Annual General Meeting 7:30 pm Thursday, May 24, 2018

Church of the Nazarene – 4277 Quadra2 - President’s Report2 - NQCA Board of Directors3 - Keynote AGM Speaker: Saanich South MLA

Lana Popham3 - FREE FAMILY FUN NITE!4 - Music in the Park Concert Tues. July 17, 2018 Band: Soul Sonix5 - Development Updates5 - Big Band Brunch Concert6 - Boulevard Tree For Free ‘A Program Success’6 - Millennial Call-Out6 - Jack Burdge and NQCA Celebrate Canada 150th7 - North Quadra Parks- Rehab Updates/Reports7 - Walkway Woes - Graffiti, Debris & Overgrowth8 - Thank you VSP Media!8 - NQCA Membership, Area Map, Contact Info.

Meet Your Neighbours At The AGM! Refreshments Served

INSIDE

Keynote Speaker:

BC MLA LanaPopham

Minister of Agriculture

Don’t miss this valuable opportunityto hear our Provincial Member ofBC’s Legislature address North

Quadra Residents’ issues.

Question/Answer session tofollow presentation.

FREE FAMILY FUN NITE!

May 24, 5-7pm Church of Nazarene See details p. 3

A Pre-AGM Party!

North Quadra NewsNorth Quadra Community Association - Spring 2018

I must begin by thanking Saanich Council for approvingNQCA's proposal to dedicate over 2 acres of land on thewest slope of Christmas Hill behind Rogers Elem School as‘Vic Derman Park’. The dedication took place July 15,2017 with the help of Saanich Parks staff. In addition, Imust acknowledge the support of residents attendingour May 2017 AGM for unanimously approving aresolution for this park dedication. As you know, the lateCouncillor Vic Derman and North Quadra resident playeda major role spearheading this land acquisition throughextensive fundraising and negotiations with Saanich Staffand the developer for a Community AmenityContribution (CAC) 25 years ago.

 I also wish to thank Saanich staff for recommending andSaanich Council for approving $534,000 (max.) forreplacement of the deteriorated Swan Lake boardwalk…along overdue safety concern and integral link of SwanLake’s full-circle trail. Suffice to say, the public and theSwan Lake Christmas Hill Sanctuary board and staff aremost grateful for these needed funds as this NatureSanctuary is one of Saanich's most precious assets.

That being said, once again, 2017/18 was a busy year forus. We’ve dealt with many development proposals.Currently we are; (a) gathering information on a potentialsub-division at 791, 801, 805 Lily Ave, (b) reviewing a 34unit (8 townhomes and 26 apartments) proposal at theN-E corner of Saanich Rd and McKenzie Ave and (c)responding to a developer’s proposal for a 12 strata lotsubdivision at the N-E corner of Milner Rd. (Details p5)

Over the past year our Sec-Registrar Trevor Barry, BoardMember Lauraine Derman and Webmaster Arun Joshihave worked hard to update our website. Trevor is doingan excellent job posting activities regularly online andkeeping our social media page active. Please visitnorthquadra.ca to keep yourself informed. (Info p8)

There are many key initiatives currently underway inSaanich. For ex; (a) Garden Suite Study, (b) Development

Cost Charges Study and (c) there may be an active reviewof Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) policy.Currently there is really no progressive CAC policy inSaanich. Saanich community associations have jointlyrequested Council to bring forward a progressive CACpolicy similar to the City of Victoria and other lowermainland BC municipalities. We also look forward to anupdate on North Quadra’s Local Area Plan (NQLAP) of2003 and expect resident consultation to commence in2019. We urge all residents to provide input when thisupdate process gets underway as it determines theshape, direction and future of our community.

Recent Saanich News articles (Wolf Depner: Feb 2, 2018: Com-munity leader fears demise of Saanich’s Community Association andMar. 23, Saanich Community Assoc. hopes AGM leads to more volun-teers) have highlighted the acute need for more active res-ident participation (volunteers!) to support communityassociations' outreach and advocacy programs. AlthoughNQCA boasts of 15 elected board members (see list be-low) representing your interests, we still need more vol-unteers to support our community activities. (See p6"Calling all Millennials and Others!")

