The Community Association of Oak Bay hits a milestone birthday this year – it’s 10.
Joseph Blake is among the 125 members of the association spurred into creation by its first project, a community Green Map.
“It took them a couple years to get together $7,000 to develop it, and it’s a cool map,” said Blake, a seven-year CAOB member.
Their next big project was Sno’uyutth, the welcome pole at Oak Bay High. The team raised well beyond the $90,000 required to commission, carve and raise the pole designed by Butch Dick – a Songhees Nation elder, acclaimed artist, and an education activist – and carved by Clarence Dick.
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The extra funds went to the Sno’uyutth Legacy Scholarship and to develop a pamphlet for students about First Nations history. CAOB also hosts Embrace the Twilight walks, Jane’s Walks and regular forums on housing, environment, and land use.
“We do those forums with the $2,000 Oak Bay gives us,” Blake said.
The association organizes an annual beach cleanup in McNeill Bay and last year embarked on community input via a whiteboard at the monthly BIA night market, sparking community conversation.
“It’s community input. It’s what democracy is about,” Blake said. “It’s about involving the community so we can talk to each other, we don’t have to agree.”
The event celebrates 10 years of the CAOB and includes music, door prizes, recognition of founding members and more.
The Community Association of Oak Bay celebrates 10 years with live music by Daniel Cook and the Radiators on May 26 at The Oaks. Good food, fun and door prizes are promised. Tickets are $10 for members, $20 for non members. (Annual CAOB membership is $10). Visit www.caob.ca for details.
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com
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