The Top Ten Things I Want You To Know About Becoming A Politician

A few weeks ago the Esquimalt Residents Association (ERA) asked me to give the keynote speech for their AGM. I said yes immediately....without recognizing how difficult it would be. Each time I sat down to write, I was overcome with emotion. It felt like I was writing a goodbye speech.

I focused my efforts on procrastination. I folded laundry. I walked the dog. For the first time ever, I filled out all the "Back To School" forms on time. Eventually, the speech was the only thing left on the "to do" list.

With only days left...I finally asked for help. After a long, late night chat with a good friend...the following speech poured out onto the paper.

After the AGM, several people asked for a copy. In the past week, more have requested it. I hesitate...but after some gentle nudging and some not so subtle badgering...I've agreed to put it online. Many thanks to my friend and editor who helped make this legible.

Please do me a favour and pretend I'm saying it out loud. It really was meant to be spoken and not read. I personally favour the voice of James Earl Jones...but whatever makes you forget about the poor grammar is fine with me.

ERA AGM Speech, September 27th, 2011 at the Archie Browning Sports Centre

Conventional wisdom says to open with a joke...so I wrote one for tonight: “how many municipal politicians does it take to change a light bulb?” “4 to commission a staff report, 3 to form a sub-committee, 2 to debate whether or not good process was followed and 1 to tweet about how if only 1 more person had voted for their 2009 resolution on sustainable energy sources in publicly owned buildings there would be no need to spend taxpayer money on a light bulb at all!”


While I really really want to stop myself from poking fun at politicians we are such a rich source of comic material that I can’t seem to stop myself. I want to try though. Particularly tonight, because I hope to convince each and every one of you, that you ARE politicians.

That joke at the beginning might not be so funny now that I’m delivering the bad news right up front. You ARE a politician. And I’m not just talking to those of you who have already declared that you’re running for public office. You don’t have to belong to a political party. You don’t have to like the word “politician”...you just have to care about what happens in your community. And since each of you walked through that door voluntarily tonight...you’re busted. Every one of you is a politician. And I’m finally ready to admit...that I am one too.

I spent a little time Googling this word. Naturally I found a lot of expletive laden definitions that neither my Mom nor my former campaign managers would let me repeat in public. We don’t have a particularly good reputation as a profession. Even the sweet, typically non-inflammatory magazine of my childhood, Readers Digest, pointed out in a recent survey, that Politicians are the least trusted profession in Canada. That hurt a little. You know your likability has taken a turn for the worse when a monthly that regularly features “cute things that kids say” is dissing your career choice! However, I found a definition that I like:”someone who is actively engaged in shaping public policy”. THAT sounds an awful lot like each of YOU. YOU shape public policy with every email, every letter, every conversation you have with your neighbours. You ARE a politician – whether you like the word or not.

Now I know that this might be a bit of a shock for some of you. It certainly was for me. I denied it until well after I was elected. Obviously, I missed a lot of signs along the way.

In April 2007, I walked into Council Chambers for the first time. I made a pledge to the Council of the Day and to the hundreds gathered there, that I would do whatever it took to keep the Archie Browning Sports Centre open. It didn’t occur to me that I was becoming a politician. As part of that commitment, I volunteered to contribute to an audit of this facility. Even standing on this very roof with a hard hat didn’t suggest to me that I had made some sort of shift. By December of 2007, I’d hired a regular Monday night babysitter so that I didn’t have to worry about missing something down the street at City Hall. I was writing regularly for the newly formed ERA newsletter and I had a copy of the Official Community Plan on my bedside table. My colleagues at work have a running joke about how I started every conversation with “This one time...at Archie Browning...” Still, I wouldn’t admit to being a politician. By then, local media often called to ask for a quote or an interview on Esquimalt issues. That didn’t tip me off either... In fact, in the midst of a live interview on CFAX, the presenter asked me, “Are you considering running for Council?” and I spat out haughtily, “I am NOT a politician”. Those words did taste a little bitter when I ate them recently.