Speaking of recreation activities, NQCA again sponsoredtwo very successful neighbourhood events last July andAug, Beckwith Music In The Park and Big Band Brunch.(See p5) We are now planning a third new attraction,FREE FAMILY FUN NITE to prelude our AGM. Thank you tothe Millennial members for organizing this! (See p3)

I ask for your support and active participation in all NQCAactivities. It is your association; we need your voice,views, input and help to succeed. Please join asvolunteers or become a welcomed executive member.My sincere gratitude to all executive members andvolunteers for their services. I look forward to meetingyou on May 24�� at our upcoming FUN NITE PARTY at 5pm, followed by the 7:30 pm AGM at the Church of theNazarene, 4277 Quadra. -Thank you. Haji Charania

a word from the President2

President: Haji Charania Vice President: Jeff BrayRegistrar/ Secretary: Trevor Barry Treasurer: Sharrron Waite

Directors-At-Large: Michael Moore Mary Beaumont Susan Marcotte Stan Brygadyr Amy Teucher Evelyn Woodward Graeme Weir Lauraine Derman Rita Haehnlein Sean Burns Sharon Leonard Arun Joshi (Webmaster)

We are excited to host MLA Lana Popham, our very own Saanich South “Rep-At-The-Leg”and BC’s Agricultural Minister, as AGM keynote speakerthis year! We’ve asked Lana to speak on agriculture and othercommunity issues relating to her personal experiences, professionalbackground and political affiliation. Her bio is impressive, dating back tobeing raised on Quadra Island in a do-it-yourself community, wheregrowing food, raising animals and sea harvesting was a way of life. Herinterest in urban planning led to a degree in geography at UBC. In 1996,Lana made her home in Saanich South where she co-founded andoperated Barking Dog Vineyard, the first certified organic vineyard onVan. Island. She also managed a crew of vineyard workers who tookcare of many Peninsula area vineyards and has been a strong advocatefor food producers in Saanich for years.

As MLA, Lana actively supports her constituents and has organizedmany community meetings, gatherings, rallies and marches. She hasalso spearheaded successful initiatives such as safety improvements to the Pat Bay Highway & SaywardRd intersection. Lana Popham was elected for Saanich South in 2009, and re-elected in 2013 and 2017.

You will find Lana to be an engaging speaker, approachable and open to dialogue. Don’t miss thischance to hear her speak and to ask her questions relating to her portfolio or other provincial/local

issues of interest.

As publicized, NQCA's May 24, AGM starts at 7:30 pm at Church of the Nazarene. But did youknow an event committee is working behind the scenes to make this year extra special?(it’s true!). We're welcoming families, kids, parents, grandparents, friends, houseguests.… ofall ages to an amazing fun, free, pre-event party. And stay for the AGM if you can!

So we are introducing the first ever #North Quadra Community Nite! 5-7 pm in the backyard of theChurch of Nazarene @ 4277 Quadra, lasting until the AGM. Party includes food trucks, electricvehicle display, craft fair vendors, info tables, kid's activities with live music provided by thepopular “Best Coast Big Band”.

Check out the flyer accompanying this newsletter and share it with friends. If you are interested in participating (craft tables, Evs, etc.) or volunteering (ex.

supervising children games), email Events@NorthQuadra.ca . Warning: thiscolumn hopes to not only invite you to an amazing family-friendly free event but

to also recruit you to volunteer!

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Wondering what to do with the kids after work Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 5 to 7 pm?

Saanich South Member of the BC Legislature : North Quadra’s MLA!30 pm Thursday, May 24, Church of Nazarene: 4277 Quadra

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featuring “Soul Sonix”Beckwith Park, 857 Beckwith Ave.

There was so much happening! While some enjoyed picnic lunches or sampled foodtrucks, others lounged, danced, toured activity and info booths or visited friends andneighbours. Face painting, crafts, water play, police car, firetruck tours, animalmascots (Marty Marmot, Ace, Penny The Owl, Sally Ann), and interactive encounterswith Oasis live animal ambassadors: tortoises and lizards were kid highlights.

As an added bonus, crowds were entertained during the band break by the energeticIsland Hopper’s Precision Skip Team. Ongoing throughout the entire 2 hour concert,was a tremendous giant bubble show put on by “Bubble Man”, Stan Burns, a NorthQuadra resident and Remax realtor, who donated his considerable talent andathletic energy to the delight of kids and adults alike. In recognition of Canada’s150th birthday, a heritage component was added to celebratie N. Quadra’s farmingpast, including pony rides and mini petting zoo.

A similar format, with the return of past activities, is in store this July 17,2018 from 6-8pm. at Beckwith Park featuring Folk/Rock band “Soul Sonix”.

We welcome volunteers for this 2 hour event! (Set-up, clean-up, face painting, booth rep,parking/traffic guide, etc). It’s a great way to be involved while grooving to music! If able,call 250-479-0302 or email laurainederman@shaw.ca This event is only made possible through the generous support of ThriftyFoods, Saanich Legacy Foundation, Saanich Parks and the incredible help NQCA committee & volunteers! THANK YOU!

