TOGETHER WITH | | | | COMMUNITY NEWS | 😎 Volunteers are now working to protect Emerson from onlookers. The DFO has organized a group of volunteers to ensure people don’t get too close to the moulting elephant seal, who is expected to continue moulting over the next two weeks. There have been several reports of people and pets getting too close to Emerson, who goes against the norm of his species, and seems to prefer moulting in populated public spaces. [Times Colonist] | 💗 Orca calf finally finds her freedom. After having eluded rescue efforts for weeks, the two-year-old orphaned orca calf has found her way to freedom. Known as Brave Little Hunter, her case has captivated the community who are now hopeful she’ll find her way back to her pod. [The Globe And Mail] | 🚲 Oak Bay dad recovers teen’s stolen bike by asking politely. On April 15, a 15-year-old teen realized their bike had been stolen even though they had locked it up. Four days later their father was driving down Pandora and spotted a man with the bike. He then politely asked for the bike back and the man gave it to him. [Oak Bay Police] | 🌊 Study shows accelerating decline in Southern Resident orcas. Scientists say the population is in a worse situation than previously thought, and could sadly decline by one orca a year before accelerating toward extinction. Currently, only 74 exist off Island waters and scientists say the situation is unique in that while we know what’s causing the decline, mitigation efforts haven’t been enough. [Capital Daily] | 💫 UVic gets a platinum STARS sustainability rating. The university is one of 14 post-secondary institutions worldwide to receive the platinum rating, which highlights sustainability practices in academics and research, operation, planning and administration, and engagement. UVic has achieved gold in the ranking system three times since 2014. [University of Victoria] | | P.S. Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe here. |
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| | PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT | To join the conversation, become a member of the Oak Bay Local Facebook Group | Police action on Beach Drive | Many in the community have been talking about a disturbance along Beach Drive this week, which led to the arrest of a man who police say was arrested three days in a row after a series of carjackings and a break-and-enter to an occupied home in the North Jubilee area. The disturbance in Oak Bay and subsequent arrest sparked a discussion in the community regarding the fact that this individual repeatedly offended within days, and the subsequent strain this causes on resources. Some argue that the courts should be harsher in such cases, while others said they are already under so much strain and working over capacity, which others said that more should be done, and they feel their safety is at risk. | |
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| | | Challenging childcare application process for Willows | Oak Bay families are in a challenging childcare situation, with CHEK News reporting that many families camp overnight to access coveted childcare spots at Oak Bay's Neighbourhood Learning Centre. One parent said that the mayor mistakenly stated that applying only required dropping off an application, but in reality, the applications actually need to be submitted in person at Henderson Rec. starting at 7am on a first-come, first-served basis. | While other communities have made these competitive application processes available online, this unique process of camping overnight for spots, is unique and has been ongoing for over a decade. Many parents in the community have said that the process is incredibly stressful, and some have had to work less due to the lack of childcare if they are unable to secure a spot. Several working parents in the community have insufficient childcare and say the process of submitting a physical application adds to the already stressful situation. | | Do you feel the childcare strain in Oak Bay? | |
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| | IN OTHER NEWS | | The Avenue Gallery’s new exhibits | Oak Bay Tourism is reminding the community that the Avenue Gallery has ever-changing exhibits which features collections by painters, sculptors, and glass and jewellery artists in the community. | The gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 12 to 4pm. | |
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| | | PHOTO OF THE WEEK |  | Photo credit: Mary McArthur |
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