TOGETHER WITH | | ⛄️ The Oak Bay Christmas Festival brochure is here. Oak Bay Village businesses are holding numerous events throughout the season, which kicks off on Nov. 24. | 🎨 Family Crafternoon at the Oak Bay United Church. Enjoy a free afternoon of crafts and light refreshments in the downstairs Community Hall on Saturday, Nov. 30. | 🎄 Victorian Crafts Class: Vintage Holiday Cards & Envelopes on Saturday, Nov. 23: 1pm-3pm at Emily Carr House. This interactive class is a unique opportunity to learn a new craft. $30/person, all materials included. | 🎅 Breakfast with Santa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, starting on Sunday, Dec. 1, and continuing every Sunday through to Dec. 22. On Dec. 23 as well, same time, 10am-1:30pm. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Bookings can be made here. | 🌲Emily Carr Inspired Art Class: Holiday Trees on Friday, Dec. 6: 1pm-3pm at the Emily Carr House. Back by popular demand! In this session, we will be drawing inspiration from the legendary artist Emily Carr and focusing on capturing the beauty of trees and winter changes. $30/person, all materials included. |
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| | | COMMUNITY NEWS | 🚨 BC Coroners Service investigating after a man was found unresponsive in the water near Willows Beach. The man’s death is being investigated after a call was made in the early afternoon on Saturday, Nov. 16. People in a civilian vessel retrieved and transported the man to the Oak Bay Marina where it was determined that he was dead. [Victoria News] | 🏘 Oak Bay has made updates to its Infill Housing Program Bylaw. Check out the new brochure and one-pager which explores different scenarios, including small-scale multi-unit residential, small-lot zones, and more. [District of Oak Bay] | 🐟 Bowker Creek volunteers puzzled after two adult coho were found. Friends of Bowker Creek Society had been hoping the adult fish, which hatched from the chum eggs placed in the creek in 2020, would return to spawn, however, the coho salmon that were found were not related to those eggs. Whether they appeared by accident, hoax or some sort of natural phenomenon remains a mystery. [CTV News] | 🚘 Oak Bay resident confronts a person found inside their car. After being confronted at approximately 12:15am, a teenager of medium build reportedly dropped multiple items he presumably had been attempting to steal from the vehicle. Police are once again reminding people to lock their car doors at night. [Times Colonist] | 🚧 District of Oak Bay encourages residents to ‘adopt a catch basin’. To prevent flooding, the district is asking ‘adopters’ to be responsible for a local catch basin and to clear leaves and debris throughout the fall and winter. [District of Oak Bay] | 💨 Wind storm on Tuesday night saw gales exceed 170 km/h. Locals have been sharing impacts of the intense winds around the community, and power outages that affected many homes and businesses in the area. [Oak Bay News] | Were you impacted by the powerful wind storms this week? | | *Sponsored Listing | | 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 | | Shoebox Project for Women | One Oak Bay local shared a video about what inspired her to support the Victoria Cool Aid Society’s Sandy Merriman House emergency shelter for women’s shoebox project, which organizes shoeboxes filled with gifts for women experiencing homelessness. | Christmas can be a hard time for many, and this project has been one that has made both givers and recipients feel good over the holidays. For those who wish to participate in the shoebox project, they are hoping to receive the boxes (or items to add to a box) by mid-December. An example of what can be put in a shoebox can be seen here. | | |
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| | | Locals share during difficult times | After the wind storm this week led to many power outages among locals, one local reached out to share with other community members in need. Everything from shelter to soup, frybread, a shower, coffee, and more. | Some reached out to thank David, the original poster, for his kindness and generosity, which got people through an uncertain time, even if it was just to foster a connection with other community members. | | |
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| 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. |
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| | IN OTHER NEWS |  | Photo credit: Bobbi’s Sweet Treats |
| Come decorate cookies with Bobbi’s Sweet Treats | Always wanted to learn how to decorate sugar cookies? Here’s your chance! Classes are fun, and geared for beginners, and you go home with skills and delicious treats to boot! Register here. | |
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| | | | | | PHOTO OF THE WEEK |  | Image credit: Rick Little |
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