Even when I made the decision to run...and was elected, I had a hard time with the word. I felt a little twisted pride when I heard people say, “She doesn’t SEEM like a politician.” So, I guess it might sound a little bizarre that now, with only a few weeks left in my political “career” that I am finally publically stating that “I AM a politician” and I intend to continue being one. But here is why I’ve come to ask each of you to consider doing the same.

When Beth and I first met and came up with the idea of starting a non-partisan residents association, we often talked about the “disconnect” that existed between a council, who could close a public facility, and with the community that was so deeply and personally affected by those decisions. While this current Council has made a deliberate and concerted effort to eliminate that disconnect and reach out to each and every resident in Esquimalt, sometimes it is still there. Sometimes, the environment in which we make decisions on issues that affect YOUR life is an extremely hostile one. I’m ready to admit that I AM a politician if only to continue breaking down that sense of US vs. THEM. I want to do what I can to break down the antagonism and hostility that creeps in...and scares away good people and good ideas. I do hope that each of you will join me in admitting that you too are a politician. Because I want the public policy that affects MY life to be shaped by my whole community. That includes YOU.
So whether or not you’re ready to accept it, and even though you certainly didn’t ask for it, I am going to offer you some unprofessional, unsolicited advice. Here are my...

“ Top Ten Things I want you to know about becoming a Politician”.

#10. You do NOT need to make decisions on a “Need to know” basis. If you are asked for your comments, concerns or approvals of anything...make sure you have all the information that you need. You will find that there are times when the whole picture is not automatically delivered to you. Do not let anyone else define the amount of information you need to make a good decision.

#9. There is such a thing as “Too Much Information”. After having spent my 36th Birthday at a 6 hour seminar on the Merits of Urine Separation in Wastewater Treatment... I can guarantee you that there are times when ignorance is bliss.

#8. Every issue is someone’s Archie Browning. Despite a keen interest in most things and in all people...I admit that there are occasions when the issue of the day does not instantly evoke a strong personal and dedicated response in me. It does in someone though...or else it wouldn’t be on the table. I believe each issue deserves the same care and thoughtful consideration that I demanded be given of the Archie Browning Sports Centre in 2007. I remember well how hard my hands were shaking when I approached Council for the first time. I was part of an excited crowd that spilled out the door and into the streets....and still I was terrified. Just because a person is coming forward alone doesn’t mean that their issue is less important. Some things are just harder to rally support for. Just ask the guy whose life’s work is Urine Separation!

#7. The issues might not be what you think they are. When I ran for Council, I was sure I knew ALL the issues that might face me in my term. I researched them all and wrote lengthy position papers on each topic. My campaign manager even laminated them for me so that when I went door knocking I could still show then to people in the rain! Funny thing was, no one wanted to see them. There is only one sure way to know what people really care about. Ask. When I did ask, I was honoured with wonderful stories about Esquimalt. When someone shares what really matters to them it is a gift. Treasure it. To illustrate my point further...I’ll ask you what to guess what recent issue I’ve received tons of feedback on and I’ll give you three hints:


1. Public opinion seems to be varied on whether or not the project is aesthetically pleasing.
2. Some have expressed concerns about the process.
3. There has been suspicion about the motivation behind undertaking the project at all.


Guesses?

The issue I have recently received the MOST feedback on lately is my recent weight loss. I did NOT have a position paper researched, prepared and laminated for this.

