A fabric square representing Oak Bay is among those hanging on the CRD boardroom after the board’s inaugural meeting Jan. 11.
A regional quilt created by a team of volunteers as part of the CRD’s 50th anniversary is now on display. Each municipality and electoral area that makes up the CRD is represented by a block of the quilt; a duplicate framed block will be gifted to municipalities and electoral areas.
“Today, we have a stunning addition to our boardroom. As part of its 50th anniversary community engagement, the quilting community has worked to create a regional quilt,” said board chair Barbara Desjardins, also Esquimalt mayor.
She also touched on climate change as a top strategic priority during her inaugural speech. A Regional Climate Action Strategy is presented to the Board early this year.
The Special Task Force on First Nations will move forward with establishing an inclusive model of governance while continuing to undertake initiatives that respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
The first phase of the Sea to Sea Regional Park is completed at the southern section of the park known today as Mount Manuel Quimper but referred to by the T’Sou-ke people as Chuck-snanit or Big Mountain. The park will be formally opened in April.
The 13km Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail will open this summer as part of Canada’s 150th anniversary and the Great Trail’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
A new Hospitals and Housing Standing Committee is being established to reflect the importance of ongoing financial investment and strategic focus in these areas for the region.
“2016 was a year of progress as we focused on delivering on strategic priorities that benefit the region while continuing to provide cost-effective core services,” Desjardins said. “There are many significant and exciting projects ahead for each committee this term with a wide range of activities planned in support of our strategic priorities.”