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.

Pink Shirt Day

Below this post is a link to one of the articles about the initial Pink Shirt Day. Two Grade 12 students in Nova Scotia, David Shepherd and Travis Price, heard that a Grade 9 boy had been bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. These two young men went to a discount store and bought 50 pink shirts to hand out at the school the next day. They went online and encouraged friends to join them in making the school a "sea of pink". They did...and now it has spread across the country.

3 years later, people continue to follow the lead of those bright young men. Firefighters, Police Officers, teachers, schoolkids and many, many people wore pink today and pledged to stop bullying in every form.

Pink Shirt Day inspires all of us to be as creative and courageous as David Shepherd and Travis Price. Without resorting to violence, they sent a clear message that bullying is not acceptable. We cannot allow bullying to continue in the playground or the workplace or online. Every person deserves to be treated with respect - every day of the year.

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.

Let the Games Begin

Sports have been a big part of my life since I was in Grade 6. Most of my travels have involved suitcases filled with equipment. My fancy jewellry has spent more time bundled safely in my mouthguard container than being worn. I met my husband on a field hockey pitch; so it probably comes as no surprise that gymasiums, fields and rec centres are the places where I've forged some of my closest friendships and learned some of my most valuable life lessons. However, my greatest sporting memory is not what you might expect.

Crossing the finish line at the marathon was pretty great. Winning a few trophies here and there in different sports was also nice. Drinking from the Stanley Cup was cool and made for some great photos…but it doesn’t top the list. My greatest sporting memory was a win that meant nothing to the rest of the world but everything to me.

I once played softball for the worst team in town. I was carefully selected as 3rd base, based on my skill of walking past the field just as the game was about to start. It was midseason, and in that Spring of Grade 8 many of the girls had begun to wander away from the ball diamond and into the Mall. The team needed someone to suit up or they would have had to forfit. The coach threw me an ill fitting, faded jersey that was probably older than I was. I tugged on mismatched baseball socks, grabbed a mitt, took a wild guess at what my blood type might be, forged my Mom’s signature and handed in the permission form.

Quickly, I learned why a 5 run limit had been established in little league. At 3rd base, I didn't have much to do but wave at the other team as they rounded my corner to home. In the bottom of the 5th, we were down about 21 to nothing. It was two out and runners were on 1st and 2nd. The batter slammed a ground ball right at me. I finally had a chance to make a play. I blocked the ball with all the grace of a field hockey goalie. Unsure of the forced play rule, I stamped my foot on the bag and then ran after the startled runner. Just to make sure she was out, I chased her down and tagged her with the subtle force of a raging rhino. “Welcome to the team kid” said the coach when he finally stopped laughing.

I WAS welcome. I was immediately taken into a circle of friends whose practice times consisted of seeing who could come up with the dirtiest joke and playing Full Tackle 500 Up. We were the team whose warm up consisted of eating Fun Dip and trying to talk the Umpire into giving us 5 more minutes to find another player. We rarely scored. We rarely made a play. We rarely stopped laughing. At 13, I was a tightly wound, anxious perfectionist. A competitive athlete in several sports, I took games seriously and frequently berated myself when I made a mistake. I had a sharp learning curve with this team. I had to simulataneously learn how to enjoy losing and how to forgive myself when I made a mistake. A lesson I am so grateful to have learned on the ball diamond...because I still need to practice it every single day.

The last game of the season began like any other - pooling the change we found in the couch cushions for a concession run. We were playing the best team in the league. Sponsored by a well known store, they were at the field in their freshly pressed uniforms long before the warm up time. They stretched as a team, strategized as a team and carried with them an air of expectation. An air of excellence hung about them. The only expectation that hung about OUR dugout was the expectation that we'd share our Big League Chew with everyone who had scrounged up a few coins. What I’ve always loved about sports though, is that on any given day, any thing can happen.

On this day – the other team couldn’t hit the ball. Batter after batter stepped up to the plate and struck out. The game carried on, much quicker than usual since we were weren’t waiting for the other team to score 5 runs to end each inning, and suddenly we realized that we were tied and it was the bottom of the 9th. The impossibility of this was commented upon in the dugout. Our coach spelled it out for us as clearly and eloquently as he could. I recall the pep talk being something close to "Oh my *&*(^%^!!! we could win this!”

The improbability continued. Somehow we ended up with the winning run waiting on 3rd and me safe at 2nd. There were two out and the smallest girl on the team stepped up to bat. She had been playing for years, but had probably not connected ball to bat since T-ball. She played the game because we were all friends and she was the friendliest of the bunch. Always kind. Always on time. When the rest of the team took turns punching each other and talking about cute boys, she tried to learn new skills and pay attention.

So there I stood, on 2nd base – right in the middle of field. I looked over at the dugout and saw my friends smiling with their arms around each other. I saw the disbelief and laughter on our Coach's lips. I realized that it really didn't matter that our worst hitter was standing in the batters box with the board lit up behind her. 2 out. 2 strikes. 3 balls. I was sure that we were not going to win and I was happy about it. I truly understood what it meant to play sports for the joy of playing.