The popularity of our 7th annual Music In The Park concert and picnic lastJuly again exceeded expectations with a whopping crowd of 2600 that waswell accommodated in Beckwith Park’s spacious surrounds.

North Quadra’s 8th Annual

Development UpdatesKeeping Informed Of Neighbourhood Changes

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1. Two subdivision applications; at 971 Lakeview/4040Saan. Rd and 930 Beckwith received conditional approval.

2. A dev. permit application for Don Mann Excavationsite at 4098 Lochside has received approval. The planconsists of a 3 storey office building and 4 mechanicalbays. We expect significant landscape improvement alongLochside Dr. as this development proceeds forward.

3. There’s no further progress at proposed developmentof Taber Music School and Payless Gas site,(4079 Quadra)or the Condo proposal at 804, 812, 820 McKenzie Ave.

4. A redevelopment application of the former PeninsulaBulldozing site (east end of Beckwith Ave.) is currentlywith Saanich Planning. The proposal is for rezoning for a17 lot subdivision. There are several challenging issuesassociated with this proposal. On the one hand ,theadjoining neighbours would like to be rid of the currentsoil and rock crushing operation. Intensified operationscontinue to create noise, dust and truck traffic problemson Beckwith Ave. On the other hand, there are key policydecisions for Saanich Planning Dept. and Council to dealwith. The majority of the area (79%) is outside the UrbanContainment Boundary (UCB). The current land use is non-complying and the majority of the site is in the BlenkinsopValley Local Area. Therefore rezoning issues and requeststo remove land from the UCB enters into discussions withthe BVCommunity Assoc. Issues also exist around thefuture ecology and viability of Beckwith pond as drainageand historical water rights need to be addressed. To date,the NQCA has not taken a position on any of these majorpolicy issues as we await the planners report.

5. EDPA bylaw: We are very disappointed with Council’sdecision to repeal the EDPA bylaw without addressing anyof the 15 recommendations from the Diamond Head

Consulting Report and/or without making any effort toamend the implementation and administration of theoriginal bylaw as requested by the North QuadraCommunity Association. As you perhaps know, this bylawwas repealed by a very slim Council majority (5:4). SaanichCouncil’s decision is now irreversible and is “law” untilcommencement to rebuild and enact a new bylaw toprotect the ecology, biodiversity and environmentalvalues of lands in Saanich. This process can be lengthily,often taking years to enact. We urge residents to remainattentive to these environmental and ecological issues.

6. A SRS-6 Strata lot subdivision proposal for 12 homes at972, 976, 978A and 978B Milner Ave., between Milnerand Leveret Place is in the works. Since this site is zonedRS-6, there is no rezoning request. The lots will beaccessed by a Strata road connecting Milner to Leveret. Alllots would be fully serviced by the proponents. NQCA andimpacted neighbours have commenced consultation withthe developer, raising concerns regarding traffic, safety,parking, protection of the natural area and engineeringwork on Leveret(south) and Milner(north). Please join usin dealing with this proposed development and/or keep intouch through NQCA’s website at northquadra.ca.

7. Morris Dr. sidewalk between Ambassador/Lucas: Aspreviously reported, we still patiently await completion ofthe 165 meter “missing link” portion at west Morris infront of Lake Hill School. This sidewalk “gap”forcespedestrians, especially school children, to cross mid-blockthrough heavy traffic at Clatworthy; a situation deemed ahigh safety risk by school reps and residents. Budgetfinancing and approval was reached in 2016, howeverEngineering remains unable to schedule this project dueto a backlog of infrastructure work in Saanich.

Last Aug. our community was treated to a first free outdoor lunchconcert on the sunny Beckwith Park lawns close to the Froggy SplashPad. Although advance notice and advertising was limited, anenthusiastic audience of approx 100 enjoyed the 90 min. performancedebut of the 20-piece ensemble known as Best Coast Big Band (BCBB)under the baton of North Quadra resident Keith Fraser. The show,emceed by longtime CFAX voice Mike King, included our very own TrevorBarry (NQCA Registrar) on alto sax.  Melodies from jazz, swing era to 60srock, 80s pop, and modern jukebox could be enjoyed by all park users ontennis, basketball courts, playground and beyond. We look forward to arepeat of that inaugural event. “BCBB” returns the morning of Sun. Aug.19th. This year, bring your appetite and spare change with your picnicblanket because organizers hope to offer à la carte breakfast options.