#6. Politicians are human. Hopefully this doesn’t come as a TOTAL shock to you, especially now that you’re all proudly admitting to be one. Unfortunately, my experience has been that this does warrant mentioning. If you are willing to put yourself in the public eye....you will face intense criticism. It is likely that some of the criticism will be delivered in a way that offends or even threatens you. Do extract the truth and value from the critique. Do not let the hatred scare you from being human. You may have met some politicians, particularly during ‘silly season’ who have let hostility turn them slightly robotic. “Nice weather!” you might say....”My party has the best platform for climate change” they respond. Try to short circuit that disconnect however you can. Make a joke. Dance a jig. Share a cup of tea. Just don’t forget that there really is a human in there, probably an interesting one. Take the time to try and get them “out of the message box”. You might meet someone you really like.
#5. Anger is a great motivator...but it is not sustainable. It was anger that started MY career in politics...and when I look back on these last few years, there is no doubt that my sharpest memories will be tinted with the heat of this emotion. But anger doesn’t last and change, real change, takes time. We need to find, within each of us, the energy to make change...and it needs to come from a more lasting source than anger. For me, it comes from the joy of knowing and caring about my neighbours. I am fuelled by my feelings of belonging and connectedness to my community.....so Esquimalt is kind of stuck with me. I intend to be shaping public policy for a long, long time even though I’m stepping down from Council. And if we truly want to encourage more of our community to participate, we need to nurture the things that bring us closer. Not fuel the things that scare people away.

#4. Set some boundaries. I struggle with this. I tend to get caught up in discussion even when I should be focused on something else. On vacation one summer, I asked my kids what they liked best about Horne Lake. I expected the answer to be ‘canoeing’ or ‘caving’. My 8 year old said “No one here knows that you raised taxes.” I’ve learned it’s OK to consider the setting and circumstances before engaging in serious discussion. In the change room at the pool is almost always a bad place to talk. In my experience, if one of us is not fully clothed, the issue might not be getting the attention it deserves. Arrange a better time to talk things out. Also, if your child is vomiting every 30 minutes, it probably makes sense not to pick up the phone. When every bedset you own is in the washer and you don’t know where or whether or not you’ll sleep tonight....that caller’s concerns aren’t going to feel like much of a priority. Call them back when you have had 4 hours of sleep in a row.

#3. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be a politician. There is no reason strong enough to hold you back. You don’t have to attend Harvard Law. You don’t have to identify with a spot of the political spectrum. You don’t have to know “the right people”. You don’t have to own a dozen fancy suits. I have none of these things....plus I have spent a lifetime trying to crack the mysterious code that tells the really well dressed people in this world whether to wear jeans or a skirt to a function. If you ever feel like you’re the only person at the cocktail party wearing the wrong thing...don’t worry about it. I’m probably on the other side of the room showing someone the shoes I bought in 1997 for $10 bucks. Getting involved in politics means that opportunities will present themselves where you may feel nervous or pushed outside your comfort zone. Good. Feel nervous. Just don’t miss out. In the last few years, I’ve had remarkable conversations with people I thought I’d only ever read about in the newspapers. Conversations I’m going to be telling my grandchildren about. And I was wearing these $10 shoes.

#2. Hold the people you LOVE close. You will meet a wealth of people. Get to know as many of them as you can. Each of them has something valuable to share and your life will be richer for it. And if you’re really lucky, you’ll meet the rare friend who you connect with beyond the bylaw you’re discussing...or the event you are planning together. The kind of friend who says to you “we’re always good” and you believe it. Someone that recognizes and cares for the most authentic, most honest, most real part of you. If you are fortunate enough to know someone like this – you MUST hold them close. Because, in my opinion, if you are doing this right, you’re going to be scared out of your socks a whole lot of the time. If you’re really listening to the multitude of voices and differing opinions out there...sometimes, it’s going to feel like you’ve got 12 different radio stations cranked up full volume at once. You’re going to need someone who can hold your hands, quiet the noise, and help you hear the voice that is in your heart.

And the number one thing that I would like to leave you with tonight is:

#1. On the days when you ask yourself “Is it worth it?” Is it worth it to put myself out there...to be part of my community in such a personal way....Is it worth it to be a politician? On the days when you ask yourself that question...and you will...KNOW that the answer is YES.

Archie Browning Sports Centre turns 50!

Yesterday was the Archie Browning Sports Centre's 50th birthday...and it's looking terrific! Stay tuned for details on a big birthday party coming this Fall!

Archie Browning Sports Centre Gets a New Roof!

