Tent City Turns Into a Playground

Tent City was a community of homeless people that set up a camp on the grounds of The Provincial Court House in Victoria, British Columbia, since the Fall of 2015. This new "settlement" was nicknamed "Tent City". "Tent City" and it's residents were unwelcome by the locals or the Provincial Government for many reasons, but safety issues (open fires, violence and illicit drug use) being the most important. The Province tried to close Tent City in April of 2015, but this was rejected by the courts. In their second attempt, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of The Province due to growing safety concerns. The courts set August 2016 as the deadline for Ten City to be closed. In exchange, The Province had offered approximately 190 spaces for the homeless last October, and currently even more housing options.

In a spirit of goodwill, the neighbours of Tent City have offered to build a playground! The project is still in the early stages and plans are currently being drawn up. The park will have activities for all ages and abilities. There will be chess tables and benches set up for adults, and it will be fully accessible to everyone, including the handicapped and infirm. Unfortunately, construction has been delayed as the soil is contaminated with drugs, gas and other toxic substances. There is an estimated 75 dump trucks of dirt to be moved from the playground site to a remediation site. The playground site will be treated again before construction starts. The project is said to cost $150 000 to $200 000. Minister Amrik Virk said the following "We're going to let children decide what kind of playground they want". I think it is a good idea to include the users of the playground into the planning process.

Tent City is a good example of the some of the hidden problems even wealthy city, province and country Are faced with. In many other countries, the homeless are disregarded and little is done to assist them. Whilst we don't have perfect solutions in Victoria, I do believe the city is stepping up to the challenge of the social needs of it's poorest citizens!!

Photo Sources: 

Homeless campers in Victoria staged a block party at the tent city in defiance of a Feb. 25 deadline to leave the area. (Megan Thomas/CBC). CBC, 29 Feb. 2016, www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/british-columbia/victoria-tent-city-injunction-1.3470199. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.

WATCH: A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ordered Victoria’s tent city be dismantled. April Lawrence reports live from tent city. CHEK News, 5 July 2016, www.cheknews.ca/judge-orders-dismantling-victorias-tent-city-195731/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.

“Chess Pedestal Table with Seats.” A_space, aspaceto.com.au/play/product/playground-chess-pedestal-table-with-seats/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.

Royal Family Visits Victoria, BC

On September 24th, the Royals, Prince William, Princess Kate, Princess George and Princess Charlotte, landed in Victoria, British Columbia (B.C), the first stop of their eight-day tour of Canada. Waiting for them on the tarmac was our Prime Minister, Mr. Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, B.C Premier Christy Clark, Governor General David Johnston and his wife Sharon Johnston, as well as the Lt.-Gov. of B.C Judith Guichon. People were waiting for hours outside of the Parliament Building to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Before they met the crowd, William and Kate signed the Golden Book and B.C's Distinguished Visitors Book. When they were done, hundreds of fans were waiting for hours just to take a photo, handshake or even a glimpse of the couple. 

Prince George and Princess Charlotte attended a children's party on September 29th, together with the children of 24 local military families. It was hosted by the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Center. There was a show of 24 children under five years old. The party included activities including a petting zoo, a puppet show and balloon animals! 



The family ended their tour, here in Victoria by spending the day with the delighted crowd. Prince William thanked everyone for their warmth and hospitality over the last week. Kate loved the beautiful places and welcoming people. Prince William also said "We feel very lucky to have been able to introduce George and Charlotte to Canada. This country will play a big part in the lives of our children and we have created such happy memories for our family during this visit". That afternoon, the couple went on a sail around the harbour. Prince George waved to the crowd one final goodbye as the family boarded their seaplane.



Photo Sources:

“The Royal Family arrives.” CBC, 26 Sept. 2016, www.cbc.ca/news/canada/photos/royal-visit-2016-day-1-the-royal-family-in-victoria-1.3778779. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.

http://globalnews.ca/news/2972732/royal-visit-2016-cutest-moments-from-prince-george-princess-charlotte-at-b-c-party/. Global News, 1 Oct. 2016, globalnews.ca/news/2942778/royal-tour-2016-day-8-duke-and-duchess-of-cambridge-to-end-tour-in-victoria-b-c/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.

Watch below: The Royal Visit ends as Prince William and his family depart by seaplane. Global News, 1 Oct. 2016, globalnews.ca/news/2942778/royal-tour-2016-day-8-duke-and-duchess-of-cambridge-to-end-tour-in-victoria-b-c/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.

Remembrance Day Ceremonies

Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day commemorates veterans who lost their lives fight in war. Many people wear poppy pins which symbolizes the memory of the those who died.

In Victoria on November 11, you are likely to hear the planes soaring overhead. The skies were grey but still thousands of people gathered to pay respect to the veterans. Children, parents, public leaders, first responders and of course the veterans of all ages gathered to honor those have served and those are currently serving. A 21 gun salute was done by the 5th B.C Field Regiment.

Music filled the air from the Naden Band of Maritime force pacific and the Arion Male Voice Choir. This year's Pipe Major  was Pipe Major Warrant Officer Kevin McIntyre who played "Flowers of the Forest". Prayers and hymns making sure to remind us of our losses.

Last month, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge put up a plaque at the cenotaph recognizing veterans who served in Afghanistan. This year's Silver Cross Mother was Sheila Fynes. She honoured her son Cp. Stuart Langridge, he took is his own life in 2008.

Dozens of wreaths were place here in Victoria and more than 1400 other communities across the country.

Photo Sources:

Poppy Pin. Levy News Network, 6 may 2011, levynewsnetwork.wordpress.com/2011/05/06/the-cancer awareness-daffodil-pin-the-remembrance-day-poppy-pin/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.

Thousands gather for Remembrance Day ceremonies in Victoria. CHEK News, 11 Nov. 2016, www.cheknews.ca/thousands-gather-remembrance-day-ceremonies-victoria-238133/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.

Coles, Keri. The Legislature Grounds Nov 11th, 2012. The Zone, 11 Nov. 2015, www.thezone.fm/now/remembrance-day-in-victoria-2015/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.

Plaque Acknowledging Veterans Who Served in Afghanistan. CHEK News, 11 Nov. 2016, www.cheknews.ca/thousands-gather-remembrance-day-ceremonies-victoria-238133/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.

Stone, Darran. “A wreath is laid a the War Memorial on the grounds of the B.C. legislature.” Time Colonist, 11 Nov. 2016, www.timescolonist.com/news/local/remembering-the-fallen-three-personal-journeys-1.2650866. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.

“Lest We Forget Quote Pictures.” Like Success, likesuccess.com/topics/18577/lest-we-forget. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.