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Saanich now partners with community associations to plant trees on municipal frontages. The termsremain simple. Homeowners fill out an application form, available at northquadra.ca to be directed ormailed to Saanich Parks. Park staff later contact the resident to discuss tree selection and sitesuitability. In the fall, staff plant the tree while residents agree to water the tree for 5 years. It couldn’tbe easier! And what a way to assist with urban forest regrowth and enhance your streetscape.

“Boulevard Tree For Free”An Ongoing Program Success

A Tree For Free? If you haven’t participated inSaanich’s “No Cost Boulevard Tree Program”, consider it!

Hello…My name is Trevor Barry. I’m a 35 year old father of two, a home and dog owner and I have a community-problem. My problem is that I love my North Quadra community but I’m struggling to connect with neighbours ofmy own age or stage in life to help enhance our community and opportunities….and I know you are out there!The North Quadra Local Area Plan on Saanich's website notes that when I was born in the mid-80s the dominantarea age group was… can you guess? 35-year-olds! But demographics have since shifted. As many baby-boomersnow become empty nesters our population density has diminished with community interaction subsiding, but I’mconvinced time is ripe for change and engagement once again, despite busy lives and family demands.

So my Call-to-Action for you (whatever your age) is to raise your hand. Are you interested in volunteering for theincreasing events your neighbourhood community association is organizing or sponsoring??? How about “NQCommunity Nite” on May 24th? Music In the Park on July 17? Big Band Brunch Aug. 19? Raise your hand as wecould use your help! Help to deliver this newsletter, our only print edition distributed each spring and a lovelyopportunity to walk your neighbourhood??? Are you organizing a block party this summer? Raise your hand as we’dlove to support you! Are you interested in organizing events, planning play-dates, group gatherings, buying in bulk,sharing school supplies, crowd-sourcing car-pools? Raise your hand! Let’s stay in touch! -

For Canada’s 150�� Birthday, NQCA added a heritage activity to lastJuly’s Music In The Park event. The activity included a photo exhibitof NQ historical farming practices, pony rides and a mini petting zoo for kids on thebasketball field area; the former site of the Burdge dairy farm on Beckwith Ave.The photo journal featured historical images and background info relating to farmpractices and families along Beckwith Ave. Eighty-six year old Jack Burdge, whosefamily owned and farmed this park site, provided many photos and graciouslyagreed to be present to share farming tales and help interpret the exhibition.This photo journal was displayed at Saanich’s Canada 150�� Exhibition last Nov. and is now

archived at northquadra.ca .

We were saddened to learn of Jack’s passing Dec. 10, 2017, only 6 months followinghis assistance with this project . He was a key figure in ensuring its historical accuracy

and success. We were graced to have been gifted of Jack’s pioneering knowledge,community contributions and services. -Haji Charania NQCA Pres.

Jack Burdge & NQCA celebrate Canada’s

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Beckwith, Hutchison and Vic Derman Parks, our area’s ecological gems, received considerable restoration and “rehab”help lately, a credit to Saanich’s Pulling Together Program. Key to this program’s success is volunteers along withsomeone willing to act as group steward. Fortunately we have committed leaders coordinating work parties and

reporting the following:Bruce Hutchinson Park: Volunteers have been working toward decreasing invasive plant populations for just over a year.When taking time to reflect on our work, we’re amazed at what’s beenaccomplished. Of course we get substantial help from Saanich Parks andencouraging words from residents and passers-by. Removal of invasiveplants gives native plants a chance to flourish again. As spaces open upwe’ll plant native species such as salmon berry, mahonia and camas. Theplanting will increase some species or reintroduce those that have totallydisappeared. Our goal is a park with the biodiversity of a healthy GarryOak ecosystem. And just when you think this is a lofty goal for ourselves,we intend to do this while encouraging you to come out and enjoy thepark, a precious and valuable part of this community. Or join usWednesdays (10-noon) Contact ourparks@shaw.ca -Suzanne Woods, stewsrd

Beckwith Park: Having been exposed to many urban parks over theyears, I believe Beckwith Park is one of the least damaged by invasiveencroachment. The Friends of Beckwith Park (FOBP) have focused onstopping the expansion of Blackberry and Ivy within large tracts of native Snowberry and Rose over the past 2 years.Quick restoration by mulching, planting and watering is key to keeping invasive plants out while spaces fill in. FOBP hadassistance from rangers, girl guides and university students among others this past year. As always, especially in thespring, please keep pets on the path around the pond and enjoy the Garry Oak meadow splendor with eyesonly. Volunteers welcomed! -2nd & 4th Saturdays (9:30-11:30). Contact eylingilbart@hotmail.com (250-479-1617) -Eylin Gilbart, steward