Victoria News - Raising a roof over Archie

Here's a little story I'm THRILLED to pass on. Please check it out by following this link to the Vic News online.

The new roof at Archie Browning is ON time, ON budget and is good to go for another 25 years.

Even better, is that with energy efficient upgrades the costs to operate this facility will go down. Better for the environment AND better for the pocket book.

Well done to all the residents who have worked long and hard to advocate for the grant applications, political will and solid management to see this project through. You made this happen!

...and a HUGE well done to our staff. ON time and ON budget is a great thing to see in the news. PLUS my hat is off to the workers up on the roof today. I've been up there and it is HOT!!! Thank you for all you're doing for us in this weather. Be safe and know we appreciate it!

Paralympic Fever

My friend Stef has had the Paralympic Fever for months...and I think I just caught it! For $15 bucks each, I just bought tickets to see some pretty amazing events next month!

Also, the Paralympic Torch will be starting its journey in ESQUIMALT - at the Archie Browning Sports Centre no less! Check out the details here:

The Township of Esquimalt and the Defence Team from Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt are joining forces to host one of only nine official 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay community celebrations in BC.

What: Paralympic Torch Relay

Where: Torch lighting at Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Road

When: Saturday, March 6th, 2010 at approximately 9:45 a.m.

The Torch Relay will be a celebratory lead-in to Canada’s first ever Paralympic Winter Games, to run from March 12th to 21st, 2010.

“We are proud to be a celebration community and encourage every one to come out and honour our Paralympic athletes and their remarkable achievements,” said Mayor Barb Desjardins. “Let’s get together and celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime moment.”

There will be a pre-relay celebration in the Archie Browning Sports Centre parking lot beside Bullen Field starting at 8:00 a.m. The celebration—co-hosted by Township Councillor Bruce McIldoon and Rear-Admiral Tyrone Pile, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific—will feature a free pancake breakfast hosted by the Esquimalt Lions, a bouncy castle for the kids, a performance by the Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific, and display tents hosted by representatives from local disabled associations. “I hope residents from all municipalities will come and enjoy Esquimalt’s hospitality and meet the inspiring guests and athletes.” said Rear-Admiral Pile.

After a fire creation and the welcoming ceremony by the local First Nation community, the Torch Relay will get underway at approximately 9:45 a.m. It will be lit at the Archie Browning Sports Centre parking lot, do a loop around Bullen Park then continue on to Ship Point in Victoria via the waterway at Westbay Marina. The Navy will transport the flame first using one of their Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) and then turn it over to the Navy dragon boat team who will bring the flame to shore where the celebration will continue in Downtown Victoria.

Busy Weekend in Esquimalt!

There is so much to do in Esquimalt this weekend! I've copied all these events from the esquimalt.ca website:

Open House at Macaulay Point Park

When: October 24th, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where: Buxton Green at Macaulay Point Park, 1111 Munro Street

The Township of Esquimalt is hosting an open house event at Macaulay Point Park to gather input from Esquimalt residents and other park users on future management direction in the park. Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins, as well as representatives from the Capital Regional District and the Department of National Defence, will be on hand to answer questions.

The land at Macaulay Point is owned by the Department of National Defence and is managed by the Township of Esquimalt through a renewable five-year licence agreement. The lease agreement requires that the Township take adequate measures to protect the natural areas and federally protected native plant species that exist in the park.

A recent environmental assessment report—commissioned by Esquimalt Parks and Recreation—proposed specific management strategies to maintain and enhance these native plant species. This report, along with public input and other planning activities, will help Esquimalt Parks & Recreation develop a sustainable management plan that will minimize degradation of the areas where these plants exist. It is the parks department’s goal to maintain public access while ensuring that management strategies are consistent with its legal obligation to protect the park’s environment.

Japanese Garden Re-opening in Esquimalt Gorge Park

Please join Esquimalt’s Mayor and Council for the grand re-opening ceremony of the Japanese Garden in Esquimalt Gorge Park. Also in attendance will be Mr. Nozomi Nakamura, Consul of Cultural Affairs for the Japanese Consulate in Vancouver.

