…

……..and beyond!)

With the tumult of November’s municipal elections settled , and the spirit of the Christmas Season (and the associated holiday break) now passed, I will return to sending out my Neighborhood Reports every three to four weeks…….but let me start by wishing you all a happy, healthy & prosperous 2012!

This issue’s items include:

· Council Neighborhood Liaison Roles

· Celebrate Victoria 150!

· PRESENTATION: Children's Unstructured Play

· OPEN HOUSE: Help Us Improve Cook Street Playground

· Make Emergency Preparedness a New Year’s Resolution

· RECIPE FOR DISASTER: Call for VEMA Volunteers

· Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre Annual Maintenance Closure

Council Neighborhood Liaison Roles

While all councillors in the City of Victoria are elected “At Large”, the Mayor appoints each member of Council to act as a liaison for specific neighborhoods. This is done, in part, to ensure that there is an opportunity for each neighborhood’s voice to be reflected at the Council table as issues of specific interest move forward. It also allows, over time, for each councillor to better understand specific neighborhoods’ needs & goals.

It should in no way be construed to mean that each member of Council is only interested in their “assigned neighborhood”……. all councillors can be approached on any neighborhood concern; it is then usual for that councillor to include the appointed liaison in the discussion.

In this regard, the Mayor has made the following neighborhood appointments for the next 18 months:

Burnside Gorge Community Councillor Thornton-Joe

Downtown Blanshard Community Councillor Isitt

(including the Hillside/Quadra NAG)

Downtown Residents Association Councillor Helps

Fairfield Gonzales Community Councillor Madoff

Fernwood Community Councillor Young

James Bay Community Councillor Coleman

North Jubilee Community Councillor Gudgeon

North Park Community Councillor Gudgeon

Oaklands Community Councillor Alto

Rockland Community Councillor Isitt

South Jubilee Community Councillor Gudgeon

Victoria West Community Councillor Helps

Celebrate Victoria 150!

In 2012, the City of Victoria celebrates its 150^th anniversary of incorporation. It is an opportunity for staff and the community to reflect on 150 years of civic pride and renew our shared commitment to another 150 years as a world-class Capital City.

Plans are underway for a wide range of projects, events and activities to celebrate this exciting milestone. The Victoria 150 identity has been developed by the City’s graphic designer Leah Ibbitson and will be incorporated into virtually everything the City of Victoria does in 2012.

City programs and activities will be tailored to the anniversary wherever possible and appropriate to maximize resources and create a well-rounded, highly visual celebration year.

Community Involvement: Artists are invited to submit an Expression of Interest to enter a national, three-stage, juried competition to create new public artwork(s) that acknowledge and celebrate the City of Victoria’s 150th anniversary. Two grant programs made possible by the Greater Victoria Spirit Committee and Canadian Heritage also support community involvement. For more information, visit: www.victoria.ca/Victoria150

PRESENTATION: Children's Unstructured Play (Tuesday, January 10)

The City of Victoria is partnering with the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada and O2 Landscape Architects to host a free workshop on children’s unstructured play.

The session will feature Mark Halden, the coordinator of the award-winning Glamis Adventure Playground, which is a community based play program and facility located in London, England.

What: PRESENTATION: Children's Unstructured Play

When: Tuesday January 10, 2012, noon to 1:45 p.m.

Where: City Hall Antechamber

The session promises to be an interesting presentation and discussion about children’s play, including play facilities in urban settings.

City staff who are interested in attending must obtain permission from their manager or supervisor in advance as the session extends past the lunch hour. To register and for more information, visit: www.childnature.ca/news/11/12/19/promoting-childrens-unstructured-play

OPEN HOUSE: Help Us Improve Cook Street Playground (Wednesday, January 18)

The Cook Street Playground in Beacon Hill Park is close to one hectare in size and is located between Cook Street and Nursery Road, across from the Victoria Lawn Bowling Club. The playground provides play and picnic opportunities for nearby residents and draws visitors from around the region. This year, the City of Victoria will upgrade the aging play equipment to meet national safety standards and to better meet the needs of the community.

Families are invited to drop by an open house to share what type of play equipment you'd like to see included. Children are encouraged to participate. Registration is not required. Refreshments will be served.

What: OPEN HOUSE: Help Us Improve Cook Street Playground in Beacon Hill Park

When: Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Where: Victoria Lawn Bowling Club
(Enter from Nursery Road parking lot in Beacon Hill Park)

For more information, visit: www.victoria.ca and click on What’s New?

Make Emergency Preparedness a New Year’s Resolution Victoria is located in a seismically active zone and is due for a damaging earthquake in the next 50 years. Now is the time to make emergency preparedness a New Year’s resolution for you and your family. Learn what you can do to protect your family, pets and property in the event of an earthquake at a free workshop offered by the Victoria Emergency Management Agency.

There is plenty you can do to prepare for an earthquake including having an emergency first aid kit and a plan for reconnecting with your loved ones. Learn how you and your family can better prepare to cope in the event of an earthquake, including how to safely store drinking water, put together emergency supply kits for your home and vehicle, and prepare a family reunification plan.

P u b u n c e m e n t

Upcoming free workshops :

Monday, January 16 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Victoria City Hall, Antechamber