No. 116Friday, April 4, 2025Oak Bay, B.C.

Blossoms are in peak bloom

4 min · about one cup of tea · from the desk

In partnership with

COMMUNITY EVENTS

⛹️‍♂️ The new spring/summer Oak Bay Active Living program guide is available for viewing now.

🎨 Oak Bay Artists’ Studio Tour today and tomorrow at the Monterey Recreation Centre, and private home studios. The free tour is produced by Oak Bay Parks, Recreation, and Culture. The tour is self-guided and self-paced, with maps provided. Or use this one.

🎶 Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9: Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Victoria Chamber Orchestra and the 90th anniversary of the Victoria Choral Society with a powerful performance at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium, May 3.

✍🏽 Story Studio aims to inspire, educate, and empower youth to be great storytellers. It’s an award-winning organization that offers creative “fun-first” writing workshops for youth of all ages to create incredible stories. Read more here.*

🚢 HMS Pinafore sets sail at the Dave Dunnett Theatre on April 5 and 6! The Victoria Gilbert and Sullivan Society presents a hilarious, music-filled voyage. Tickets are available now!*

*Sponsored Listing

IN THE NEWS

🏘 Oak Bay townhouse proposal opposed by some neighbours. A Victoria developer wants to update and move a 111-year-old mansion a few metres to make room for a complex of 16 townhouses, and a total of 24 units in three buildings. Some in the community say the development is too tall, takes up too much space, and will cause “significant safety concerns”. [Capital Daily]

🏆 Hockey fans hustle to Oak Bay for a look at the Stanley Cup. Hundreds sought to catch a glimpse of the Stanley Cup as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the Victoria Cougars winning the trophy. Events took place throughout the weekend to celebrate the historic win, including hockey-related musical performances. [CHEK]

🏫 Independent review makes 18 recommendations to UVic after overdose death. An external review of the circumstances of what happened the night of Sidney McIntryre-Starko’s death 15 months ago was released this week. The results highlight the failures of UVic, campus security, and community leaders in preventing her overdose death in a dorm room. UVic’s president says the school has a lot of work ahead. [Capital Daily]

👷‍♀️Oak Bay issues update on Estevan Utilities Project. Crews have worked their way across Beach Drive and are now installing the storm main on Estevan between Beach and Lincoln this week. They will continue to work in this area on the sanitary main next. [District of Oak Bay]

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PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT

To join the conversation, become a member of the Oak Bay Local Facebook Group

Homeless crisis

One Oak Bay local reached out to the group after a concerning incident involving their dog in a park. The pup had accidentally consumed something they shouldn’t have, and many reported that the issue was likely due to a lack of public restrooms for unhoused residents in the community.

The story sparked concerns from all sides, including concerns for anyone who has to find a way to survive without a home, and how many public restrooms are closed at night.

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Are Oak Bay residents interested in Airbnb?

An Oak Bay local reached out to the group, wondering how people feel about allowing Airbnb rentals in their own homes, as a side income. Some said they would like to have that option, which would enable them to mitigate soaring costs and property taxes.

One commenter said “no thank you” to the idea, due to the current housing crisis. However, the original poster said they were only interested in renting their primary residence when they are not using it.

Many commenters had differing views, with some saying they have loved the experience of staying in Airbnb-style residences while on vacation all over the world. Others cited problems with this approach, particularly if it means more barriers to long-term housing. Do you have thoughts to share?

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