The event will feature performances by the Japanese drum group Uminari Taiko and the Furusato Dancers.

Where: Esquimalt Gorge Park
When: Sunday, October 25th at 1 p.m.

The garden is the oldest Japanese Garden in all of North America and was created by Isaburo Kishida, who designed the Japanese Gardens at Royal Roads and Butchart Gardens. The Takata family operated a very successful tea house in the gardens for many years.

Come and celebrate the return of this very special place.

Esquimalt's Harvest of the Arts
Artists, artisans, and art lovers are invited to celebrate Esquimalt’s first “Harvest of the Arts.”

This event, hosted by Esquimalt’s Arts, Culture and Special Events Committee, will feature demonstrations by artists in a variety of media, musical performances, and an exhibition of local artists’ work.

When: Sunday, October 25th, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: In the Esquimalt Recreation Centre (527 Fraser Street)

Building on the successes of the 2008 Spring Awakening, the Committee is continuing to support arts and culture in Esquimalt. This event will provide an opportunity for local artists to promote their work, and to connect with each other and the community.

Admission to this event is free.

Pumpkin Swim
It’s back! Our annual pumpkin swim! Bring your whole family to this fun filled Halloween event. Brave the spooky Halloween games of the pool deck, and take home a pumpkin to carve for Halloween!
Regular Admission Sunday October 25 1:30 – 4:30pm

Pumpkin Carving for the United Way

Saturday October 24
Annual fun day of carving pumpkins and crafts. Fundraiser put on by Country Grocer and Esquimalt Neighbourhood House at the Plaza. Hot dogs by donation and all proceeds go to United Way.

If you're still looking for some fun...you can check out a Cougars game at Archie Browning tonight, Storytime at Beans and Greens on Sunday morning, The Japanese Cultural Festival at the rec centre on Saturday or simply go for a walk at Saxe Point and enjoy the beauty of Fall.

Archie Browning Sports Centre Gets Infrastructure Grant!

This is easily the most exciting news that I have to report...We have received an Infrastructure Grant to upgrade the Archie Browning Sports Centre! More news on this soon...right now I've got some phone calls to make!

Many many thanks to everyone who has done so much to make this happen!!!

Woohoo!

Wakey Wakey! Its Buccaneer Days!

I'm back from FCM (more about that later - complete with photos) but right now, the big excitement is BUCCANEER DAYS! The midway is busy setting up at the Archie Browning Parking Lot and the kids can hardly wait. Since we have to walk by the site every day on the way to school the excitement is almost unbearable!

We intend to squeeze every last drop of fun out of the upcoming weekend - hope to see you there! Here are some highlights from the schedule:

FRIDAY June 12
BUCCANEER START OFF BARBECUE
LOCATION: Archie Browning Sport Centre
HOSTS: Esquimalt Seniors Group
TICKETS: Purchase in advance 250-412-8500 or 250-412-8510

The midway opens! The midway opens! The midway opens!

SATURDAY June 13
WAKEY WAKEY
LOCATION: Throughout Esquimalt
Municipality and Parade
HOST: Buccaneer Days Committee/
Esquimalt Fire Department
ANNOUNCER: Rod
*a little side note...when I first moved to Esquimalt my husband told me (warned me actually since I'd just worked a night shift) about "the wakey wakey guy". I thought that he was kidding. Andy is a practical joker with a weird sense of humour and it seemed like just the kind of the thing he'd make up. But sure enough, the very next morning I was woken up by a guy with a megaphone on the back of a fire truck yelling, "Wakey Wakey its Buccaneer Days!" My husband said, "told ya" and I could only say, "I love this place"

PANCAKE BREAKFAST
LOCATION: Front of Arena
HOST: Esquimalt Lions Club
8:00 am - 9:30 am

BUCCANEER PARADE
LOCATION: Esquimalt Road from
Dunsmuir to Constance
HOST: Esquimalt Buccaneer
Committee
10:30 am – 11:30 am

CHILDRENS PIRATES DEN
LOCATION Bullen Park
HOSTS: Esquimalt Parks and
Recreation
Childrens games, activites and fun (Saturday only)

PETTING ZOO
Noon – 4:00 pm (Saturday only)
HOST: Buccaneer Days Committee
LOCATION: Small Park behind
Curling Rink

Midway, food booths, Lacrosse Tournament, arts and crafts, model trains and more on Saturday and Sunday!!!

