| TOGETHER WITH | | | ⛄️ The Oak Bay Christmas Festival brochure is here. Oak Bay Village businesses are holding numerous events throughout the holiday season. | 🎅 Breakfast with Santa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, starting Sunday, Dec. 1, and continuing every Sunday through Dec. 22. On Dec. 23 as well, same time, 10am-1:30pm. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Bookings can be made here. | 🚪Oak Bay announces holiday closure schedule. The Oak Bay Municipal Hall will close for the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 2:00 p.m. and will remain closed until Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, when it will reopen at 8:30am. |
|
| IN THE NEWS | 🐈⬛💐Beloved Oak Bay cat dies after being hit by a car. Smokey, who frequented various shops, was found with numerous injuries on Monday after being struck overnight by a driver who didn't stick around, his owner said. The community raised $5K for the cat's care, but after further vet assessment, she chose to euthanize him. His last moments had “lots of loved ones [and] lots of cuddles,” the owner said. [Oak Bay News] | 🚨 Man arrested after Oak Bay homeowner spotted someone on their remote home security video. Oak Bay police received a call from the homeowner that someone was on his property on St. Patrick St. near Beach Dr. around 10 p.m. on Saturday. [Times Colonist] | 🚓 Oak Bay High being ‘contained’ following a weapons call. Police said that Oak Bay High School had been placed in a ‘hold and secure’ protocol Friday morning out of an abundance of caution. Police said despite the precaution, they didn’t anticipate an immediate threat to the public. [Victoria Buzz] | 🍽 Seniors to lose meal delivery service. Funding for the United Way Southern Vancouver Island’s More Than Meals program has been determined to be not financially sustainable, leaving some recipients “devastated”. [Oak Bay News] | | P.S. Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe here. | | PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT | To join the conversation, become a member of the Oak Bay Local Facebook Group | | Suggestions for sponsoring a family | Residents reached out this week to share suggestions about where to go to sponsor a family over the holidays. The Victoria Women’s Transition House Society was noted right away as being a good suggestion because the commenter said the organization had made the season very special for their kids at one time. 1UP Single Parent Resource Centre was also recommended: it provides a list of items that have been requested as gifts. Another commenter suggested CFAX, saying the radio station offers hamper options and gift cards for $100 that can be put toward food, as well as toys for all ages, including youth, who can be overlooked. Do you have a go-to charity you like to support over the holidays? | | |
|
| SPONSORED BY FESTILIGHT | | Be the holiday hero | FestiLight transforms your home into a winter wonderland with stunning, custom holiday lighting. Their professional team handles everything from design to installation and storage, ensuring safety, durability, and a breathtaking display. | With FestiLight, you become the hero of your neighbourhood, bringing festive magic. | Trust local expertise for an effortless, beautiful holiday season. |
|
| | | Contamination in the creek | An Oak Bay local posted a photo this week showing signs of potentially contaminated runoff in the creek in Oak Bay. Oak Bay Parks has reportedly been to the site and locals are monitoring the situation for more information. Some said the contamination looks like it could be paint or potentially concrete runoff. Since the initial post, locals say it no longer appears to be contaminated. If you see a spill, pollution, or bylaw infraction, you can report it here. | | |
|
| SPONSORED BY VICTORIA FOUNDATION | | Get Victoria Foundation updates right in your inbox | Want to stay in the loop on everything Victoria Foundation? Sign up for the e-newsletter. We’ll share bi-weekly Foundation news highlights, publications like Vital Signs and Pulse, funding and grant announcements, donor updates, and spotlights on local non-profits. You can also visit our blog for regular updates or follow us on social media. |
|
| | IN OTHER NEWS | | Abkhazi Garden Festive Market Fundraiser | Give a Gift of Green this Holiday. There will be birdseed tea cups, birdseed wreaths, and birdseed kits for kids, and more. | All proceeds go to the maintenance of the garden. | |
|
| | SPONSORED BY SHAWNIGAN RETREATS | | Your winter escape on Vancouver Island | Shawnigan Retreats offers the perfect cozy retreat for family gatherings or romantic getaways this winter. Nestled by the serene Shawinigan Lake, our luxurious accommodations feature a sauna, hot tub, games room with ping pong, cards, and board games, and even a private pickleball court. Enjoy nearby hikes through breathtaking nature, and unwind in comfort. With space for up to 18 guests, Shawnigan Retreats promises an unforgettable winter experience. | Explore Shawnigan Retreats and plan your winter getaway today. Learn more about Shawnigan Retreats. |
|
| | | | PHOTO OF THE WEEK |  | Image credit: Mary McArthur |
|
|
| What did you think of today's edition? | | | |
|