Then, I looked at the girl in the batters box. I saw how bad she wanted this. Suddenly, I wanted to win this game for her. I wanted to win it because she had tried so hard all season and I could see the pressure on her face. I wanted to win it for underdogs everywhere. I closed my eyes. I held my breath. I heard the wood hit the leather and jumped off the bag in confusion. She had hit the ball.

I started running. I rounded 3rd in time to watch my teammate cross the plate at home. I knew what that meant. I knew that we had won but I absolutely could not process that information. I just couldn’t stop running. I ran till I felt my foot hit the plate. I ran till I felt my hands hit the wire fencing. I ran into the arms of my teammates who had rushed out of the dugout and onto the field with joy and disbelief.

Our win didn't change anything in the 1987 little league standings. We were so clearly the worst team in the league that nothing short of a miracle could have catapulted us out of last place. This win though, was the purest joy I have ever felt in sports. Something changed in me at that moment. I learned to love losing...in the midst of that improbable win.

As my kids and I sit down to watch the Olympics on TV, I know that most of the coverage will be on the medal winners. Their stories will be amazing. Their acheivements will be incredible. However, I hope that we'll also get to learn a little bit about the athletes who know that the podium is likely out of reach. The athletes who are there to realize a dream, to represent their country, ...knowing that they are consistently 1/1000th of a second slower than the rest of the competitors.

Every sporting event provides us with the opportunity to be inspired. I want my kids to be inspired to realize whatever goals they might set for themselves. I also want them to be inspired to play even when winning is not likely. There will always be joy on the podium. Let there be joy for the worst teams too.

Esquimalt Library Open House Today!

Hope to see you at our beautiful library today from 2:30-4:30!

Remembrance Day Services

Each year, I struggle to find the right words to share with my children about Remembrance Day. I tell them our personal family history and involvement and try to answer their questions as best I can. The Royal Canadian Legion has some excellent information that is appropriate for children here: http://www.legion.ca/Poppy/campaign_e.cfm

I have been fortunate to attend the last few Remembrance Day assemblies at Macaulay Elementary. The teachers and staff are outstanding. They are able to bring children and families together with Veterans to talk about Remembrance Day in a way that is deeply moving. I am always reminded that my children are blessed with health, education and freedom.

Tomorrow, we will have several opportunities to attend Remembrance Day services. In Esquimalt, there is a service at the Veteran's Cemetery at 9:30am. At 10:30 a.m. there is a Remembrance Day parade from the Esquimalt Legion to the Memorial Park cenotaph across from municipal hall, 1229 Esquimalt Rd. A ceremony follows at 10:55 a.m.

Thank You!

A very late, but very sincere thanks to the incredible volunteers that make Esquimalt a great place to raise children. Hosting the Olympic Torch Run and the Hallowe'en Bonfire back to back was an incredible undertaking for our township. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to make it all happen so smoothly!

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.

Children's Story Festival

A big belated Thank You to everyone who made the 7th Annual Children's Story Festival happen last weekend. In between birthday parties, skating lessons and Beaver Apple Day we happened to catch a few fabulous storytellers. This annual tradition has been a part of our lives in Esquimalt since my oldest was just a baby. It is a always a treat to see favourite librarians, amazing storytellers and all of our friends at the town square! Thank you to GVPl, Country Grocer, Kiwanis and staff at the township of Esquimalt!

Afghanistan 360 exhibit

In the Atrium of the Esquimalt Rec Centre is a very moving multimedia exhibit about Canada's role in Afghanistan. Last night, I attended a presentation where two people spoke of their experiences in Afghanistan. One civilian from CIDA and one Lieutenant Colonel from the Canadian Forces. It was interesting. It was powerful. It was thought provoking. The discussion carried on long into the evening in the rec centre and outside on the streets.

The exhibit is up from Oct 5 - Oct 14 and I think its worth a trip to the Esquimalt to check it out. My thanks to Councillor Garrison for encouraging this to come to Esquimalt.

OCP Review - Height and Density

We want to know what YOU think about development in Esquimalt! Hope to see you at one of these workshops!

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Review of Esquimalt Official Community Plan Regarding Maximum Heights and Densities for Multi-Unit and Mixed-Use Developments

Esquimalt’s 2007 Official Community Plan (OCP) divides the municipality into ten broad land use designations. The designations of Multi-Unit, High-Rise Residential and Commercial Mixed-Use allow for buildings up to and including ten storeys in height with a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 2.0.

The OCP also allows Council to consider greater heights and/or higher densities than 2.0, provided the project will enhance the community through the provision of affordable or special needs housing or other amenities.

Since the adoption of the OCP, several development proposals have been presented to Council which have heights in excess of 10 storeys and floor area ratios or densities much higher than 2.0. Developers have told the municipality that building to the numbers set in the OCP would not be economically viable. On March 24th, a panel of speakers with extensive experience in urban planning, architecture and development discussed this at a Community Forum held at the Municipal Hall.

Now we want to hear from you, the residents of Esquimalt. The municipality has scheduled two workshops - Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 and Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 to explore what heights and densities you feel would be suitable for those areas of Esquimalt designated for Multi-Unit, High-Rise Residential and Commercial Mixed-Use.