BUCCANEER DAYS COMMUNITY DANCE
LOCATION: Esquimalt’s Archie
Browning Sport Centre – Arena
HOSTS: Esquimalt Fire Rescue
TWO LIVE BANDS: Flat Line, &
Ususal Suspects COST: $10:00
7:00 pm – 2:00 am


FREE OUTDOOR MOVIES
9:30 pm
LOCATION: Bullen Park
HOST:Venturers • Just bring something to
sit on and enjoy the movies.

Sunday Extras (midway, arts and crafts, food booths etc continue...)

FREE PONY RIDES
LOCATION: Esquimalt’s Archie
Browning Sport Centre Curling Rink
HOST: Esquimalt Buccaneer Days Committee
LOCATION: Esquimalt’s Archie
Browning Sport Centre – Curling
Rink 10:00 am – 3:00 pm


PIE PLATE SALE/SKY DIVING
LOCATION: Bullen Park
Buy a pie plate and if a skydiver lands on yours you win a prize!

Go Cougars!

The Cougars are having another incredible season! Come see these cats in action in the final best of seven playoff series!

GAME 1:
Oceanside Generals @ Victoria Cougars
Thursday, March 19
Archie Browning Sports Centre in Esquimalt
7:15 p.m.


GAME 2:
Victoria Cougars @ Oceanside Generals
Saturday, March 21
Oceanside Place
7:30 p.m.


GAME 3:
Oceanside Generals @ Victoria Cougars
Sunday, March 22
Archie Browning Sports Centre in Esquimalt
7:15 p.m.


GAME 4:
Victoria Cougars @ Oceanside Generals
Tuesday, March 24
Oceanside Place
7:30 p.m.


GAME 5 (if necessary):
Oceanside Generals @ Victoria Cougars
Thursday, March 26
Archie Browning Sports Centre in Esquimalt
7:15 p.m.


GAME 6 (if necessary):
Victoria Cougars @ Oceanside Generals
Saturday, March 28
Oceanside Place
7:30 p.m.


GAME 7 (if necessary):
Oceanside Generals @ Victoria Cougars
Sunday, March 29
Archie Browning Sports Centre in Esquimalt
7:15 p.m.

Archie Browning Sports Centre Grant Application

On Monday night, I had the happiest moment I've had so far in my brief political career. It was better than the campaign launch party. It was better than winning the election. It was better than the inaugural meeting. On Monday night, Esquimalt Council voted unanimously to pursue a 2 million dollar grant for the Archie Browning Sports Centre.

We're moving forward!

If we are successful, this grant could substantially extend the life of ABSC without increasing municipal taxes. Staff have identified that there are enough funds in our capital reserve to contribute our portion if we are fortunate enough to receive the grant. My sincere thanks to our staff and to all that are helping to take positive steps towards ensuring our community keeps our ice facility. Esquimalt residents have been asking for us to be proactive and consider all avenues of upgrading ABSC. I'm so happy to say that we're moving forward and trying to make the most of opportunities!

The upgrades that we are hoping to receive will enhance energy efficiency and further reduce the subsidy. We are planning improvements for users such as female dressing rooms for hockey players and better accessibility for people with disabilities. In short, we are hoping to take our well loved facility and make sure it can continue to be well loved - well into the future.

If a potential upgrade of ABSC wasn't enough to make me smile...we also voted to apply for a grant to upgrade and install some sidewalks! We have a sidewalk replacement master plan now and we're hoping to start making Esquimalt even more pedestrian friendly.

