Welcome to the July edition of the Saanich-Gulf Islands EDA Newsletter. We have been enjoying the fine weather, and hope that you are also having a good summer! Please read on for details of the SGI summer picnic, the Saanich Fair and more……..
Click here for a printer-ready PDF version of this newsletter.
Notes from Elizabeth
Over the summer months, our work as Greens tends to drop to a more relaxed schedule – lucky for me that the timing of my health issue fits the normal rhythm of things.
I am really looking forward to our annual SGI Greens picnic on August 5th. The next big gathering after that will be – of course – the Labour Day weekend and the Saanich Fair. And as soon as that wraps up, we start the Fall set of non-partisan community meetings throughout Saanich-Gulf Islands. The schedule will be shared soon with opportunities for citizens in all parts of the electoral district to come together to ask me about priorities and to share concerns with their Member of Parliament.
This coming week of July 24th, it is widely expected that Justin Trudeau will shuffle his cabinet to hit a “refresh” button on communications and style – if not substance. I used to get as caught up in the Ottawa bubble speculation of who might be demoted and whose star might rise as any other political junkie – but I find I am now less distracted by the gossip. All that really matters is that government policies start aligning with climate science while there is still time for our actions to make an impact on our future. The mass delusion that all we can do is what is “politically possible” has stalled action for decades.
It seems a truism. Of course it must be politically possible – but the limits on what is politically possible are imaginary. Much of our society and certainly our journalists have adopted that mantra.
Saving ourselves must be politically possible as it is economically, technologically and scientifically possible.
This summer is delivering a volley of punches that are landing hard blows across the country – from the intense, early, and ongoing wildfires, to extreme drought and now flooding in Nova Scotia, and earlier this month the tornado in Ottawa. As Greens, we may take a pause. Deputy Leader Jonathan Pedneault is hard at work while I rest. We, with Mike Morrice and the team are planning how we must mobilize to give hope and solutions to an increasingly alarmed and engaged citizenry.
Hope to see you on the 5th, I hope Jonathan will also be joining us!
Thanks for all your support.
SGI News from the CEO
I am watching a procession of dragonflies zipping around in the skies above my garden. That is a signal to me that we are getting into the latter part of the summer. Time to start considering upcoming events.
It is mentioned elsewhere in this newsletter about our summer picnic on August 5 and of course, the Fall Fair on Labour Day weekend. We would love to see you at either event, especially in a Green T-shirt volunteering with us at the Fair. You’re welcome to join our energetic team as we show the good folks of this region what the local Greens are all about.
For my own part, I was able to take time off in July to go to Europe with my wife and visit with her family members in the Czech Republic. It is really a beautiful country with quite varied terrain and friendly people (and inns) everywhere.
Back here in SGI, I have to tell you that I will tender my CEO resignation at our AGM on October 22. I have done my best to keep this important EDA functioning well and feel it best to now hand it over to someone who would like to take on this role. It has been a labour of love for me to work with the amazing people associated with the Green Party of Canada and I am very proud of the Executive Board that we have and their ability to tackle the variety of roles they are asked to take on.
If you, or someone you know, would be interested in running for the position of CEO for Saanich-Gulf Islands or as a member at large, please let us know. I promise you that you will be both challenged and delighted by what our EDA does.
Finally, I must thank every one of our wonderful members for their support for us and the work we do to support our wonderful MP, Elizabeth May.
Sincerely,
Dan Kells
SGI Summer picnic
Summer is our favourite time of year on the Saanich Peninsula.
With all the fresh fruit and produce available at our local markets and with music and festivals bursting out everywhere, there are many activities to choose from.
For those of us in the SGI Greens EDA, it is also time to celebrate with our Summer Picnic. This long-running event is your opportunity to renew acquaintances with fellow Greens and meet some new friends. Elizabeth May will be attending this event and this is your opportunity to have a chat with her.
The Covid pandemic really shut down social activity so some people are still getting used to being with others. We offer a safe, secure and friendly environment to relax and enjoy a summer day in good company that includes good food and drink.
This event used to be a full potluck but the pandemic has changed that. Our EDA will supply trays of cheese and crackers, veggies, fruit and dessert as well as tea, coffee, cold drinks and water
If you wish to bring a potluck dish of some sort, you are most welcome to do that. You will need to bring a serving utensil for the food.
As we will strive for a zero-waste event, please bring your own utensils and if you are able to, a plate and cup. The waste from last year was a medium size garbage bag equivalent and we hope to produce even less this year.
Our location at Centennial Park provides ample opportunity to sit in the shade in the pavilion or in the sun and a playground for the little ones is right beside us. You may wish to bring your own lawn chairs. There is also a washroom and sinks on-site and parking is very convenient.
This event will be held on Saturday, August 5th at 12 pm noon at Centennial Park in Central Saanich and will finish at 3 pm. The picnic shelter we are using is beside the service building. Parking is available inside the park or just off Wallace Drive. Watch for the Green signs by the road.
