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| ⛄️ The Oak Bay Christmas Festival brochure is here. Oak Bay Village businesses are holding numerous events throughout the holiday season. | 🎨 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. | 🎅 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 | 🚑 Man rescued near Oak Bay Marina after rough rafting decision. A resident called police just before 1am on Wednesday after a man fell off a makeshift raft and began calling out for help. The man managed to make it to his sailboat on a raft he had made out of branches, to which he clung until rescuers pulled him from the cold waters. He was brought to the hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. [CHEK] | ⛴ BC Ferries CEO says fares could be 30% higher in 2028. BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez addressed the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, predicting the ferry company likely will have to increase fares by 30% by 2028—and that’s just to maintain its current level of service. The company is planning to replace 15 vessels by 2030, which includes four all-electric, island-class types currently being built in Romania. Jimenez says the ferries cost 40% more to build now than they did in 2020. [Capital Daily] | 🐋 More measures needed to avert whale-ship collisions. An international study conducted by dozens of marine experts, concluded that only 10% of the waters travelled by whales offer some form of protection from being hit by a ship. Marine biologists call the study the most comprehensive of its kind, which found that only 7% of the highest-risk areas for whale-ship contact have any mandatory or voluntary measures in place to protect the whales. Worldwide, thousands of whales are struck and killed by ships each year, many of which can be avoided by implementing the recommended measures like speed reduction. [Science] | 📬 Oak Bay Business Renewal licenses won’t be arriving anytime soon. Due to ongoing Canada Post strike, the District of Oak Bay is unable to mail business renewal licenses. To have your invoice emailed, contact biz@oakbay.ca or pay online here. [District of Oak Bay] | 🏊🏼♀️The District of Oak Bay shared their Winter Active Living Guide for 2025. General Program Registration will open December 4, 2024 at 6:30am. Henderson Birthday Party Registration will open December 11, 2024 at 6:30am. | How do you plan to stay active this winter? | | 🎁 Every child remembers that one special toy! You can help today, it's just a click away! Click here to give Christmas to local kids.* | 🎄 Brighten your holidays with FestiLight's custom, holiday lighting solutions. Enjoy a stress-free experience with professional design, installation, and maintenance—bringing festive joy effortlessly. Get your free estimate!* | *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 | | Future Oak Bay Locals Plan to Leave the U.S. | An American family is planning on fleeing Texas after the recent U.S. election, and was looking for some advice on what kinds of clubs or activities they can look forward to when they move to Oak Bay. Locals had a lot of advice to share, and the thread sure got people talking, with over 400 comments. In addition to some helpful suggestions for activities, youth groups and housing options, other locals reached out to let them know that there are from Texas as well, and would love to connect when they are eventually settled. Do you have advice to share for a potential newcomer to Canada? | | |
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| | More popular posts | A local PSA urging local walkers to light-up at night. Rather Be Plumbing wants to give back this Christmas, by offering free services to those who need it. Monterey Middle kids are going nuts for knitting. Pictures of the demolition of the old home at 1101 Beach Drive. Anyone need holiday pet sitting?
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| Les Misérable performance at the Dave Dunnet Theatre | Locals have been praising the performance of Les Misérable at the Dave Dunnet Theatre at Oak Bay High this week, which took place from Nov 21-24. The 41 cast members of various ages were praised as being “tremendous” by the original poster of the the thread, and several other comments echoed that sentiment as well. Other quotes from those who caught the performance include: | “the singers were superb, the choreography amazing, the set design and costumes were simple but well appointed”. | “Victoria Callin not only creates these marvellous performances, she also creates kids who work with and support each other regardless of age or background. And for some strange and wonderful mysterious reason, they all sing on key!” | “Hear, hear! Well said.... I'm so glad I got to see it twice!! The young talent and their director are phenomenal.” | “The young founder of Triple Threat Performers, Victoria Callin, and her team deserve a huge thank you in creating such a wonderful musical theatre group for young folk from 6-18 to be involved in acting.” | “I concur ! What a fabulous production ! Congratulations to all involved!” Didn’t catch the performace this time? Keep an eye on Oak Bay local for future events, and learn more about the Triple Threat Performers here. | | |
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| | | IN OTHER NEWS |  | Photo credit: Bobbi’s Sweet Treats |
| Market Garden on Catherine Street stocked on seasonal items. | The Market Garden on Catherine Street is now fully stocked with beautiful seasonal items. | |
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| | | | | | PHOTO OF THE WEEK |  | Image credit: Neil Dickie |
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