I am thrilled that we are able to work together and start exploring options for enhancing our beloved community without putting more of a tax burden on our residents! Whether we are successful with this grant or not - we have taken a positive step!

For more information check out www.esquimalt.ca All of our Agendas and minutes are being posted online. Our website is really improving. There is a lot of new info and it is being updated regularly!

The Shiver Shaker!

Yesterday my family attended the Shiver Shaker at Archie Browning Sports Centre. This event is just the kind of quirky good time that makes me fall in love with Esquimalt all over again. There were KinderEgg and Spoon games, bowling and a real live band playing right on the ice! There was an incredible face painting artist, the usual super friendly staff and the Lions were out there too! These dedicated volunteers were giving away hot dogs, hot chocolate and sno-cones.

Thanks everyone for making this trip to the Arena extra special! I hope it becomes an annual party!

More great events in Esquimalt!

This Saturday, Jan 17th, Esquimalt hosts two great events for families!

The first is: Ready, Set, Learn. From 9:30am - 12:00pm the Esquimalt family of schools is putting on an event geared towards getting 3 & 4 year old children interested in school. This family event is FREE and includes displays by our local schools, kindergym, face painting and lunch! The fun happens at the Esquimalt Rec Centre


That afternoon from 3:30-4:50pm is the township's first - Shiver Shaker
The ice at Archie Browning is going to hold all sorts of extra fun. Crazy games, prizes and music will make this a really special event. As usual, our amazing community volunteers will be out in full force cooking up hotdogs and hot chocolate for the kids! Admission is just the regular price for a public skating session!

January in Esquimalt

There are lots of great things happening in Esquimalt to start the New Year off right.

WATERSLIDES!!! The pool has re-opened with two waterslides. We tried them out and the kids definitely approve!

RECYLING!!!! Pacific Mobile Recycling is back in Esquimalt on the 2nd Saturday of every month. The new location is the parking lot behind the Archie Browning Sports Centre. Opening day is Saturday, Jan 10th from 10am-1pm.

KIDS ART!!! Beans and Greens is hosting a childrens' art show. Submissions are being accepted throughout the first week of January. Come down after that and enjoy the show!

PARKS AND REC SAMPLER!!! On Saturday, Jan 10th from 9am- 1:30pm there are sample classes and demos of many programs at the Esquimalt Rec Centre. Stop by and check out some of the great things for 2009!

Hockeyville 2009

Thank you so much to everyone who entered Esquimalt in Kraft Hockeyville! We have over 100 stories posted! I LOVED reading them and I hope you will too! Check it out at: www.cbc.com/hockeyville We'll know by January 14th if we've made the first cut!

Celebration of Lights

Tomorrow is our Celebration of Lights in Esquimalt! Tuesday, December 2nd from 6-7:30pm.

It starts with a parade that begins on Lyall Street at Canteen Road. It travels down to Admirals Road, then turns right on Esquimalt road and ends in the Esquimalt Plaza. After that, enjoy musical entertainment, refreshments and a visit with Santa behind the Archie Browning Sports Centre!

There is also a free public skate at ABSC from 6-7:20pm.

Hope to see you all there!

Hockeyville 2009!

Esquimalt has been entered in the Kraft Hockeyville 2009 contest! If you've got a story about playing or watching Hockey in Esquimalt get online and enter it before Dec. 6th!

Rebecca Aldous from the Vic News just published this article with details:

Is Esquimalt Hockeyville?

Bob Sears and Warner Sanderson get settled in their regular seats to watch the Victoria Cougars play on Thursday night.

Neither is a stranger to hockey at the Archie Browning Sports Centre. For seven years Sanderson has cheered the Cougars and Sears has three years under his belt. Tonight, as the crowd starts to gather in the warmth of the Crow’s Nest, there’s a buzz of excitement – Hockeyville.