Last year, we had 45 participants and we are hoping to increase that number this year. ** Please RSVP here to help us determine our refreshment needs.
A map link is provided here: Centennial Park and the address is 7526 Wallace Drive, Saanichton.
We hope to see you all there for our celebration of the summer.
Saanich Fall Fair
As we work our way through the hot weather of summer, the cool respite of the fall is not far away. The 155th Saanich Fall Fair is coming on Labour Day weekend and as always, Elizabeth May and the SGI team will be there. Hosted by the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society, this year’s fall fair theme is “Jammin’ at the Fair” featuring preserved foods.
We are seeking volunteers to assist us at our booth in a variety of ways, including setup, cleanup, and helping pass on our Green message to the fairgoers over the three days. There are various opportunities to help that will suit your time and interests, and they are all fun!
To join in this very positive experience, please email: mary.leslie@greenparty.ca
SGI Annual General Meeting
Please save the date for the Saanich-Gulf Islands Green Party of Canada AGM which will take place from 1 – 2 pm on October 22nd. This will again be a hybrid meeting to enable in person and online participation. The location will again be in Brentwood Bay at the Seniors Centre by the library. More details will come in subsequent emails.
BC Greens – Local events coming up soon
Oak Bay-Gordon Head Riding Association
Tomorrow, Monday, July 24th @ 5pm: Join us for conversation and meet Deputy Leader and MLA candidate for OBGH Lisa Gunderson during happy hour at UVic’s Felicita’s Pub. Feel free to stay for Karaoke at 7pm. RSVP preferred, but not necessary. Come when you can and leave when you need to! RSVP here.
Whipped – Documentary Viewing with Sonia Furstenau & Dr. Lisa Gunderson
Join Leader Sonia Fursteneau and Deputy Leader and OBGH candidate Dr. Lisa Gunderson at UVIC for the viewing of ‘Whipped.’ This groundbreaking documentary by Sean Holman “explores the secretive system of party discipline…known as whipping in BC”. Before the viewing, creator and director Sean Holman will speak about the film and its 10th anniversary. After the film, there will be a moderated panel to discuss what has changed and what is the impact of this system on us 10 years later. This is a free event, so we encourage you to invite anyone who may be interested. However, there is limited seating, so RSVP as soon as you can.
When: Wednesday, August 2nd, 5:30-8 pm. RSVP here.
All other upcoming BC Greens events can be found on this page.
Gardening with Gary and Nancy
As mentioned in our last newsletter, our usual monthly gardening articles by Gary and Nancy Searing have evolved into sharing news from the Peninsula Food Growers Co-Op, which they initiated a few months ago. Members of the Co-Op receive their monthly newsletter which we reprint (with permission), in part, here.
The group meets once per month, usually at someone’s home and garden and is open to anyone with an interest in growing any amount of food, from small patio planters to acreages. The next meeting will take place at 1 PM on Saturday, 12 August, 2023. Topics for the next gathering will be:
- Getting a new garden started and enriched
- Making the most of gardening in a small space
- August in the garden
- Harvesting and preserving the harvest
- And general conversation about gardening and life
If you would like to join the group, please email Gary.
To read the more about planning for your winter food garden, click here.
Community information
Here are some lovely local summer events for your enjoyment, as well as some opportunities to provide your thoughts.
Saanich Peninsula
Sidney Music in the Park:
https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/festivals-events/summer-sounds-concert-series
Brentwood Bay Music in the Park:
https://brentwoodbay.info/music-in-the-park
Accessibility on the Saanich Peninsula:
North Saanich, Central Saanich, and the Town of Sidney are working together to create the first Accessibility BC Act accessibility plan, and they want to hear from you!
- Saanich Peninsula Pop-Up Engagement Opportunities:
When: Wednesday, July 26, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Sidney, Corner of Beacon Ave & Second Ave
When: Thursday, July 27, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m
Where: The Centre for Active Living (formerly the Senior Centre), 1229 Clarke Road in Brentwood Bay.
When: Friday, July 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Centennial Park, Wallace Drive
When: Saturday, July 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: North Saanich Farm Market
A team member who is fluent in American Sign Language will be on site to accept feedback from ASL users as well. Panorama Recreation, Beacon Community Services and the Centre for Active Living will have information booths to help connect individuals with programs and services that may be a benefit to them.
Please take a moment to fill out this survey online. Take the survey
Saanich / Gordon Head
Get involved in the Quadra McKenzie Study. Saanich Municipality is seeking stakeholder input to develop a plan for this area that responds to community needs. Make your voice heard here! There is also a Quadra McKenzie Study Pop-up at Music in the Park event at Rutledge Park on August 8, 2023 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
There are lots of opportunities to share your love of music while creating community in Saanich this summer. Check out Music in the Park, Music in the Bay and the Indigenous Music Festival here.
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Questions? Comments? Feedback? Please contact us at info@sgigreenparty.ca