Vic Derman Park: The North Quadra community has enthusiastically come together in droves to offer hands-on effortstoward the ecological restoration of Vic Derman Park on 4 occasions since the July 2017 park dedication to honour thelegacy of late Councillor Vic Derman. Community volunteers, Rogers Elem students and keen members of a geocachingclub have removed truckloads of Scotch broom, Himalayan Blackberry, English Ivy and Daphne Laurel from this much

loved park, one that protects at-risk Garry Oak ecosystems.Results are already seen as camasnow pops up without beinghampered by invasives. Until alead steward is found, workparties will be advertised throughsignage, flyers and online atnorthquadra.ca. More info. atJenny.eastman@saanich.ca JennyEastman, acting stewardGeocachers, Pearson College

students, residents -Dec. 31/17

Pearson College students and residentsfill truckloads of invasives and lay outnew chip trails -Hutchison Park, Mar/18

NQCA, responding to residents’ concerns, is currently trying tocoordinate a plan with Saanich to address increasing graffiti, debris andovergrowth effecting our area’s connective pathways. The solution is notas straight forward as may seem, since several Saanich Depts areinvolved; Police (graffiti, vandalism), Parks (trails to/from parks) PublicWorks (street access), By-law (residential debris) and Natural Areas(invasives). To date, the best course of action is to call the Parks Office at250-475-5522 to create a specific Call For Service…but that doesn’talways address graffiti, debris or overgrowth issues. Your ideas orvolunteers efforts would be appreciated to help us find solutions. Ex. Gorge-Tillicum Assoc. organized volunteer graffiti-patchers whichhas decreased tagging in their area. Suggestions? Can you help? Contact info@northquadra.ca

Roger Elem studentsplant camas bulbs-Mar/18

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Have you visited our North Quadra website? And howthe heck do websites work anyway? Of course someonedesigns and produces content but how does it get ontothe WWWeb for us to view? A web host is required tomake the connection, which charges for doing so. Sinceour website development, it’s been hosted by Nanaimo’sVSP Media, which produces electronic marketingmaterials for businesses’ goods or services. VSP Mediahas supported NQCA’s website at a discount from itsusual fees for many years, but recently donated 2 years ofweb hosting for free. NQCA runs on a shoestring budget,so VSP’s generosity is especially meaningful and greatlyappreciated. -

A grateful NQCA thanks to VSP Media for itscontribution!

To know more about VSP Media, visit vspmedia.com

Be part of your Community Association

NQCA monthly executive meetings are open to thepublic. Saanich has generously offered us the Pacific

Dogwood Room at Saanich Commonwealth Placefor executive meetings. So why not consider a swim

or work out, then attend our meetings and shareyour comments and ideas with us!

Thanks To VSP Media!

NQCA Contact Info.Please direct Questions, Comments or Donations to:Haji Charania- Pres. 250 479 8072 -757 Genevieve, V8X 3R4Jeff Bray- VPres. 250 595 0265 - 801 Rogers Way V8X5L1

or email at: northquadra.ca

With online publications, our interactive website and Facebook/Twitter links, NQCA’s print version isnow reduced to one spring publication yearly delivered to approx 2400 households. This 8 pageedition provides a complete year review of events, activities and AGM notice. Our intent remains tokeep you fully informed. News alerts, meeting notifications and bulletins are posted on our websiteat northquadra.ca Remain informed and “stay connected” by contacting northquadra.ca . Facebook page/group“North Quadra” -Twitter/Hashtag: #NorthQuadra

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Due to recent mandated changes to the BC Societies Act,community associations now follow a new protocol formembership. Free NQCA membership for area residents18 years and older still applies. However members mustnow formally register through our Registrar.Why Register? The most tangible benefit of officialregistry is that you can vote at our AGM (you canregister on-site) so that your voice and communityconcerns are heard. But there’s more to it than that.Registration helps us serve you better. Having a healthymembership list provides NQCA greater legitimacy andaccountability interacting with Saanich. Registrationalso links you to NQCA email distributions, seasonalupdates and community alerts. Do it for yourcommunity! Do it for yourself!  Register! Sign in at ourAGM or contact Membership@Northquadra.ca . Orcontact 250-479-0320 for paper sign -up copies.

North Quadra, 1 of 15 geographical zones within Saanich’s Official Neighbourhoodscontains approx. 2400 homes, a commercial district at Quadra/Mackenzie, 9 largeapartment complexes, with more apartment construction in stream. Boundariesare roughly Chatterton Way and Dieppe(north)Douglas and the highway (west)Lockside (east) and McKenzie(south).

Join Us At Saanich Commonwealth Place!