Esquimalt, home to the Victoria Jr. B Cougars and the Victoria Minor Hockey Association, is vying to claim the 2009 Hockeyville title. The cross-country competition, hosted by CBC Television, Kraft Canada, the National Hockey League and the NHL Player’s Association, challenges communities to prove they best embody the spirit of hockey and hometown pride.

Last year, Salmon River, N.S. seized the title and never has a Western community won the competition. But it’s time for change, said Cougars president Gary Boyer, adding hockey is the heartbeat of Esquimalt. With the rink located downtown, the arena and the sport itself draws residents to the stands, he noted.

“The spirit, the desire and the want (to be Hockeyville) is there,” Boyer said.

Back in the Crow’s Nest, Sanderson agrees. He managed the maintenance of Archie Browning for 12 years and has lived across from the facility for 37 years. He watched his two sons and daughter slap the puck and later his son-in-law, Bruce Cowick, played in the NHL.

Up for stakes is $100,000 to upgrade the Hockeyville winner’s hometown arena, an NHL pre-season game hosted in the community and a CBC Hockey Night in Canada broadcast from the arena.

But before Esquimalt takes a step forward, the community needs the help of its residents. By Saturday, Dec. 6, Esquimalt has to prove the bid’s support by sending letters to CBC. Anyone wishing to back Esquimalt should visit www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hockeyville and submit a letter with a photograph about hockey, the arena, or community spirit surrounding the sport.

There is also a Facebook group – Esquimalt for Kraft Hockeyville 2009. For more information please contact Alison Gaul at 250-383-1703 or email aligaul@shaw.ca.

raldous@vicnews.com

Surveys

More surveys of Esquimalt Candidates are now online. One that touches on many issues can be found at: http://members.shaw.ca/renaissanceservices/esq08/ This was a particularly interesting survey as it was very open ended. It simply asked candidates to comment on a list of subjects.

The other survey is on an issue close to my heart. The Archie Browning Sports Centre. It can be found at: www.friendsofabsc.com

Happy Hallowe'en!

Happy Hallowe'en everyone! Just a reminder to everyone to stop by the Bonfire in Esquimalt. As usual, the Lions will be working all night to serve up some tasty treats for the kids! These folks make me proud to be from Esquimalt - volunteers build community! All the fun happens behind the Archie Browning Sports Centre! See you there!

Thanksgiving

We just got home from our annual early Thanksgiving dinner. My husband's family is quite large, so this one holiday meal we all take a break from cooking and cleaning. More than 3 generations of Esquimalt families gather to celebrate and that takes up quite a bit of room. So...we have our Thanksgiving at the Archie Browning Sports Centre.

Yup. Dinner at the rink. You might think I'm just using my blog as yet another shameless plug for ABSC. I am...but its absolutely true that ABSC is a great place to have an event.

For a number of years now we have rented the Crow's Nest and had them cater a big buffet dinner. Its reasonably priced, the food is great and the staff are amazing. Best of all, we can watch live sports and the the kids can play in a way that is just not possible at a typical restaurant. If you are thinking of hosting an event - consider ABSC in Esquimalt. I highly recommend it.

Happy Thanksgiving every one!

Novice Curling Program at Archie Browning Sports Centre

Here are the details on the Novice curling program that starts next Tuesday Oct 14th.

9 sessions, Tuesday nights 8:30-10:30, $35 with pizza and beverage at the last session.

Players register and pay at the rec or sports centre.

This is an incredibly good deal! I'm pretty sure I can eat $35 dollars worth of pizza....to get 9 weeks of curling with lessons too is amazing!

Esquimalt Village Project

Lately I've had a number of people ask me, "What happened to the Esquimalt Village Project?" The timeline called for another public consultation in June 2008 and Sept-November 2008 was supposed to be implementation. The last we heard from the consultants was May 22nd 2008.

Last night, in the question and comment period in the Council meeting I asked this question. "Has work stopped on the Esquimalt Village Project (EVP) or have discussions moved outside the public view?" The Mayor responded that work on the EVP has paused until the new Council is elected. He assured me publicly that no work has been done outside the public view.