We are requesting that residents register in advance so that we can ensure there is a large enough meeting space and enough printed information packages. If the October 3rd and 6th workshops become filled, additional sessions will be scheduled.

Workshop Dates and Times:
Saturday, October 3, 2009
9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon

Tuesday, October 6, 2009
7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

To register, please call Karen Hay at 250-414-7179

Town Hall on Policing

We are hosting another Town Hall on Policing! The last one was very popular and we received a great deal of valuable insight and feedback from our residents and business owners. Please join us for another evening!

Tuesday, Sept 22nd
7pm in Council Chambers

Hope to see you there!

Esquimalt Lantern Festival

It's tonight! See you there!

Late Summer Fun!

There are still a few great events in these last days of summer. Hope to see you at all of them!

The Victoria Fringe Festival www.intrepidtheatre.com I just picked up my program guide and noticed that this festival is 23 years old. That makes me....um....not 23 anymore. In fact, I believe I was 15 at my first ever Fringe performance. It was a 3 Dead Trolls In a Baggie show. It took place downtown after midnight so it was a challenge to convince my Mother that attending this show was a good idea. Eventually she was swayed by the fact that my friend and I had earned the tickets volunteering...and she even agreed to pick us up at 2am. If you had the good fortune to see the Trolls you'll probably understand why I fell in love with the Fringe right then and there. I don't think I've missed a year since.

The Free B Film Festival www.victoriafilmfestival.com I love outdoor movies. Outdoor B movies are a particular favourite of mine...and there are still a couple of opportunites to catch one at Beacon Hill Park this summer.

and finally:

A free outdoor movie night in Esquimalt! Pirates of the Carribean is playing at Bullen Park at 8pm on Saturday, August 29th. www.esquimalt.ca I am really excited about this event and hope it will become a new tradition in Esquimalt. I'm packing up my lawn chair, a blanket and some snacks to watch this movie and relax under the stars with my neighbours. Please join us!

My Esquimalt (dot com)

Esquimalt has launched a new website. Please check it out! It is: www.myesquimalt.com

There are some gorgeous photos of Esquimalt to enjoy. In addition to that, you can download some fantastic walking tours. If you ever get the chance, please treat yourself to a guided walking tour with Sheri Robinson. She has an incredible knowledge of our history! In the meantime, enjoy the great tours she has created!

Esquimalt Community Market

This year, the Esquimalt Community Market will run every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from July 11th until September 12th. There is also a new location - "under the arches" at the Archie Browning Sports Centre at 1151 Esquimalt Road.

The Community Market has something for everybody and new vendors are welcome!

For further information, please contact Muriel Dunn at 250-383-7436.

See you at the Market!

Canada Day Rugby

July 1st was a picture perfect day in Esquimalt! Gorgeous sunshine and a great rugby game on Bullen Park field (pesticide free for almost 10 years now!)

Many thanks to all our Parks and Recreation staff, the James Bay Athletic Association, the Esquimalt Firefighters, Victoria Eagles Jr. B Lacrosse and Tom's tireless crew of volunteers. This was a great event!

FCM Whistler

In June, I was able to attend the Federation of Canadian Municipalities AGM and conference in Whistler. Some of the most memorable moments for me were touring the Wastewater Treatment Facilities. As the Mayor's Alternate at the CRD, I need to keep up on the discussions around our future sewage treatment. Seeing Whistler's operation gave me great perspective. They are doing some pretty neat things - making compost and recovering heat for residents! It helped to put things in perspective. I really appreciated the chance to see some of the technology being discussed in action.

We also got to visit some of the Olympic venues. I attended the Winter Olympic Games in Calgary '88, so I was particularly interested in seeing some of the work that has been done.

In all, there were valuable speakers and workshops and I was very honoured to go and represent Esquimalt!

Canada Day Rugby!

Did you know where the first Rugby Game was played on the West Coast of North America?

Esquimalt!

In 1876, the Roayl Navy played the land based troops down at Canteen Road field. Since then, Esquimalt has had many reasons to be proud of its Rugby history.

The Esquimalt High AA rugby program has been extremely sucessful in recent years.

Bullen Park has hosted incredible Rugby events for all ages and skill levels.

Last year, the French Barbs came and raved about our pitch in the Canada Rugby Challenge!

This past spring more than 100 kids signed up for the 1st annual James Bay Athletic Association/Esquimalt Parks and Recreation Blitz and spent time learning the game for six weeks.

The tradition continues with another incredible international match:
JBAA(Canadian Club Champions) vs. Ballymena RFC (Northern Ireland)
July 1, 20009
Bullen Park Field (behind the Rec. Centre)
6pm kick-off!
All kids 12 and under are free!
$5 per student
$10 per adult
Don't miss the mini-ruggers doing a demonstration at the halftime or the beer garden and concession run by the Lions!

A portion of the proceeds will support the Esquimalt Jr. B Lacrosse (who are hosting the Jr. B Provincials in August at Archie Browning Sports Centre)

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!